ABSTRACT
The superiority of vocal music over instrumental is so obvious that it only seems surprising that it should ever for a moment be questioned. The human voice if unaccompanied by instruments, even when not articulating words, or only such as are in a language not understood, is more beautiful in tone than any instrument whatever. Music is of itself a language of adjectives without substantives. It awakens affections but can create no images. Call in the aid of poetry and all becomes clear and interesting. The overture to Don Giovanni commences with a slow introduction abridged from the music of the principal scene of the piece in which the animated statue of the Commendatore whom Don Giovanni had slain, comes, agreeable to his invitation, to sup with him, and counsels him, but in vain, to repent. Donna Elvira now enters and exposes the real character of Don Giovanni to Zerlina.
