5 FEBRUARY 1842, Page 19

The Better Land; a Song. By JOHN ABEL. One of

the most beautiful English songs that we have seen for many a day : not that its character is English, but altogether German; the precise model being evidently SPoHR. The aim which SPORE rarely fails to accomplish—that is, the union of interesting melody with har- mony not less so—Mr. ABEL has attained. His melody is sweet and striking, his expression everywhere accurate, and his accompaniment judicious as well as masterly. There is true genius in these few pages; and we hope that their author, though a pianoforte-player, will de- dicate more of his time to that higher walk of his art which he is evidently so well fitted to adorn.