The Sun.
London, England, 1823-05-24 00:00:00

LITERARY NOTICE.

An ESSAY on the lIISTORY and.T.NEORY.of.MLYSIC,
and on the Qualities, Capabilities, :and Management Of the
Human Voice. By J. NATHAN., Author- of the Hebrew
Melodies, &c. &c. &c.

Many able expositions of the origin and pro-
gress of Music have been submitted to the public
by men universally allowed to posseit the greatest
talents in the particular branch of Literature
which they have discussed : but a Work com-
prehending a general history of the science, and
and a dissertation on the individual accomplish-
ment of Singing, has long been a desideratum in
the Musical World. Mr. NATHAN, the author of
the Work before us, has long been a successful
aspirant to public notice as a Composer, and his
merit (as admitted even by that fearful tribunal,
the members of his own profession) is too well
known to require any eulogiuni from us. An
attentive consideration of the Work has confirm-
ed us in the favourable impression which the
copious table of contents, and the modest and
unassdming preface, had left upon our minds, and
the judicious remarks on the effect produced by
an impressive delivery of the words, appear to us
highly deserving of attention. Mr. NATHAN has
the peculiar advantage of communicating his in-
structions under an -agreeable form ; his book,
while it improves, amuses, and induces us to sub-
scribe to the opinion of IloaAcc, that it is often
-allowable "ridentem dieere verum« The amusing
anecdotes and historical relations: with which it
abounds, give an agreeable character to the
Work, and render it highly interesting even to
those who are unacquainted with Music ; while
the important instructions and excellent observa-
tions contained in its pages, make it doubly valu-
able to theyou th fu I professional student,orthe ama-
teur. With the latter, class we think Mr. NATHAN
is unnecessarily severe. Ilis professionis doubt-
less exposed to the remarks of the ignorant pre-
tender, whom " a few visits to the Philharmonic
and the Opera" have qualified to discuss what he
does not understand, but in the Concert Room,
those who are loudest in their applause, are fre-
quently unacquainted with the simplest rules of
Music, and this consideration should induce him
to hail an acquaintance with the genuine ama-
teur whose knowledge enables him fully to ap-
preciate the merits of the composer. lie cer-
tainly makes the amende honorable in a '
very
liberal marginal note, but we nevertheless regret
the introduction of a sentence reflecting in some
measure on the supporters of the profession.—
Our observation, however, is by no means
intended to detract from the general merit of
the work, which has received the patronage
of his MAJESTY ; and this is, of itself, no mean
Praise as the well-known discrimination, and
acknowledged Musical taste and science of our
MONARCH, render it impossible for him to extend
his patronage and support to any work undeserv-
ing of that honour. IVe now take our leave of
Mr. NATHAN, wishing him all the success, which
his professional merit, and his zealous and inde-
fatigable research in catering for the public
amusement and instruction by the production of
so interesting and valuable a "%York, entitle him to

receive.
RoussEfar, Dr. By army, Sir J. Irmvxtris, &c. &c. &c.

FOR THE SUN.

THE MONTEIII.

Enrroa—Your account of the Eton Mon-
tem in your Paper of yesterday, is as just as it is
interesting, particularly to those who look back
with pleasure to the times when they themselves
were among the number of the Alumni who corn-
pose the juvenile procession, which attracts the
curiosity of so many individuals of all descrip.
tions : But I cannot help saying that the interest
would have been much greater, and ihe curiosity
more highly gratified, had there been rn.)re order
and discipline observed in the March of the
" Scholastic Corps." The respect which is due
to the notice given to this ceremony, as we 11 as its
antiquity, and the principal object of it, (to
which every visitor gives his share of contribution)
surely demands this observance ; and the young
Scholars, who should properly have proceeded
(not to excite the censure of the fastidious critic
by the term Marched) in regular files between
the numerous carriages that lined each side of
the road between Eton and Slough, would have
made a far more impressive appearance, if they
had not been confounded with the multitude of
pedestrian visitors (no matter of what descrip-
tion) who came to be witnesses, and were, in
fact, partakers, of the procession. Hoping that
these irregularities will be prevented in the future
returns of this exhibition ,1 remain, Sir, yours, &c.
Windsor, May 22, 1823. ' AN OLD ETONIAN.

NORWEGIAN INGENUITY.--A foreigner is great-
ly surprised at the various talents of the Norkt
Riau peasantry, and the ingenuity w hick they t' ',-
play in the manufacture of every thing requi•it
for the common purposes 'of life. Living rem. t.-
from towns and villages, in their little farms scat-
tered amid the mountains,, and frequently at the
'distance of many miles from their nearest neigh-
bour, necessity, the fruitful parent of invention,
teaches them early the useful arts and trades, and
thus renders them independent of that assistance,
which, it is not iu their power to obtain. ence
you will find the same man his own tailor, shoe-
maker, carpenter, joiner, and often even his own
clock and watch maker. Most are very expert
at carving, and the:beautiful whiteness of the fir
renders their talents in this way very ornamental
to their cottages.. The exquisite specimens of
spoons and laddles, which .they sometimes exe-
cute in the ancient style of carving, would serve
as patterns even to our own artists and silver-
smiths. Without having been brought up to any
of the above trades, they are notwithstanding pro-
ficient in them. They can also execute a variety
of works in silver, brass, and other metals. In
short, there are few things for the purchase of
which they are obliged to have recourse to the
large towns; so great is their natural ingenuity,
thus brought into exercise by their wants, by the
scarcity of towns throughout the country, .and
fostered besides by the instructions and example
of their parents during their long winter.