'Of Genius', in The Occasional Paper, and Preface to The Creation by Aaron Hill
page 18 of 67 (26%)
page 18 of 67 (26%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
Mens Actions to all the necessary and useful Affairs of the
World. When in very different Ways, but with equal Pleasure and Application, they contribute to the Order and Service of the whole. Mr. _Dryden_ has given an Hint, how we may form a beautiful and pleasing Idea of this from the Powers of Musick, that arise from the Variety and artful Composition of Sounds. _From Harmony, from Heavenly Harmony, This Universal Frame began. From Harmony to Harmony, Thro' all the Compass of the Notes it ran, The Diapasm closing full in Man._ There seems to be a wonderful Likeness in the natural Make of Mens Minds to the various Tones and Measures of Sounds; and in their Inclinations and most pleasing Tastes to the several Styles and Manners of Musick. Something there is in the Mind, of alike Composition, that is easily touch'd by the kindred Harmony of Musick, _For Man may justly tuneful Strains admire, His Soul is Musick, and his Breast a Lyre._ We have all the Materials of Musick in the Tones and Measure. For the infinite Variety Composition admits of, can be nothing else, but higher or lower Tones, stronger or softer Sounds, with a slower or swifter Motion. The Artist, by an harmonious Mixture of these, makes the Musick either strong and martial, brisk and airy, grave and solemn, or soft and moving. |
|