"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. SATURDAY, APRIL 28, 1860. R. UNDER THE MOST DISTINGUISHED PATRONAGE OF THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES THE PRINCESSES AND PRINCES OF THE The Most Worshipful the Grand Master of Ireland, And Several other Distinguished Freemasons; The LORD BISHOP OF MANCHESTER, The Right Worshipful the MAYOR OF MANCHESTER, His Worship the Mayor of Salford, W. HARVEY, Esq. SIR FREDERICK GORE OUSELEY, Bart., Director of Music at the And many of the Nobility, Gentry, Clergy, and distinguished Families of the Empire. DR. MARK'S GREAT NATIONAL ENTERPRISE Organised in 1848, and developed at THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF MUSIC BRIDGE STREET, MANCHESTER, established by him expressly as a Great OF MUSIC National Institution to facilitate the Encouragement and Promotion of NATIVE MUSICAL TALENT, and the GENERAL ADVANCEMENT AMONG THE RISING GENERATION, upon his new and effective system, also as a NORMAL SCHOOL for the training of masters to conduct CONSERVATOIRES OF MUSIC to be established throughout the United Kingdom, for LITTLE CHILDREN, the whole comprising an entirely new scheme of NATIONAL EDUCATION, by blending music with general instruction, so that the study of music shall become a branch of education in the humblest of schools of this country. To illustrate and to rouse an interest in every town and city for these institutions, Dr. Mark travels with a number of his pupils occasionally through the country-giving lectures, and introducing his highly approved and pleasing Musical Entertainment, entitled DR. MARK AND HIS LITTLE MEN, who number upwards of Thirty Instrumentalists, and a most Efficient Chorus, the whole forming a most unique and complete Juvenile Orchestra, composed of LITTLE ENGLISH, IRISH, SCOTCH AND WELCH BOYS, FROM FIVE TO SIXTEEN YEARS OF AGE, who play Operatic Selections, Solos, Marches, Quadrilles, Galops. &c., and sing Songs and Choruses in a most effective manner, and to whom Dr. Mark gives a gratuitous General and Musical Education. APPOINTMENTS OF MASTERS AND ARRANGEMENTS OF CLASSES IN THE ABOVE INSTITUTION. .. Principal of the Royal College of Music; Director, Composer, and Mr. POWELL "PRACTICAL ASSISTANT TEACHERS. Mr. BAKER. Mr. ELDER. Mons. ROGUIER. Mr. BEARD. Mons. VIEUXTEMPS. Mr. T. DONOVAN. Sig. CORTESI. Mr. H. RUSSELL. Messrs. PowELL and Dr. MARK has also made provision for the Orphans of the Musical Profession possessing musical talent, who will find the above institution a happy home, and receive a most effective general and musical education,, board, and clothing, free of all expense. Little Boys, from five to nine years of age, apprenticed for three, five, or seven years by paying a moderate entrance fee to cover the expenses of instrument and books. Twelve appointments ready for Masters. ST. JAMES'S PRICE 4d. HALL, REGENT-STREET AND PICCADILLY. MONDAY POPULAR CON CERTS. Stalls, 5s.; Balcony, 3s.; Unreserved Seats, 1s.-Tickets to be had of Mr. Austin, at the Hall, 28, Piccadilly; Messrs. Cramer and Co., Hammond, Addison, and Co., Schott and Co., Ewer and Co., Simpson, Carter, and Oetzmann and Co, Regent-street; Brooks, 24, Old Cavendish-street; Bradberry's London Crystal Palace, Oxford-street; Duff and Co., 65, Oxford-strect; Prowse, Hanway-street; Chidley, 195, High Holborn; Purday, 50, St. Paul's Church-yard; Keith, Prowse, and Co., 48, Cheapside; Turner, 19, Cornhill; Cook and Co., 6, Finsbury-place, south; Humfress, 4, Old Church street, Paddington-green Mitchell, Leader and Co., Ollivier, Campbell, and Willis, Bond-street; and Chappell and Co., 50, New Bond-street. ADAME LAURA BAXTER will give a Grand Vocal and Instrumental Concert at St. James's Hall, Piccadilly, on Tuesday evening, May 15, 1860. To commence at half-past 7 o'clock precisely. Under the immediate patronage of The Most Noble the Marquis of Lansdowne, The Right Hon. the Earl of Mount Edgeumbe, The Countess of Mount Edgcumbe, The Lady Brownlow, The Viscount Valletort, M.P., The Lady Katharine Valletört, de., &c., Artists-Madame Catherine Hayes, Miss Ransford Miss Theresa Jefferys, Madame Weiss, and Madame Laura Baxter; Mr. Sims Reeves, Mr. George Perren, Instrumentalists Violin, Mr. Blagrove; Violoncello, Herr Lidel; Pianoforte, Miss Matilda Baxter and Mr. S. L.Noble. Conductors-Mr. W. Vincent Wallace (who has kindly consented to assist on this To be bad of Madame Laura occasion), Mr. G. Lake, Signor Vianesi, and Signor Randegger, Reserved seats 78.; balcony, 38.; gallery and orchestra, 1s. Baxter, 155, Albany-street, Regent's-park, N. W., of the Music Publishers, and the Libraries. For Prospectuses, apply direct to the Royal College of Music, Bridge-street, Mr. Allan Irving, and Mr. Weiss. "THE 'HE ARION" (Eight-Part-Choir).-The members of this Society will meet until further notice every Thursday evening, at 8 o'clock, at 13, Berners-street, Oxford-street. Conductor, Mr. ALFRED GILBERT. F. F. REILLY, Hon. Sec. Persons desirous of joining the choir are requested to address the Secretary. RCHESTRAL UNION.-MR. ALFRED MELLON" begs to announce that he will return to London about the middle of June, when he will be open to any engagements for the Band of the Orchestral Union, which he has reconstructed. Principal Artistes-M M. Sainton, H. Hill, W. Watson, E. Payton, Doyle, Trust, G. Collins, Aylward, Howell, senr, White, P. S. Pratten, Barret, Lazarus, T. Owen, Hausser, C. Harper, Standen, T. Harper, Stanton Jones, W. Winterbottom, Cioffi, Hughes, and F. C. Horton, Applications respecting engagements to be made to Mr. George Dolby, 2, Hinde-street, Manchester-square, W. COLLARD'S CONCERT AND BOROUGH OF LEEDS.-The Council of the Borough of Leeds are prepared to appoint an ORGANIST for the Town Hall Organ, at the salary of £200 per annum. The appointment will be made subject to public competition. Printed conditions may be obtained by application at the Town By Order, JOHN A. IKIN, Town Clerk. PIANOFORTE TO VOLUNTEER RIFLE CORPS.-Boosey and Sons' SALOON, 16, Grosvenor-street, Grosvenor-square.-THE ENGLISH GLEE AND MADRIGAL UNION.-Miss Banks, Mrs. Lockey, Mr. Foster, Mr. Lockey, Mr. Montem Smith, Mr. Winn, and Mr. Lewis (Thomas), have the honour to announce that their Annual Series of Morning Concerts will take place (by the kind permission of Messrs. Collard and Collard) at the above Rooms, on Wednes days, June 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th. To commence at 3 o'clock, Stalls 6s. Subscription to stalls (numbered and reserved), for the series of Four Concerts, One Guinea; unreserved seats, 38. May be obtained at Chappell's, 50, New Bondstreet, and at Addison, Hollier, and Lucas, 210, Regent-street. MISS ELEANOR ARMSTRONG begs to announce that her grand Evening Concert will take place on Wednesday, May 16th, when the following Eminent Artists will appear: Miss Eleanor Armstrong, Madame Laura Baxter, Mr. William Cummings, and Herr Eibenschütz, Mr. Charles Salaman, and Herr Adolphe Ries, Herr Louis Ries, Herr Lidel, and Mr. Ellis Roberts. Conductor, Mr. Frank Mori. Tickets, 7s.; Reserved seats, 10s. 6d. ; to be had of Miss Eleanor Armstrong, at her residence, 36, Osnaburgh-street, Regent'spark; and of the principal music-sellers, MUSICAL UNION.-HALLE AND BECKER, Tuesday, May 1, half-past 3, St. James's Hall. Quartet in D, Mozart; Trio E minor, Op. 114, Spohrs Quintet in C, Beethoven; Solos, pianoforte, Bach, &c. Artists-Becker, Goffrie, R. Blagrove, Webb, and Piatti, Pianist-Hallé. Members can pay for visitors at the Hall. Tickets, 10s. 6d. each, to be had of Cramer and Co.; Chappell and Co.; and Olliviers. J. ELLA, Director. MISS ISS ELLEN LYON, Vocalist (Soprano). Letters respecting all publicand private engagements to be addressed 26, Charlesstreet, Berners-street, W. military band instruments, reed and brass, as well as bugles, drums and fifes, have been used and approved of by almost every regiment in the service, at home and abroad. Those regiments that contemplate the formation of a band, are invited to apply to the firm, who will be happy to recommend them competent bandmasters, and render any further assistance that may be required.-Boosey and Sons, Holles-street, London. INVI NVESTMENT OF SAVINGS AND CAPITAL.THE CONSERVATIVE LAND SOCIETY.-Trustees: Viscount Ranelagh and J. C. Cobbold, Esq., M.P. Interest on Shares, five per cent. per aunum; on Deposits, four per cent. per annum, payable half-yearly, on the 1st of May and 1st of November. Prospectuses, explanatory of the Share, Deposit, Borrowing, and Land Department, free. Plans of Estates, 6d. CHARLES LEWIS GRUNEISEN, Secretary. Offices:-33, Norfolk-street, Strand, W.C. WANTED A PUBLISHER, or the Copyright and Plates Mus. Bac. The former editions, published at 25s., received the highest encoiums of the The contents embrace the best standard Tunes, with several copyright Psalm and Hymn Tunes, written expressly for this work by the Rev. Sir F. G. Ouseley, Sirs H. Bishop and G. Smart, Rev. W. H. Havergal, Doctors Bennett, Back Camedge, Corfe, Crotch, Elvey, Gauntlett, Jous, Mendelssohn, Monk, Steggall Address, B. C., Novello's, 38, Poultry, E.C. MISS MARGARET MCALPINE (Contralto), andre. E and other eminent professors. requests that letters respecting engagements for Oratorios, Concerts, and Pupils, be addressed to her residence, 63, Burton-crescent, New-road. Second Edition, Folio, pp. 40, stitched. Price, complete, 7s. 6d. MISS ELEONORA WILKINSON having removed R. R. ROSS'S Useful Morning and Evening Full from her late residence, her present address is 29, Blandford-square. TO MUSIC PUBLISHERS, CLERGYMEN, COMPOSERS, AND OTHERS. P. GRANT AND CO., Typographical Music and General Printers, Lithographers, and Engravers, Orange-street, and Red Lionsquare, Holborn, respectfully inform the above that they are prepared to undertake works to any extent in Music Printing, upon the most reasonable terms, and with the greatest accuracy and dispatch. MUSIC PRINTING FOR THE TRADE. Just Published, price 33. 6d. "ROMANZA," for the Violoncello and Piano, composed and dedicated to Frederick Charles Pawle, Esq., by Edward Thurnam. Robert Cocks and Co., New Burlington-street, London. ME EYERBEER'S NEW WORK-" ASPIRATION"CANTIQUE. (Short Anthem.) The words from the original Latin of Thomas a Kempis, "De imitatione Christi." Composed for SIX VOICES (three sopranos, two tenors, and bass), with Recitatives for a BASS SOLO, and Organ (or Harmonium) accompaniment ad libitum, by GIACOMO MEYERBEER. Price, in score, 48. London: Duncan Davison and Co., 244, Regent-street, where Meyerbeer's setting of the Lord's Prayer, for four voices, 3s, and the Serenade, for eight voices, This house to love is holy," 48., may be obtained. that moanest loud," (sung by Mr. Santley at the Monday Popular Concerts); "Swifter far than Summer's flight," (sung by Miss Palmer at the Monday Popular Concerts); "Falso friend, wilt thou smile or weep," Beatrice's song in the Cenci, (sung by Madame Sainton-Dolby, at the Monday Popular Concerts, St. James's Hall); are published by Cramer, Beale and Co., 201, Regent-street. The above Songs form Nos. 1, 2, and 3, of Vocal Illustrations of Shelley. "Mr. Santley was encored in one of the thoroughly picturesque and poetical settings of Shelley, by Mr. J. W Davison, mentioned a week or two since. His song, Rough wind that moanest loud,' is a thoroughly good song."—Athenæum, REVIEWS. "The sea hath its pearls, barcarole"-words by Longfellow, music by F. Scotson Clark (Augener and Co.) Mr. Clark's Muse sails on smoothly and gaily enough with her "barcarole," until the first full close, when the boat in which, with unperturbed composure, she is sitting, strikes against a rock: "Fantaisie sur Rigoletto,' de Verdi-Francesco Berger, Op. 25, No. 3 (R. W. Ollivier). This is a hash that sadly stands in need of better sauce-an olla podrida without garlic, a salad without spring onions. M. Berger has made minced-meat of some of Signor Verdi's most genuine melodies, that is all. He has brought nothing of his own, to make up for the torture he is inflicting on the chosen composer of Young Italy. Take, for example, a few bars of the wellknown "Donna è mobile: "giocoso. Metaphor apart, but for the violations of good harmony we have just cited, "The sea with its pearls" (although it has nothing whatever in common with the spirit of Longfellow) would be a very pretty song. It is dedicated to Miss Poole. "Come back Annie,' ballad"-words by John Oxenford, music by J. L. Hatton (Boosey and Sons). This ballad, with chorus, composed for Mr. J. W. Raynor and the Christy's Minstrels, is certainly one of the most genial aspirations ever contributed to the repertory of those perfectly counterfeited niggers, The words, simple and unpretending though they be, are worth quoting : "Come back, Annie, come back, dear Nought is chang'd since thou wert here, Here thy book is open yet; Annie dear, Annie dear; Oft a slender form I trace: Living, dead, I'll greet thee here." "Giocoso"-says M. Berger! "Giocoso," indeed, for M. Berger, but not for Signor Verdi. It is as though M. Berger were whipping the tune, for its naughty insinuations against the constancy of the fair sex. A still more graceful melody-" Ah veglia, O donna "-is even more unceremoniously treated : Alberto Randegger for affording us the opportunity of exercising a privilege but too often denied us. The first of a series of songs from his pen which lie before us is, "She loves me best of all" (Addison, Hollier, and Lucas)," composed for and dedicated to his friend,' Montem Smith." Here, although the melody is somewhat common-place, we cannot fail to welcome the uniform correctness of the harmony, or to dwell with pleasure on such neat points of musicianship as the following: A composer need not always be inspired, but should always manifest a knowledge of his art. From "The Goldbeater" (Boosey and Sons)"words by Arthur Matthison, composed for and dedicated to Mr. W. H. Weiss"-we cannot single out a point to cite, and for the simple reason that the song is good enough to be cited in extenso. Bold, full of character, and vocally effective, it is also faultlessly written from end to end. As a question of notation, we should like to ask theorists, who busy themselves in the system of harmonics, whether the E flat, in the subjoined quotation, should really be E flat or D sharp :- Against "Round the Corner" (Metzler and Co.)-words by Mr. Charles Swain (the old Swain ?-the veteran ?)—a sparkling, pretty, and thoroughly "genial" (a word, the employment of which at "Our Club" is punished by a fine of sixpence)-thoroughly genial composition, we must take, nevertheless, an exception or two. For instance, will Signor Randegger inform us in what key is the following: 02 -4 an effect scarcely proportioned to the means of expression resorted to. Nevertheless, "La Rosa" has some good points. The words "Una languida rosa di giardini" (Page 2, in 2-4 measure) are charmingly rendered, and the succeeding bars present a sequence of harmony which only a practised musician could have written. No. 2, "Il Giglio," while less affected (Sig. Kandegger must excuse the word), is, we think, more beautiful than its predecessor. Here we have genuine expression attained by the most legitimate means-in short, a beautiful song, without reservation or qualification. No. 3, "La Gaggia," and No. 4, "La Vainiglia," have both much to recommend them. The sparkling gaiety of the first is likely to win many light-hearted admirers, while the more recherché character of the last will enlist partisans of a graver turn of mind. The "Rose" and the "Lily," however, decidedly bear away the palm-which it is proper they should do, seeing that they are so much more beautiful, as "fiori," than their companions. "Sleep, dearest Lady" (Addison, Hollier, & Co)" composed for and dedicated to Miss Dolby -has been, if we are not mistaken, already noticed in these columns. It is a pretty quiet cradle-song, and we strongly recommend Signor Randegger to restore the original words, printed in italics, and beginning: "Sleep, baby, sleep, Thy father tends the sheep, Thy mother shakes the little tree, The skies are full of sheep; Sleep, baby, sleep, And thou shalt have a sheep, A sheep with golden bells so fine, And cry not like a sheep, Or else the shepherd's dog so wild -"beginning," we said; well, beginning and ending as above. We recommend their restoration, because they are infinitely more "genial" (saving the presence of "Our Club") than the elegant common-places, which are printed in "Romans over their heads. Moreover, the music well expresses the pretty loveable "babble" of Mama. "To thee, my Love, to Thee" (Chappell and Co.)-words by W. Allingham, Esq., "composed for and dedicated to Miss Palmer"We are aware that in the next bar comes a 66 C sharp," is a very spirited song in A minor, the most attractive part which, with the authority of Michael Costa, establishes of which, however, is the episode in the tonic major (page the tone of D minor; but Quid tum postea? Peraunter, 2-3) with which each verse concludes, and which is in every Sig. Randegger will explain. On the other hand, we have sense charming. We have further to notice "Un so spiro not a word but praise for this charming bagatelle (" com-d'Amore, romanzetta," and "L'Invito,' notturnino" (J.J. Ewer posed for and dedicated"—we should have said-" to Mad. Rudersdorff"), which might have been signed "Auber," and have done no discredit to a name representing in music what the term "esprit" (one of Auber's prenames, by the way*) represents in French. I Quattro Fiori-stornelli Toscani, di Teobaldo Cicconi, posti in musica" (Addison, Hollier and Lucas)—"all' amico Francesco Berger"-represent Sig. Randegger in a more ambitious, if not a more attractive light. No. 1, "La Rosa," is coquettishly treated-now 6-8, now 2-4, now 8-8, now 3-8 measure, being alternately employed with * Daniel François Esprit Auber, born at Caen, January 29, 1784.] and Co.), the former a very elegant, the latter a quaint and attractive little song; "Yesterday and To-morrow" (same publishers)" words by Charles Swain"- which, though not at all in the "ad captandum" style, is very superior to the ordinary run of ballads, and (page 2, line 2) contains one of Sig. Randegger's favourite (and well-written) sequences; "Georgiana, impromptu Polka, and "Mazurka" (same publishers)-both for pianoforte alone, the last of which is extremely graceful and by many degrees the best, the first (except the trio in E-page 5) being anything rather than original. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. MR. RANSFORD'S CONCERT. SIR,-In your last week's impression I find you have a correspondent (H. T. A.) who states that "Miss Ransford did not (as stated), sing an Italian aria." I should much like to know what he calls "Fatal Goffredo," from Torquato Tasso, by Donnizetti. I am aware that many notices are written even before the actual thing takes place, for publication, but any one attempting to contradict, correct, or revise a notice, ought himself first to be perfectly acquainted with what actually did take place. I am, Sir, your obedient servant, WILLIAM E. RANSFORD. THE LATE FREDERICK WILLIAM COLLARD. SIR,-A biographical sketch of the late Mr. Collard having appeared in several journals, with many inaccuracies, I beg to forward a correct statement of facts relative to that gentleman, whose demise has been a source of regret to his numerous friends. He was born in June, 1772, at Wiveliscombe, Somersetshire, and came to London in Nov., 1791, entered into an engagement as an assistant with Messrs. Longman and Broderip, music-publishers and musicalinstrument makers, and remained with them until that firm became insolvent. Mr. Collard married Miss Lukey, daughter of Mr. Lukey (formerly partner with Mr. Longman), and in the year 1799 entered into partnership with Muzio Clementi, the celebrated composer and distinguished pianist, under the firm of Clementi, Banger, Hyde, Collard, and Davies. His brother, Mr. William Frederick Collard, subsequently joined the firm, and retired in 1842, with an ample fortune. Mr. F. W. Collard survived his early partners, with the exception of his brother, and upon the latter relinquishing business, Mr. Collard's two nephews, Messrs. Frederick William and Charles Collard, became his partners. Mr. Collard, from his active and energetic business habits, realised a large fortune, the bulk of which he bequeathed to the two nephews above mentioned. He was a kind and hospitable man, and entertained liberally those who had the privilege of his acquaintance. His will was proved at Doctors'-commons by his executors, Mr. J. P. Theobald, solicitor, Furnival s-inn, Mr. R. Addison, music-publisher, Regent-street, and Mr. H. G. Bohn, publisher, York-street, Covent-garden, at upwards of £130,000. The elder nephew, Mr. Frederick Collard, has now retired from business, and his brother Charles is the sole representative of the late firms. CRYSTAL PALACE. (Communicated.) ALPHA. THE programme for the new season has just been issued by the directors. A list of special entertainments already décided upon, including six Opera Concerts, the grand Flower Show, the International Musical Festival of the Orphéonists of France in June, and the Great Opening Mendelssohn Festival on the 4th of May, has been prepared, and on each of these special occasions the ordinary price of admission will be 58. or upwards. The Mendelssohn Festival has attracted great interest. To suit the general convenience, it has been arranged that the performance of Elijah shall commence at three o'clock. This, it is expected, will fill up the time until nearly six; and as soon after that hour as may be convenient, the Statue (which will be placed at the head of the stairs in the centre of the terrace) will be unveiled with appropriate ceremony, many of the members of the principal German Gesangvereine of London assisting. At dusk a great torchlight procession, similar in character to that which afforded so much surprise and gratification on the occasion of the Schiller Centenary, in November last, will take place around the fountains, and through the winding paths of the terraces and grounds. It is intended that there shall be four great divisions of torchbearers, arranged under the command of leaders, wearing sashes and bearing lights-coloured red, blue, green, and white. To carry out the true Germanic feeling, the torches have been specially obtained from Hanover. Upon the signal being displayed from the Queen's balcony, the torch-bearers, who will have previously assembled at the various points indicated in the plans issued to their leaders, will light their torches, and proceed in single file through the central paths and walks, and will pass round the series of fountains, and in four lines around the walks on the terrace, thus enabling the visitors in the open corridors and within the building on the garden side, to obtain, under shelter, a full view of this interesting celebration. Upon arriving at the centre of the terrace nearest to the palace, they will advance in four lines to the foot of the statue of Mendelssohn, when, as was the case at the Schiller Festival, the torches will be cast into one general bonfire. At the same moment the fountains will play, and coloured lights will be displayed along the line of the terrace. MADAME CLARA NOVELLO. to their art, compelled the world to forget the fact of AMONG the lady vocalists whose talent has given lustre their English origin, and drawn forth the acknowledgment, not only of Continental Europe but even of their native country, no one has reached a higher pinnacle of fame, and no one has more richly merited her elevation, than Madame Clara Novello. Memories that are still green, are stored with impressions of Paton; the generation is not extinct which treasures the recollection of Stephens and Maria Tree; we have men among us who remember with rapture the singing of Salmon and Dickons; and the career of the transcendant Billington was not beyond the experience of many who live to speak of her unparalleled excellence. The warmest enthusiast, however, for any or for all of these remarkable singers, has found it impossible not to admire, not to own, the rare powers of the lady who at this moment ranks in the highest class of European singers, and who is, in a few months, to be lost to us for ever. It is not so generally known as it will be take a formal and final farewell of the public in November next; universally regretted, that Madame Novello has determined to but it will readily be believed-such is this lady's known integrity-that, having so determined, she will abide by the resolution, and not (as has before now been the case with songstresses whose professional position should have held them above the capability of trifling with the world's esteem) make this occasion the first of a series of leave-takings. It will not be until the end of the London season that she can arrive in England; she will then sing, possibly for the Sacred Harmonic Society, perhaps at the Crystal Palace, certainly at the two provincial festivals, and in farewell concerts at the chief towns throughout the kingdom, and lastly, at one or two performances in the metropolis. The very frequent fact of the value of a treasure being inestimated until after the treasure be lost, occurs not in the instance of Madame Novello; her importance to the station she holds, without a rival, is felt; and the unlikelihood is equally recognised of her having a successor who can satisfactorily replace her. Great as are the requisites for a dramatic singer, the excitement of the scene in which she appears, and the effect of the accessories by which she is surrounded, tend materially to draw forth her best qualities, and, at the same time, to influence her audience. It is a higher grade of artistry, that can enable a singer in an oratorio to control the sympathy of her hearers; since the sentiment she embodies is, for the most part, if more exalted, less generally congenial, and she has not the advantage of action to assist her to enforce its expression. Her greater difficulty than that of a theatrical prima donna, indeed, is twofold: first, in conceiving the deeper purpose of the work she has to perform; secondly, in impressing a less ready audience with her conception. Whatever have been Mad. Novello's continental successes on the stage, it is in the more arduous duties of a singer of sacred music that she is best known in England, and it is in this capacity that her retirement will leave a blank which at present appears irreparable. Her grand style, her clear enunciation, and, above all, her exquisite voice, which is wonderful for its magnificent power as it is admirable for its delicious quality: these are the characteristics which every one recognises in the lady of whom we speak; these are what endear her to the lovers of the |