The Pastoral Weelc; Six Vocal Quartets. The Words by John
Major; the Music by J. S. Major. These quartets are very much in the style of a kind of chamber vocal harmony much used in Germany,—short and simple in form, but exhibit- ing a good deal of recherche and nicety in the combination of the parts; and sung, not unaccompanied, likeour glees, but always with the pianoforte. The six pieces, as the general title shows, form parts of one connected whole; and the subject of each piece may be gathered from its particular title. They are—" Returning Spring," " The Invitation," " The Lover's Holyday," " The Nightingale," "Regret," and" The Contemplative Angler." The verses, without being remarkably poetical, are natural, unaffected, and well fitted for music; and the composer has done justice to their capabili- ties. His music is fresh and cheerful; and the vocal parts, which separately are smooth and melodious, produce very pure and grateful harmony. The work is published in an unusual form; the four voice-parts being printed separately, together with a condensed score, to be used by the pianoforte accompanist. A party of good singers, assembled round the pianoforte, will find in these little pieces a pleasing and elegant entertainment.
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