11 DECEMBER 1841, Page 19

Sonata for the Pianoforte. Op. 13. t W . S . B E NNE TT.

Caprice for the Pianoforte. Op. 22.5 "

There are some beautiful thoughts in each of these compositions, which evidence their writers' knowledge of the true use and employ- ment of the pianoforte. If our young writers would study the con- densation rather than the spinning-out of their matter, their com- positions would be improved and the gratification of their auditors enhanced. We measure a composition not by its numbered pages, but by its amount of original thought ; and we should have estimated Mr. lintuvErr's compositions more highly if he had kept this rule in sight. But the vice of the age is amplification—from the penny-a-liner to the Parliamentary orator ; and young musicians too easily fall into the prevalent fashion.