The sky-lark - National Library of Scotland

VI INTRODUCTION.
1. Upon the first position we hardly anticipate a denial
when we assert it as necessary that the aspirant should
possess a voice. This should be powerful, in order to be
heard ; capable of considerable modulation, that it may
distinctly express graduated and softened passages ;
but a
voice of moderate compass may achieve effect if it be dis-
creetly managed. Avoid overpowering loudness, and in
pathos beware of sinking into a whine ; the one loses
effect by the means taken to obtain it, the other is con-
temptible.
2. Excellent wind. This is almost absolutely
necessary, but in a private singer rather a dangerous com-
panion, as it often betrays the possessor into the fault
alluded to in the preceding remark. Advantage should
betaken, with due circumspection, of the pauses in sen-
timent, of interjectional passages, or of the laugh in more
comic effusions, but all without gasping, or other unseemly
effort. It would be well in the singer to practice in the
same key in which he usually sings,' so as to render the
correct performance natural to him, for much of the effect
produced depends on commencing in the proper one, in
which his own judgment or discretion will not always be
the safest guides.
3. Taste in the selection of his songs, and no less so in
their adaptation at the time. This taste is a matter of so
variable a complexion as scarcely to admit of a definition,
in this place at least, as much will depend on the singer's
knowledge of what has preceded him, and his calculation
of what may follow, but this may be said, if he possess it,