OCR Text |
Show 2G0 THE CODE OF TERPSICHORE. a kind of poem or romance, reduced to those dramatic rules and principles which must be observed on their production at the theatre. Compositions that can speak to the eye, and interest the heart, should be honoured with the same attention as any production of the fine arts; for what else is a good classic Ballet but a picture in motion, with the additional charm of well adapted music ? It has here been thought necessary to recal some observations made in the Fourth Part of this work. In composing programmes for Ballets, w e must remark, First, that the programme may please the reader, while it is useless in explaining the performance ; for it frequently happens that a bright and well written description becomes flat and void of effect, when put into a state of theatrical action. Secondly, what is easily comprehended by means of words, is not explained with the same facility by gesture. Thirdly, the subject may be interesting and well contrived and yet not be dramatic. Fourthly, what really is dramatic, is not always exactly conformable to reason and probability. In order, therefore, to avoid falling into these errors, to make the programme answer the performance, and to show the real object prescribed by our art, it is essentially requisite, First, that the subject should be of a sustained sprightliness throughout, representing nature beautified by art. Secondly, that the passions be picturesque and strikingly contrasted; characters deeply shaded and strongly made out (if we may make use of these terms), and, that incident and action be employed rather than long dialogues, which latter must be particularly avoided. Thirdly, the imagination must be continually amused by a variety of scenery, capable of exciting surprise and admiration; to which must be added costume, machinery, and every species of appropriate decorations, |