Six Pastoral Ariettas, composed and humbly dedicated to the Hon. Miss Beauclerk, by John Percy. Op. 3d. Bland.
We have inspected this little work of Mr. Percy's with much gratification: if it is not absolutely excellent, it is above mediocrity; and if there is nothing in it particularly striking, neither is there any thing trivial, but many beauties of expression, pleasing strokes of fancy, and a decent degree of science. The first, "How delightful the beauties of spring," the words of which are also Mr. Percy's, is a pretty performance: the melody is smooth and pleasing, and the sentiments judiciously conveyed. "How sweetly glide the hours," is pleasing tender: the modulation is good, and the whole well conceived. "Full six long months have pass'd away," the words of which are also his own, has much merit. The air is novel and pleasing, and a happiness of expression is among its characteristics. "The pride of ev'ry grove I chose," has several pretty ideas; but from the want of regularity and sufficient connection, is not equal to either of the first. The fifth, "With the sun I rise at morn," is pleasing and simple, with much novelty of air: and the sixth, "Tho' summer exerts her sweet pow'r," smooth in its melody, and of true pastoral effect.
Source: The European Magazine, and London Review. vol.7 (Jan. - Jun. 1785), Page 240