An Account of the Musical Performances in Westminster-Abbey, and the Pantheon, May and June 1784, in Commemoration of Handel

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1785 edition. Excerpt: ... the fmall miftakes, Jind great effects of this firft experiment, which many had condemned by anticipation, were foon communicated to the lovers of Mufic, throughout the town, to the great increafe of fubfcribers and folicitors for tickets. For though the friends of the Directors were early in fubfcribing, perhaps, from perfonal refpecl:, as much as expectation of a higher mufical repaft than ufual; yet, the public, in general, did not manifeft great eagernefs in fecuring tickets, till after this rehearfal, Friday, May 21, which was reported to have aftonifhed even the performers themfelves, by its correctnefs and effedts. But fo interefting did the undertaking become, by this favourable rumour, that from the great demand of tickets, it was found neceflary to clofe the fubfcription j which was done fo rigoroufly, that the author of this account was unable, on Monday, to obtain of the Managers tickets of any kind, on any terms, for fome of his friends, who had negledted to give in their names fooner. (a) This was Mr. John Aflily, of the advancement of the plan, and diminiflicd Guards, whofe unwearied zeal and diligence the anxiety of Mr. Bates, as well as the were conftantly employed with fuch imelli-weight with which he had voluntarily Load gence and fuccefs, as greatly facilitated the ed his fhoulders. Many Many families, as well as individuals, were, however, attracted to the capital by this celebrity; and I never remember it fo full, not only fo late in the year, but at any time in my life, except at the coronation of his prefent Majefty. Many of the performers came, unfolicited, from the remoteft parts of the kingdom, at their own expence; fome of them, however, were afterwards reimburfed, and had a fmall gratuity in confideration of.