21 NOVEMBER 1903, Page 38

In Samuel Pepys, Lotter of Musique (Smith, Elder, and Co.,

5s.), Sir Frederick Bridge has expanded the three lectures given by him early this year at the Royal Institution into a very pleasant little volume. The numerous references to music in the Diary of course form the basis of the work, and are treated by Sir Frederick Bridge under various headings,--e.g., Pepys as musical enthusiast; his references , to musical contemporaries—Lock, the two brothers Lewes, Humfrey, Christopher Gibbons, Banister, ; Pepys as vocalist and singing-master ; Pepys on instruments and church music; Popps as theorist and composer. Sir Frederick Bridge's commentary shows research as well as sympathy and, intelligence, and we may note the suggestive remark he passes on. Pepys's statement ad to the influence of professionals on amateurs :—" With the innovation of public concerts, music drifted more and more into the hands of the professional class, and ceased to be the general resource of the many." The little book, we may add, is enriched by facsimiles and musical illus- trations, including Pepys's song, "Beauty, retire," and an excellent photogravure of the Trinity House portrait of the diarist.