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had met with no great singer since my
arrival in Italy. The first soprano here
was what we should call in England a
pretty good singer, with a pretty good
voice; his taste neither original nor su-
perior. The second singer, a contralto,
had likewise but a moderate portion of
merit; though his voice was pleasing,
and he never gave offence by the inju-
dicious use of it. But,
" 'Tis in song as 'tis in painting,
Much may be right, yet much be wanting."
However, such a performance as this
should not be criticised too severely, for
it is heard for nothing. I speak as a
traveller; but the people of Italy, who
contribute so much to the support of the
church, are surely well entitled to have
these treats excellent.
The second mass which I heard to-day
was composed by Battista San Martini,
and performed under his direction at the
church of the Carmini; the symphonies
were very ingenious, and full of the
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