al leaves it not in our Election to make Use of this
Art, lest we offend in the Narrative, which ought to be natural, unless
in a _Soliloquy_, where it may be in the Stile of Chamber-Musick.

Sec. 7. The third abstains from great part of the Solemnity of the first,
and contents itself with more of the second.

Sec. 8. The Defects and unsufferable Abuses which are heard in
_Recitatives_, and not known to those who commit them, are innumerable.
I will take Notice of several Theatrical ones, that the Master may
correct them.

Sec. 9. There are some who sing _Recitative_ on the Stage like That of the
Church or Chamber; some in a perpetual Chanting, which is insufferable;
some over-do it and make it a Barking; some whisper it, and some sing it
confusedly; some force out the last Syllable, and some sink it; some
sing it blust'ring, and some as if they were thinking of something else;
some in a languishing Manner; others in a Hurry; some sing it through
the Teeth, and others with Affectation; some do not pronounce the Words,
and others do not express them; some sing as if laughing, and some
crying; some speak it, and some hiss it; some hallow, bellow, and sing
it out of Tune; and, together with their Offences against Nature, are
guilty of the greatest Fault, in thinking themselves above Correction.

Sec. 10. The _modern_ Masters run over with Negligence their Instructions
in all Sorts of _Recitatives_, because in these Days the Study of
Expression is looked upon as unnecessary, or despised as _ancient_: And
yet they must needs see every Day, that besides the indispensable
Necessity of knowing how to sing them, These even teach how to act. If
they will not believe it, let them observe, without flattering
themselves, if among their Pupils they can show an Actor of equal Merit
with _Cortona_ in the Tender;[48] of Baron _Balarini_ in the Imperious;
or other famous Actors that at present appear, tho' I name them not;
having determined in these Observations, not to mention any that are
living, in whatsoever Degree of Perfection they be, though I esteem them
as they deserve.

Sec. 11. A Master, that disregards _Recitative_, probably does not
understand the Words, and then, how can he ever instruct a Scholar in
Expression, which is the Soul of vocal Performance, and without which it
is impossible to sing well? Poor _Gentlemen Masters_ who direct and
instruct Beginners, without reflecting on the utter Destruction you
bring on the