Musical History, Biography, and Criticism, by GEORGE IlloGARTH. We are
happy to find that this excellent and much 'wanted work has so soon reached another edition, and that public opinion, evidenced by the rapid sale of the first impression, has sanctioned our estimate of its merits. It is just a work calcu- lated to do general good; for its size and form invite the perusal which is rarely given to ponderous quartos, and those who begin it will be pretty sure to read on to the end, secure or finding accurate, discriminating, and liberal musical opinions. Mr. HOGARTH is the bigot of no school—he is as warm in his praise of PURCELL as of MOZART, and can find excellence in a glee of WEBBE'S as well as in a quartet of BEETHOVEN'S. His sympathies Ire with good music of' every age and country, and his condemna- tion of trash is not withheld because that trash happens to be in fashion.
The present edition is considerably enlarged. The notices of 'various composers are more ample—particularly of TALUS, Se- &saws BACH, and GLUCK. A very interesting correspondence is added on the circumstances attending BEETHOVEN'S death, and many particulars respecting Wzazit's residence in England and death. The English school of vocal harmony receives deserved attention, and many omissions in the former edition are supplied. We differ in some points of criticism with Mr. HOGARTH, but only on points which are quite open to debate. On all the great Principles by which he tests excellence, we quite agree with him; and we rejoice to find those principles gaining such extensive currency.
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