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I do not compose

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  [begin leaf 1 verso] —I do not pretend to compose an ^a grand opera, with choice good instrumentation, and harmonious good parts that which you shall sing as I ^have written them, and the dilletanti will then have take fits—they will and the whose performance shall cannot fail will of being so something to give fits to the dilletanti, for its elegance and measure.—The To compose sing well your part of an opera is very well excellent enough;; but that it is not enough.—I would have You shall the should be master of the composers of ^all operas—and first tenor of and of all tenors—and first of all violins and first violins,—for they were all men like yourself, and less perhaps most likely less developed than yourself.   [begin leaf 1 recto]
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