We may smile a little at Scarlatti’s criticism; but the smile may extend at the same time to the quaint precision of the Corellian custom it notices:—a custom which suggests the idea of military mechanism, as well as military time; or rather, which reminds us, in a still more lively manner, of the old nursery pæan.
Here we go up, up, up, And here we go down, down, downy!
Scarlatti (it may be here observed) was the first who introduced into his airs, accompaniments for the violin, as well as bits of symphony;—thus both enriching the melody, and giving relief to the singer.
[16] The only English editions of the above-named works are those published by Messrs. Robert Cocks and Co.; one of which editions is printed from the original plates of copper, which formed part of the stock of Walsh, who printed for Handel.
[17] Burney has made the mistake of stating that the work dedicated to the Cardinal was the Opera Quinta; and, although this was obviously a mere slip of the pen, carrying with it its own contradiction, it is curious to observe with what easy acquiescence the successive English Compilers have reprinted the error.
[18] The overture is inserted in the printed collections of Handel’s Overtures; and it is conjectured that it was the first movement which appeared so difficult to Corelli.
[19] This must have happened about the year 1708; as it appears that Scarlatti was settled at Rome from 1709 to the time of his decease. Corelli’s Concertos therefore must have been composed many years before they were published.
[20] The coincidences suggested by this juxta-position are so inviting for an epigrammatic twist, that the indulgent reader will, perhaps, pardon the following attempt:
Each heading, in his art, the school of Rome, Painter and Fiddler here have found their tomb. Though dead in body, both in fame are quick— Fame wrought with hair appended to a stick! So Genius triumphs, and her sway extends, By means minute attaining greatest ends.
[21] Dr. Burney dates his birth 1666; but Sir John Hawkins, who assigns the date above given, is the more likely to be correct, as he was personally acquainted with Geminiani.