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Show 188 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. CHAPTER XV. ON THE RELATION SUBSISTING BETWEEN MUSIC AND DANCING. " Music and dancing are a married pair."-LUCIAN. THE ancients required that a perfect agreement should exist between the expression of music and the movements of dancing. Every gesture, and every change of countenance in the performer, was supposed to be produced by the peculiar measure and rythmus of the air, and the air was made to respond and reflect, as it were, every pantomimic movement in its melody and modulations20. In the cultivation of such an art, both taste and reason should be consulted. This agreement was made by the Italians an important study, particularly with respect to their Pantomimes. But, as has been already observed, it is not necessary to proceed to the extent of affecting to present a step and a gesture for every note. Dramatic illusion may be destroyed by being overacted. Music is an essential part of the Ballet; by its powerful means, the truth, force, and charm of pantomimic acting is brought to perfection; and by their delightful union the most surprising effects are produced21. The music of the ancients, as well as their poetry, contained a variety of rythmuses, measures, and styles, the nature of which served to express the sentiments of the soul, in a most impressive manner. The most particular |
