A New Method of Singing. By J. Centuro.
This book, we presume, is the reprint of a French work : and it would be as well, in this and all similar cases, if what portion of it has to be expressed in language were conveyed in intelligible English. Its title would then be " A Series of Progressive Exercises, intended to form and discipline the Voice," instead of the nonsense which appears. Na- pre points out the " method" of singing how best to improve the power so conferred, is the province of art. We might as well talk of a "new method" of seeing, eating, or walking, as "a new method of shirr- ing." All that is expressed in this work by notes is good—that is, good to a certain end and for a certain purpose. The exercises are well constructed, and will discipline the voice to all the requisites which ex- ecution demands. But it contains only the second or subsidiary chapter of the vocal art. Perhaps it is so, and there may be a first by the same author, which we have never seen. Not only would it be impossible for any one to learn to sing from this volume, but no master could use it as an elementary work without much previous instruction. It is a " selectte e profunis," and not a grammar. This should be stated, lest unwary beginners should imagine that Signor CATItUFO'S " method" will teach them to Sing.
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