126
A Musical Tour
"In this example," he says, "the dominant emotion is imperious, arising from the words: Digne de Jupiter même ! The composer has not only expressed this passion, but has also rendered the accessory emotions, as he progresses. The word 'Infortuné' is rendered with tenderness. 'Ressusciter,' by a rolling trill. 'L'arracher au tombeau' is stately. 'M'empêcher,' a retardation. 'Triompher' is given proudly; 'à ce qu'il aime' tenderly. 'Même' is exalted. 'Digne' is expressive of release, etc. … As for the accompaniment, without being insipid, it could not be other than it is.—How does 'our Italian ' comport himself?"—The 'Italian' was Graun, who had aspired to correct and re-write the passage from Rameau; and here is his version:
