The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware advertiser., 1826-07-27

system, to lead the pupil into speculative, un-
tried exeltions. On the contrary, it differs from
the works which have already been phblished(for
elementary purposes) only in the arrangement Of
the first principles of the art, and in Che effort to
combine from the earliest lesson, precept With ez-
ample, leaving the spirit ofinstruction,f from lesson
to lesson, constantly under the pupils eye.--Nor
is it work incautiously sent into public notice.
For upwards of fifteen years, the Author has been
in the habit of occasionally giving his pupils the
Introductory part of their studies in the form de-
tailed IN the present work, and during the last
two years the system has been again, and again,
tested by several pupils advantageousy, study
ing the elementary part of music entirely from
the examples and lessons as they now stand in
the Analytical Instructor.
The work is divided into three parts:-
The first-which is ornamented with an elegant
copper plate vignette, showing, by female fig
ure, seated at the piana forte, the true position OF
the body, hands and fingers; begins by simply
teaching few notes in the treble and bass, suffi-
cicnt to lay the fingers Of each hand on the keys
Of the piano forte, and proceeds by short and
easy examples to add gradually to the knowledge
of the notes, till both the eye and finger become
almost mperceptibly acquainted with the gamut
in treble and bass, upon all the lines and spaces
and contiguous ledger lines During this process
each lesson conveys some additional instruction,
3
the pupil becomes acquainted with the six prn-
cpal rules of hngering-the value Of the notes
both plain and dotted, from the mnim to the
quaver-thc playing of chords-measure, as
pointed out at the beginning of all pieces of mu-
sic-the mode of counting time and other first
elements of.the art. The whole body of infor-
nation thus gained is brought to view in reca-
pitulation, which concludes the first part.
The rules and examples of this, as we'll as Of
the succeeding parts, are gained without, except
in two triflng instances, committing syllable
to menory.-Carefully reading the text and
playing the examples, being sufficient to fix
the rudiments of the art in the mind of the pu-
pill.
The second part gradually brings into use eve
ry other necessary point of information, Except
what is reserved for the Appendix) and is in it
self most interesting selection Of music; it en-
braces a collection Of beautiful and fashionable
airs, selected from the best English, French,
German, and Italian composers, with some ma
tional melodies, to the number ofthirty, proceed
ed by their appropriate scales, and each air or
melody is made the vehicle Of some additional
instruction; so that the finger and mind are in a
6 ladual state of improvement in their progress
through this portion of the work. 1t concludes
with a second recapitulation of what has been ac-
duired. Sufficient knowledge is now attained
to enable the scholar to study those pieces
which progressively lead to the difficulties
of the art, and the mind is amply stored with
every necessary preparation tor future exer-
tons.
The third part, or .4ppendir, contains matters
of rather higher import and of great value to
student anxious to advance to excellence. 1t
contains description of the common cherd-the
difference between ma jor and mnor-the num-
Der of fats and sharps belonging to every tone
AN easy method ofrecollectng the hatsand sharps
in their due order-some directions by which it.
may be Tin many instances) ascertained into
what harmony composer modulates, With di-
agr.m giving plain expose OF the situation OF
every fiat and sharp, both simple and extraneous.
upon the key board of piano forte.-Much
valuable information is added, respecting time.
| lingering repeats, &C., with compendium ofthe
graces and embellishments Of music, and some
paragraphs upon musical expressions, both as it
relates to accent and emphasis Directions for
tuning the piano forte, with musical vocabulary
and two general indexes one, Of the subjects
treated, the other, of the marks and signs they
appear to the eye, conclude the work.
| To Teachers, particularly those who are resi-
dent in country towns where music is difficult to
be procured, it is believed that this book, con-
tanning ample matter for instruction, will prove
valuable assistant in the performance ofther pro-
! fes5onal duties.
! Where the tuition is not to be obtained, Ladies
who have learned the piano forte in their youth,
may easily recover their own knowledge, or conf
mtncate the elementary part to their children
by the use ofit
And though it cannot for moment be suppos-
cd that the knowledge of so complex an instru-
,ncnt can be acquired without the aid ofa Tutor;
and an attempt to do so, in towns, where expe-
ricnced teachers are to be found, would be some
thing like determination to trace alone dffi-
cult and intricate tract of country, when plenty
of safe guides were at hand. Yet to persons
who reside at a distance from the cities, it may
be honestly promised that some valuable music
, al instruction will be gained by the use OF this
work.
1t is complimentary to this publication, that
some highly accomplished amateurs, whose ac'
quirements are far beyond all elementary tuition,
have obtained copies, being pleased to pronounce
it good book Of general reference, and as such
meaning to add it to their library. The names oi
4. Sc, and ofseveral professional gentlemen o.
emnence, might be adduced in proof of the cha
racter of the work.-But aware of the facility
with which recommendations are too often pro
, cured, the Author has preferred to give TIM
brief Analysis of the Instructor, and then relying
on his professional character, and long continued
services, for proof that the book which he offer
is such as he has decribed, should the rigour @
criticism even condemn the work, his many year
d of labor and residence in the midst of a hghl
respectable circle of friends, patrons and pupils
,,,ll In cient secury at least for his t1lfcI