How far the state of society and of opinion — the constant interference and influence in Art of a half-instructed class of intelligent minds—has led to a constant research for what is strange and remote, and is calculated to excite rather than to impress or instruct, the French instrumentalists as a body display, I think, in characters which those who run may read. It is a life of fever that they lead; it is a constant aspiration after the impossible and far-fetched which torments them: and they choose for themselves guides and leaders calculated to stimulate them to effects rather than to encourage them in principles. Rubini, whose destroyed voice has led to the most meretricious exhibition of pathos, in long-drawn tremblings and sudden alternations of tone, — Bellini, whose broad and sickly melodies could but be rendered expressive by an exaggeration of style,—have leavened their manner of performance more than they are aware; while the vague and picturesque praises of Janin and Sand, and the united theory and practice of M. Berlioz, have conspired to lead them away from the old forms of composition, and to engage their heated fancies upon elegies, hymns, serenades, convent-prayers, witch-scenes, fishermen's songs, and such picturesquely-christened caprices, where the name (sub rosâ be it said) is oftentimes the most characteristic feature of the work.