University of Virginia Library

THE COMPOSER REHEARSING A SONG.

RECITATIVE.

'Tis done! completed is the score,
Now, with the Band, I'll try it o'er.
Who a composer's joys can tell,
When with the Band his song goes well?
Who picture a composer's pains,
When wretched fiddlers mar his strains?
Now ‘Mr. Leader—sir in C---
Andante time—take it from me.
[Beats time.]
Tutti—together—one strong chord—
[Chord.]
Bravo! delightful, on my word.
Now violino obligato—
[Violin solo.]
Non troppo presto, moderato!
Cantabile—this is the style.
[Imitation.]
There's a bar missing—rest awhile.
[Pause.]
Now, then, I'll try it with my voice—
I ne'er wrote anything so choice!
[A false chord in the orchestra.]
Zounds, what a bull—do mind your cue—
[Horns.]
There's five bars rest, there, Horns, for you.
Now, gentlemen, in common time,
For that best suits the Author's rhyme.
I must begin, or all 'twill mar,
Jnst as you close the second bar.
I'll count the time, you follow me—
Now—one, two, three, four—one, two, three!

SONG.

[Continued.]
Sweet zest of every joy!

SONG.

[Continued.]
There'a nought, if thou art wanting,
In life, but soon will cloy!

CODA—SONG.

[Continued.]
Music, its charms ne'er granting,
Our pleasures but annoy!
(Bis.)