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Show T H E COMPOSITION OF BALLETS. 201 confine themselves to subjects of a plain and simple construction, to well known events, and to such as have already been treated on. Added to these, a faulty system, and certain foolish customs, prevent the progress of this art amongst them. Every one fears to attempt an innovation, and would imagine himself ruined the moment he dared to quit the track marked out for him by preceding authors. Ignorance is satisfied, and envy triumphs at such imbecility. A profound study of Pantomime will discover the means of explaining every description of subject. It will augment the resources of the Ballet-master, and will contribute to vary his compositions. Were this study pursued in France, they would consequently soon enlarge the limits of their subjects. In selecting originals, seek variety; choose of every style, of every class. Always copy from productions of talent, not from those of mediocrity ; and in this we should not be swayed either by caprice or private interest. Nature, ever varied and fruitful, will continually supply entire subjects, or hints at least. Neither are the work's of poets and historians yet exhausted, they still present great resources to the Ballet-master. The same subjects, too, may be again and differently treated. It is no difficult matter for a man of genius to give a fresh form and a different turn to what has already been before the public. Art can add a new interest to a known subject. A lively and active imagination surmounts every obstacle. Thus there appears to be a crowd of characters to describe; and the French artist will dispose of them in a manner the most advantageous to his production. |
