Characters relating to the Duration of the Notes, Rests, Dot, &c., 151 ural Notes, 152 Table of Characters denoting the different Species of Time, 153 Characters indicating the various Degrees of Loud and Soft, CREATISE ON PLAYING THE ORGAN OR PIANO-FORTE BY FIGURES. ROBERT SCHUMANN'S RULES FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS. I. The most important thing is to cultivate the sense of Hearing. Take pains early to distinguish Tones and Keys by the ear. The bell, the window-pane, the cuckoo,-seek to find what tones they each give out. II. You must sedulously practise Scales and other finger exercises. But there are many persons who imagine all will be accomplished if they keep on spending many hours each day, till they grow old, in mere mechanical practice. It is about as if one should busy himself daily with repeating the A-B-C as fast as possible, and always faster and faster. Use your time better. III. "Dumb piano-fortes," so called, or key-boards without sound, have been invented. Try them (4) long enough to see that they are good for nothing. You cannot learn to speak from the dumb. IV. Play in time! The playing of many virtuosos is like the gait of a drunkard. your models. V. Make not such Learn betimes the fundamental laws of Harmony. VI. Be not frightened by the words, Theory, Thorough Bass, Counterpoint, &c.; they will meet you friendlily if you meet them so. VII. Never dilly-dally over a piece of music, but attack it briskly; and never play it only half through! VIII. Dragging and hurrying are equally great faults. IX. Strive to play easy pieces well and beautifully; it is better than to render harder pieces only indifferently well. X. Always insist on having your instrument purely tuned. |