Glen Collection of printed music > Printed text > Account of the First Edinburgh Musical Festival, held between the 30th October and 5th November, 1815

124 EDINBURGH MUSICAL FESTIVAL.
curs really worthy of this gentleman's best
powers, he shews that they are quite adequate
to any thing in vocal performance.
To point out the beauties of this Recitative
as a piece of composition, would be to give a
minute analysis of every bar, as containing con-
ceptions of the highest order, and modulations
of -the most learned and masterly kiud. How-
ever, among other striking passages, may be
pointed out, " 'Tis this that racks my brain, and
yours into my breast a thousand pangs that lash
me into madness" — " Horrid thought f — u My
only daughter'* — (t So dear a child." The heart
that is not affected, and deeply affected by
these, when conveyed by such a singer as Mr
Braham, must be made of adamantine matter.
u Waft her angels" from the same Oratorio^
is flowing in melody, and ingenious in accom-
paniment ; and, aided by Mr Braham's versa-
tile talent, formed an agreeable relief to the
gloomy character of the Kecitative.
" Ye sacred priests " is highly expressive; and
the Air, " Farewell, ye limpid springs," exqui-
sitely tender and beautiful. It very forcibly
conveys the sentiments of melancholy resigna-
tion with which the daughter of Jephtha, ex-
pecting the intended sacrifice, contemplates, as
she believes, for the last time, the scenes of her