Concerts.

PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY.-The fourth concert of the season took place on Monday evening, "by command," and was honoured by the presence of Her Majesty and the Prince Consort, the King of the Belgians, and the Princesses Alice and Helena. The royal party entered the Hanover Square Rooms shortly after eight o'clock, and the National Anthem was played by the band, both on the arrival and departure of the illustrious visitors. The programme, although it included two symphonies-namely, the socalled Italian of Mendelssohn, and the Eroica of Beethoven (both finely executed under the able direction of Professor Bennett), was much shorter than usual, and included but one novelty-the first appearance at these time-honoured concerts of Mlle. Artôt, a young French singer of remarkable merit, possessing a very fine voice, and much musical feeling of the best kind. Mlle. Artôt sang the intensely dramatic "Ah mon fils" of Meyerbeer, and the divine air "Deh vieni non tardar," from Mozart's Nozze di Figaro, and in both instances met with wellmerited success. The other pieces in the programme were the fine overtures to the Ruler of the Spirits and Ruy Blas, to each of which ample justice was done by the unsurpassable band of the Philharmonic Society. The rooms were crowded.

MONDAY POPULAR CONCERTS.-The programme of the twentyfourth concert, last Monday, was selected from the works of various masters. The instrumental pieces were-quartet in G major (Op. 61), Dussek; Sonata Apassionata, Beethoven; quartet in E minor (Op. 44), Mendelssohn; a trio in F (No. 2), Spohr. Of these Mendelssohn's magnificent quartet - introduced by general desire created the greatest effect. Dussek's quartet was played for the first time at the Monday Popular Concerts, and was quite as successful as its companion in E flat, introduced by the directors on a previous occasion. The one in B flat (No. 2) will doubtless come next; and this will exhaust the string-quartet repertory of this master. Herr Lubeck was recalled after the sonata of Beethoven, which he played in his accustomed style. The players in the quartets were M. Sainton, Herr Goffrie, Mr. Doyle, and Signor Piatti, whose performance in both instances merit the highest praise. Spohr's trio did not go well. The singers were Mile. Jenny Meyer (who has a lovely mezzo-soprano), encored in Gluck's "Che faro," which, as also Schubert's "Ungeduld," she sang with the utmost purity of expression; Herr Hermanns, a young German singer, with a superb bass-voice and great declamatory power, who was encored in two songs "An dem sturm," (Carl Evers), and "Falstaff's song" (from Otto Nicolai's Merry Wives of Windsor), for which he substituted "In diesen heilegen hallen" (Die Zauberflöte); and last not least Mr. Sims Reeves, who was encored in Mr. Howard Glover's exquisitely beautiful setting of Shelley's "I arise from dreams of thee," and in Rossini's "Gita in Gondola" (soirées), accepting the compliment in the first instance and courteously declining it in the last, both songs being given to perfection. Mr. Benedict accompanied the vocal music with masterly skill. Although this was the twenty-fourth concert of the second season, St. James's Hall was crowded in every part. And yet some will insist that "the people" don't like good music. SACRED HARMONIC SOCIETY.-By far the finest performance of Mendelssohn's Elijah that has been heard for a long time was given last week at Exeter Hall, before one of the most densely crowded audiences we remember. Indeed so great was the demand for places that the Society have found it advisable to announce a repetition of the oratorio, although this was intended to be the last of the season, and Elijah will consequently be heard again on Friday, the 22nd instant. Lately we had occasion to comment on its performance, by 3000 performers, at the Crystal Palace, when, owing to acoustic difficulties, impossible to overcome, much of the effect was lost. At Exeter Hall, however, it is a different thing; the 700 are quite sufficient (more than sufficient as far as the brass is concerned) to carry out the intentions of the composer, and every note is distinctly heard, not only of the vocal, but the instrumental parts, which is absolutely necessary to a proper understanding of the work. The principal soloists were Miss Parepa, Mad. Sainton-Dolby, Miss Palmer,

Mrs. F. Lucas, Messrs. Sims Reeves, Santley, and Patey. The first-named lady sang the soprano music with energy and expression throughout, especially distinguishing herself in the opening air of the 2nd Part, "Hear ye Israel." Mad. SaintonDolby is so thoroughly at home in this, as in all other oratorios, that criticism would be superfluous. Suffice it to say then that she was compelled to repeat the air, "O rest in the Lord." Miss Palmer was heard to decided advantage in the recitative, "Now Cherith's brook," and the air, "Woe unto them," both given expressively and energetically. Of Mr. Sims Reeves's singing in this work we have had frequent occasion to speak in the highest terms, and have nothing but unreserved praise to award upon this occasion; the two airs, "If with all your hearts," and "Then shall the righteous," being of course the most salient points; the latter so admirably rendered that it would have been ungracious to resist the very enthusiastic demand for its repetition. Upon Mr. Santley devolved the arduous role of the prophet, which he sustained in a manner that will considerably add to his reputation as one of the purest and most legitimate vocalists of the day. The band and chorus acquitted themselves à merveille, and with one exception (the Baal chorus) were more in accordance with the times indicated by the composer. It only remained for Mr. Costa to alter the exception, and the performance of Elijah would have been irreproachable.

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THE CHARITY SCHOOLS AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. The entertainment given on Wednesday by the children of the Metropolitan Charity Schools, was partly in consequence of the Annual Meeting at St. Paul's Cathedral being prevented taking place this year on account of the repairs now being made in the interior of the building, and partly because the friends of the children were desirous to give them a holiday, and repeat the festivals of 1858-9, which were found so eminently successful. No less than forty-six schools sent their juvenile choirs, and the whole force amounted to nearly 4,000. Mr. G. W. Martin, to whose beat the children are familiar (and who has succeeded to the position vacated by Mr. Bates), conducted; Mr. James Coward presided at the organ; Mr. T. Harper was first trumpet; while, to strengthen the accompaniments (which some of the pieces in the programme required), there were a second trumpet, two horns, four trombones, and the gigantic drum played by Mr. Chipp. The following was the selection :-" The Old Hundredth Psalm;" Chorus, "Lord of Heaven and Earth" (Haydn); Chorale, "“Come, sound his praise abroad" (G. W. Martin); Chant, "O sing unto the Lord"; Chorale, "Martin Luther's Hymn"; "Hosanna," for three trebles (G. W. Martin); "God and King of Jacob's Nation" (Costa); Chorale, "God that madest earth and heaven (T. B. Southgate); Psalm, "O praise ye the Lord"; Chorale from St. Paul, " Sleepers awake" (Mendelssohn); and "God save the Queen." The performance on the whole was most admirable, more especially in the unison pieces, in which the singers felt no timidity, and sang with their hearts as well as their voices. There were three encores-the Chorale, "Come, sound his praise abroad," the "Hosanna" for three trebles (both by Mr. Martin), and the Chorale from St. Paul, "Sleepers awake." At the end of the Concert, when the National Anthem had been sung, there was a tremendous demonstration on the part of the singers as well as the audience. First the audience clapped their hands sore, and then the children roared themselves hoarse, and then fairly wearied, the juveniles holding out the longest. At last the both joined issue and screamed and applauded in unison, until schools retired from the orchestra in military order, and were soon seen swarming over the terraces and walks, where the Upper Fountains were made to play for their gratification; and here we heartily, and went home happier than princes, potentates, or must leave them, having no doubt that they enjoyed themselves members of the House of Commons.

MR. J. L. HATTON'S CONCERT on Wednesday attracted one of the most crowded audiences we have seen this year at St. James's Hall. The fact that money was returned, and that numbers were sent away from the doors, is strong evidence of Mr. Hatton's popularity. With the exception of Mendelssohn's trio for pianoforte, violin, and violoncello, played, need we say, to perfection by Miss Arabella Goddard, M. Sainton, and Signor Piatti, and a

ven's

solo on the violin by M. Sainton, the entire programme was vocal. From eighteen pieces, sung by twenty-one artists-strange proportion!- -we can only select for special notice, Mr. Hatton's songs, "It was fifty years ago," sung by Mad. Sainton-Dolby, and loudly encored; "Sweet Love, good night to thee" (first time of performance), sung by Mr. Sims Reeves, uproariously redemanded; "Good-bye, Sweetheart," by Mr. Sims Reeves, also sung twice; and "The Bird of Song," by Mrs. Weiss; Beetho"Adelaida," by Mr. Sims Reeves (accompanied on the pianoforte by Miss Arabella Goddard), who only bowed in acknowledgment of the encore; and, "Pray, Good, please," by Miss Poole. Other songs and ballads, the composition of Mr. Hatton, were allotted to Miss Parepa, Mrs. Sims Reeves, Mad. SaintonDolby, and Mr. Santley. The English Glee and Madrigal Union were announced, but arrived too late to sing, and Mr. Hatton, as a compensation to the audience, gave "The Little Fat Grey Man." Miss Palmer, too, whose name figured in the programme, was not forthcoming.

MAD. RIEDER'S MATINÉE (May 28), at Campden House, Kensington, was remarkable for the second part being devoted to the performance of M. Victor Masse's one-act operetta, Les Noces da Jeannette, the characters of Jeannette and Jean being sustained by Mad. Rieder and M. de Fontanieu. The representation took place in the handsome little theatre belonging to Mr. Wolley's splendid mansion, which was crowded with a brilliant assemblage of rank and fashion. Mad. Rieder's facile execution and neat style are well suited to M. Victor Masse's music, which, if trifling, is pleasing. In the first or miscellaneous part, in addition to the bénéficiaire and M. de Fontanieu, Miss Augusta Thompson, Miss Lascelles, and Signor Oliva sang; and Mlle. Fanny Rubini and Mr. Lindsay Sloper (pianists), Herr Becker (violin), Mr. Sidney Pratten (flute), and M. Paque (violoncello), performed on their several instruments. The conductors numbered Herr Wilhelm Ganz, M. Lauben, Herr S. Leymeyer, and Mr. W. G. Cusins.

MR. MELCHOR WINTER AND MR. BENJAMIN WELLS-tenor and flautist respectively-gave a concert at the Hanover Rooms on Monday evening, assisted by Mad. Weiss, Miss Mahlah Homer, Miss Chipperfield, Miss Clarissa Crighton, and Mad. SaintonDolby, vocalists; and Mr. F. Scotson Clark (harmonium), instrumentalist. The programme offered no particular feature. Mr. Winter sang Mr. Wallace's "Home of my heart," Lutz's "Under the Linden Tree," and "The Death of Nelson," besides joining Madame Sainton-Dolby in Mercadante's "Di conforto," and taking part in the quartet, "Un di si ben," from Rigoletto. Mr. Wells, a capital flautist, executed two solos of his own composition. Mad. Sainton-Dolby introduced a new song "The Skipper and his Boy," which she sang with great effect, Herr Wilhelm Ganz conducted.

MR. ALLAN IRVING'S MORNING CONCERT (May 29th), at the Hanover Rooms, was above the average order. Beethoven's trio in C minor (op. 11) for piano, violin, and violoncello, was well performed by Mr. Charles Salaman, Herr Ries, and Herr Lidel. Mr. Salaman also played Handel's air, with variations, in D minor, and his own rondo in B flat. Mr. Irving was assisted in the vocal department by Mad. Rudersdorff, Miss Eyles, Mad. Louisa Vinning, Mad. Laura Baxter, and Mr. George Perren. Mr. Frederick Chatterton executed a fantasia on the harp, and Herr Engel a solo on the harmonium. Mr. Frank Mori and Herr Wilhelm Ganz were the conductors.

MISS PALMER'S CONCERT was given at St. Martin's Hall, on Thursday evening week. Miss Palmer is a great favourite, more particularly in this locality,-and no wonder! St. Martin's Hall was crowded in spite of the inclement weather. The fair contraltowho was assisted by Mlle. Parepa, Miss Mina Poole, Mr. Wilbye Cooper, and Mr. Thomas, vocalists; Mr. Charles Halle and Mr. George Collins (violoncello) instrumentalists-sang seven times, was applauded uproariously after each performance, and encored twice-viz., in a new song, composed for her by Mr. J. L. Hatton, "The Sailor's Wife," and in Mr. Balfe's duet, "The Sailor sighs," which she sang with Mr. Wilbye Cooper. Mlle. Parepa introduced the "shadow song" from Dinorah," My mother bids

me bind my hair," and M. Clapisson's "Alouette," the last being encored. Mr. Wilbye Cooper and Mr. Thomas, in sundry popular airs, contributed to the gratification of the audience. Mr. Charles Hallé performed one of Beethoven's sonatas, Op. 27, a nocturne by Chopin, and a valse caprice by Schubert and Liszt, in his most brilliant manner, and with immense effect.

THE ANNUAL CONCERT OF MISS FANNY HUDDART (Friday, May 25) took place at St. Martin's Hall. The selection was good, though too long. The instrumental feature was M. Sainton's admirable performance of his own fantasia on Lucrezia Borgia. The vocal pieces offered no novelty, excepting a rondo valse, sung by Mad. Catharine Hayes. The quartet from Lurline, "Though the world with transport bless thee," sung by Mad. Rudersdorff, Miss Fanny Huddart, Mr. Allan Irving, and Mr. Patey, was a firstrate performance. Mad. Valckemaere Albertazzi (a daughter, we believe, of the late Mad. Albertazzi) sang Adolph Adams' "Le retour à la montagne," and, with Mr. Allan Irving, the duet, "La ci darem;" exhibiting a pleasing and well-regulated voice. Miss Huddart's share of the programme comprised the cavatina, "Mille volte," from Donizetti's Pia di Tolomei, Mr. Hullah's new ballad, "The Mother's Song," and Mr. Wallace's ballad, "Old friends and other days," all extremely well sung, and the last eliciting an unanimous encore.

MISS HELEN M'LEOD'S CONCERT was held at the Hanover Rooms, on Tuesday evening. This young lady-a soprano, with a pleasing voice and agreeable style, new to the concert-roomsang "The Last Rose of Summer," and "Una voce," besides taking a share in two duets, a quartet, and a part-song. Miss M'Leod, being encored in the cavatina from the Barbiere, substi tuted "Charlie is my darling." The same compliment was paid her in a duet with Mlle. Behrens. Herr Herrmanns, the Ĝerman bass, who the previous night had created so marked a sensation at the Monday Popular Concerts in St. James's Hall, again achieved a great success. He sang two songs, and was encored in one, viz., "Falstaff," from Otto Nicolai's Merry Wives of Windsor, Miss E. Wilkinson, Mr. Tennant, and Signor Ciabatta were the other singers; and Mr. George Osborne (pianoforte), Signor instrumentalists. There was a numerous and fashionable assemPiatti (violoncello), and Herr Oberthür (harp), were the solo blage, the concert being given under distinguished patronage.

THE MATINÉE OF MR. HAROLD THOMAS, the Pianist, on Monday, at Collard's pianoforte and concert-rooms, Grosvenor Street, calls for notice, as presenting in almost every respect an unexceptionable programme. The special pieces were Beethoven's quartet in E flat for pianoforte, violin, viola, and violoncello (an arrangement of the quintet with wind instruments, Op. 16), and Mendelssohn's trio in D minor (Op. 49) for pianoforte, violin, and violoncello, executed by Messrs. Harold Thomas, H. Blagrove, R. Blagrove, and Signor Pezze. Mr. Thomas also played several solo pieces of his own composition, and, with Signor Pezze, the "Moonlight scene" from M. Gounod's Nonne Sanglante, transcribed for Miss Augusta Thomson, Miss Poole, pianoforte and violoncello. Mr. Wilbye Cooper, and Mr. Santley were the singers. A selection was given from Professor Bennett's May Queen, accompanied on the pianoforte by the composer, and comprising-song "O meadow clad in early green," sung by Mr. Wilbye Cooper; song, ""Tis jolly to hunt," by Mr. Santley; and trio, " The hawthorn in the glade," by Miss Poole, Messrs. Wilbye Cooper and Santley. Praise may be awarded to Mr. Thomas's song to Tennyson's words, "Wind of the western sea," which was charmingly given by Miss Poole. Mr. Lindsay Sloper and Mr. W. G. Cusins were the conductors.

MADAME LAURA BAXTER recently gave an attractive concert, when the list of executants included the names of Mad. Catharine Hayes, Mad. Weiss, Mr. Sims Reeves, Mr. G. Perren, and Mr. Weiss; Mr. Blagrove, Herr Lidel, Miss Matilda Baxter, and Mr. S. Noble; Mr. Vincent Wallace officiating as conductor. In the first part, Mayseder's trio for pianoforte, violin, and violoncello, was admirably executed by Miss M. Baxter, Mr. Blagrove, and Herr Lidel; and in the duet, "La dove prende," Mr. and Mad. Weiss were deservedly applauded with more than ordinary warmth. The recitative and romanza, "Sombre Forêt," though not quite suited to Mad. Catherine Hayes, who was, moreover, suffering from a cold, was charmingly rendered. The aria and

accompanying recitative, "Lascia ch' io pianga," were very effectively sung by Mad. Laura Baxter, who was no less warmly applauded in her interpretation, with Mad. Hayes, of "Quis est homo." Mr. Sims Reeves elicited, as usual, fervent applause by his singing of "Adelaida," and bowed his acknowledgment in return for the general encore; the first part was brought to an effective conclusion by a grand pianoforte duet, admirably played by Miss Baxter and Mr. Noble. The second part commenced with the trio, " Turn on, Old Time," by Mad. Laura Baxter, Mr. G. Perren, and Mr. Weiss. Mr. Sims Reeves achieved an encore by his expressive interpretation of Vincent Wallace's ballad, "Sweet Form," from Lurline, and gracefully responded to the demand for its repetition. A similar compliment was justly awarded to Mad. Laura Baxter in "The last Good Bye," by the same composer. The chief features of the remaining portion of the concert were the performance, by Mr. Reeves and Mad. Baxter, of the duet from Tancredi, "M' abbraccia ; " Mr. G. Perren's rendering of the ballad, "The Old Green Lane;" and Miss M. Baxter's pianoforte solo, "Home, sweet home." The concertroom was crowded, and the entire entertainment passed off in the most satisfactory manner.

MR. AGUILAR'S CONCERT.-Mr. Aguilar, one of our very best native professors of music, gave his annual concert on Monday morning at the Hanover Square Rooms, which were crowded on the occasion by a most fashionable audience. Mr. Aguilar courted criticism in the two-fold character of composer and pianist, and in both completely vindicated his claim to the lofty position long ago conceded to him as one of the ablest musicians this country has produced. Mr. Aguilar's creative powers were strikingly exemplified in a trio for piano, violin, and violoncello; three songs, "The Appeal," "In a wood on a windy day," and a Reiter Lied; a fantasia upon Weber's (so called) "Last Waltz," and a sestet for piano, flute, oboe, clarionet, horn, and bassoon; whilst his ability as an executant was displayed with no less effect in his own compositions and the too rarely-heard sonata of Beethoven, each movement of which, illustrating respectively the sentiments (to use the French terms employed by the great German composer) of "Les Adieux," "L'Absence," and "Le Retour," demands the soul of a poet and the hand of a master. Mr. Aguilar's admirable trio has already been criticised in these columns, but his sestet was quite new to us, and we were gratified to discover in it an unmistakeable manifestation of that improvement which time cannot fail to bring to a conscientious and persevering student. The sestet affords evidence of such originality and freedom of expres sion as can only be looked for in the work of an accomplished artist who has learned to think and feel independently. It is, in short, a masterly composition, poetical in sentiment as it is skilful in execution. To the eternally fresh and beautiful character which belongs to the expression of pastoral life Mr. Aguilar has here given an individual, though perfectly truthful, colouring; and his work, though its subject is old as Adam, may, by virtue of his peculiar treatment of it, be described as a new and highly valuable addition to the repertory of instrumental music. Mr. Aguilar was assisted by Miss Lindo (one of our most promising concert singers), Miss Parepa, Signor Belletti, the brothers Holmes (violinists of great ability), and Herr Lidel, the violoncellist; and his concert was altogether most interesting and excellent of its kind. Morning Post.

HERR LIDEL'S MATINÉE (May 31) took place at Collard's pianoforte Concert Rooms, Grosvenor Square. The singers were Mad. Catharine Hayes, Miss Messent, Mad. Laura Baxter, and Mr. Allan Irving; instrumentalists, Mr. Charles Salaman and Herr Adolph Ries (piano), Signor Regondi (concertina), Herr Oberthür (harp), Herr Louis Ries (violin), and Herr Lidel (violoncello). The feature of the programme was Beethoven's grand Trio in B flat, Op. 11, for pianoforte, violin, and violoncello, played by Mr. Charles Salaman, Herr Ries, and Herr Lidel. Herr Lidel also introduced two compositions of his own, and joined Signor Regondi in Bohrer's Duo Concertante for concertina and violoncello. The vocal music was excellent. Miss Messent gave Mr. Charles Salaman's "Good bye! a long good bye!" in her most pleasing manner; and Mad. Laura Baxter, in a ballad by Mr. Wallace, "The last good-bye," (not the "last" by many we ven

ture to guess) charmed the audience by the fine quality of her Mad. Catharine Hayes voice and the purity of her style. achieved her usual success in "Ah! mon fils," and "Il ritorno." Mr. Charles Salaman and Herr Adolph Ries accompanied.

- Sebastian

MR. CHARLES HALLE gave his first pianoforte recital on Thursday week afternoon, at 8 Mansfield Street, Cavendish Square, when the following splendid selection was given:- Grand Sonata in C, Op. 2, No. 3-Beethoven; Partita, in B minor Bach; Sonata in D major, No. 7-Clementi; Sonata in E minor, Op. 90-Beethoven; Impromptu in B flat, Op. 142, No. 3. F. Schubert; Nuits Blanches, Nos. 9 and 17, Dans le Bois, No. 6-Stephen Haller; Berceuse in D flat, Op. 57, and Mazurkas-Chopin. The great pianist played throughout magnificently, enchanting his aristocratic audience from the first movement of Beethoven's Sonata to the last Mazurka of Chopin.

were

MISS POOLE'S CONCERT (May 29), at the Hanover Rooms, attracted a large audience. From a number of pieces, vocal and instrumental, we can only select a few for special notice: these Gabriel's song "The forsaken," sung by Mad. Catharine “The Happy Hayes, and encored; Mr. Wallace's new song Birdling," by the same lady, accompanied on the concertina by Signor Regondi; "Pray, Goody, please," by Miss Poole (encored); duet, "Tell me, gentle stranger," by Miss Poole and Mr. Ramsden (encored); and the trio, "My lady, the Countess," from the Matrimonio Segreto, by Mad, Hayes, Mad. Weiss, and Miss Poole. Miss Freeth, Signor Regondi, and Mr. William Graeff Nicholls played solos on the pianoforte, concertina, and flute; and Miss Freeth and Mr, Harold Thomas executed a duet for pianoforte and harp.

MR. VINCENT WALLACE'S CONCERT.-At the grand concert in the Handel Orchestra of the Crystal Palace, for the benefit of Mr. Vincent Wallace, the programme was exclusively made up of this popular writer's compositions. We give it at length-a concert devoted to the works of one Englishman being a rather unusual occurrence:— "Ballad,

"Old

Overture to Maritana; Ballad, "In happy moments; "Alas! those chimes; Duet, "Of fairy wand; " Ballad, friends and other days;" Cavatina, "This heart by woe o'ertaken; Variations on La Cracovienne; Scena, "Hope in sorrow;" Ballad, "Scenes that are brightest; Song, "The Bell Ringer;" Ballad, "Lily bells; Ballad, "There is a flower that bloometh;" Grand scena, "At length in absence;" Fairy trio," "Tis now our festal hour!" "Sweet form ;' Quartet, Through Overture to Lurline; Romance, Ballad, Ballad, "Gentle Troubadour ; "A Father's the world; Love;" Romanza, "The Gipsy Maid; " Concertino for Violin ; Ballad, "The Ballad (MS.), "They say that all things change; Coming of the Flowers;" Trio, "Turn on, Old Time."

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About 12,000 persons were present. The vocalists were Mlle. Parepa, Mad. Lemmens, Mrs. Weiss, Miss Augusta Thomson, Miss Poole, Mad. Laura Baxter, Miss Fanny Huddart, Mr. Sims Reeves, Mr. George Perren, Mr. Ramsden, and Mr. Weiss. Miss Arabella Goddard was the exponent of the brilliant Cracovienne, and Herr Becker of the concertino, written expressly for this clever violinist. The programme was too long. Had one sample of the composer's talent in each style been introduced, it would have been sufficient for a Saturday in May-at the Crystal Palace, which is half fête, half concert. There was, however, little extension by means of encores, the only repetitions being "Sweet form," ," and "A father's love," sung respectively by Mr. Sims Reeves and Mr. Santley. Mr. Vincent Wallace conducted the greater part of the concert, and presided at the pianoforte for the chamber songs. Mr. Manns conducted the overtures. No harp was forthcoming for "Scenes that are brightest," so the composer played the part on the pianoforte. The day was beautifully bright, and the company was of a very gay character.

ROYAL SOCIETY OF MUSICIANS.-The annual performance of Handel's Messiah, for the benefit of this excellent institution, took place on Friday evening, at St. James's Hall, in the presence of a very large and brilliant audience. Handel himself bequeathed a handsome amount to the Royal Society of Musicians, but his inmortal work, which has many a time and oft clothed the naked and fed the hungry, has proved a far more valuable legacy, for its

annual announcement, in the cause of this particular charity, is sure to draw an enormous audience. The performance on this occasion, under the direction of Professor Sterndale Bennett, was excellent, and in many respects peculiarly interesting. There was a large and thoroughly professional band, an efficient chorus, and the solos were distributed amongst a larger number of vocalists than usual. Mlle. Parepa was the chief soprano, supported by Miss Eleanor Wilkinson, Mad. Rieder, Mrs. Weiss, Miss Augusta Thomson, Miss Clara Smithson, Miss Lascelles, Mad. Sainton-Dolby, Mr.Wilbye Cooper, Mr. Montem Smith, Mr. Santley, and Mr. Lewis Thomas. Mr. Thomas Harper played the obbligato to "The trumpet shall sound." Mr. Turle presided at the organ, and Mr. Willy led the band.

ITALIAN OPERA CONCERTS AT THE CRYSTAL PALACE. - The second Opera Concert of the season, signalised by the appearance of Mad. Alboni, came off yesterday week. The great contralto was in splendid voice, and we never heard her sing with more effect the favourite and popular pieces she selected. The well-known rondofinale to Cenerentola displayed the extensive compass, the rich quality, the perfect evenness of tone, the unequalled flexibility, and the exquisite modulations of Mad. Alboni's highly cultivated and incomparable voice; and these rare qualities were not less striking in the popular brindisi from Lucrezia Borgia, to which the great singer gave a fresh vivacity and brilliancy which quite accounted

Mad.

for the clamorous cries with which it was redemanded. Alboni at first resisted the appeal, but the audience would accept no denial, and the song was repeated. We need scarcely say that she did full justice to Rosina's part in the "Zitti, zitti" trio from Barbière; but to expatiate on its numberless excellences would be but to add expletive to expletive, to heap panegyric on panegyric, and to indulge in phrases that would sound hyperbolic to ears that have not heard this perfect vocalist, and weak and ineffectual to those more fortunate mortals who have drunk in the streams of melody that flow from the "golden-mouthed " Alboni.

Mlle. Marie Brunetti was much applauded in the grand scena from Der Freischütz, which she sang in French, but which is best known in England as "Softly sighs the voice of evening." Signor Belart, invariably admirable in Rossini's music, both in the aria" S'ellam'é ognor infedele," and in the duet with M. Gassier, “ All' idea," displayed his powers to signal advantage. Signor Mongini's noble voice was highly effective in the scena," Tutto è sciolto," from La Sonnambula. He was encored in "La donna è mobile."

The chorus, "Va Pensiero," from I Lombardi, and the prayer from Mosè in Egitto, were efficiently given. Mr. Benedict conducted the overtures Fra Diavolo and Zampa.

The Yorkshire, Halifax, and Huddersfield Choral Societies, together with Mrs. Sutherland, and other well-known Yorkshire solo vocalists, sang on Saturday afternoon at the Palace. After the concert the entire series of great fountains were displayed for the first time this season.

CONCERT OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE FINE ARTS.- After Mr. Henry Ottley had delivered his lecture in presence of the brilliant company in the Bridgewater Gallery, to which we alluded in our leading columns last week, a Concert took place, supported by several artists of the Royal Italian Opera and Her Majesty's Theatre. The programme consisted of a trio by Méhul, for piano, violoncello, and harmonium, executed with much taste by Messrs. Pezze, Miolan, and Méhul; Mrs. Gilbert sang with considerable effect Macfarren's "Beautiful May," which was deservedly applauded. Herr Steger -who has been recently engaged for Her Majesty's Theatre, and who will shortly appear-sung Mercadante's aria, "La dea di tutti i cor," and a lied by Esser, "Abschied" with considerable ability. Mlle Michal, from Her Majesty's Theatre, gave the lied, by Mendelssohn, "Auf flügeln des Gesanges" with great spirit and effect. Mad. Csillag sang Schubert's "Post" in a most finished manner. Mad. Csillag likewise sang, in conjunction with Herr Steger, a canon MS. by Herr Schachner-(whose death, we are happy to announce, was erroneously reported in the Belgian Guide de Musique).| It is a charming composition, and was admirably rendered. Mlle. Jenny Meyer delighted the audience with Schubert's lied "Horch du Lerche," as also Fesca's "Der Wanderer;" and Mr. Santley was compelled to repeat Wallace's "Bell Ringer" in

obedience to the unanimous demand of the assembly. Mrs. Henry Webb and Herr Becker performed the last two movements of Beethoven's "Kreutzer" sonata. The playing was brilliant, and the applause thoroughly merited. Mr. Walworth, in Mendelssohn's song "I am a Roamer," and Herr Herrmanns' singing of "Falstaff" by Nicolai, which obtained an encore, contributed to the success of the concert. Mr. Gilbert (who has superintended several conversaziones), together with Herr Schachner and Mr. Benedict, were the conductors, The conversazione, which was attended by upwards of 800 persons, and included a large number of distinguished artists and connoisseurs, terminated at 11 o'clock.

MISS EMMA BUSBY, the talented pianist, gave a Morning Concert at the Hanover Square Rooms, on Monday week. Her performance included Hummel's Trio in E Major, with M. Sainton and Signor Piatti; a Scherzo, by Chopin; one of Mendelssohn's Lieder ohne Worte; and, with Signor Piatti, Beethoven's Duet in F Major, for piano and violoncello, in all of which the fair pianist exhibited both refinement of style and dexterity of finger. The voice music was supplied by Mlle. Jenny Meyer, Miss Marian Moss, Miss Augusta Thomson, and Mr. Santley. Mr. W. G. Cusins was the accompanyist.

week, on behalf of the Royal Medical Benevolent College. The A CONCERT was given at MYDDELTON HALL, on Wednesday A. Lester, Winn, and the Quartet Glee Union. Miss Fraser insingers were-Misses Clari Fraser, Annie Cox, and Eyles, Messrs. troduced a new song by Mr. Clement White, "The lone old tree," a most melodious and graceful composition, which she sang with perfect taste and feeling. Miss Fraser also gave "Where the bee sucks," and was encored. Miss Eyles received a similar compli ment in Mr. Linley's "Annie," and the two ladies joined in Weber's duet "Come be gay." glee, "Under the greenwood tree," Horsley's "Sweet is evening's The Quartet Glee Union sang Bishop's tranquil time," Mr. Hatton's part-song night," and Webbe's catch "Would you know my Cecilia's

charms ?"

"Stars of the summer

Milan, September 21, 1771. To-day is to take place the first rehearsal, with orchestra, of M. Hasse's work, who is quite well, God be thanked. Next week will come the rehearsal of the serenade. Monday that of the recitatives; on the other days those of the choruses. Monday, Wolfgang will have quite finished. Manzuoli often comes to see us: Tibaldi almost every day at about eleven; he stays at table with us till one. Wolfgang composes during the whole time. All are extremely polite, and evince the greatest consideration for Wolfgang. We have not the slightest annoyance to complain of, for we have to do with good singers only and reasonable people. This serenade is, properly speaking, a little opera, and the opera itself is no longer, as regards the musical portion, for it is only prolonged by the two grand ballets, each of which lasts three-quarters of an hour.

Two days ago the Italian comedy terminated its performances, because the theatre was wanted for the preparations to be commenced. These comedians are extremely good, especially in character pieces and in tragedy.

in Salzburg. Now you inform me that many die of dysentery. This is very You tell me, in your previous letters, that many persons have gone mad bad, for when people are seized by the head and by the

at the same time, the thing becomes dangerous. I must have carried away something myself from Salzburg, for I still frequently have vertigo. It is not astonishing, for when the air is infected one may easily catch something; that is why I asked you for some pills. I want to cure my head.

P.S. from Wolfgang. As for me, God be thanked, I am well. I cannot write to you at any length. First of all, I have nothing to say; next, my fingers ache with scribbling notes. I often whistle and callbut no one answers. Only two airs more and the serenade is finished.

I have no longer any wish to return to Salzburg.-I am afraid of going mad like the rest of them.

109.

The Same to the Same.

Milan, September 28, 1771. Our holidays and amusements have commenced. We are going out a-walking. To-day the first full rehearsal takes place. I can tell you beforehand for your solace, that I am in hopes Wolfgang's composition will have a great success. First of all, because Manzuoli and all the singers, male and female, not only are in the highest degree satisfied with their pieces, but are still more anxious than we are to hear the serenade with all the accompaniments; next, because I know what he has written, and what effect it will produce, and because he is quite certain that he writes as well for the voice as he does for the orchestra. We are quite

well. Tell me always about the weather.

110.

The Same to the Same."

Milan, October 19, 1771. The serenade so astonishingly pleased the people on the 17th, that it has to be played again to-day. The Archduke has asked for two copies (besides the two copies made for the Emperor and the Archduke which we are having bound). Every one accosts us in the streets to congratulate Wolfgang. In short, I am sorry for it, but Wolfgang's serenade threw Hasse's opera into the shade to a degree impossible to describe. Give thanks to God and pray for us.

111.

The Same to the Same.

Milan, October 26, 1771. The public were witnesses yesterday at the theatre of the enthusiasm of the Archduke and Archduchess, who not only caused, by their applause, two airs in the serenade to be repeated, but during the serenade, and at the end, both leant out of their box towards Wolfgang in the orchestra, ard betokened their approbation by crying out, "Bravissimo maestro!" and clapping their hands, an example which all the nobility and all the people imitated by applauding with all their might.

If you want any dresses, have made what is necessary; neither you or Nanette should be without what is proper. You must do whatever is to be done. Don't take anything bad. It is false economy to buy inferior goods. Have a fine gown made for yourself for grand occasions, and the one you had at Vienna you can wear every day. No woollen stuff-it is not worth a curse.

P.S. from Wolfgang.—My work being finished, I have more time to write, but I have no news to tell you, unless it be that the numbers 35, 59, 60, 61, and 62 came out at the lottery, and thus if we had staked upon those numbers we should have won, but not having staked we have neither won nor lost, but made fun of the people. The two airs in the serenade asked for again were those of Manzuoli and Girell.

112.

The Same to the Same.

Milan, November 24, 1771.

M. Hasse and Wolfgang as well have been richly recompensed for their compositions. Besides what they touched in money, M. Hasse has received a snuff box, and Wolfgang a watch set in diamonds. We shall see each other again soon if it be God's will. It is very certain that the serenade has pleased everybody to a singular degree. But that the Archbishop will bethink him of Wolfgang when there is an appointment vacant is a point on which I have my doubts.

P.S. from Wolfgang.-Manzuoli, who, however, passed in people's eyes for the most reasonable of castrati, has committed in his old age an act of folly and of pride. It was agreed he was to have 500 gigliati for the opera; but as there was no mention made of the serenade in the scrittura, he demanded another 500 for this, consequently altogether 1000. The Court only gave him 700 and a handsome snuff-box (I should think that was enough). But he like a true castrato returned the 700 gigliati and the snuff-box, and departed without taking anything. I do not know what is likely to be the end of this history; a bad one I imagine.

113.

The Same to the Same.*

Botzen, October 28, 1772.

We were not able to start from Insbruck before seven o'clock, because there was no mass before the six o'clock one at St. John's. From Insbruck we went out driving as far as Hall to see the Ladies' Institute there, which was shown to us in detail by the Countess Lodson. Wolfgang played on the organ in the church there. Botzen is a melancholy place. But the pleasant disorder which is of the essence of all journeys has put my health in order. If, therefore, travelling be necessary to keep me in health, I shall try and get a place as courier, or at any rate as conductor of a diligence. Wolfgang is well; he is just now writing a quatuor to while away the time.

Only! I am hungry, I am thirsty, I am sleepy, I am lazy, but I am P.S. from Wolfgang.-Here we are already at Botzen. Already? well. I hope you will keep your word.

114.

Wolfgang Mozart to his Mother.

Milan, November 7, 1772. Don't be alarmed at seeing my writing instead of the father's. He has not time to write, because we are at M. d'Osto's, and Baron Cristiani has come here, and these gentlemen have so much to gossip about that he cannot leave them. We arrived here on the 4th without mishap. There is not a word of truth in the rumour of a war in Italy, of which there is so much talk in Germany, any more than there is in that of the fortifications of the castle of Milan.

We embrace mother 1,000,000 times (I cannot get in any more o's here, and I prefer embracing my sister in personâ to doing so in fancy). P.S. from Mozart. We spent Wolfgang's fête day merrily at Ala, at the brothers Picilli: we stopt also at Verona, and this is why we go to Milan so late, where we have already seen the opera buffa.

115.

The elder Mozart to his Wife.

Milan, Nov. 14, 1772.

After living tranquilly for several weeks at Milan I am beginning to feel some symptoms of indisposition. I allow myself to get thinking of Salzburg, and without being conscious of it take a pleasure therein; when I come back to myself, I shake myself up, or endeavour to shake myself up and cast aside these reminiscences as I used to cast aside the evll thoughts with which the devil inspired me in my youth. There is no one here of our company but la Signora Saarti who plays the parts of the secondo uomo. Meanwhile Wolfgang has had enough to do, having had to write the choruses to the number of three, and to rewrite in part the recitatives which he had composed at Salzburg; for the poet had shown his manuscript to Metastasio, at Vienna, and he modified it, improved it, and added an entire scene to the second act. Lastly, Wolfgang has composed all the recitatives which were wanting in the Overture.

There is at Brescia a certain Count Lecchi, a capital violinist, and a great connoisseur and amateur of music, at whose house we promised to alight immediately on our return.

*Mozart arrived at Salzburg at the end of December, 1771, and the following year composed another serenade, Il Sogno di Scipione, by Metastasio, to celebrate the election of the new Archbishop of Salzburg, Jerome, of the princely house of Colloredo and Niöls, elected March 14, 1772. In October, 1772, father and son set out for Milan, where Mozart wrote the opera seria, Lucio Silla.

(To be continued.)

Advertisements.

CONCERTS.-Westminster Road.-Lessee, Mr. C. MORTON.-Every Evening.-C. H. GOUNOD'S Opera, Faust-Faust, Mr. HENRY HERBERT; Mephistopheles, Mr. C. BERNARD; Siobel, Mrs. ANDERSON; Marguerite, Miss RUSSEL. Conductor, Herr JONGHMANS-and Selections from Dinorah, Trovatore, and Macbeth. Several interesting Pictures have been added to the Fine Arts Gallery. The suite of Halls have been re-decorated and beautified, and constitute one of the most unique and brilliant sights of the metropolis.