Scan 88
Voice and violin: sketches, anecdotes, and reminiscences by T.L. Phipson, 1898
10 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 70. See the scan on archive.org.
1to his pupil Madame Sirman,1 on the study of the violin, to which I have referred in a former work. Bellini also has left a letter upon his method of composition, of which I will here give an exact translation for the benefit of my younger readers. He says—
3"Since I have decided upon writing a certain number of operas—never more than one a year—I have also determined upon throwing all my efforts into the task. Being thoroughly persuaded that a great portion of their ultimate success depends upon the choice of an interesting subject, upon the contrast of the passions, the harmony of the verses, and the warmth of expression in their recital, quite as much as upon dramatic situations, it was necessary for me, in the first place, to meet with some writer who had experience in this style of composition, and this I have done in choosing Romani, a powerful genius, evidently born for musical drama.
5"As soon as his poem is finished, I study most attentively the characters of the various personages, in order to become familiar with the predominant passions of each, and the sentiments which animate them.
7"Once well penetrated with all this, I put myself in their places, and I endeavour to feel, and to express my feelings, as they would feel and act if
91 Signorina Lombardini.
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.