task he had contemplated at Lynn Regis; and no sooner was it known to be in actual progress, then half the sovereigns of Europe, and the learned of every nation, subscribed to the forth ADVERTISEMENTS. coming work. The first volume of his "General History of MR. NEATE begs to announce that he intends, in the course of next month, to publish an Essay on Pianoforte fingering, chiefly as connected with expression. Price 10s. to subscribers (whose names must be addressed to the author, No. 2, Chapel-street, Portland Place), and 15s. to nonsubscribers. Music" appeared in 1776, the second volume in 1782, the third in 1787, and the fourth in 1788. The great Musical Festival at Westminster Abbey, in commemoration of Händel, taking place in 1785, it was intimated to the Doctor that the King would be pleased at seeing a history of that noble performance. MISS BLANCHE CAPILL (Pupil of Louis Leo-Voice, He accordingly gave an account in a quarto volume, one copy of which was liberally presented to every musician who had assisted on that splendid occasion. In 1796 he published the Mezzo-Soprano), Professor of Music and Singing, 47, Alfred-street, Riverterrace, Islington, where letters respecting pupils or engagements may be addressed. life of Metastasio in three volumes quarto. He afterwards MR. H. COOPER, Concert Agent.- Professors and others wrote "The Cunning Man,” “ An Essay towards the History of Comets," and "A. Plan for a Public Music School." While his literary labours spread his name through Europe, lished solos for various instruments, sonatas for the harpsichord, his musical productions added to his mental honours. He pubwith violin and violoncello accompaniments, and a piece for two performers on one pianoforte, the first production of the kind. For many years Dr. Burney resided in the house (No. 36, St. Isaac Newton. During the last fifteen or sixteen years of his life, he was organist of Chelsea Hospital, where, besides a handsome salary, he had an elegant suite of apartments; and where he died, in May, 1814. VAUDEVILLE THEATRE AT PARIS.-This theatre derives its appellation from the nature of the pieces of which its entertainments consist, which are generally short, interesting dramas, with the introduction of a song (the Vaudeville), about every three minutes. This song, as ancient as Charlemagne, is a kind of rustic ballad, that borrows its name from Vaude vire, a Nord man town, where dwelt Oliver Bassel, the inventor of this description of air. HAYDN'S CREATION.-In the evening of the 23rd of May, 1853, though very weary, C. persuaded me to accept an invitation to hear the Creation, at Exeter Hall, performed by the London giving Concerts in Town or Country, may be supplied with Vocal and Instrumental Performers on applying, by letter, to Mr. Cooper, No. 44, Upper Charlotte-street, Fitzroy-square. solos, lead Quartets, etc., etc.-For terms apply (by letter) to Mr. Cooper, No. 44, MR. H. C. COOPER, who has just returned to Town for the season, gives lessons on the Violin, accepts engagements to perform Upper Charlotte-street, Fitzroy-square. MISS MILNER, Vocalist (Soprano), will be happy to accept engagements to sing at Oratorios, Concerts, etc., etc.-For terms the public, that she receives pupils at her residence, No. 14, Hanwaystreet, Oxford-street, where letters respecting engagements will be received. WANTED, a Small Finger Organ with Foot Pedals swell, and three or four stops, not exceeding £20. 8, Clarence-road, Kent sh-town. Address G. F. F., MR. FRANK BODDA begs to inform his friends and pupils he has returned to Town after his Provincial Tour, and that his Vocal Classes will commence the second week in February. No. 2, Nottingham Terrace, York Gate, Regent's-park. RAND UNION BAGPIPES.-A beautiful set, GE fitted up in ivory, for sale, the property of a gentleman who does not play the instrument. Price £8 88.-Apply at 19, Upper Cumming-street, Islington. MR. CHAS. SALAMAN'S MUSICAL LECTURES, "On the Ancient Keyed-Stringed Instruments." and "On the Invention and Development of the Pianoforte," will be delivered by him at the Hanover MR.Shackell (Lessee of the Assembly Rooms, Carmarthen), begs leave Square Rooms, on the 15th and 27th March. R. BRINLEY RICHARDS AT CARMARTHEN. to announce that a Grand Concert will be given for his benefit on Wednesday evening, Feb. 7, for which occasion he has secured the services of the eminent pianist Mr. Brinley Richards, who will visit Carmarthen expressly for this Concert. The Carmarthen Musical Society has kindly promised its aid. Mr. Brinley pour la Syrie," "The Recollections of Wales," "La Reine Blanche," and also several Richards will play his celebrated arrangements of "Rule. Britannia," Partant Sacred Harmonie Society. The Committee had kindly reserved founder and for twenty years conductor of the oratorios, prethe North Gallery for us, and when we went in, Mr. Surman, sented me with a beautiful bound copy of the Creation. Having never heard it before, I could not compare the performance with others. I heard it as I should hear a poem read, simply thinking of the author's ideas, and not of the style of reading. Haydn I was thinking of-the bright, brilliant, cheerful Haydn-who, when complained of for making church music into dancing tunes, replied, "When I think of God, my soul is always so full of joy that I want to dance !" The Creation is a descriptive poem-IMPROV the Writing Institution, 93, Farringdou-street, Fleet-street, City.the garden parts unite Thomson and Milton's style-the whole effect pastoral, yet brilliant. I was never more animated. I had had a new experience; it is worth while to know nothing to have such a fresh sensation-Mrs. Stowe's Sunny Memories of Foreign Lands. of Mendelssohn's most admired "Lieder Ohne Worte." SYSTEM OF PENMANSHIP, by MR. Persons of any age (however bad their writing) can, by taking Eight Lessons, speedily acquire à expeditious and well-formed style of Penmanship, adapted either to business, professional pursuits, or private correspondence, at 18. 6d. per Lesson, or the Course of Eight Lessons for 10s. 6d. Arithmetic and Book-keeping practically taught in all its branches. Short-hand taught in a few lessons. Separate Rooms for Ladies. Prospectuses to be had at the Institution. GREEN'S LITTLE SONGS for LITTLE SINGERS.Just published, in one handsome volume, with 11 Ilustrations, half bound, gilt edges, price 10s., this celebrated Selection of Juvenile Songs, by the most esteemed authors and composers. Also, just published, price 12s. half-bound, gilt edges, Green's Nursery Songs and Duets, containing 29 songs and 16 duets, adapted express y for very young singers and performers. Boosey and Sons, 28, Holles-street, London. LONDON SACRED HARMONIC SOCIETY.-The Creation was performed on Wednesday night, and attracted a pretty numerous audience despite the severity of the weather. The solo vocalists were Mrs. Sunderland, Mr. Donald King, and Mr. H. Phillips. The oratorio was preceded by Dr. Elvey's new cantata, the solos given by Mr. Dyson. There is no work more familiar to the members of the London Sacred Harmonic Society, or more immediately within their resources than the Creation, and consequently a thoroughly satisfactory performance is always AIR SHINES the MOON TO-NIGHT, the original anticipated. Nor were the subscribers disappointed on Wednesday night. The oratorio was performed in a manner highly creditable to the Society and to Mr. Surman, the zealous and indefatigable conductor. Of Mrs. Sunderland's singing we cannot speak too highly. She was in her best possible voice, and gave the airs "In verdure clad," and "On mighty wings," with great purity, and true devotional feeling. If Mrs. Sunderland sang always as she did on Wednesday night, she would be entitled to translation of La Donna è Mobile, from Rigoletto, sung by Mario and Sims Reeves. Price 1s. Sole proprietors and publishers, Boosey and Bous, 28, Hollesstreet. SCUOLA ITALIANA DI CANTO, in two books, price 4s. each.-Book 1 contains a selection of Daily Exercises for the use of all voice. Book 2, a Collection of the best Solfeggi, by Crescentini (published in no other edition). This very useful work is recommended to the attention of all Singing Masters. It will be found to supply a desideratum long required. Boosey and Sons, 28, Holles-street. rank with the very highest of our English singers. The remainder MADAME OURY'S PARTANT POUR LA SYRIE. of the performance calls for no particular notice. Edition. Price 8. Boosey and Sons, 28, Holles-street. MADAME OURY'S pour le Piano. Price 4s. G. A. OSBORNE'S MAZURKA A SELECT LIST OF THE MOST CELEBRATED Italian Trios, Quartetts, BRILLANTE, A che smarriti pallide.-Quartett T, B, B, & B Battaglia .. Trovatore Beatrice etc. Verdi. "GOOD NIGHT WELL" (Kücken). Transcribed for the Piano. Price 3s. LA LUNE DE MIEL VALSE, by MONTAGNE. Splendidly illustrated. Price 38. Full Band Parts, 5s.. Septett 3s. 6d. "THE 4. Complete List of Music published throughout the Kingdom between 1st of January and 31st December, 1854. 5. Names of Professors, Music-sellers, and Musical Instrument Manufacturers, throughout the Kingdom, with their Addresses, &c. Rudall, Rose, Carte, and Co., 100. New Bond-street, and 20, Charing Cross. NOTICE-LAURENTS' GUIDES GALOP and ZOUAVES' POLKA as performed by Laurent's Band, are published only by Being the most effective compositions of the Boosey and Sons, 28, Holles-street. kind which have appeared for many years, bandmasters and conductors are recommended to procure the orchestral parts, which are now just published, The pianoforte copies are 23. 6d. each, illustrated price 5s, each. LA AURENT'S GALOP DES GUIDES, performed every ENRI LAURENT'S VALSE DU CARNAVAL HENRI VALSE DU weeks, and on every evening with an chicore. It include the Carnaval de Venise, with variations for nine instruments. The Band parts will be published in a few days. The Pianoforte copy without the variations, but with all the original waltzes, is published, price 38. TWELVE 8. Where is the Home. NEW [EW PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY, EXETER HALL. OTHIC HARPS, Double-action, with every improve. Angiol di Dio-Trio Angiol di Pace-Trio Asia l'in faville-Quartett Ave (1) Maria-Quartett S, C, T, & B E Paleste il Tradimento-Sextett S, S, T Lieto fra voi ritorno-Quartett S, S, T, & B L'utalo Adir.-Trio S. C, B Madre del sommo amore S, T, & B Non piu Nozze.-Quintette 8, S, C, T, & B Nella Caduca.-Quartett Oh come Mai.-Septett S, S, T, T, B, B, & B Oro quant oro,-Trio S, T, & B Per la saivata Italia.-Trio S. S, & B Gordigiani. Aureliana in Palmira Rossini. Presentarti alla Duchessa.-Quartett S, T, B, & B Luisa Miller Quando corpus.-Quartette S, S, T, & B Un di se ben rammento mi.-Quartette Florimo. Rigoletto Verdi. Sonnambula Verdi. ENGLISH VERSIONS. If I saw it.-Quartett S, S, T, & B Lisa, too, can I wrong her?-Quartett S, S, T, & B IT London; Boosey & Sons, 28, Holles Street. TALIE POLKA, BY GAVIOLI.-This favourite Polka, so long in demand, is now published, price 2s. 6d. The copyright is secured by the French International Treaty, and any infringement of it will be Published (for the proprietor) by Boosey and Sons, immediat ly prosecuted. 28, Holles street, AUBER'S celebrated Romance, "ON YONDER ROCK Voss. RECLINING," easily and brilliantly transcribed for the Piano, by CHARLES SON ONGS IN THE NIGHT.-Job. ch. 35, v. 10.-Six LETTER.—“There came a Tale to England," written by W. H. BELLAMY; Music by J. W. HOBBS. spirit-stirring national song is founded on and embodies, the letter of Her Most Gracious Majesty, expressing her sympathy and admiration at the conduct of her suffering troops. Addison and Hollier, 210, Regent-street. EXETER HALL-Mrs. FANNY KEMBLE will have To the honour of Rading Shakspeare's Play of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, on MONDAY EVENING nex', Feb. 5. The reading will be accompanied by the whole of the incidental Music, composed by Mendelssohn, and performed by a full Orchestra and Chorus, under the direct on of Mr. Benedict. commence punctually at 8 o'clock.-Reserved seats (numbered), 78. 6d. ; reserved seats (not numbered, 58.; west gallery, 3s.; area, 28. Tickets and places may be secured at Mr. Mitchell's Royal Library, 33, Old Bond-street, at the musicsellers and libraries, and at the office, No. 6, in Exeter Hall. SONGS, by the Author of "Charles Auchester."THREE SON, THREE SONGS, dedicated to the Marchioness of Hastings, NOTICE-BOOSEY'S UNIVERSAL SINGING by the Any the Carrier Pigeon, Price 28. Ouch. Boosey and Sons, 26, Holles-street METHOD is the cheapest and the most instructive and useful system of singing that has appeared. It contains the best exercises by Bordogui, Garcia, Vaccaj, Righini, Rossini, &c., besides a complete course of instruction in the mode of cultivating and producing the voice, and five popular songs and duets by celebrated composers. Price 6s., in a large vol., cloth, Boosey and Sons, 28, Holles-street. 3, "By THE VILLAGE BLACKSMITH-The words by Cramer, Beale, and Co., 201, Regent-street; and Messrs. Addison and Hollier, 210, Regent-street. HAPPELL'S FOREIGN MODEL PIANOFORTE. TO MILITIA REGIMENTS.-NOTICE-Command-CHA ing Officers of Militia requiring Bands are respectfully invited to apply to Messrs. Boosey and Sons, 28, Holles-street, Military Musical Instrument Manufacturers to Her Majesty's Army and Navy, the Governor-General of India, &c. &c., who undertake to form and supply Bands with every requisite, including Instruments with their appurtenances, Music of the very best description and at the most moderate prices, together with Bandmaster and Musicians of acknowledged talent. PRICE FIFTY GUINEAS.-This instrument has (unlike the ordinary cottage pianoforte) THREE STRINGS, and the fullest grand compass of SEVEN OCTAVES. It is strengthened by every possible means to endure the greatest amount of wear, and to stand perfectly in any climate. The workmanship is of the best description, the tone is round, full, and rich, and the power equal to that of a Bichord Grand. The Case is of the most elegant construction in Rosewood, (vide the sketch), the touch elastic, and the repetition very rapid. Every possible precaution has been taken to insure its standing well in tune. Mr. Chappell especially invites the attention of the public, the profession, and merchants to the FOREIGN MODEL, feeling assured that no pianoforte, in all respects comparable, has hitherto been made in England at the same price. Every instrument will be warranted, and (if desired) exchanged within twelve months of the purchase. 50, New Bond-street, Loudon. EATING'S COUGH LOZENGE S. K A CERTAIN REMEDY for disorders of the Pulmonary Organs-in diffi THE HE ENCHANTRESS POLKA, by JULIANO.-Piano-culty of Breathing-in Redundancy of Phlegm-in Incipient Consumption (of forte, 28. Orchestra, 58. Septett, 3s. 6d. Boosey and Sons, 28, Holles-street. THE BEST Price 4s., in a pocket vol. (cloth, gilt edges). The companion to the Psalm and Hymn Book, by GEORGE FORBES, Containing fifty-six standard and original psalm tunes, and thirty-five single and double chants, with accompaniment of the organ and pianoforte. The selection of words by the Rev. W. J. HALL. Boosey and Sons, 28, Holles-street. THE SIXTH EDITION. Price 28. for Piano Solo; 3s. for Piano Duet; 5s. for Orchestra, and 3s. 6d. for Septett. Boosey and Sons, 28, Holles-street. THE KONIGSBERG POLKA, by C. M. which Cough is the most positive indication) they are of unerring efficacy. In Asthma, and in Winter Cough, they have never been known to fail. Keating's Cough Lozenges are free from every deleterious ingredient; they may, therefore, be taken at all times, by the most delicate female and by the youngest child; while the Public Speaker and the Professional Singer will find them invaluable in allaying the hoarseness and irritation incidental to vocal exertion, and consequently a powerful auxiliary in the production of melodious enunciation Prepared and sold in boxes, 1s. 1d., and tins, 2s. 9d., 4s 6d, and 10s. 6d. each, by Thomas Keating, Chemist, etc., No. 79, St. Paul's Churchyard, London. The Testimonials of their efficacy are too numerous for publication. IMPORTANT TO SINGERS AND PUBLIC SPEAKERS. St Paul's Cathedral, 30th Nov., 1849. SIR,-I have much pleasure in recommending your Lozenges to those who may be distressed with hoarseness. They have afforded me relief on several occasions when scarcely able to sing from the effects of Catarrh. I think they would be very useful to Clergymen, Barristers, and Public Orators. I am, Sir, yours faithfully, To Mr. Keating. THOMAS FRANCIS, Vicar Choral. QUIDANT'S ETOILES FILANTES Edi- THE ROYAL PANOPTICON OF SCIENCE AND tion.) Price 38. Copyright of Boosey and Sons, 28, Holles-street. PRUDENT'S LE RÉVEIL DES FÉES. Edition.) Price 4s. Copyright of Boosey and Sons, 28, Holles-street. THE (Third HE SUMMER BLOOM IS PASSED: Ballad. By MISS HAY. A third edition of this very popular and beautiful ballad is published by Boosey and Sons, 28, Holles-street. THE PATENT DUETT CONCERTINA, ordinary instrument comprises two Concertinas in one; each having unison notes, THE CONCERTINA MISCELLANY.-Just Published, price 2s. 6d., the first number of the Concertina Miscellany, a new periodical of Popular Music for Concertina Solo, and Concertina and Pianoforte. To be continued every month. Subscription, per annum, 21., or postage free, 278. The number for January contains a Fantasia on Masaniello for Concertina and Piano, by GEORGE CASE. Boosey and Sons, 28, Holles-street. Tand 7, solo sque COMPOSERS ABOUT TO PUBLISH.-JEWELL Printing and Publishing of every description of Musical Work, greatly under the usual charges. The works are produced in the best style, combining taste with economy. Attention is also particularly paid to the publishing department. M.S. works revised and prepared for press. Estimates given. JEWELL and LETCHFORD, Music Publishers and Pianoforte Manufacturers, 17, Soho Square. ART, LEICESTER SQUARE.-The Building comprises a large circular Hall, 100 feet in diameter, and 100 feet high, surrounded by three Galleries, and surmounted by a Dome, the whole gorgeously decorated in the Saracenic style of architecture. The Exhibition includes a splendid Fountain, throwing the water 100 feet; a Crystal Tank, holding 6,000 gallons of water, for the display of Messrs. Heinke's Diving Apparatus, of the Electric Light under water, and other subaqueous experiments; a Cosmorama of St. Petersburg with Portrait of the Emperor Nicholas; a Transparent Screen, 32 feet wide, and 36 feet high, for the display of Dioramic Views, of the Chromatrope, and of other optical effects, a magnificent Organ, containing 4,004 pipes, with the bellows worked by steam power, the of Sacred, and Operatic Music is performed daily at intervals, by Mr. W. T. Best, richest and most powerful instrument of its kind in existence, on which a variety the Organist of the Institution; a gigantic Electric Machine, the largest ever constructed, the plate ten feet in diameter, with a large Leyden Battery attached; Voltaic Batteries of high power on a novel principle; and in the two Galleries, a variety of machinery and manufacturing processes in action, including the Nassau Steam Printing Machine, a complete series of Whitworth's Machinery, Kirby and Beard's Pin and Needle Machines, Perkins' Apparatus for the Combustion of Steel, Brock's Ornamental Sawing Machine, Prideaux's Patent Self-closing Furnace Valve for the prevention of smoke, &c., an Ascending Carriage, Brett's Electric Telegraph, &c., &c. ; a selection of Sculpture, including Monti's Veiled Figure, "The Houri," executed expressly for the Institution, a Gallery of Pictures on sale, and other objects of Art. Distin's celebrated Flügel Horn Union every evening. Attached to the Institution are two Lecture Rooms, in which demonstrations are given several times daily, in various branches of Science and Art, and Lectures delivered from time to time on Literary and Scientific subjects: a spacious Laboratory and Chemical School; a Photographic Gallery, in which portraits are taken. Open daily: Morning, 12 to 5; Evening (Saturday excepted), 7 to 10. Admission 1s. Schools and Children under 10, half price. ALBINOLO'S OINTMENT having been forwarded by the Army Medical Board to the Hospital at Scutari, the Proprietor of this invaluable discovery having been severely wounded, and cured with this ointment 48 years ago, at the battle of Jena, will present every soldier going to the seat of war with a box to dress his wounds or sores, as a token of sympathy for his HARP MUSIC "Partant Pour la Syrie," arranged sufferpos, duty included, lylebone-street, Regent-street. for the harp by J. BALSIR CHATTERTON (harpist to Her Majesty the Queen); also, by the same arranger, "Les Adieux de Grisi," a dramatic fantasia on melodies sung by Madame Grisi the last night of her performance in England. London: Addison and Hollier, 210, Regent-street. JUST UST Published, INKERMANN, or The SOLDIERS' Officers of the Allied Armies. By the Composer of "Varna Valse," The profits arising from the sale of the latter are appropriated to the Patriotic Fund. Boosey and Sons, 28, Holles-street. In Pots, included, 1s. 14d., 2s. 9d., 4s. 6d., 11s., 228., and 33s. On the 22nd November, I delivered eight large tin boxes, containing together 200lbs., to Dr. Andrew Smith, Director to the Army Medical Board, to send them to the Army in the Crimea. OLLOWAY'S PILLS a sure remedy for Indigestion, HOLI Bile, and disordered Stomachs.-Mr. Patrick O'Brien, of Newtownards, had frequent attacks of bile and indigestion, particularly after indulging freely in the luxuries of the table. His appetite was good, but his digestion weak, which obliged him to have recourse to medicine as oft-changed as told, for he seldom obtained more than_temporary relief, relapsing again into the same unpleasantness. Holloway's Pills were recommended to him after all, and it is quite indiscriminately, without fear of suffering from his former ailments.-Sold by all Vendors of Medicine, and at Professor Holloway's Establishment, 244, Strand, London; and 80, Maiden-lane, New York. EW PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY, Exeter-hall.- astonishing to see the benefit he has derived from them, as he can now eat NEW Subscribers and the public are informed that the CONCERTS of the ensuing season will take place in Exeter-hall, commencing in February. Subscription for reserved seats, 2 28.; professional subscribers, 1 18.; subscription tickets for west gallery, 1 1s. Conductors-M. HECTOR BERLIOZ and Dr. WYLDE. Subscribers' names received at Messrs. Cramer, Beale, and Co.'s, 201 Regent-street. THE LONDON ORCHESTRA. Conductor, Mr. FRANK MORI; Leader, Mr. THIRLWALL. Including Messrs. Barret, Lazarus, Baumann, Rémusat, Lovell Phillips, Prospère, Mount, Mann, Cioffi, Zeiss, Tolbecque, Nadaud, Chipp, &c. For terms apply to Mr. A. Guest, 1, Kingston Russell-place, Oakley-square, Camden-town, or Messrs. Cramer, Beale, and Co., 201, Regent-street. Published by JOHN BOOSEY, of 27, Notting Hill Square, in the parish of Kensington, SUBSCRIPTION:-Stamped for Postage, 20s. per annum-Payable in advance, by Cash or Post Office Order, to BOOSEY & SONS, 28, Holles Street, Cavendish Square. VOL. 33.-No. 6. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1855. REACTIONARY LETTERS. No. V. (Continued from page 70.) THE world is full of small money, in spite of California and Australia. The present age is rich in talent, but poor in really eminent minds. Or do people of merely mediocre abilities appear more numerous because they make so much noise? Or has the Evil Demon, Sin, actually forced its way into Nature? for, according to her mysterious code of laws, superfluity of any kind is a crimen capitale. However this may be, one thing is certain, namely: there are at present many persons of a subordinate class of mind; for whenever any individual happens to rise a little above the common herd, a number of slaves cling to him, as to their sovereign, playing, also, in their turn, the tyrant a little, and, with puritanical rigidity, filling their mouths in order to spirt forth toads, reptiles, and other pestilential horrors (with which names they favour the music of their predecessors). This is small money, large copper pence, several of which are required to make up a sovereign. They are doomed at last to the wash-kettle, while the golden coin just mentioned is changed into jewellery, and heightens the charms of beauty. As we happen to be near the wash-copper, we will just wash off something-namely, the paint from the earthy faces of the Sectarians. This paint is the Drama of the Future. Wagner has prattled about it so interestingly in his book on Drama and Opera, that even learned men were prejudiced in its favour, the more so as he gives striking examples of the vast amount of nonsense sometimes contained in operas. For instance, the dearly-beloved of some knight is in danger of losing her life; she has been caught by the branch of a tree as she was falling from a rock, and is bobbing to and fro, sustained by her necklace alone, as a thief swings on the gallows in free England, for stealing a crown-piece.* The hero who remarks her danger, resolves to save her, but, previously to doing so, begins an air, with recitative, adagio and allegro, to which the chorus replies fifty times over, "Yes, yes," or, "Fly, fly, and save her." But stage vocalists are not even contented with the long air and fioriture the composer has assigned them; they must add certain cadences, in which some high or deep note, that they happen to have in their throats, is introduced, a deep For E for a bass, and a high B or even C for a tenor, or, if they are good hands at a shake, a few shakes; if they can manage the chromatic scale, they must have one or two flights in that style; then comes the conclusion with a "Yes" from the chorus, and the knight rushes off, with a round of applause, to save his dangling beloved. It is exceedingly noble and even virtuous in Wagner not to hesitate exposing the weaknesses of his colleagues! "La noblesse est fille de la vertu," says Crébillon (although the daughter has often destroyed the mother). It is also very virtuous on his part to fall into a similar error-in Lohengrin, to wit-when he finds it totally impossible to pacify King Henry, because one knight has given another knight a rap on the head. Wagner lets him keep continually singing, "Heil deiner Art, Heil deiner Fahrt," and always da capo (which is far superior to the air of rescue we have mentioned above, with the "Yes, The author of the Letters here gives proof of his intimate knowledge of English law.-TRANSLATOR. PRICEd. STAMPEL 5d. 66 Band yes," of the chorus). As we have said, this is virtuous, exceed ingly virtuous in Herr Wagner, for it proves that he is no egotist, that his heart is not in his head, but, like that of any of his predecessors, near his bellows or lungs, and that he is not and may as well, therefore, earn the salary he gets as a deep inclined to spare those of his king. The latter is on the stage, bass. What is he paid for? This reminds us of the Austrian colonel, who, lost in deep meditation, listened awhile to the performance of the overture to Die Zauberflöte by the band of his regiment, but suddenly broke out with, master, I observed that the three trombonists only played at the beginning of the overture and afterwards did nothing for ever so long; what the deuce does such conduct signify ?" The band-master explained matters in a low voice. "Humbug!" cried the Colonel, "Nonsense-pauses-rests-stuff! they are not paid for resting!" Wagner, therefore, is perfectly free from egotism, and does not raise himself over his predecessors and his contemporaries, as people are at first sight inclined to think he does, when he says of Auber's Muette and Rossini's Tell, that the authors have only taken pains to galvanise the half-putrid body of opera by means of national melodies, and that the Germans, who are most happy when the whole world has gone crazy, because they have then so much more to explain, to guess, to reflect the national and historical tendency. Yes, yes, that little rogue, upon, and, finally, to classify, have become quite charmed with Richard Wagner, only wished to give the Germans something to explain-reflect on-and classify, when he told them: "This is the Drama of the Future!" Shakespere, Schiller, and Göthe understood nothing, for how do their kings behave? Why, will return to a state of nature, and, with the delight of children, merely like ordinary persons. In the Drama of the Future they when any one near them falls down in the mud, exclaim: "Heil deiner Art, Heil deiner Fahrt." and take Lohengrin, as an opera, the whole affair is placed upon But if we leave that shadow, the "Drama of the Future," quite a different footing. We class Wagner not only among the good, but among the best composers, although we have much to declamation, all of which the Sectarians rejected with the reproach him with in the matter of harmony, modulation, and famous magic words, the "Drama of the Future." We will not, therefore, for the present, trouble ourselves about the small change, but contemplate the sovereign, in all its attractiveness, little touches of humanity and extravagant absurdities. Poésies its perfume of youth, and standard of true gold, together with légères sont étincelantes de feux follets. RACHEL.-The Presse states that Mdlle. Rachel's resolution is irrevocable to quit the stage after her tour in America. Notwithstanding the authoritative tone of this assertion, we do not feel inclined to place implicit faith in it. If we are wrong, this secession will place the Théâtre-Français in a grave and awkward position. We shall have serious cause for speculation on the future situation of this theatre, if it be ever deprived, as we are led to suppose, of an actress to whom it owes so much of its glory.-Messager des Théâtres et des Arts. DRURY LANE THEATRE.-Mr. E. T. Smith has again paid the rent of this establishment, with the addition of a month in advance. The committee and shareholders are in ecstacies the public! JOHN SEP (Translated from ASTIAN BACH. Zelter's "Letters to Göthe.") THE elder Bach (says Aelter, in a letter of the 8th April, 1827), is, with all his originality, a son of his country and of his own times, and yet he could not esca say, of Couperin.*pe from the influence of the French-that is to The endeavour to make oneself as agreeable as others, gives ris to that which does not last. All that is foreign to him, however, we can take away like a thick scum, and the bright liquid lies in mediately below it. Thus I have for myself alone set to rights man y of his sacred compositions; and my heart told me that old Bach nodded to me, like the good Haydn, "Aye, aye, that is just as I had 4 wished it." Bu then some come and say, no one ought to lay his hands upon any thing in that way; and they are not quite wrong in saying so, for it is not every one that may venture to do so. However, that is to me a Jmeans of arriving at a knowledge and admiration of that which is true; and if I let them have their opinion, what is music to them. The greatest impediment, in our time, consists clearly in the totally distorted German Church-texts, which succumb to the polemical earnestness of the Reformation, while they stir up the unbelieving by a dense faith-vapour which no one desires. That a genius in whom taste is innate, should allow a spirit which must be deeply rooted to spring up from such a soil, is now the most extraordinary thing about him. The most wondrous is, however, where he has had haste, yet not pleasure. I possess manuscripts of his, which he has begun three times, and then scratched them out again; he would, indeed, rather not have proceeded, but the next Sunday a marriage, a funeral procession, was before his door. Even the commonest memorandum paper appears oftentimes to have been scarce; but it must be accomplished,so he sets forth on his march, and lo! at the end there is the great artist as he lived and loved. When he had finished it, he retouched it, and that, too, with a close writing, so darkly, indistinctly, and learnedly, since he was accustomed to use peculiar signs which everybody does not understand, that I am obliged to be cautious about falling upon his manuscripts, since it is not easy for me to come from them again. (Göthe having expressed his surprise at Zelter's opinion, that the thoroughly original Bach was affected by foreign influence, Zelter enters at great length on the subject, in a letter dated the 9th of June, in the same year.) What I call the French scum in Sebastian Bach, is certainly not easily lifted off in order to be laid hold of. It is like the atmosphere, present everywhere, but nowhere perceptible. Bach passes for the greatest master of harmony, and that justly. That he is a poet of the highest order, one can scarcely venture to pronounce, and yet he belongs to those who, like your Shakespere, are lifted up high above all childish things. As a servant of the Church, That he has written for the Church only, and yet nothing of what we call Church-like. His style is Bach-ish, like everything that is his. he was obliged to employ the common signs and terms Toccata, Sonata, Concerto, &c., has just as much to do with it, as a man's being named Joseph or Christopher. Bach's primal element was solitude, as you once recognized, when you said, "I lay in bed and let the Burgomaster's organist of Berka, play me Sebastiana." Such is he, he will be watched narrowly. Now was he yet also a Man, Father, Gossip, yea, even Cantor in Leipsic, and as such nothing more than another, yet not much less than a Couperin, who had served two kings of France upwards of forty years. Couperin, in the year 1713, printed the First Fundamental Instructions for the Harpsichord-not for thumping, but for playingwhich he dedicated to his king. A king play the harpsichord, probably the organ, the pedals! Who would not do so after that? The new method of Couperin consisted principally in the introduction of the thumb, by which a rapid, certain execution was alone practicable.+ Bach and the rest of the Germans had long practised this method, for it is understood of itself; the work of the right hand and of the left being however still defined, whereby the latter is obviously spared. The Bacchish method lays claim to the use of the ten fingers, which are found to learn the service which their various lengths and powers fit them for, and this method we have to thank for the incredible things which our modern toucheurs attempt. Francis Couperin, Organist and Chamber Musician to Louis XIV. and XV., died in 1733. Some specimens of his compositions may be found in Sir John Hawkins' "History of Music." + If I mistake not, in Carlo Dolce's Saint Cecilia, the thumbs are idle, if not hanging down. And since now all men must be French if they would wish to live, Bach allowed his sons to practice the fine little elegancies of Couperin, with all the curling of the head-notes: nay, he himself even appeared as a composer in this style with the greatest success; and thus did the French frippery gain upon him. Bach's compositions are partly vocal, partly instrumental, or both together. In the vocal pieces there often bursts forth something very different from what the words say, and he has been greatly blamed for this; moreover he is not strict in the observance of the rules of melody and harmony, which he with great boldness sets aside. When, however, he works up Biblical texts, such as "Brich dem Hungrigen dein Brodt," etc.-"Ihr werdet weinen und heulen," etc.-"Jesus nahm zu sich die Zwölfe," etc.-Unser Mund sey voll Lachens," etc.-I am oftentimes compelled to wonder with what holy freedom from confusion, with what apostolic irony a something quite unexpected breaks forth, and which, nevertheless, arises no doubt against all the rules of sense and taste. A Passus et Sepultus lead us to the last pulsations of tranquil might: A Resurrexit in Gloria Dei Patris to the realms of holy sorrow for the hollowness of earthly pursuits. This feeling is, however, as it were, inseparable and it may be difficult to carry away from it a melody or even anything material. Now he begins afresh, now he strengthens himself, ever increasing his power at each repetition of the whole.* Through all this, he is thus far still dependant upon his theme. We should, however, follow him upon the organ. This is the soul into which he directly breathes the breath of life. His theme is the feeling born on the instant, which like a spark from a flint springs up at once from his first casual pressure with his foot upon the pedal. Thus he proceeds on by degrees until he isolates himself, finds himself alone, and pours forth an inexhaustible stream into the boundless ocean. Friedeman (of Halle), who died here, said, when speaking of this, "Compared with him, we all remain children." Not a few of his great organ pieces are heard through, but not out, for there is no end in them. But I will leave off, though I could yet say much more concerning him. When everything is considered which can be testified against him, this Leipsic Cantor must be looked upon as a revelation of God, clear, but inexplicable. ; *The Leipsic and Zurich editions of Bach's works are said in the title to be "In the strict style," which they are, however, because they are Bachisb, i. e. in so far as they belong to him alone-Zelter. ORGAN BUILDING IN GENERAL. IN travelling over the country, for business, health, pleasure, we cannot help astonishment at the number of inferior and positively bad organs we encounter, in proportion to those of any sustainable pretensions to excellence. Go where we will, we are almost sure to hear of a church in the town or neighbourhood, possessing a "celebrated" organ. With this precious instrument, of course, we desire to make acquaintance. We get an introducWith some tion to the churchwarden and state our wishes. ceremony, and often no little difficulty, they are deemed sufficiently reasonable to be granted. But the churchwarden is a man of business, and official dignity to boot. He knows the value of the instrument committed to his charge, and cannot permit its being meddled with by a stranger, except in his presence. We acquiescently touch our hat, and so far the matter is settled. There is yet some doubt as to whether the sexton-another man of business and dignity-may see it convenient to provide the church-keys at any given time; and, lastly, the organist-as celebrated as his organ-a man horribly jealous of intruders, nervous lest the priceless instrument he commands should suffer by the maltreatment of the unskilful, and, perhaps, latently suspicious that they might carry away a double diapason, or some other trifle of the sort, in their pockets-has to be consulted. Expecting a treat, we patiently abide the issue, and, at length, all is arranged. We enter the church, wend our way to the organ-gallery, place our fingers on the keys, primed with hope and expectation, when, lo!—parturiunt montes, etc., we discover an assemblage of rubbish that would be dear at ten per cent. on the prime cost of so much firewood! We remonstrate, and are gravely informed that our judgment is in error. The organ was built by Messrs. So-and-so of London, or elsewhere, cost so many hundred pounds, contains such a number of stops, and |