The Viennese Period, Vol. 5 (Classic Reprint)

Excerpt from The Viennese Period, Vol. 5

The object of this volume is to sketch the history of Musical Composition from the time of C. P. E. Bach to that of Schubert. The field is so wide and the need of selection so obvious that it may be serviceable to explain in a few words the method which is here adopted and the principal topics which are here discussed.

Two causes, apart from the force of personal genius, affected the history of Music during the latter part of the eighteenth century: first, the change in social and aesthetic conditions; second, the increase of skill in vocalization and in tho manufacture and use of most instruments. Accordingly, the first chapter briefly indicates the general level of taste, and the effect for good and ill of patronage, during the period in question; the second touches upon the structure of instruments and the careers of virtuosi. The latter of these invades some of the ground already covered in vol. iv. I regret this for many reasons, among others because Mr. Fuller Maitland's account is of wider range than mine: indeed, if mine had not been already finished, when his volume appeared, it would probably be here represented by a set of references. And though the standpoint from which it is written seems sufficiently distinct to justify its retention, I would ask all readers who find it insufficient, to supplement it from Mr. Fuller Maitland's treatment of 'the Orchestra,' 'the Keyed-instruments,' and 'the Rise of Virtuosity.'

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