In consequence of the attempt of the old notation to combine the expression of absolute with relative pitch, and to mingle, for this purpose, the symbolic notation of flats, sharps, and "naturals,' with the pictorial notation of the staff, several difficulties arise in connexion with this subject. For instance : How shall we express the note NE (the sharp seventh of the minor mode) in the key of E? The answer is-By putting a sharp on B, which is the son of that key. But is not B SHARP regarded by the learner (and described by many teachers) as the same thing as C NATURAL, and will not this cause a puzzle? Yes, it is the misfortune of the notation to do so. But there are two reasons why C NATURAL would not be correct; first, because it would not point out the note (SOH) instead of which the NE was used; and secondly, because the real position of NE is only a chromatic parttone (three degrees) above в (SOH), and not a tonule (five degrees), as the C NATURAL Would make it. Thus : How shall we express NE in the keys of в and F SHARP, or TU in the key of F SHARP, for the note which we would sharpen is already sharpened in the signature? May we use the so-called "natural' note above? No. Reasons corresponding to those given in the last case compel us to invent a new symbol called a double sharp. This placed before the note which would have been SOH, indicates the origin of the NE, and shows more accurately its position. Again :— How shall we express a chromatic sharp when the note has been sharpened before in the signature, or a chromatic flat when the note has been flattened before in the signature? For these purposes we shall require, in addition to the double sharp already mentioned, a double flat. These double sharps and flats are also needed on other occasions. what does it indicate? FI-the "returning FAH" after a previous TU-or if TB immediately precede, the chromatic Tow. When the note that would be soн is raised, by sharp or natural, what does it indicate? NE or if so immediately precede, the chromatic soI. When the note which would be FAH is raised, by sharp or natural, what does it indicate? Tu-the "returning TE after a previous FI-in minor tunes BAH-or with FAH preceding, the chromatic Fo1. When the note which. would be RAY is raised, by sharp or natural, what does it indicate? Nu-or with RAY preceding, the chromatic ROI. When the note that would be DOH is raised, by sharp or natural, what does it indicate? Ni-or if DOH precede, the chromatic DOI. How do you distinguish the chromatic note? By its being immediately preceded by that from which it springs. So might be called NE, but when preceded by soн it has a different effect on the mind from NE, and therefore should be distinguished. So also with Fox and ru. When these points have been once thoroughly understood, the pupil will find little difficulty in recognising the ordinary "accidentals" as he comes upon them. Extraordinary accidentals may still occur, which it is difficult to decipher from the signs of the old notation, and perhaps difficult to explain on the principles of music. OTHER SYMBOLS OF FREQUENT OCCURRENCE. For an explanation of all the terms and signs that are ever used in music, we must refer to such works as Hamilton's Shilling Dictionary of Musical Terms," published by Cocks, London, and Saroni's "Musical Vade Mecum," published by Mason and Law, New York. But a few signs of frequent use remain to be explained. THE DOUBLE BAR generally indicates the close of a line in the poetry or a passage "in the music. A row of dots before it (or sometimes two dots) means that the preceding part of the music should be repeated. A row of dots after it (or even apart from the double bar) shows that the passage which follows will have to be repeated. Try to sing the following. A curve with a figure three in the centre is put over a triplet of notes when they should be sung in the time of two. A small curve with a dot in its centre, when placed over a note or rest, allows to give to that note or rest any length of time which you think good taste requires. A dot or strike above a note shows that it should be sung "staccato," or shorter than the note would ordinarily be. Saroni says that the dot does not indicate so decided & staccato" as the stroke. Je lis pour la première fois un bon livre, et j'y prends le même plairir que si je faisais un nouvel ami. Je relis un livre que j'ai lu, c'est un ancien ami que je revois.-Voltaire. La lecture est une partie du devoir de l'honnête homme.Christine. On ne peut avoir l'âme grande, ou l'esprit un peu pénétrant sans quelque passion pour les lettres.-Vauvenargues Aimer à lire, c'est faire un échange des heures d'ennui que l'on doit avoir en sa vie contre des heures délicieuses.-Montesquieu. Ce n'est pas dans les choses extraordinaires et bizarres que se trouve l'excellence de quelque genre ce soit. Les meilleurs livres sont ceux que chaque lecteur croit qu'il aurait pu faire; la nature, qui seule est bonne, est toute familière et commune.. Je hais les When the note that would be TE is lowered, by flat or natural, mots d'enflure.-Pascal. |