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any that I had heard since my arrival in Italy.
The performers here too are all orphan
girls; one of them, la Ferrarese, sung very
well, and had a very extraordinary compass
of voice, as she was able to reach the high-
est E of our harpsichords, upon which
she could dwell a considerable time, in a
fair, natural voice.
Even after this, upon the Piazzi di S.
Marco, I heard a great number of va-
grant musicians, some in bands, accom-
panying one or two voices; sometimes a
single voice and guitar; and sometimes
two or three guitars together. Indeed it is
not to be wondered at, that the street-
music here is generally neglected, as peo-
ple are almost stunned with it at every
corner; but, however, in justice to the
taste and discernment of the Italians, it
must be allowed, that when they do ad-
mire, it is something excellent; and then,
they never "damn with faint praise," but
express rapture in a manner peculiar to
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