Note 90 — THIRD PERIOD. PART III. [FROM 1824 till Beethoven's Death in 1827.]

In this they were not in the wrong. As to the saying, "jurare in verba magistri," I am of opinion that it would be better to spoil the effect of a whole piece than to destroy a single voice; and that therefore every skilful Director should make such alteration as may be found necessary for the voices, especially in the Mass, where there are many soprano passages, which may be screamed, but cannot be sung. These alterations are, besides, very easily made, and the effect will be grand and true, when all the voices can proceed at ease.