ntata's_, which are of an exquisite Taste,
especially in the _Recitatives_, where he excels in the _Pathetick_ and
_Expression_ beyond any other. He was a zealous Well-wisher to all who
distinguished themselves in Musick; but rigorous to those who abused and
degraded the Profession. He was very much esteemed by Persons of Rank
among whom the late Earl of _Peterborough_ was one, having often met him
in his Travels beyond Sea; and he was well received by his Lordship
when in _England_, to Whom he dedicated this Treatise. This alone would
be a sufficient Indication of his Merit, his being taken Notice of by a
Person of that Quality, and distinguishing Taste. The Emperor _Joseph_
gave him an honourable Employment _Arch-Duchess_ a Church-Retirement in
some part of _Italy_, and the late _Flanders_, where he died. As for his
_Observations_ and _Sentiments_ on Singing, they must speak for
themselves; and the Translation of them, it is hoped, will be acceptable
to Lovers of Musick, because this particular Branch has never been
treated of in so distinct and ample a Manner by any other Author.
Besides, it has been thought by Persons of Judgment, that it would be of
Service to make the Sentiments of our Author more universally known,
when a false Taste in Musick is so prevailing; and, that these Censures,
as they are passed by an _Italian_ upon his own Countrymen, cannot but
be looked upon as impartial. It is incontestable, that the Neglect of
true Study, the sacrificing the Beauty of the Voice to a Number of
ill-regulated Volubilities, the neglecting the Pronunciation and
Expression of the Words, besides many other Things taken Notice of in
this Treatise, are all _bad_. The Studious will find, that our Author's
Remarks will be of Advantage, not only to Vocal Performers, but likewise
to the Instrumental, where Taste and a Manner are required; and shew,
that a little less _Fiddling_ with the _Voice_, and a little more
_Singing_ with the _Instrument_, would be of great Service to Both.
Whosoever reads this Treatise with Application, cannot fail of
Improvement by it. It is hoped, that the Translation will be indulged,
if, notwithstanding all possible Care, it should be defective in the
Purity of the _English_ Language! it being almost impossible
(considering the Stile of our Author, which is a little more figurative
than the present Taste of the _English_ allows in their Writings,) not
to retain something of the Idiom of the Original; b