Musical Form and General Composition. By the Rev. Sir F.
A. Gore Ouseley. Bart., Musical Doctor. (Oxford Clarendon Press.)—Many think that, having studied the art of harmony and counterpoint, they know all that is requisite for becoming composers or musical critics, although their knowledge of melody and form is vague, and very likely they consider thsir own ears sufficient judges of a good melody. Dr. Ouseley shows what a fallacy this is, and how important a thing is a knowledge of the laws that govern melody. No one can lay claim to the title of composer, however fine his effect of harmonies, unless he can produce a good and original melody. Conventionalism and hackneyed phrases are continually to be found in our new compositions, or some painful striving after originality which it is torture to listen to. Thorough study of such a book as this would improve the general character of our new songs and pianoforte music. There is a well-selected and numerous series of examples at the end of the book, and the chapter on "Form in 1%1116; " is very valuable, and should be studied carefully by all who are ambitious to write in the higher style of musical composition.
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