Scan 90
Voice and violin: sketches, anecdotes, and reminiscences by T.L. Phipson, 1898
12 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 72. See the scan on archive.org.
1gifts soon raised him to the very highest rank of dramatic composers.
3Rossini's method of study was to take either the bass or the treble of a well-known composer, and fill up the one or the other in his own manner. This method is used in the Paris Conservatoire, and is considered one of the best exercises for students, after they have acquired the technics of modulation, melodic ornamentation, fugue, &c., or what is called the "grammar of music."
5For the encouragement of young composers who may have met with disappointments, I will report here the translation of a portion of a letter which Bellini wrote to his friend Florimo—the author of so many sweet Italian melodies, and for many years keeper of the Archives at the Naples Conservatorio—on the occasion of the failure of his opera of Norma at its first representation:—
7"Milan, 26th December 1831.
9"Dearest Florimo,—I write under the impression of grief—a deep, bitter grief which I cannot express, but which you will understand. I come this moment from La Scala, where my Norma has just been performed for the first time. Will you believe it? fiasco! fiasco! solemn fiasco!"
11These words will bring a smile to the lips of any one who may have heard Grisi sing the cavatina Casta diva, &c.
The computer misreads some letters and numbers. Where a name matters to you, read the scan.