THE anniversary of this society, on Thursday the 21st of February, proved, past all doubt, that the taste for the species of music cultivated by its members is anything but on the decline. A more brilliant meeting has not for many years been known, as the subjoined list of music performed, of members present, and of visitors, will amply testify; and it was by all agreed, that the various compositions were never heard to greater advantage.

There are cycles in music as well as in other heavenly things; the madrigal is come round again, and probably will, in two or three years, again disappear, except to the present society, who have never lost sight of it, and to whom (as also, indeed, to the Ancient Concerts) we are perhaps indebted, for having preserved it from final occultation. We shall not be surprised soon to find it visible in our most fashionable drawing-rooms, and to hear that the revived taste for it in this country has drawn the attention of our continental neighbours to a kind of harmony which those who profess any knowledge of the art, either from study, or merely listening to and enjoying it, cannot but admire.

After the cloth was removed, and the youthful choristers of the King’s Chapel and St. Paul’s Cathedral were admitted, the following madrigals were performed, nearly all present taking a part:—

Among the members present were, Messrs. W. Linley, (Chairman), W. Hawes (Music Director), C. Baumer, T. Pinto (Stewards), J. P. Street (Librarian), Tho. Oliphant (Secretary), E. Bates, R. Taylor, J. Capel, J. T. Cooper, J. Barwise, Sir A. Barnard, K.C.B., Rev. J. Hall, J. P. Salomons, E. Fitzwilliam, J. N. Macleod, Lord Saltoun, J. Calkin, C. Hancock, H. Hancock. C. Comerford, J. Dillon, G. Cooper, W. Taylor, Tho. Gladstone, M.P., E. Taylor.

The non-professional visiters were, Duke of Argyle, Admiral Taylor, Sir R. Simeon, Hon. A. Macdonald, Dr. Penrose, Messrs. Boldero, Gray, Nyren, Seviers, (2.) Hall, Spyring, Cox, Bond, M’Donald, Bedford, Campbell, Mozer, Rich, Pears, Bates, jun., Luttrell, Barnard, Spencer, S. Cartwright, Street, jun., S. J. Arnold, H. Surman, H. Sanford, J. Silver.

The professional visiters included Messrs. Vaughan, Sale, Spencer, Leete, Blackbourne, Horncastle, Ella, Horsley, Hawkins, Walmisley, C. Evans, C. Taylor, Howell, James Elliott, Goss, Goulden, Jolley.