THIRD VOCAL CONCERT, Monday, February 4, 1833.

Leader, Mr. T. COOKE.—Organ and Piano-forte, Messrs. TURLE and GOSS.

PART I.

PART II.

The general effect of this evening’s performance was not equal to the last: in regard to variety no fault can be found, for in a concert of nineteen pieces, we find the compositions of fifteen different authors, indicating a strong desire to suit the inclinations, and meet the wishes of the subscribers. The concerted pieces were by far the most effective, and, generally speaking, much the best done. The noble Kyrie of Leo is a magnificent specimen of that style of writing; it was, perhaps, too long to repeat, but we are persuaded it would have been done much better a second time; such music absolutely requires well rehearsing in order to go smooth, which is the necessary consequence of the performers being thoroughly conversant in what they have to do. The Madrigals were admirably sung, and encored as before, par acclamation. No. 5, by Ward, we consider as without an equal; it is, indeed, a matchless production. We hope, another season, to see a more convenient plan adopted in the mode of giving the time; it could not possibly be intrusted to abler hands than Mr. Turle; but owing to the position in which he stands, he can be seen only by a small part of the orchestra, and is of necessity driven to make himself heard, by those who cannot observe his motions. This materially interferes with the pleasure of the audience. The Maestro should be seen by every performer, but not heard. We can with propriety extend this observation to the instrumental part of the orchestra, beseeching both leader and conductor to abstain from such merciless stamping of feet as occurred during the performance of most of the full pieces. We notice in the present, as well as in the preceding concert, two compositions of Mr. Bishop, during the evening: this, we think, more than falls to his share; for however good his music may be, we cannot help recollecting many great and mighty names of antiquity, whose productions the musical public stand no chance of hearing, except at such concerts as these—need we mention Stradella, Steffani, Lotti, Luca Marenzio, cum multis aliis?

FOURTH VOCAL CONCERT, Monday, February 18th, 1833.

PART I.

PART II.

We learn from the papers distributed to the subscribers in the room this evening, a fact of which we were before ignorant; that the affairs of the society are managed by a committee of members, consisting of the following gentlemen:—Mr. Bellamy, Mr. T. Cooke, Mr. Horncastle, Mr. Hawkins, Mr. C. Taylor, Mr. E. Taylor, and Mr. Turle. We presume these gentlemen have the selection of the music brought forward for the evening’s performance; and they have executed their task, hitherto, with great and deserved credit to themselves. Called upon, however, in our critical capacity, to record our sentiments with impartiality and even-handed justice, we are bound to observe, that, unless the members cordially co-operate to give effect to the exertions of the committee, much injury may arise to the reputation of the society. The opening piece of the evening will explain our meaning; it is a fine specimen of Marcello’s very peculiar style of writing, for producing which the committee merit our thanks; but it was very imperfectly done, impressing us with a belief that many of the singers had never been present at a rehearsal of it; without which, and repeated rehearsals too, such music will never go well. We confess for ourselves, that we should have preferred Dr. Garth’s adaptation to Mrs. Ord’s words, “May the Lord Jehovah hear thee,” &c.; the performers would have better understood what they were about, and the general effect would have been improved. The glee-singing this evening was all that could be wished; not a note of the piano-forte jarred upon our ear, and we have great pleasure in stating that the glees Nos. 2, 8, 11, and 15, were as admirably performed as the nicest ear could possibly desire. No. 8 was encored, and most deservedly so. The madrigals Nos. 4 and 13 were both by the same composer: this we think scarcely judicious; for though both are first rate-productions, yet with such ample stores from which to select, it ought to have been avoided; it is partly owing to this circumstance, doubtless, that No. 13 was suffered to pass without an encore, which the first (No. 4.) received. Neither on the present nor last evening did we observe Mr. Braham or Mr. Phillips in the orchestra; owing probably to their theatrical engagements; their absence was certainly a great loss. We hope to hear more of Henry Purcell’s music at these concerts. There is a divine trio or rather dialogue between Saul, the Witch of Endor, and Samuel, which, if properly rehearsed, would indeed be a rich treat to those who understand that admirable composer’s writings.