rose

Charles Burney

The Present State of Music in France and Italy (2nd, corrected edition)

London: T. Becket and Co., 1773

Rome


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wire. The best Italian harpsichord which
I met with for touch, was that of Signor
Grimani at Venice; and for tone, that
of Monsignor Reggio at Rome; but I
found three English harpsichords in the
three principal cities of Italy, which are
regarded by the Italians as so many phe-
nomena. One was made by Shudi, and
is in the possession of the Hon. Mrs.
Hamilton at Naples. The other two,
which are of Kirkman's make, belong
to Mrs. Richie at Venice, and to the
Hon. Mrs. Earl, who resided at Rome
when I was there.

But with regard to the organ, I have
frequently heard it judiciously and spi-
ritedly played in Italy. At Milan, San
Martini has a way peculiar to himself of
touching that instrument, which is truly
masterly and pleasing. The first organists
of St. Marc's church at Venice, of
the Duomo at Florence, and of St. John
Lateran at Rome, of whom I shall have
occasion to speak hereafter, are very

supe-