- Performer Name:
- Performance Venue:
- Foligno
- Performance Date:
- Author:
- Eustace, John Chetwode
- Date Written:
- Language:
- English
- Publication Title:
- A Classical Tour through Italy
- Article Title:
- Page Numbers:
- 1:317-18
- Additional Info:
- Publisher:
- Mawman
- Place of Publication:
- London
- Date Published:
- 1815
Text:
[317] While at supper, we were amused by the appearance of an Improvisatore, who, after having sung an ode of his own composition in honor of England, poured forth his unpremeditated verse with great harmony of tones, strength of voice, and rapidity of utterance. He asked for a subject, and we gave the prosperity of Italy, which he enlarged upon with some enthusiasm, asking emphatically at the conclusion of each stanza, how Italy, open as it was to two barbarous nations, such as the French and the Germans, could ever expect prosperity? His extemporary effusions generally ended in the praises of England; and, after some bumpers and a suitable present, he retired with much apparent satisfaction. These characters, in their wandering habits, precarious mode of living, and interested exertions, so much like the bards of ancient days, have, it is said, decreased in number since the French invasion, owing partly to the depression of the national spirit, and partly to the poverty of their former patrons, and to the absence of wealthy foreigners. The exhibition was perfectly new to us, and while we enjoyed it, we could not but agree that such an ease and versatility of [318] talent, might, if properly managed, be directed to very great and very useful purposes.
Notes:
- Collected by:
- AE