( 536 
) | | [{ Jan. 3, 
REVIEW OF NEW MUSICAL PUBLICATIONS. 
4 Syfiem of Stenographic Mufic, by F uftin, 
Glafgow. Dedicated to the Mufical World, in 
Englifb, French, Italian, German, and otber 
Languages. 11 35. 
HIS work, though too complex in 
Jt itsdefign, and too elaborate and peri- 
phraftic in its execution, for a minute in- 
veftigation of its pretenfions to public fa- 
vour, wil] yet admit of a comment fufh- 
ciently illuftrative of its plan, to inform the 
reader of its obie€&t and extent, without 
infringing on the fpace ufually allotted by 
us for this department of our Magazine. 
Mr. Auftin’s view in this publication 
is to reduce to practice the idea of a mu- 
fical fhort-band; and as far as we con- 
ceive fuch an idea capable of realization, 
he has, perhaps, effected his intention ; 
but the fact is, (a fa&t further proved by 
this very attempt) that the object 1s nct 
attainable. The fleeting and fimu'taneous 
founds of a band would be fufficient to 
evade the moft delicate ear of the mcft pro- 
found mufician; fo that had he even the 
mechanical means of inftantaneoufly com- 
mitting to paper all he beard, he would 
not fufficiently know qvbat he heard, to 
avail himfelf of the art. We however, 
give Mr. Auftin great credit, for the in- 
genuity and novelty of the fyftem he has 
projected, and are of opinion, that the fix 
fimp!e characters he propofes, with their 
reverfed and inveried pofitions, his foné 
character for five octaves, and his Tonome- 
try, for ‘*fhewing the variations of the 
diffonant and confonant parts of the mufi- 
cal tones,” are judicioufly adapted ; as 
alfo bis Azaly/is of tone. The Tonometer is 
ingenicufly conceived, and his Harmonic 
canon Aces infinite honour to his inventicn. 
The whole is, however, we are much 
afraid, by far too abflrufe for general com- 
prehenfion ; otherwife, though the work 
failed of the great end propofed, yet much 
ufetul and pleafing information might be 
derived from it to common readers, whicly 
will now be confined to thofe whofe minds 
have by long and clofe fludy been previ- 
oufly qualified to underftand and selifh its 
precepts. i 
We cannot clofe this article without ex- 
prelsly declaring, that we mean not by any 
objections we have intimated to this moft 
ingenious wo;:k to derogate, in the leaft, 
from its real merit, which is very great 5 
but only to fiate that its inadequacy to the 
purpofe propofed arifes from the neceffity 
of things, and not from any defect in the 
plan or its execution. 
Aan Introdufory Leffon and Gavot, for the Piano- 
forte ; compofed by the late Mr. Fonathan 
Battifbill, and publifbed by Mr, Page. 15 6d. 
This introductory leffon is fuunded on 
the celebrated Ground of Dr. Pepufch; 
has been in private cisculation for more 
than thefe forty years; and, by the ufeful 
exercife it alternately affords to each hand, 
has materially contributed to the advance- 
ment of many a young practitioner. The 
gavot bears the hand of areal mafter, and 
is particularly pleafing in its ftyle. To 
Mr. Page, the editor, the public are 
therefore mach indebted fer the publication 
of thefe pieces. 
‘* When thy Smiles and thy Tranjports I fhare 3° 
AA Canzonet, fung with the higheft Applaufe at 
the Northampton Feffival, by Mrs. Second 3 
compofcd by E. Phelps. 15. 6d. 
This fong, which is publifhed with an 
accompaniment for the piano forte or harpy 
is conceived with a degree of tafte and exe 
preffion which afforded us much pleafure 
in its perufal. The words are written by 
the Rev. R. Roberts; and while the con- 
vey a happy turn of thought, are chofen 
and arranged with an elegance which be- 
{peaks much eafe, and a happy command 
of diction in this light {pecies of poetry. 
¢ Sappho to Phaon,” a Canzsonet, with an Ace ‘ 
companiment for the Piano-forte ; dedicated te 
Mrs. Deacon 3 compsfed by G. F. Pinto, and 
Jung by Mrs. Second, at the Nobility’s Concerts. 
is. bd. 
We find frong evidence of real genius 
in the mufic here applied to Pope’s elegant 
verfion from Ovid; but are obliged to 
fay, that we alfo difcover fome far-fetched 
expreffions, and affected evolutions of har- 
mony. We would venture to predict, from 
certain indications of great natural talenc 
inthis compoiition, that, weuld Mr. Pinto 
aim at an eafe and fimplicity of ftyle ; 
(that is, endeavour to write zaturally ra- 
ther tnan learnedly) he would foon arrive 
at excellence, and become a favourite com. 
poftr, bcth vocal and inftrumental ; but 
without this, his produ&tions will only 
centinue to exhibit a genius, fpoiled by 
pedantic affectation, and unworthy of that 
popularity, by which alone it can be fof- 
tered, 
6 Come 
