[ 388 ]
![next](graphics/next.gif)
TOC
|
instrument. Signor Colista played seve- ral fugues, in which the subjects were fre- quently introduced on the pedals, in a very masterly manner. But it seems as if every virtue in music was to border upon some vice; for this stile of playing precludes all grace, taste, and melody; while the light, airy harpsichord kind of playing, destroys the sostenuto and rich- ness of harmony and contrivance of which this divine instrument is so peculiarly capable.
It is very extraordinary that the swell, which has been introduced into the English organ more than fifty years, and which is so capable of expression and of pleasing effects, that it may well be called the greatest and most important improvement that ever was made on any keyed instrument, should be still utterly unknown in Italy*. The touch too of the
|