e Charms of the human Voice, even in Speaking, are very powerful. It
is well known, that in _Oratory_ a just _Modulation_ of it is of the
highest Consequence. The Care Antiquity took to bring it to Perfection,
is a sufficient Demonstration of the Opinion they had of its Power; and
every body, who has a discerning Faculty, may have experienced that
sometimes a Discourse, by the Power of the _Orator's_ Voice, has made an
Impression, which was lost in the Reading.

But, above all, the soft and pleasing Voice of the _fair Sex_ has
irresistible Charms and adds considerably to their Beauty.

If the Voice then has such singular Prerogatives, one must naturally
wish its Perfection in musical Performances, and be inclined to forward
any thing that may be conducive to that end. This is the reason why I
have been more easily prevail'd upon to engage in this Work, in order to
make a famous _Italian Master_, who treats so well on this Subject,
familiar to _England_; and why I presume to offer it to your Protection.

The Part, I bear in it, is not enough to claim any Merit; but my
endeavouring to offer to your Perusal what may be entertaining, and of
Service, intitles me humbly to recommend myself to your Favour: Who am,

LADIES _and_ GENTLEMEN,
_Your most devoted,
And most obedient
Humble Servant_,

J. E. GALLIARD.

[Illustration]

A

Prefatory Discourse

GIVING

_Some Account of the_ AUTHOR.

_Pier._ _Francesco Tosi_, the Author of the following Treatise, was an
_Italian_, and a Singer of great Esteem and Reputation. He spent the
most part of his Life in travelling, and by that Means heard the most
eminent Singers in _Europe_, from whence, by the Help of his nice
Taste, he made the following Observations. Among his many Excursions,
his Curiosity was raised to visit _England_, where he resided for some
time in the Reigns of King _James_ the Second, King _William_, King
_George_ the First, and the Beginning of his present Majesty's: He dy'd
soon after, having lived to above Fourscore. He had a great deal of Wit
and Vivacity, which he retained to his latter Days. His manner of
Singing was full of Expression and Passion; chiefly in the Stile of
Chamber-Musick. The best Performers in his Time thought themselves happy
when they could have an Opportunity to hear him. After he had lost his
Voice, he apply'd himself more particularly to Composition; of which he
has given Proof in his _Ca