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Show THE COMPOSITION OF BALLETS. 241 indifferent original than to finish a faultless copy. Aspire to place your name amongst those whose originality and genius have rendered them illustrious. Nonparvas animo, dat gloria vires.-OVID. Essay to deserve the praise of able judges ; but despise and avoid stupidity, envy, and cabal42. CHAPTER XXIV. ON PROGRAMMES, OR WRITTEN PLOTS. " Que Paction preparee, Sans peine du sujet applanisse l'entree."-BOILEAU. SEVERAL professors have averred that a good Ballet needs no programme, provided the plot is well and clearly displayed ; and the Pantomime so executed as to give a perfect idea of the passions and sentiments meant to be expressed. This opinion is just, and I a m persuaded that the composer should be understood by means of the art itself, rather than by the reading of a written plot or programme. According to this plan, it is sufficient to print the title of the Ballet on the theatrical bill, together with |
