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Show THE COMPOSITION OF BALLETS. 187 and Zeuo ever aimed at some useful end in their productions19. " Qu'un sublime talent soit un talent utile " LA HARPE. Let this maxim be continualljTpresent to the mind of the young composer: a piece is not perfect without a moral. The learned and judicious Pompignan required that every theatrical production should carry a moral with it, considering that as indispensably necessary to render the whole complete. The greater part of Grecian tragedies are immoral; little instruction, therefore, can be reaped from them. On the other hand, the comedies of Greece are rather biting satires, than works of art produced with the intention of correcting the manners. It is with no pleasant feeling we observe the same spirit of immorality prevailing through many scenes of Moliere and Goldoni, that defile the dramas of Plautus and Aristophanes. The ancient comedy of England is nothing but an abuse of morality and good manners. Shakspeare is any thing but moral in his comedies; and his tragedy is far different from that required by Aristotle. Metastasio, Voltaire, and Euripides may be termed theatrical philosophers; the pictures they draw at once delight and impart instruction. The first two, more particularly, are the most moral of all dramatic writers. While presenting to us a living history of past ages, mixed up with the passions of men, they provide us with most excellent instruction, and inspire the most exalted philosophy. And here the Italian poet surpasses every rival, and Voltaire remains unequalled. |