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This is the only set on the airs of Louisiana, introduced by Mr. DION BOUCICAULT in the Drama. Price 3s. ASHDOWN & PARRY, 18 Hanover Square.

MESSRS. CRAMER, BEALE & WOOD'S

NEW PUBLICATIONS.

HELLER, STEPHEN. Deuxième Canzonette. Price 48.

CRAMER, BEALE & WOOD, 201 Regent Street, W.

NAPOLEON, ARTHUR. Andante Finale, from Lucia

di Lammermoor, Op. 2. Price 3s. 6d. CRAMER, BEALE & WOOD, 201 Regent Street, W.

SYDNEY SMITH-La Harpe Eolienne. Played by the NAPOLEON, A. Grand Galop de Concert. Price 4s.

Composer daily at his Pianoforte Recitals at the Crystal Palace with extraordinary success. Price 4s.

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CRAMER, BEALE & WOOD, 201 Regent Street, W.

NAPOLEON, A.

Un Ballo in Maschera, Grand Fan

tasia. Price 4s.

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Vaillance. Morceau Militaire.
ASHDOWN & PARRY, 18 Hanover Square.

CROAL, G.

TWO GERMAN CHORALES, Sung at the Funeral

of His late Royal Highness the PRINCE CONSORT. Arranged by F. WEBER, Organist at the Royal German Chapel, St. James's Palace. Price 1s. ASHDOWN & PARRY, 18 Hanover Square.]

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ASHDOWN & PARRY, 18 Hanover Square.

Edited by

M

Old England Quadrille (illustrated).

Price 4s.

CRAMER, BEALE & WOOD, 201 Regent Street, W.

VOCAL MUSIC.

AMMA WON'T BRING ME OUT. Sung by Mrs.

G. REED, composed by T. GERMAN REED (illustrated). Price 3s.

I NEVER DOES NOTHING AT ALL. Sung by Mrs. G. REED, composed by T.
GERMAN REED (illustrated). Price 3s.

CRAMER, BEALE & WOOD, 201 Regent Street.

THOU TO WHOM MY LOVE IS ALL MY CARE.
Sung by Mr. WALTER BOLTON, composed by E. LAND. Price 2s. 6d.
CRAMER, BEALE & WOOD, 201 Regent Street.

LEFEBURE-WELY. Cantabile, Largo, Andante. Edited BRIGHTLY O'ER LAND AND OCEAN.

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Song.

ONLY FOR THEE. Song. Sung by MLLE. PAREPA, Words by G. Linley. Price

Edited

I'LL

Fugue in D minor. Edited by

ASHDOWN & PARRY, 18 Hanover Square.

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2s. 6d.

CRAMER, BEALE & WOOD, 201 Regent Street, W.

'LL TELL YOU WHY I'D LIKE TO BE A ROSE. ·
Song. H. SMART. Price 2s. 6d.

TELL ME, SWEET ZEPHYR. Song. H. SMART. Price 2s. 6d.
CRAMEE, BEALE & WOOD, 201 Regent Street, W.

Duet Semirami 'e, as sung by

GIORNO D'ORRORE.
the Sisters MARCHISIO (illustrated). Price 2s. 6d.

LE ZINGARELLA. Duet. Composed expressly for the Sisters Marchisio.
BILETTA. Price 3s.

LONDON:

CRAMER, BEALE & WOOD, 201 REGENT STREET, W.,

AND 67 CONDUIT STREET; ALSO, 207-209 REGENT STREET.

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Arranged for the Pianoforte by HENRY SMART. Price 3s.

CHOPIN'S MAZURKAS.

New and splendid Library

250 CHANTS (Single and Double), for the Voice,

Pianoforte, Organ, or Harmonium. Price Is. Also in cloth, gilt letters

and edges, price 2s.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS, price 6d. for Four Voices,

with Organ or Piano Accompaniment. Edited by W. H. BIRCH.

50 PSALM AND HYMN TUNES for Four Voices,

Organ, o, Pianoforte, suitable for every description of metre, with the Rev. W. J. HALL'S Selection of Words. Price 6d.

RINK'S

INK'S FORTY PRELUDES FOR THE ORGAN.
New Edition, price 1s.

ENRY SMART'S CHORAL BOOK, containing a ment of the words to which they are adapted. Price 5s. cloth.

7s. 6d. in cloth.

WAGNER'S TANNHAUSER. Complete Edition for
RODE, BIOLIN. New Edition, music size.

ODE, BAILLOT and KREUTZER'S METHOD FOR

STRAUS size, price 35. 6d. BOOSEY'S 100 WALTZES, by STRAUSS, LAN-
LANNER and LABITZKY.—In a large

NER and LABITZKY, for Pianoforte, including the best specimens of each Composer.

Edition of the whole of Chopin's celebrated Mazurkas, complete in one Volume, for the Pianoforte, selected from Martha, Luisa Miller, Il Trovatore, La music size. Edited by J. W. DAVISON, with Portrait of Chopin, and Life and Critical Notice by the Editor. Superbly bound, 10s. 6d.

DUSSEK and Wore by The two Sonatas, Plus

WOLFFL. The two Sonatas, Plus

J. W. DAVISON, in one Volume, with biography of each Composer. Price 4s.

HE OPERATIC ALBUM. Containing One Hundred Traviata, Rigoletto, Ernani, Les Vépres Siciliennes, Sonnambula, Norma, Puritani, Don Pasquale, Lucrezia Borgia, Lucia di Lammermoor, Liuda di Chamouni, Elisire d'Amore, Fille du Régiment, Robert le Diable, Les Huguenots. Arranged by RUDOLF NORDMANN. Splendidly illustrated, and handsomely bound in satin, price One Guinea.

MOORE'S 73 IRISH MELODIES for PIANOFORTE THE VERDI ALBUM. A Collection of Twenty-five

T

Solo, by NORDMANN. Price 2s. 6d. music size.

THALBERG'S THREE FANTASIAS, "Home, Sweet Home," "Lillie Dale," and "The last Rose of Summer," in one book, large size. Price 2s. 6d.

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popular Songs from VERDI'S Operas, in English and Italian, including many beautiful Compositions hitherto unknown in this country, and arranged in such a manner as to suit nearly every description of voice. Illustrated with a Portrait of VERDI, on India paper. Splendidly bound in crimson cloth and gold. Price 7s. 6d.

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THE BALL-ROOM MUSIC-BOOK. Price 4s. superbly THE JUVENILE PIANOFORTE ALBUM. Price

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HE GERMAN SONG-BOOK. Price 4s. handsomely for Violin, 200 English, Irish and Scotch Airs for Violin, 200 Dances and Songs for,

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this unrivalled work is now ready, price 7s. 6d., in cloth, containing 100 Sacred and Secular subjects by the greatest masters. Arranged for Harmonium by NORDMANN,

with the instructory article by HENRY SMART, for the use of persons unacquainted

BOOSEYS' FIFTY SHORT VOLUNTARIES for the

Harmonium. Price 3s. 6d. in cloth. Arranged by NORDMANN, from the works of HAYDN, MOZART, MARCELLO, BEETHOVEN, HANDEL, BACH, HASSE, NAUMAN, GLUCK, SIROLI, GRAUN, WOLF, CALDARA, CIAMPI, BASSANI, &c.

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Printed by GEORGE ANDREW SPOTTISWOODE, of No. 12 James Street, Buckingham Gate, in the Parish of St. Margaret, in the City of Westminster, at No. 5 New-street Square in the Parish of St. Bride, in the City of London. Published by JOHN BOOSEY, at the Office of BoOSEY & SONS, 28 Holles Street.-Saturday, February 15, 1862.

"THE WORTH OF ART APPEARS MOST EMINENT IN MUSIC, SINCE IT REQUIRES NO MATERIAL, NO SUBJECT-MATTER, WHOSE EFFECT
MUST BE DEDUCTED: IT IS WHOLLY FORM AND POWER, AND IT RAISES AND ENNOBLES WHATEVER IT EXPRESSES
"Göthe.

SUBSCRIPTION-Stamped for Postage-20s. PER ANNUM

Payable in advance by Cash or Post-Office Order to BOOSEY & SONS, 28 Holles Street, Cavendish Square, London, W.

VOL. 40-No. 8

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1862

GREAT HANDEL FESTIVAL,

23rd, 25th & 27th JUNE, 1862. CRYSTAL PALACE.

NOTICE THE COMPLETE PROGRAMME of the

Arrangements, with View of Orchestra of Four Thousand Performers and Block Plan of Reserved Seats, has been issued to the entire Post Office Court Directory, the Clergy List, the principal Clubs, the London and Country Press, all Railway Station Masters throughout the Country, and very extensively through other channels -Metropolitan, Provincial and Continental.

Persons or Institutions in England or abroad, not comprised within the above issue may receive the Programme on application at No. 2 Exeter Hall; if by letter, also enclosing the requisite stamps for two ounces, book-post.

Intending purchasers of tickets are reminded that the Ticket Offices at the Crystal Palace and at Exeter Hall will be open for the selection and disposal of Reserved Stall Tickets on Monday Morning, the 3rd of March.

From the number of names on the register for early information, and from the large increase of visitors to London for the International Exhibition, which will be in full operation during the time of the Festival, it is requis'te to remind persons preferring seats in any particular block, that it is most essential they should apply as early as possible after the opening of the subscription books on the 3rd of March.

To ensure an equally fair issue of tickets to applicants from a distance, the Committee pledge themselves to allot the tickets alternately to personal or written applications, if accompanied by a remittance for the requisite amount. Post Office Örders and Cheques to be payable to the order of George Grove, Esq.

The price of tickets is Two and a-half Guineas the Set for the Three Days, or One Guinea for each ticket for One Day. A few Stalls will be reserved in each Corner Gallery at Five Guineas the Set.

THE ART-WORLD.

NEW ILLUSTRATED ART PAPER.

On SATURDAY, March 1, 1862, price FIVEPENCE (Stamped for Post SIXPENCE),
No I. of

THE ART-WORLD, AND INTERNATIONAL EX

Ornamental Art and Manufactures, Engraving, Photography, Poetry, Music, the Drama, &c. Edited by HENRY OTTLEY, assisted by Writers of Eminence in the various departments of art.

"Everywhere I see around me

Rise the wondrous WORLD OF ART."-LONGFELLOW.

This Journal will give a faithful report of all the productions and doings in the whole circle of the Fine and Decorative Arts-Original Articles upon the History of Art, and the interests of Artists in their profession; Reviews of New Books relating to Art and Belles-Lettres; besides a summary of the proceedings of Artistic and Learned Societies, Art On-dits, Notes of Important Sales of Works of Art and Vertù, Correspondence, &c., copiously illustrated in a novel style.

The tone of criticism in THE ART-WORLD will be candid and impartial; intolerant of glaring error and presumptuous mediocrity; generous and encouraging in every case where merit or promise is recognised.

The contents of the International Exhibition of 1862, coming within the scope of Fine or Decorative Art, will be amply described and illustrated in THE ARTWORLD. Each Number of THE ART-WORLD will contain thirty-two handsome pages, printed in the best style upon paper of a fine quality.

Published by S. H. LINDLEY, at the Office, 19 Catherine Street, Strand, where

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MR.

R. LAMBERT will sing at the London Institution, Finsbury, Monday, February 24th, and the bass part in "Elijah," at the Musical Society of Bayswater, February 26th (Patrons, Professor S. Bennett, Cipriani Potter Esq., Sir F. Halliday, General Willoughby, &c. Conductor Mr. W. Carter), and "Dettingen Te Deum,' Locke's Macbeth Music, and Mendelssohn's "I am a Roamer" (Son & Stranger), at Chelsea, February 27th, and at Camberwell, March 1st. 15 Adelaide Square, Windsor.

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Vocalists: Miss BANKS, Miss MARTIN, Miss M. BRADSHAW; Mr. WILBYE COOPER, Mr.
WALTON SMITH, Mr. A. T. MATTACKS, Mr. ALLAN IRVING.

Instrumentalists: Pianoforte Miss FANNY HOWELL; Flute, Mr. R. S. PRATTEN;
Violin, Mr. W. WATSON; Violoncello, Mr. AYLWARD.
Conductors: Mr. E. J. HOPKINS and Mr. AYLWARD.
Sofa Stalls, 5s. Balcony, 2s. 6d. Area ls.

Tickets at AUSTIN'S Ticket Office, 28, Piccadilly; ADDISON, HOLLIER & LUCAS, 210
Regent Street; KEITH, PROWSE & Co. 48, Cheapside; PURDAY, St. Paul's Churchyard;
and of the Manager, THOMAS HEADLAND, 9 Heathcote Street, W.C.

THE MUSICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.

munications for the Editor, Advertisements, &c., are to be addressed and why re com- FOURTH SEASON, 1862. THE FIRST TRIAL of

Co., Paternoster Row.

WESTBOURNE HALL, Westbourne GROVE, BAYSWATER,

THE
THE generally, owing to the very entering recep
HE BROTHERS BOOTH beg to announce to the
tion they received at their first Concert in England in November last, they are induced
again to appear at the above elegant Hall, on Monday, February 24th, 1862, on which
occasion they have secured the assistance of the following eminent artists:-

NEW CHAMBER COMPOSITIONS will be held at the Marylebone Insti-
tution, 17 Edwards Street, Portman Square, on Wednesday Evening next, February
26th, at 8 o'clock precisely.

Members are admitted on presentation of their Ticket for 1862. Tickets not trans-
ferable.
N.B.-Evening Dress not necessary.

St. James's Hall, W.

CHARLES SALAMAN, Hon. Sec.,
36 Baker Street, Portman Square.
THE MUSICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.

Vocalists: Miss ELEONORA WILKINSON, MISS MARIAN WHEATLEY, Mr. TENNANT, FOURTH SEASON, 1862. The Members are hereby

and M. RAYMOND.

Instrumentalists: Solo Violin, Herr ALBERT BOOTH and Herr OTTO BOOTH; Solo Violoncello and Guitar, Herr FERDINAND BOOTH; Solo Pianists, Mr. G. F. KIALLMARK and Herr S. LEhmeyer.

Concert to commence at 8 o'clock precisely. Doors open at Half-past 7. Tickets: Stalls and Balcony Stalls, 3s.; Reserved Seats and Balcony-Reserved, 28.; Body of the Hall, Is. To be had at the Music Warehouse of Mr. F. COPLEY, Westbourne Grove; and at Messrs. BOOTHS' residence, 39 Clarendon Road. Notting Hill; and on the evening of the Concert at the entrance of the Westbourne Hall.

8

informed that the CHORAL PRACTICES will be resumed at the Maryle-
bone Institution, 17 Edwards Street, Portman Square, on Tuesday Evening,
March 4th, at S'o'clock precisely; and that they will be continued on the following
Tuesday Evenings, viz. :-March 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th; April 1st, 8th, 15th, 29th; May
6th, 13th, 20th, 27th June 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th; July 1st; November 4th, 11th, 18th,
25th; December 2nd, 9th, 16th.
Members will be required to produce their Tickets for 1862.9
N.B.-Tickets not transferable Chorus Director, Mr. HENRY SMART.
CHARLES SALAMAN, Hon. Sec.,

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MUSEC

WORLD

ON

DIEU ET MON

PENT

M. SAINTON begs to announce that his ANNUAL

SOIREES, for the performance of CLASSICAL CHAMBER MUSIC, will take place at his residence, 5 Upper Wimpole Street, on the following dates, at halfpast eight o'clock: Tuesdays, March, 4, 18, April, 1, and Wednesday, April 23.

Executants: Messrs. SAINTON, POLLITZER, DOYLE, WEBB, PAQUE and PIATTI. A pianist of eminence will appear on each occasion.

Subscription for the Series, one guinea and a half; for a single soirée, half a guinea, to be had of M, SAINTON at his residence, and of the principal Musicsellers.

MADAME CONCERTED BUSIC (nounce

ADAME SAINTON-DOLBY begs to announce that

be held on every Monday and Thursday throughout the season. Particulars can be obtained at Mad. SAINTON-DOLBY's residence, where the meetings take place, 5 Upper Wimpole Street.

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MLLE. GEORGI will sing at the Grand Concert to be WILHELM GANZ.-QUI VIVE! Grand Galop de

given on Wednesday Evening, the 26th instant, in St. James's Hall, for the Benefit of the BEREAVED WIDOWS AND CHILDREN of those who were killed by the dreadful accident at the HARTEY COLLIERY.

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Concert, played by the Composer with extraordinary success. Price 4s. ASHDOWN & PARRY, 18 Hanover Square.

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DEICH-RIVIERE'S OCTOROON QUADRILLES, played

MUSIC (Second Season), at the Hanover Square Rooms, on Tuesday Evenings, March 11 and 25, and April 8.

Programme of the first Concert: Trios by VOLKMANN and FRANCK, BEETHOVEN'S Trio for Violin, Viola and Violoncello in G, and Sonata (BACH). Vocalist, Miss BANKS.

Subscription Tickets, 17. 1s.; Single Tickets, 108. 6d.; Family Tickets to admit three to one Concert, One Guinea, to be obtained at the principal Music Warehouses, and of the Concert-givers.

HE MUSICAL STUDENT'S MANUAL, Combining

THE

the Essential Elements of Musical Knowledge, with a succinct guide to the reading of Vocal Music, by THOMAS MURBY, Editor of the "Golden Wreath," "New Tunes to Choice Words," &c.

DIV I-Relating to Sound, pp. 136, price 2s.

Div. II-On Rhythm, to complete the Work, will be published shortly.

The "Manual" is used as a text-book at the Borough Road, Stockwell and Westminster Training Colleges.

"One of the best elementary books for learning music, as a science, that we have yet seen. It is very cheap."-Globe.

"The subject is treated with clearness and ability. The difficulties of almost every page are cleared up as the journey proceeds, and the learner feels himself in company with a fellow-student, who, being slightly in the advance, blandly beckons him on.' Critic.

"New Tunes to Choice Words." Second Edition. 32 Easy, Original, Juvenile four-part Songs, cloth 8vo, ls. 6d.

"So widely known and prized in schools."-Educational Record. Messrs. BoCSEY & SONS, 28 Holles Street, W.; Messrs. GROOM BRIDGE & SONS, Paternoster Row.

COLLARD AND COLLARD'S NEW WEST-END

ESTABLISHMENT, 16 Grosvenor Street, Bond Street, where all communications are to be addressed. Pianofortes of all classes for Sale and Hire. City Branch, 26 Cheapside, E. C.

ASHDOWN and PARRY (successors to Wessel and Co.)

beg to inform the Profession that they forward Parcels on Sale upon receipt of references in town. Returns to be made at Midsummer and Christmas. Their Catalogues, which contain a great variety of Music calculated for teaching purposes, may be had, post-free, on application.

London 18 Hanover Square.

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nightly at the Theatre Royal, Adelphi, under the direction of the Composer. This is the only set on the airs of Louisiana, introduced by Mr. DION BOUCICAULT in the Drama. Price 3s. ASHDOWN & PARRY, 18 Hanover Square.

SYDNEY SMITH-LA HARPE EOLIENNE.

Played by the Composer daily at his Pianoforte Recitals at the Crystal Palace with unabated success. Price 4s. ASHDOWN & PARRY, 18 Hanover Square.

BRINLEY RICHARDS.

H.

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- YANKEE DOODLE.

ASHDOWN & PARRY, 18 Hanover Square.

W. GOODBAN. ..FLOWER. Price 3s.

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ASHDOWN & PARRY, 18 Hanover Square.

ULES BRISSAC.-T'AMO, SI T'AMO The

JULES

JUI

Price 3s.

ASHDOWN & PARRY, 18 Hanover Square.

ULES BRISSAC.

DIXEY'S LAND. Price 3s.

ASHDOWN & PARRY, 18 Hanover Square.

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PRINTANNIERE.

VAILLANCE. Morceau Mili

ASHDOWN & PARRY, 18 Hanover Square.
- FLEUR
Fantaisie-Mazurka de Salon. Price 3s.
ASHDOWN & PARRY, 18 Hanover Square.

HENRI ROUBIER.

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ASHDOWN & PARRY, 18 Hanover Square.

ULES SPRENGER. -INVITATION à la POLKA. Morceau de Salon. Price 3s.

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ASHDOWN & PARRY, 18 Hanover Square.

SPRENGER.-SOUS le BALCON. SerenadeSalon, Price 25. 6d.

ASHDOWN & PARRY, 18 Hanover Square,

LONDON: ASHDOWN & PARRY.

MUSIC IN BERLIN. (From our own Correspondent.)

THERE has been little novelty at the Royal Opera House lately, the attractions having consisted of Nurmahal, La Fille du Régiment, and tains the part iof the fairy Zeila, and makes more of it, both vocally and dramatically, than any of her predecessors whom I have seen undertake it here. Leaving the stage awhile for the concert-room, I have to chronicle the third Soirée for Chamber Music, given by Herren Zimmermann and Stahlknecht, a very agreeable entertainment, with regard to the pieces selected, as well as to the manner in which they were executed. Among the old favourites were Schubert's Pianoforte Trio, Op. 100, and Beethoven's Quartet in F major. In the way of novelty, there was a Quartet by Herr Stahlknecht, of which I am inclined to think favourably. Herr Becker, who is well known as a violinist in Paris, and, if I mistake not, in London*, has produced a favourable impression of his talent, on the occasion of his first appearance here, when he played some Paganinian variations, and Mendelssohn's Violin-concerto. In the former he astonished the general public; in the latter he proved his right to be considered a musician fit to interpret the works of the giants of art. The programme of the fourth Sinfonie-concert, by the Royal Chapel, comprised Beethoven's Overture to King Stephen, Mozart's Symphony in G minor, the "Reigen secliger Geiste," from Gluck's Orpheus, Cherubini's Overture to Anacreon, and Beethoven's Symphony in C major-a goodly array, as I am prepared to assert against all comers, although, it is true, the first-named overture was a pièce de circonstance, and is one of the least vigorous compositions that ever came from the pen of the mighty master. Gluck's contribution delighted the audience so much that they insisted on its repetition, yet, to my mind, the effect would have been greater still, had the well-known "Dance of Furies," from the same opera, been played first, as on former occasions. Cherubini's overture to Anacreon-one of the show-pieces, by the bye, of the Royal Chapel-fully maintained its old popularity. That both symphonies were performed in a manner worthy of this celebrated band, it is perhaps, superfluous to add. That of Beethoven's I never heard more beautifully rendered. At the third concert of the Singacademie the attraction was Blumner's oratorio of Abraham, first performed by the Society in March 1860. The choruses were given with great precision, and materially enhanced the effect of the solos, in which, on the present occasion, Herr Krause, of the Royal Opera House, took part.

the Lac des Fées. In the last-named Mad. Masius-Braunhofer sus

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A large number of invitations was issued for the last Court Concert, in the White Hall of the Royal Palace, M. Meyerbeer, Royal Musical Director-general, acting as conductor. The first piece in the programme was Beethoven's overture to Coriolanus; then followed the Waltz-song," from M. Gounod's Faust, sung by Mlle. Lucca, and the Inflammatus," from Rossini's Stabat Mater, by Mad. Köster. The first part was brought to a conclusion by the "Miserere," from Il Trovatore. The second part began with the introductory music and bridal chorus from Lohengrin. Next came G. M. Gounod's " Ave Maria," sung by Mad. Köster, with violin accompaniment by Herr Becker; and finally M. Meyerbeer's imposing "Coronation March," performed by two orchestras, the effect of which was exceedingly grand.

Mozart's birthday, the 27th January, was allowed to pass over with out any particular demonstration on the part of amateurs and professors here. About the only exception was the performance of the overture to Die Zauberflöte, and the Symphony in C with Fugue (Jupiter), at the fifth Soirée for classical orchestral music, given by Herr Liebig. Herr Hans von Bülow has returned from the Netherlands, where, according to report, he was very successful; but then Herr von Bülow is pianist to the king, and the good Netherlanders, like the Germans, have great respect for any one who is " Königlicher" this, or " Hof" that. The gentle musician's cheval de bataille appears to have been Liszt's Transcription of the waltz from M. Gounod's Faust, which he played at almost every concert. He is loud in praise of the orchestras in Holland.

The Italian performances at the Royal Opera House were brought to a close a few days since. A season of three months in Berlin may be taken as a fair test of the capabilities of the company; the mere fact that the original term agreed on, namely, two months, was extended to three, is a convincing proof of their excellence. Yet an attentive observer could easily perceive the difference between this year and the preceding ones. There was no such lively interest as in the previous season, and scarcely any enthusiasm, while, when there was any manifestation of the latter feeling, it was confined to a few individuals. Whence arose this coolness?

* Monday Popular Concerts, to wit.-ED,

Whence sprang this sudden want of sympathy? Were not the greatest female artists in the world assembled here? Was not the favourite of favourites with the Berlin public, namely, Zelia Trebelli, again engaged? Were not the Sisters Marchisio, and Adelina Patti, who was preceded by so brilliant a reputation, worthy of the most lively interest? We Many will assert that the want of a good tenor was the principal cause. must seek for the reasons of public apathy in some other circumstance. Without absolutely denying the truth of this assertion, I believe it cannot be logically maintained. I must, therefore, seek some other reason. For two years, the public had given itself up to the intoxicating excitement of Italian music; raving about La Traviata; in raptures with Rigoletto; worshipping Il Trovatore. I mean, of course, only the great mass of the public, for competent judges were invariably calm and moderate. Without wishing to dispute the excellences of the above operas, to which some few others might be added, I say that, for German tastes, they do not, in the long run, possess sufficient attraction to create a lasting enthusiasm. Accomplished singers appeared and charmed the public, and, in the general excitement, even persons of less talent were accounted great. Such was the state of Italian operas in past years, a state which justified Eugenio Merelli, who could call the greatest artistic celebrities his own, in looking forward, full of hope, to the season just over. But circumstances had changed. The result of two years' rapture was a marked reaction; and now ensued a want of interest, bordering upon apathy. Much has been said and written for and against Italian Opera in Berlin. Some thought it uncalled for, while others regarded it as a necessity in "the metropolis of art."* adopting either of these views, I confine myself to fact, and, from the experience gained, believe I am justified in saying that a mediocre Italian company dares no longer show itself here, and that even a combination of first-rate artists, such as we had last season, would find it difficult to maintain a position for any lengthened period. A retrospective glance at the events of the now defunct season, will prove that the impresario Merelli has deserved the_thanks of the public, though much is due, on the other hand, to the Intendance-general, who, at a large sacrifice, provided a body of singers, such as few Italian theatres in Europe could show. Italian Opera has become a matter of fashion; the members of the Parisian beau monde meet each other at the Théâtre Italien, while the rendezvous of the London aristocracy is Covent Garden Theatre. But apart from this national and fashionable view of the case, which, at Berlin, may, perhaps, be placed in the background, an annual and not immoderately extended series of Italian performances possesses attraction for amateurs and professional men; and when artists of first-rate talent are engaged, it is of undoubted value. If, therefore, Herr von Hülsen made a sacrifice for the sake of art, he ought not to be blamed, but, on the contrary, is entitled to gratitude. By introducing singers of the first class, his object was to give the art establishment intrusted to his care its proper rank.

Without

The season began with the Sisters Marchisio, who alone sufficed to keep alive public; interest for months. Then there was Mlle. Trebelli, who showered out, in a single breath, an entire cornucopia of bravura and solfeggi, entrancing with the nobleness of her style, and conquering with the clear, bell-like tones of her voice. Mlles. Rideri and Brunetti (to proceed) were also valuable acquisitions; and, last not least, Adelina Patti, the girlish vocalist, who speedily transported her English triumphs here, and, by a rich combination of artistic excellences, brought the season to a brilliant conclusion. Six such ladies in one company is almost unexampled, and shows clearly the object of the management of the Royal Theatre to have been the gratification of the public. If we cannot think as favourably of the gentlemen, the reason is that even in Italy there are not many really great men-singers; and that we must be content with such as can with least discredit fill their place. Signore Zacchi, Agnesi, and Squarcia, were very good, and if the tenors Pancani, Montanaro and Tiberini, were less commendable, a double obligation is due to Herr Theodor Formes, for having, with such readiness, come to the rescue of the Italian repertory, and enabling Lucia and Il Trovatore to be played towards the close of the season.

Sig. Orsini conducted the performances in a manner which showed him thoroughly acquainted with the repertory, the style in which he got up Un Ballo in Maschera especially demonstrating his musical ability.The Italians have left Berlin, but, it is hoped, only to return next winter and delight us with more that is beautiful and new.

VALE.

HAMBURG.-The members of the orchestra and chorus at the Stadt theatre lately serenaded Herr Neswadba for the great pains he took in getting up M. Gounod's Faust.

* What will Paris say to this ?-ED.

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