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REPORT OF MUSIC.

THE Jewel-crowned Goddess is still wandering from town to town and from city to city (but not in humble guise), avoiding only the smoke and stir of this dim spot called London and Westminster. At this present writing her chief priests, matrons, and virgins, are as far north as Edinburgh and Glasgow, save only Madame Catalani, who is wherever cash is to be got in exchange for her own notes. These however, if the newly created Chevalier (her caro sposo) is to be believed, have been at a discount lately, for Newcastle is reported to be a loss (we know it to be a gain) to the good lady. But she really does suffer by conducting; for had she been content in her own proper department, and to take engagements, she would certainly have thriven better; and as those places where she has not been have thriven the best, the example will prove even more fatal probably to her future fame and prospects.

Just at the moment we closed our last report, the Festival at Norwich was terminating. It is the opinion of the ablest judges, including many of the most eminent professors, that it rivalled York in every thing but numbers, and even surpassed, in some respects, this, the most glorious previous assembly of minstrelsy of this our age. The public spirit of the inhabitants of Norfolk and Norwich had been worked upon during four years, through the principal journal of that district (the Norwich Mercury), before the proposal for a meeting was made at the board of Governors of the Hospital, whose funds were to be assisted by this means. The pulse of the public was felt a guarantee of three thousand pounds from individuals was obtain ed to guard against the possibility of loss. The patronage of the King and three Royal Dukes (York, Sussex, and Gloucester) was granted; the names of a large number of noblemen and gentlemen enrolled as Vice-Presidents; and a Committee of Management appointed, who went ardently to work. Sir George Smart was appointed to conduct, and a ne

gotiation was commenced with Madame Catalani: that lady stipulated to bring Rossini to conduct (which she had no power to promise, it afterwards appeared), six principal singers, a leader, violoncellist, and double bass, and to divide the receipts with the Hospital, the committee defraying all other expenses. Had they assented, the Hospital would have suffered a heavy loss, and Madame Catalani obtained a very large profit. But they were wiser, and more faithful to their trust. They rejected the proposal with just indignation, and engaged Madame Ronzi de Begnis, Mrs. Salmon, Miss Stephens, and Miss Carew, together with Messrs. De Begnis, Vaughan, Sapio, Terrail, and Bellamy. Mr. Sapio was unfortunately seized with so severe a relaxation of the throat after his arrival in Norwich, as to be compelled to relinquish his engagement; and the committee commissioned a gentleman to go immediately to town to procure the assistance of Signor Garcia, who was brought down in time for the last two evenings. There were six concerts and a ball, and his Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex was present at every concert. He was most enthusiastically received. The room where the concerts were held, was a very fine and spacious Gothic hall, consisting of a nave and two aisles. At one end an organ was erected by Gray, a noble instrument indeed; which has since been purchased by the Corporation. At the other an extensive gallery for patrons. Galleries were raised also in the side aisles, the seats and the fronts of which were covered with the splendid crimson cloth used at the King's Coronation. It is a curious part of this relation, that previous to the festival upwards of 230l. was raised by showing the building in a state of preparation. The hall was lighted with gas, and when filled, as it was on one of the evening concerts, with more than two thousand well-dressed ladies and gentlemen, the spectacle was splendid beyond example. The music consisted of the usual selections, and went off with astonishing precision:

thanks to the unwearied attention and taste of Sir George Smart. But the capital perfection was the choral part of the performance, which was truly magnificent. His Royal Highness of Sussex, no mean judge of the art, was pleased to declare, that although he was present at three of the Abbey performances, he had never heard such effects before. The vastitude of the Minster at York, it was said by the professors who assisted at both places, diminished the volume of sound; and thus the Hall at Norwich being more compact, the results were not in proportion to numbers. Be this as it may, the amateurs of Norwich may well be satisfied with being allowed a comparison, and with so fine a series of concerts. The patronage of the aristocracy fell off shamefully, but the spirit of the middle classes was strongly excited, and declared itself nobly. The receipts were (including donations to the amount of 611l. 18s.) 6,762l. Os. 6d.; the expenses 4,351. 1s. 10d., leaving a profit to the Hospital of more than 2,4114., besides the property in the orchestra, and music purchased for the occasion.

The effects of the vocal band are chiefly attributable to the amateurs of Norwich, who formed a choral society, and, under the indefatigable and able superintendence of Mr. Edward Taylor, also an amateur, assisted by Mr. Buck the organist of the Cathedral, were instructed so as to sustain, in the manner above recited, almost the entire weight of the chorusses. The ball was crowded. Eight hundred and eighty-seven pounds were taken at an admission of fifteen shillings, and no less than 71. 10s. for persons who gave five shillings each to sit in the orchestra and see the company. These particulars may serve as useful information to places who may desire to aid the funds of charity by means of music.

At Wakefield, were Mrs. Salmon, Miss Stephens, and Miss Travis, Messrs. Braham and Vaughan, Phillips and Isherwood. The plan here was singular in one respect. There being no room capable of containing the expected company-two were opened the Musical Saloon and the Concert House. At the one was

performed modern, and at the other ancient music. The festival lasted three days. We cannot forbear extracting a very just, but quaintly expressed criticism, from one of the local journals, with respect to Mr. Braham, as highly endowed a singer probably as ever lived, yet, fatally for his art and his age, deformed by as monstrous faults. "His best security," says the critic, "will be in attending, we apprehend, to these three things-not to sing too flat, not to decorate too much, and never to push his energies to a shout. Let him only be correct in his notes, chaste in his ornament, and limited in his strength, and if he cannot preserve his elevation, he will at least less slowly descend from his high station.". The receipts were so near the expenses as to leave nothing for the charities. Mr. Braham and Mr. Phillips gave back 30% of their engagement, but their example was not followed. Verily, some of our musical friends would do well to rerecollect, that charity covereth a multitude of sins.

Mr.

The Newcastle Festival came next in succession. There Sir George Smart conducted, under an engagement, for Madame Catalani, who undertook the whole, stipulating to give the charity a fifth of the receipts. We have in a former report named the principal singers. Sickness, however, thinned their ranks. Sapio's relaxed throat continued. Mrs. Bedford was Bedrid, Signor de Begnis was seized with ophthalmia, and Madame de Begnis with an indisposition to quit her husband, so that all these mighty limbs were lopped off. Fortunately, Miss Goodall passed through on her way to Edinburgh, and was detained for the Messiah, and the last evening, and was received with great eclat. She was encored at night in Bid me discourse. Still more fortunately, the Newcastle audiences did not know how much they lost in the absence of the De Begnises, whose singing surpasses all that we have of foreign art at this moment. Madame de Begnis's execution of Di Piacer at Norwich, is described "as the finest specimen of consummate art" that ever was heard, in "the Critical and Historical Record of the Festival," an entire journal (a curious attendant circum

stance we forgot to mention), which was published there on the occasion as a supplement to the newspaper, whose Editor has so long and so earnestly exerted himself to bring about the meeting. The total collected at Newcastle was about 4,000l. with the Ball money, the receipts of which were included in the general estimate, and of course were divided by the Chevalier with the charity. Madame Catalani, Miss Stephens, Mr. Braham, and Mr. Phillips, are highly extolled. Mori led with his accustomed fire.

Among these Festivals there is one which almost escapes the general eye-the Eisteddvod, or Cambrian Literary and Musical Session. This meeting takes its rise so far back as previous to the Christian æra, and has been continued at different periods, under various auspices, until the year 1819, up to which period, from 1771, it had been promoted by the Gwyneddigion, a society in London for the cultivation of the Welsh language. Of late years societies have been formed in the four provinces of Powys and Gwynedd, in North Wales, and Dyved and Gwent, in South Wales, for the encouragement of Welsh literature. The present Eisteddvod was held under the auspices of the Powys Cymmrodorion, at Welshpool, on the 7th, 8th, and 9th of September, Viscount Clive president. The main object of all these meetings has been the cultivation of the music and poetry of Wales; and for this purpose, medals are given to the authors of the best prose compositions in the English and Welsh languages, who recite them after the prizes have been adjudged. With these recitations are mingled Pennillion (epigrammatic verses) which are sung by the mountaineers for prizes, and performances on the triple harp by the minstrels. In the evenings miscellaneous concerts are held, and one morning is devoted to the performance of a selection of sacred music. The following were the subjects of the essays and verses this year :

Essays.

1. On the causes and extent of the early intimacy and mutual intercourse between the Armoricans and Britons, Nov. 1824.

and the traces of national affinity still existing between their descendants; adjudged to the Rev. T. Price, of Crickhowell.

2. On the propagation and establishment of Christianity among the Cymry, by the three zealous families of Bran ab Llyr, Cunedda Wledig, and Brychan Brycheinog, as commemorated by the Triad XLII. in Arch. of Wales; to Mr. John Hughes, of Wexham.

3. (In the Welsh language.) On the Welsh language, its excellency, the advantage of cultivating it, and the most likely means to ensure its perpetuity and success; to Mr. John Blackwell, of Berriew.

Verses.

1. For the best copy of Verses in the Welsh Lyric Metre on the folly of belief in witchcraft, and all other vulgar superstitions; to Mr. Edw. Jones, of Denbigh.

2. For the best Cywydd on the invasion of Anglesy by Suetonius Paulinus, and the consequence of that event; to Mr. Wm. Jones, of Carmarthen.

3. For the best Awdl on the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans. This prize was adjudged to Mr. Ebenezer Thomas, of Evionydd, who received the Bardic, and was installed by proxy into the Bardic Chair of Powys.

The amateur silver harp was presented to Mr. Henry Humphreys, of Pool, for his performance on the triple harp.

The premium for the best catalogue of MSS. in Welsh and English, relating to Wales, was adjudged to Mr. A. O. Peighe, of Nantglyn.

The same gentleman gained the reward for the best unpublished collection of old Welsh tunes.

Mr. R. Woodhouse, of Bettws, obtained the prize for the best original psalm tune in Archdeacon Pey's metre, and Mr. David Harris a remuneration.

The premium for the best original hymn in one of the present Welsh popular measures, was awarded to Mr. D. J. Morgan, of Llangoedmore.

The prize for the best set of variations on a Welsh air for the triple harp, was adjudged to Mr. John Hughes, of the Royal Denbigh band. 2 N

In singing the Pennillion, or epigrammatic verses, a fine trait of feel ing was evinced by two of the competitors, labourers. Two were left to contend for the prize; and upon their coming forward to sing, they declared that as they were neigh bours they must decline contending against each other. The President stated that he would give a medal to the unsuccessful candidate, and thus terminated this friendly contention.

Mr. J. Jones obtained the medal as the best performer on the triple harp, who had never obtained a silver harp at any Eisteddvod.

The principal performers were Miss Stephens, Miss Carew, Masters Smith and Parry, Messrs. Vaughan, Smith, Collyer, Parry, and Rolle. The Lindleys, Nicholson, and Harper, assisted by an effective band of amateurs from Shrewsbury, led by Mr. Tomlins of that city, with some London performers, composed the band, which consisted of nearly 100 performers. The entire arrangement and conducting was under the direction of Mr. Parry, the Editor of the Welsh Melodies. The selection of ancient music performed at the church was excellent; the neighbourhood of Welshpool and Shrewsbury furnishing upwards of fifty chorus singers greatly aided the performances. The whole performance gave the highest satisfaction; and when it is recollected that the Festival was held in a small town, amid the mountains of Wales, the receipts, which amounted to nearly 2,000l. may be considered as highly creditable to the inhabitants. The surplus money is applied, in donations, to aged and indigent bards and minstrels-in the publication of scarce MSS. tending to throw light on the early history of the Bretons; and it is the intention of the Cymmrodorion to send a qualified person among the Bretons, in order to ascertain what affinity they bear in their customs, manners, and language to the Welsh, and then to publish the account.

After the Festival Lord and Lady Lucy Clive gave a most magnificent fête at the Castle; the splendour of the scene was beyond description. Upwards of 400 persons were pre

sent.

Thus must end our article for this

month, with the exception of a brief notice of the very few compositions that are offered to an empty town. Der Freischutz is got to Covent Gar den. Of all the music that has lately been produced, this is the most extraordinary. Its contrivance is the most curious, and it is wrought up in a few passages, tesselated together, in a most singular manner. It is certainly not vocal, except in so far as respects a very few traits of melody; but the accompaniments picture, in the liveliest manner, the scenes, passions, sentiments, and incidents of this romantic drama.

Mr. Kalkbrenner and Mr. Cramer have two very splendid compositions for the Piano Forte.

L'Heureux Retour, a Divertimento for the Piano Forte, composed by Philip Knapton, march are spirited, and perhaps the trio is a tasteful lesson; the introduction and recommends itself more particularly to our notice from the resemblance it bears in its concluding passages to a certain part of our old favourite There be none of beauty's daughters. The rondo combines originality with much elegance, and concludes a very agreeable composition.

The Rose, the Lily, and Lavena, three airs with variations for the Piano Forte. tion with pleasing melody, and thus carryLessons combining much facility of execuing their own recommendation to those who are not far advanced in conquering the difficulties of the instrument.

The arrangements consist of a tenth dramatic Divertimento by Bruguier on "Ah perche la morte." No. 2 of Amusemens des Sœurs, with No. 6 of Les Belles Fleurs; also Mr. Klose's Operatic Divertimentos, Book 4, on the airs from Weber's Opera of Preciosa.

There was a time, ballad, The Paphian Flower, duet by Alexander D. Roche. These are light and pleasing, particularly the former, which has the rare merit amongst these little things of being both original and agreeable.

Where may sweetest Peace be found, a ballad by I. S. Graeff, is not simple enough either to do justice to the words to which it is adapted, or to have much title to the name appended to it, either as regards the voice part or the accompaniment.

voice of a stranger, ballads by G. Herbert. Here's a health to thee, Mary, and The The first of these combines very sweet melody, with the simplicity and plaintive tone called for by the expression of the words, and both compositions do credit to the abilities of the composer.

1894.

View of Public Affairs.

VIEW OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS.

HAVING in our last number detailed the circumstances which preceded and attended the death of Louis XVIII, we now resume our narrative, which naturally falls into the events which followed it. As soon as propriety allowed, after his decease, the body of the King was exhibited to the people. On a plain bed, surmounted by a green canopy, it was placed in a half reclining posture, in its hands a crucifix, and on its head a cap trimmed with lace; a melancholy spectacle, and one which might have been spared. As soon as the coffin could be completed, the royal remains were placed in it, and it was transferred to the throne room of the Thuilleries, where another public exhibition took place, to please those loyal subjects, who seem to have flocked in greater numbers and with as much homage round his bier as they were represented to have done around his throne. The hall of the Marshals, and the long suite of apartments intervening between that and the throne room, were dimly lighted and hung with black; the meaning of this seems to have been to give greater effect to the show-room itself, which was one blaze of gold and brilliancy! There, elevated from the ground, covered with a gorgeous pall of cloth of gold, and surrounded with innumerable burning tapers, stood the royal coffin, upon which were placed the crown, the sword, and sceptre. All around the platform were ranged macebearers and heralds, splendidly arrayed, intermingled with the officers of the crown, and crowds, of course, attendants, who of ecclesiastical chaunted from time to time the service for the dead. Nearest to the coffin, with downcast eyes and dejected countenance, sat the mourner of many changes, the court-spectre, The French are reTalleyrand. markable for rendering their spectacles imposing, and this last touch was certainly par excellence; they should stop here, nothing can exceed it. The old regime-the sans culotterie

the republic-the empire,-and all the different, and sometimes frightful, phases of the revolution had glared and passed; and here, even by the corpse of the first monarch of the restoration, sat the only man who had survived every change, and triumphed through them all! Ex-royalistex-republican-ex-priest-ex-bishop -ex-minister-there, he crouched, the cameleon of the state; now livid with death's hue, but contemplating his brightest change in the beam of the successor ! What a spectacle! He was in the room when Louis died-watched, through his tears, the countenance of M. Portal the physician, as he leaned over the monarch; and the moment the decease was authenticated-" Go, go, and tell his Majesty," said Talleyrand. That moment and that speech might be said to have concentrated the character of his life. The funeral of Louis took place on the 23d of September, and was celebrated with all the pomp which the occasion called for. The troops under

arms amounted to 11,000, and the day passed off in the greatest tranquillity, although, as might have been expected, the entire population of Paris was in motion. The procession set forth with the scund of cannon, and all the bells of the city tolled a mournful knell. The housings of the horses were of black cloth fringed with silver, and the heads ornamented with plumes of feathers. The funeral car itself was remarkable for its magnificence; the upper part formed a canopy, surmounted by the crown of France, supported by four genii, seated, and with inverted torches. The canopy was adorned with velvet, enriched with fleurs-de-lis in gold, and sup ported by four angels bearing palm branches; at the head was the crown of France, and at the feet, the sceptre and hand of justice. Upon reaching St. Denis, the royal remains were presented by the Grand Almoner to the Dean of the Royal Chaptre, preceded by the Canons and the Clergy. The coffin was then temporarily

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