MUSICAL COMPOSITION

154 MUSICAL COMPOSITIONor slur his violins. He must remember that if hismusic is good it will be often performed when he is notpresent to rehearse, and that an omitted mark or aninsufficient suggestion of pace may give an entirelywrong impression of his work. Solo-singing parts canoften be overmarked, it is true; because any intelligentvocalist will prefer to give his own reading of a compositionin the way which appeals to him most, and notwo singers are exactly alike in temperament. To tiehim down too much is to the detriment of the renderinghe will give, and a great work will bear havingvarious lights thrown upon it by the individuality ofthe performer. But with masses of voices, as withmasses of instruments, it is different; and too greatcare camlOt be bestowed upon writing down clearlyand unmistakeably the instructions of the inventor forthe guidance of the conductor and the performers alike.The trouble will be amply repaid by the minimising ofmisery to the composer when he hears his own creationsproduced before the public.