A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Transcription

TRANSCRIPTION. A term which in ils strict meaning should be the exact equivalent of Arrangement, but which in practice implies a different, and in most cases a far less worthy production, since the transcriber rarely if ever fails to add something of his own to the work he selects for treatment. Among the earliest examples of the transcription in this sense are the versions of tunes, sacred and secular, contained in the Virginal Books, which no doubt were executed to order, or to show off the skill of some illustrious performer. It is curious to notice how constant fashion has been in its adherence to this form of music. William Babell's harpsichord lessons upon the favourite opera airs of Handel's time are of the same order, artistically speaking, as Thalberg's 'Home, sweet home,' or any other piece of the class in modern days. Earnest musicians seem always to have viewed these productions with the same disapproval. Burney's opinion of Babell is followed by a passage which may most profitably be studied in this connection (Hist. vol. iv. p. 648). Here and there, of course, are to be found transcriptions which consist of something besides unmeaning runs and brilliant passages, and which even help to elucidate the intention of the original composition. Among Liszt's versions of Schubert's songs, there are a few, such as the 'Erlkönig,' of which this may be said, but in spite of such brilliant exceptions as this the form cannot be regarded with unmixed satisfaction.

[ M. ]