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Life Musical Works Concert Diary  1867 | |
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Concert Advertisements and Reviews - 1867. Saturday, 26 January 1867 : Mr. Joseph Stammers's Vocal and instrumental concert at St. Martin's Hall. Saturday Concert at St. Martin´s Hall.- Last night a vocal and instrumental concert was given at the St. Martin's Hall, Long-acre, under the direction of Mr. Joseph Stammers, formerly superintendent of the school of Method, and manager of Mr. John Hullah's School of Music and an originator of the London "Wednesday Concert, [?] The programme included the names of Mr. and Mrs Henri Drayton, signor Bellini, Miss Fanny liuddaih Mme. Fun (of the Alhambra), Miss Louise Bower (pupil of Mr. Miranda), 31 iso :ibrace Armitage, Mr. H. C. Sanders, Miss Bosnia Collins, Miriam (the celebrated juvenile[?], pupil of Lindsay Sloper), and the St. James's It lee Union, a double quartet of male voices. (London Observer, Sunday, 27 January 1867) UNDER DISTINGUISHED PATRONAGE. MDLLE. ROSETTA ALEXANDRE'S (Pianist to the King of Prussia) THIRD SOIREE MUSICALE will take place at the Beethoven Rooms, on Wednesday, May 8th, on which occasion she will be assisted by the following eminent Artists :- Miss Banks, Miss Barry Eldon, Miss Lucy Franklein, Mr. George Perren, Monsieur de Fontanier, Herr Schuberth (Violoncello), Conductors, Mr. Lindsay Sloper and Herr Schuberth. Tickets at - Messrs. D. Davison & Co.'s, 244, Regent Street. (The Musical world, Saturday, 4 May 1867) Wednesday, 8 May 1867 : Mdlle. Rosetta Alexandra's Third Soirée Musicale at Beethoven Rooms, 76 Harley-St. UNDER DISTINGUISHED PATRONAGE. Mdlle. ROSETTA ALEXANDRA'S (Pianist to the King of Prussia) THIRD SOIRÉE MUSICALE, will take place at the Beethoven Rooms, on Wednesday, May 8th, on which occasion she will be assisted by the following eminent artistes ; Miss Banks, Miss Barry Eldon, Miss Lucy Franklein, Mr. George Perren, Monsieur de Fontanier and Herr Schuberth (Violoncello). Conductors, Mr. Lindsay Sloper and Herr Schuberth. (The orchestra, Oct. 1863-Mar. 1881, Saturday, 4 May 1867) Mademoiselle Rosetta Alexandre, pianist to the King of Prussia, gave her third Soirée, at the Beethoven Rooms, on Wednesday, May 8th. The talented young pianist and Herr Schuberth opened the concert with Chopin's grand sonata, for violoncello and pianoforte, exceedingly well played, but we cannot say that we admire the composition. The young lady was also much applauded for her two pianoforte solos - Weber's Moto Perpetuo and Liszt's "Faust Valse." The other artists were Mr. George Perren, who was very successful with his ballad, "The old green lane;" Miss Lucy Franklein, Miss Barry Eldon, and M. de Fontanier, who sang Luder's successful song, "A Presentiment," accompanied by the composer. Herr Schuberth gave three solos on the violoncello, playing them well. The conductors were Mr. Lindsay Sloper and Herr Schuberth.-B. B. (The Musical world, Saturday, 11 May 1867) Monday, 3 June 1867 : Mr. Sims Reeves's Benefit Concert at St. James's Hall, Piccadilly. MR. SIMS REEVES'S BENEFIT CONCERT, James's-hall, MONDAY EVENING, June 3d, at 8 o'clock Vocalists - Miss Louisa Pyne, Madame Patey-Whytock, Mr Patey, and. Mr. Sims Reeves. Instrumentalists - Pianoforte, Madame Arabella Goddard and Mr. Charles Hallé; Viola, Herr Goffrie: Violoncello, Signor Piatti. Conductors - Mr. Benedict and Mr. Lindsay Sloper. Stalls, 5s.; balcony, 3s.; area, 2s.; admission, 1s. At Mitchell's, Old Bond-street; Chappell and Co.'s, New Bond-street, Keith and Prowse's, Cheapside: and Austin's Ticket-office, St. James's-hall. (The Times, Monday, 27 May 1867) MR. SIMS REEVES' BENEFIT CONCERT, at James's-hall, MONDAY EVENING, June 3, at 8 o'clock Vocalists: Miss Louisa Pyne, Madame Patey-Whytock, Mr Patey, and. Mr. Sims Reeves. Instrumentalists: Pianoforte, Madame Arabella Goddard and Mr. Charles Hallé; Viola, Herr Goffrie: Violoncello, Signor Piatti. Conductors, Mr. Benedict and Mr. Lindsay Sloper. Stalls, 5s.; balcony, 3s.; area, 2s.; admission, 1s. At Mitchell's, Old Bond-street; Chappell and Co.'s, New Bond-street, Keith and Prowse's, Cheapside: and Austin's Ticket-office, St. James's-hall. (Daily News, Friday, 31 May 1867) (Also: Morning Post, Friday, 31 May 1867; Morning Post, Saturday, 1 June 1867; Morning Post, Wednesday, 29 May 1867; Morning Post, Tuesday, 28 May 1867; Daily News, Monday, 27 May 1867; Daily News, Saturday, 1 June 1867.) MR. SIMS REEVES' BENEFIT CONCERT, ST. JAMES'S HALL, MONDAY EVENING NEXT, June 3rd, Commencing at Eight o'clock. Vocalists: MISS LOUISA PYNE, MADAME PATEY-WHYTOCK, MR. PATEY, and MR. SIMS REEVES. INSTRUMENTALISTS: Pianoforte- MADAME ARABELLA GODDARD and MR. CHARLES HALLE. Violoncello-SIGNOR PIATTI. Conductors-Mr. BENEDICT and Mr. LINDSAY SLOPER. Stalls, 6s.; Balcony, 3s.; Area, 2s.; Admission, 1s.; to be obtained at Mitchell's, Old Bond street; Chappell & Co., New Bond Street; Keith & Prowse, Cheapside; and Austin's Ticket Office, St. James's Hall. (The Musical World, Saturday, 1 June 1867) MR. SIMS REEVES' BENEFIT CONCERT, at James's-hall, THIS (MONDAY) EVENING, June 3, at 8 o'clock Vocalists: Miss Louisa Pyne, Madame Patey-Whytock, Mr Patey, and. Mr. Sims Reeves. Instrumentalists: Pianoforte, Madame Arabella Goddard and Mr. Charles Hallé; Viola, Herr Goffrie: Violoncello, Signor Piatti. Conductors, Mr. Benedict and Mr. Lindsay Sloper. Stalls, 5s.; balcony, 3s.; area, 2s.; admission, 1s. At Mitchell's, Old Bond-street; Chappell and Co.'s, New Bond-street, Keith and Prowse's, Cheapside: and Austin's Ticket-office, St. James's-hall. (Morning Post, Monday, 3 June 1867) Mr. Sims Reeves' Concert.-The annual concert of Mr. Sims Reeves took place on Monday. June the 3rd, at St. James's Hall. The concerts of this great favourite of the public have been distinguished for years, not only for the variety of attraction contained in the programme, but for the infusion of music of a classic character, and their perfect adaptability to many tastes. On the present occasion Mr. Reeves contributed, as his share of the selection, Beethoven's "Adelaida," accompanied on the pianoforte by Madame Arabella Goddard; Dibdin's ballad, "Tom Bowling;" Blumenthal's song, "My Queen;" and Weber's melody, arranged as a song, "I'd weep with thee " - all of which he sang with that beauty of voice, freedom of style, grace of expression, and exquisite taste, which places him apart from all living tenors. In "Adelaida " he created an immense sensation, as, indeed, he never sang it with finer art, or finer voice; and the accomplished pianist, of course, came in for her share of the ovation. A rapturous redemand followed, but Mr. Sims Reeves very sensibly, as we think, declined the honour. Blumenthal's song and Dibdin's were both encored rapturously. For the former, Mr. Reeves substituted the same composer's "Message;" for the latter, "My pretty Jane." Miss Louisa Pyne, Madame Patey-Whytock, and Mr. Patey were the vocal associates with Mr. Reeves. Spohr's "Rose softly blooming," and M. Gounod's "Berceuse," were admirably given by Miss L. Pyne. The popular "Dream Song," from Naaman, received every justice from Madame Patey-Whytock. Mr. Patey sang Neukomm's song, "The Sea," with his accustomed vigour and was encored. The instrumental performances comprised Thalberg's Masaniello, played with extraordinary effect by Madame Arabella Goddard, and encored of course, when the same composer's "Home, sweet home," was substituted; Beethoven's grand sonata, Op. 69, for violoncello and pianoforte played by Mr. Charles Hallé and Signor Piatti ; Chopin's grand Polonaise, also for pianoforte and violoncello, executed by the same artists; solos by Weber and Chopin, for pianoforte, performed by Mr. Hallé and one of Schubert's songs, "Latania," as a solo for violoncello, given by Signor Piatti. Mr. Benedict and Lindsey Sloper were the conductors and accompanists. The audience was enormous. In fact, St. James's Hall could not by any possibility have been more crowded. Bashi Bazook. (The Musical world, Saturday, 15 June 1867) Monday, 24 June 1867 : Mr. Julius Benedict's Annual Grand Morning Concert at St. James's Hall, Piccadilly. MR. BENEDICT'S MORNING CONCERT. Mr. Benedict's Annual Morning Concert is always a great event of the musical and fashionable season. It will be given, under the patronage of their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales, and other Royal personages, at St. James's Hall, on Monday next, and, in consequence of the voluminous programme to be gone through, will commence, as before, at half-past one o'clock. Mr. Benedict will be assisted by a great number of the first singers of the day. Their names we give in full, and it will be conceded that the talented composer and Conductor, so pleasantly familiar to the English public, has done all in his power to make his musical festival of 1867 as attractive as any which have preceded it. Messrs. Mapleson and Gye have given permission for several of their respective companies to attend, and the following artistes will take part in the proceedings :-Mdlles. Titiens, Christine Nilsson, Drasdil, Liebhart, Enequist, and De Beauvoisin, Mrs. Rose Hersee, Edith Wynne, Eleanor Ward, and a debutante Jenny Pratt; Mesdames Maria Vilda, Vera, Rudersdorff, Trebelli, Botteni, Arabella Goddard, and Sainton-Dolby, Messrs. Sims Reeves, Mongini, Hobler, W. H. Cummings, Trelawny Cobham, Charles Stanton, J. B. Welsh, Lewis Thomas, Reichardt, Walter Bache, Santley, Jules Lefort, Weiss, John, Thomas, Signor Bettini, Gustave Garcia, Piatti, Lindsay Sloper, Master Cowen and Mr. Benedict himself. (The Era, Sunday, 23 June 1867) MR. BENEDICT'S CONCERT. This entertainment, which for thirty one years past has been one of the chief specialties of the musical season, took place yesterday morning at St. James's hall which was filled by a crowded and fashionable audience This was a result due both to the merits of our excellent resident professor and to the intrinsic attractions of the programme of the day; prominent among which were Mr. Benedict's recent compositions - his cantata The Legend of St. Cecilia, and his new pianoforte concerto-works which have even enhanced the composer's former high reputation acquired by the many previous excellent compositions produced during his career in this country. The cantata, composed for, and produced at the Norwich festival in November last, and performed for the first time in London by the Sacred Harmonic society in March last, was so fully noticed by us, and its very high merits so amply discussed on those occasions, that we need merely now chronicle its repetition and its equally favourable reception yesterday. The cast was the same as at Norwich - Saint Cecilia by Mdlle. Titiens, a Christian woman by Mdlle. Drasdil, Valerianus by Mr. Sims Reeves, and the Prefect by Mr. Santley. Mr. Reeves, after singing with admirable expression in the first part was compelled, by indisposition, to relinquish the remainder of his task to Mr. Cummings, who performed the remainder of the tenor solo part with his usual efficiency. The solos assigned to Mdlle. Titiens were given with the same intense expression and elevation that rendered her performance at Norwich so memorable. The pathetic prayer, "Father whose blessing," was given with the same pathos as before by Mdlle. Drasdil; and the various declamatory passages for the Prefect, including the capital dramatic scena, "What mean these zealots vile," were declaimed with the same admirable power and emphasis as at Norwich by Mr. Santley. Every movement, in short, produced a strong impression, especially the final "canticle," for St. Cecilia, in which Mdlle. Titiens' brilliant voice and impassioned yet sublimated style contrasted so admirably with the subdued choral responses, and the refined accompaniments of orchestra and harp. Prolonged applause and a call for the composer followed the termination of the cantata, when Mr. Benedict came forward, leading on Mdlle. Titiens, whose admirable singing was here, as at Norwich, so conspicuous a feature in the performance. The pianoforte concerto, first performed by Madame Arabella Goddard at the Crystal Palace in April last, and again at the Philharmonic concert three weeks since, was played yesterday by the same hands with the same grand power, finished execution, and refined grace as on the former occasions. Each of the three movements of the work elicited strong demonstrations of approval, especially the exquisite "andante," with its graceful embroideries and elaborations. The programme, which was divided into three parts, comprised a long list of pieces by some of the most eminent solo vocalists and instrumentalists in London, prominent among the former being Mdlle. Christine Nilsson, whose charming singing of two national Swedish airs (the second encored) was received with the same expression of delight that has attended her previous performances of the same melodies. An important item in the instrumental selection was Bach's concerto for three pianos, admirably played by Master Cowen, Messrs. Benedict and Lindsay Sloper, with orchestral accompaniment conducted by Mr. W. G. Cusins. The orchestra, selected from the bands of the Royal Italian Opera and Her Majesty's Theatre, with Messrs. Sainton and Carrodus as principal violins, was, of course, thoroughly efficient, as was also the chorus, consisting of members of the Sacred Harmonic Society, Mr. Henry Leslie's, and Mr. Ganz's choir. (Daily News, Tuesday, 25 June 1867) (Also: London Express, Tuesday, 25 June 1867.) ST. JAMES'S HALL.-M. BENEDICTS CONCERT. One of the great events of the London season is the annual concert of M. Jules Benedict, composer the greater portion of whose long musical career has been devoted to illustrating musical science in England, and whose English operas, The Brides of Venice, The Crusaders, with his celebrated cantatas Undine, St. Cecilia, &c, will remain as monuments of his genius. The attendance on Monday at the beneficiaire's thirty-second concert showed the great esteem in which he is held in the highest circles and in the musical world. The first part of the concert was miscellaneous; the second consisted of M. Benedict's scored cantata, "The Legend St. Cecilia,'' supported by Mdlle. Tietjens, Mr. Sims Reeves, Mr. Bentley, and Mdlle. Drasdil; the third of operatic selections. The concert opened with Beethoven's overture, " Egmont," admirably played by the band. This was followed by the Goatherd's song and chorus (Dinorah), " Fanciulle ohs il core,'' led by young debutante, Miss Jenny Pratt, pupil of Signor Garcia, possessed of pretty mezzo voice and considerable facility of execution. Mr. Weiss sang a new song of his own composition, "King Canute," full of character and very effective. Madame Trebelli-Bettini sang tarantella by Bevignani, from Eco di Bapoli -the first time of performance. It displayed to advantage the purity, flexibility, and brightness of the lady's superb contralto, and was accompanied cleverly and closely by its composer. Another delightful bit by the same cantatrice and her husband was also novelty : a duo by Otto Nicolai, " moi oe mot," and worthy of the pleasing composer of Falstaff. "After Che sapete," exquisitely sung by Mdlle. Christine Nilsson, that lady and Madame Trebelli-Bettimi sang "Per valli, per boache," by Blangini, so wonderfully that, despite the warning on the programme that the length of the concert forbade encores, the audience insisted upon its repetition, and would not be denied. After a new song by Blumenthal, " Queen," by Sims Reeves, accompanied by the composer, and another Benedict, "The Maiden's Dream," tastefully sung Miss Edith Wynne, Mdlle. Nilsson again appeared. This time that lady gave a Swedish national melody; and again, in violation of nil regulation, encore was enforced. The last vocal piece of the part was terzettino (Randegger), "I Naviganti," by Trebelli, Signor Bettini, and Mr.Santley. These, with pianoforte concerto in E flat (Benedict), beautifully played by Madame Arabella Goddard, with orchestral accompaniment, closed a first part with a sufficiency in quality and quantity for a moderate matinee musicale. Part IIi. consisted entirely of Benedict's "Legend of St. Cecilia." This composition was produced the Norwich Musical Festival in March last, with the principal parts supported the same singers -Saint Cecilia Mdlle. Tietjens, Christian Woman Mdlle. Drasdil, Valerianus by Mr. Sims Reeves, and the Prefect by Mr. Santley, merits of this great work of the pupil of Weber and Mendelssohn have recently examined on tha occasion of its performance at Exeter Hall. Mr. Sims Reeves sang Valerianus in the first part, but being compelled to retire by indisposition Mr. W. H. Cummings took the tenor solos in his place; Mr. Bentley delivered the music of the Prefect of with fine emphasis, and Mdlle. Tietjens was sublime as Cecilia ; the oloeiog canticle, "Those whom the Highest," with its Alleluia chorus, being most effective. Mdlle. Drasdil, too, deserves mention for the pathos she threw into the prayer, "Father, whose blessing." The wedding chorus with which the cantata opens, and the chorus of angels, were full of colour and expression, and the whole work was excellently rendered. M. Benedict was called for, and came forward, leading on Mdlle. Tietjens. In the third part Signor Mongini was grand in the part of Artioldo, in "Tronoar suoi di" (Guillaume Tell), Signor G. Garcia and Mr. Lewis Thomas taking the voices of Tell and Walter, Madame Maria Vilda showed her wonderful quality in the scene from Spohr's Faust, "Le notte foggi," and Mr. Turn Hohler, who shines more in the concert-room then on large stage, was warmly [?] in a romanza by Benedict, "Partiam, fuggasi sempo," the first time of performance. Madame Sainton-Dolby gave two ballads by Virginia Gabriel and Claribel in her rich and quiet style, and Trebelli-Bettini, the invaluable, was down for come voice variations, by Weckerlin, from Mozart's sonata in which we sincerely regret, from the lateness of the hour, did not hear; and the same must apply to the septett from Wagner's Bay who is The instrumental selection included Bach's concerto foe three pianos, admirably played by Master Cowen, Messrs. Benedict and Lindsay Sloper, with orchestral accompaniments conducted by Mr. W. G. Cusins. The orchestra, selected from the bands of the Royal Italian Opera and Her Majesty's Theatre, with Messrs. Sainton and Carrodus as principal violins, was of course thoroughly efficient, as was also the chorus, consisting of members of the Sacred Harmonic Society, Mr. Henry Leslie's, and Mr. Ganz's choir. a whole, M. Benedict's concert, we need hardly say, was a musical banquet of the highest order of excellence, erring, if it be an error, on the side of profusion. (Morning Advertiser, Wednesday, 26 June 1867) MR. BENEDICTS CONCERT. Mr. Benedict's annual Morning Concert is always an event in the musical arrangements of the season, and that which was given by him on Monday last was no less important than the many which have so frequently preceded it. On this occasion, as on every other when this accomplished gentleman takes his benefit, St. James's Hall was crowded to overflowing… that there was scarcely standing room to be had fr those who came late. Mr. Benedict, Sgnr. Arditi, Mr. Cusins, and [?] were the conductors; the orchestra led … M. Sainton; the pianists were A. Goddard-Davison, Mdlle. Mariot de Beauvoisin, Mr. Lindsay Sloper, Mr. Cowan, and Mr. Benedict; Mr. John Thomas the harpist: and Signor Piatti the violoncellist. The Concert began at half past one, and terminated at a few minutes past [?] Many persons sat it out to the end, and a few, perhaps, ho, when all was over, still wished for more. The most important work was Mr. Benedict's Cantata of "St. Cecilia," one produced at the Norwich Festival last year, in which the admirable of Mdlle. Tietjens was particularly remarkable. Mr. Sims Reeves and Mr. Cummings divided the tenor role, the former gentleman having left the orchestra in the middle of the exquisite quartet, why or wherefore nobody could understand. The mezzo-soprano part was assigned Mdlle. Drasdil… (Bell's Weekly Messenger, Saturday, 29 June 1867) Mr. Benedict's thirty-second annual concert took place at St. James's Hall on Monday morning, when the entertainment provided was of the length of two ordinary concerts. The chief features were the performance of Mr. Benedict's "Legend of St. Cecilia" and his new pianoforte concerto. The cantata, which was given with the same solo singers as at its production at the last Norwich Festival, Mdlles. Titiens and Drasdil, Mr. Sims Reeves, and Mr. Santley, produced as great an effect as on that occasion and at its repetition by the Sacred Harmonic Society. The concerto, too, played by Madame Arabella Goddard, as at its first hearing at one of the Crystal Palace concerts, was again equally admired for its many intrinsic beauties and its brilliant passages of executive display. Bach's concerto for three pianos, admirably played by Master Cowen, Mr. Benedict, and Mr. Lindsay Sloper, was an important item in the programme, which was too long for further specification beyond noting the effect produced by Madlle. Christine Nilsson's charming singing, especially in two of her Swedish national airs. (The London review of politics, society, literature, art, and science, Saturday, 29 June 1867) Mr. Benedict's annual concert, the only monster celebration of the kind of which audiences do not seem to weary, serves to mark the culminating point of the season, being fixed in the zenith of the musical firmament. After Mr. Benedict, not the deluge, but the ebb. The season wanes, and London forsakes town. The dullness and feebleness of fashionable activity this year - what with Her Majesty's retirement, the Paris Exhibition, the effects of the late panic, and one thing and another - will render the "afterglow " which usually marks the time subsequent to Mr. Benedict's concert shorter this year than is generally the case. As regards the concert itself, however, no diminution of his yearly success attended Mr. Benedict's efforts. He is fortunate in having a large connection both of artists and supporters. His list of vocalists and instrumentalists reads like a census of the profession, including nearly every name, from Tietjens, Vilda, and Reeves, to the debutante whose modesty trembles to find herself in such exalted company. His program too represents every class of music in vogue - from the elegant Italian romanza and the exalted canticle, down to the ephemeral cast-off of Claribel. Indeed, at the last concert the founders of the last-mentioned school secured additional prominence by means of a deft change in the program, which necessitated an extra advertisement of her wares in the loose sheet announcing the alteration. The special attraction on Monday was the performance of the St. Cecilia cantata, the work of Mr. Benedict which was originally written for the Norwich Festival, and has since obtained a hearing at the Sacred Harmonic Society's performance. This time it was given with the original cast - Tietjens, Drasdil, Reeves and Santley, though Mr. Sims Reeves was apparently attacked by sudden indisposition, and had hastily to leave the platform. After a short delay his place was filled by Mr. Cummings, an auxiliary who has frequently served his brother tenor at a pinch, and whose assistance on the present occasion was grateful. The rendering of the cantata was in every respect satisfactory, and such as to call for fervent recognition on the part of the audience - in whom, by the way, ladies predominated. Benedict's new concerto in E flat attained as much favour on this as on previous occasions, being remarkably well interpreted by Mme. Goddard. The septet for male voices from "Tannhäuser," given with pianoforte accompaniment, and through the medium of a remarkably involuted libretto, recalling the grammatical construction of the immortal Mrs. Brown, formed another feature of the concert; which was further graced by Mdlle. Nilsson, whose Swedish songs were encored; Mme. Rudersdorff, Signor Mongini, Herr Reichardt, Mdlles. Liebhart and Enequist, Signor and Mdme. Trebelli, Miss Rose Hersee, Mr. Lewis Thomas, Mr. Tom Hohler, Mr. Lindsay Sloper, and a multitude of other artists. The Hall - that of St. James's - was crowded to excess, seats fetching an extraordinary price; and the wonderful assortment of floral beauties presented by the ladies' bonnets contributed not a little to the effect of this by affording what Mr. Arthur Sketchley calls a coop dool fair to look upon. For the success which attended this concert the is not a little indebted to the energy displayed by Mr. Nimmo, to whom the arrangements in front of the house were confided. They could not have been left in better hands. (The orchestra, Oct. 1863-Mar. 1881, Saturday, 29 June 1867) MR. BENEDICT'S CONCERT. - Mr. Benedict's concert is always one of the great events of the season; and almost every one connected with, or interested in, music is present at it in some capacity or other - either as a vocal or instrumental performer or as a member of the audience. The entertainment of Monday formed no exception to the general rule. A multitude of able artists sang and played to a still greater multitude of eager amateurs. St. James's Hall was literally "full to overflowing;" for the "artists' room" overflowed into the audience department, while the audience department overflowed into the corridors and passages outside. Mr. Benedict, Signor Arditi, Mr. Cusins, and Signor Randegger were the conductors; the orchestra was led by M. Sainton; the pianists were Madame Arabella Goddard, Mdle. Mariot de Beauvoisin, Mr. Lindsay Sloper, Mr. Cowan, and Mr. Benedict; Mr. John Thomas was the harpist; and Signor Piatti the violoncellist. As for the singers, their name, in a word, was legion. Several novelties and quasi-novelties were produced. The most important work performed was Mr. Benedict's cantata of "St. Cecilia," in which the admirable singing of Mdle. Titiens was particularly remarkable. Mr. Sims Reeves and Mr. Cummings divided the tenor music; the mezzo-soprano part was assigned to Mdlle. Drasdil, and Mr. Santley was the baritone. The general execution, then, was all that could be desired; but the honours of this work are to the soprano; and in the sublime air which forms the climax, Mdlle. Titiens displayed a fervour and a devotional feeling that could not fail to awaken the enthusiasm of the public. At the conclusion of the cantata there was a call for Mdlle. Titiens, followed by a call for the composer, both of which were duly responded to. (Public Opinion, Saturday, 29 June 1867) LONDON CONCERTS. MR. BENEDICT'S MORNING CONCERT. Mr. Benedict's Thirty-second Annual Morning Concert, given at St. James's Hall on Monday last, was a success in every sense of the word. The highly esteemed composer, who has for so many years made England his home, can always rely upon the assistance of the first artists of the day, and his annual concerts are invariably under the patronage of the most exalted personages of the names of their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales headed the list of patrons published in last Monday's programme. Every seat in the Hall was occupied, and the concert commenced at half-past one. Mr. Benedict 's cantata, The Legend of St. Cecilia, formed the second part, and perhaps the strongest impression of the day was made by Madale. Titiens, who gave the music of Cecilia. She was in splendid voice; and sang with a devotional fervour that took the audience by storm. The truly great artiste was led on by Mr. Benedict at the conclusion of the cantata, and was greeted with a perfect tumult of applause. Mr. Sims Reeves gave some of the music of Valerianus, the Convert, but, from indisposition, was obliged to leave. Mr. W. H. Cummings sang the remaining portion of the tenor music. Mr. Santley, the original Prefect at the Norwich Festival, was present on Monday, and, it is needless to say, sang magnificently. Mdlle. Drasdil, a legitimate and conscientious vocalist, rendered the solos of the Christian woman. Since its production, at Norwich, in March last this fine work has constantly progressed in the good opinion of all musicians who have made themselves familiar with it. Madame Maria Vilda was among the vocalists at this concert, and her exquisite voice and absolutely faultless singing gave a new interest to the scena, "Le notte fuggi," from. Spohr's Faust. Madame Trebelli-Bettini was recalled after giving, in her own incomparable manner, some Variations, arranged for the voice by Weckerlin, from one of Mozart's pianoforte sonatas. Madame Sainton-Dolby, the apostle of Claribel, and Miss Virginia Gabriel gave two ballads by those fashionable composers and Miss Edith Wynn, whose voice and manner seems to be constantly gaining in charm, sang Mr. Benedict's song "The Maiden's Dream, " Madame Rudersdorff gave for the first time in London, a gipsy song by Signor Alberto Randegger, entitled "Hasten hither, pretty maidens." Mdlle Christine Nilsson's appearance was, naturally enough, looked for with considerable eagerness. Despite a request from Mr. Benedict that encores might not be insisted upon, Mdlle. Nilsson was compelled to repeat the National Swedish air she sings so delightfully; and a duo, "Per valli, per baschi," by Blengini, given by the young prima donna and Madame Trebelli-Bettini was likewise imperatively redemanded. Mdlle. Nilsson alas rendered Mozart's "Vol che sapete," and her triumph in the Concert Room was perfect. Miss Rose Hersee gave Mr. Benedict's variations on "La Carneval de Venice," composed expressly for her, and other lady vocalists of eminence took part in this monster concert. Signor Mongini's singing of the romancza "Deserto in terra," from Donizetti's Don Sebastiano, is a truly magnificent display of the vocal art, and procured for him the honour of a call. Mr. Tom Hohler sang a romanza by Benedict (first time of performance), and Madame Arabella Goddard played this concert-giver's Concerto in E flat. Mr. Sims Reeves was, fortunately for those present, able to give Blumenthal's new song, "My Queen," and, as usual, was accompanied by the composer. The programme included Wagner's septet, "Who is he? (Tannhauser), last given in London at Mr. Walter Bathe's concert, and among other items, Bach's Concerto for three pianos. Messrs. Benedict, Lindsay Sloper, and Master Cowen were the pianists, and Mr. W. G. Cusins conducted the orchestra. The chorus was selected from the Sacred Harmonic Society and Mr. Henry Leslie's and Mr. Ganz's Choirs. (The Era, Sunday, 30 June 1867) MR. BENEDICTS CONCERT. Mr. Benedict's annual grand concert, in St. James's Hall, was as usual the concert of the season. The hall was filled, as the phrase is, "to overflowing;" and no wonder. The programme was so crowded with attractions of all kinds, that to describe them, one by one, would be equivalent to describing a gallery, amply stored with pictures in every school, and gathered from every source. Such a description would fill at least a closely printed column; and as, at the present time, our columns are in more than ordinary request, we shall not attempt it. Mr. Benedict's concerts are honourably distinguished from the great majority of entertainments of the sort. With such a host of renowned singers and players, each entitled to the privilege of one exhibition of skill, he, nevertheless, invariably continues to endow his programme with an interest purely and classically musical. The concert in question was, for this reason, like its thirty or more predecessors, entitled to notice. First, there was an excellent orchestra, led by M. Sainton, which began the concert with Beethoven's overture to Egmont. "A grand concert;" without an orchestra is a misnomer, to say the best of it. But Mr. Benedict had not only provided an orchestra; he had also provided a chorus, and he was thus enabled to treat his many patrons with a capital performance of one of those works which have recently added so much lustre to his reputation as one of the foremost of living composers. We allude to his St. Cecilia, which must rank among the noblest, as well as among the most beautiful cantatas of modern times. In this, as at the Norwich Festival, and lately on two occasions at the concerts of the Sacred Harmonic Society, he enjoyed the co-operation of Mdlle. Tietjens, Mr. Sims Reeves, and Mr. Santley, in the three principal parts - Mdlle. Prasdil taking the contralto, and Mr. Cummings some of the tenor music. Every fresh hearing of St. Cecilia confirms our first impression of its great merits; and no praise can be too high for the superb manner in which Mdlle. Tietjens sings the canticle at the conclusion. This ingenious and impressive finale created the accustomed effect, and drew down such applause as is seldom heard at a morning concert - in St. James's Hall or elsewhere. At the termination, Mr. Benedict, being loudly called, came forward, with great propriety leading on his St. Cecilia. At the same time (en parenthese), we may ask why, on this particular occasion, did Mr. Benedict abridge the Anthem - one of the finest parts of his work ? Equal success had already attended the new pianoforte concerto from the same untiring pen, which now, as previously, at the Crystal Palace and in the Hanover Square Rooms, was performed by Madame Arabella Goddard, the orchestra being directed by Mr. W. G. Cusins, who has so honourably supported his new position as conductor of the Philharmonic Concerts. The performance was admirable in all respects, and the summons for the composer and his chief executant, for whom the concerto was expressly written, quite as hearty and unanimous as that which subsequently followed the cantata. Another very noticeable feature was J. S. Bach's triple concerto for three pianofortes, played with the best effect by Master Cowen (a young and highly promising pupil of the conceit-giver), Messrs. Benedict, and Lindsay Sloper. One of Mr. Benedict's scholars of the other sex, Miss Eleanor Ward, gained equal credit by her facile execution of two pieces by Herr Littolf; Signor Piatti played his own solo, "La Bergamasca." as no other violoncellist can play it, and afterwards joined Mdlle. Mariot de Beauvoisin in Mendelssohn's Air Varie for pianoforte and violoncello; add to which Mr. John Thomas gave a solo of his own composition on the harp. These were the instrumental pieces. The vocal displays were legion. To mention them in detail would be out of the question; nor would anything be gained by a detailed description. Among the singers was Mdlle. Christine Nilsson, who charmed the audience with Mozart's "Voi che sapete," in the right key, and, with Madame Trebelli-Bettini, in "Per valle per boschi," in a pretty specimen of Blangini, revived some years ago by Mr. Arthur Chappell at the Monday Popular Concerts, winning a general encore, as she also did for her "National Swedish airs," with some of which the musical public has of recent years been made familiar by the clever and accomplished Mdlle. Enequist. The other singers were Madame Rudersdorff, who introduced a new "Gipsy song " by Signor Randegger; M. Jules Lefort, always welcome in the Chanson d'amour of his compatriot, M. Membre; Mr. Sims Reeves, who brought forward "My Queen," a new song by Herr Blumenthal, composer of the still popular "Message;" Miss Edith Wynne, who gave " The Maiden's Dream," one of Mr. Benedict's happiest lyric pieces; Mr. Tom Hohler, who has rarely appeared to greater advantage than in the same composer's Italian romance, "Nulla da te bell' angelo;" Madame Maria Vilda, whose grand voice told well in the scene from Spohr's Faust; Signor Mongini, who sang, in the impassioned manner to which he has accustomed us at Her Majesty's Theatre (Lucrezia Borgia), the romance from Donizetti's Don Sebastiano. Madame Sainton-Dolby, who introduced Virginia Gabriel's "Only at home " and - fitting pendent - Claribel's "At her window ho;" Herr Reichardt, who favoured the audience with a German and an English ballad of his own composition; Mr. Santley, who merely took part with Madame Trebelli and Signor Bettini in Signor Randegger's trio, "I Naviganti;" Miss Jenny Pratt (pupil of Signor Garcia), Signor Gustave Garcia, Messrs. Weiss, Lewis Thomas, and others, to signalize whose various achievements is beyond our ability. Enough that the concert, which began at half-past one, lasted till nearly seven o'clock. One of the greatest "sensations" of the day was the reappearance of Madame Trebelli-Bettini, who had been compelled to attend a rehearsal at Her Majesty's Theatre, and who, to every one's surprise, returned to St. James's Hall in time to sing Wekerlin's variations for the voice, arranged from a sonata by Mozart (in A) - which she did in her most finished manner. One of the most agreeable performances had already been a duet by Otto Nicolai ("Dis moi ce mot"), which Madame Trebelli sang with her husband; but the last was a crowning triumph. An item in this remarkable programme, which must not be passed over, was the septet from Herr Wagner's Tannhauser. This would have enjoyed a better chance of effect with an orchestral accompaniment, ably as an arrangement of it for the pianoforte was played by Mr. Walter Bache - so much being admitted without our intending to express admiration for a composition which we cannot admire. The septet, however, entered well enough into Mr. Benedict's comprehensive scheme. (The Times, Monday, 1 July 1867) (Also: The Musical world, Saturday, 6 July 1867.) MR. BENEDICT'S CONCERT. This entertainment, considered for more than a quarter of a century one of the most marked and exciting events of the musical season, came off at St. James s Hail on Monday afternoon, and attracted the usual monster company that invariably responds to the invitation of Mr. Benedict, one of the most popular composers, native or foreign, that ever adorned the art in this country. For such company, so huge and so various, Mr. Benedict, desirous to conciliate all classes who patronise him, is naturally compelled to provide a monster programme, and no one who attended the performance and saw it all out, remaining seated in his enthusiasm from half-past one till nearly seven, could call it anything else than a monster programme. But though "monster," it was all good, unexceptionally good, in its way, or many ways; and if a person could only go without his lunch or dinner, or did not object to the excruciation of being fixed in one posture for several hours, no doubt he might have thoroughly enjoyed the whole selection. There were 34 solos, duets, and trios, vocal and instrumental, besides the entire of Mr. Benedict's new cantata, The Legend of St. Cecilia, which includes 14 pieces, some of them long and highly elaborated. When we add that there were nearly 60 performers, we have said enough to show the impossibility of giving a detailed account of the performance. Nor indeed was that in our power, seeing that we quitted the hall about half-past five, when only two-thirds of the concert had been gone through. Among the singers were Mdlle. Titiens, Mdlle Christine Nilsson, Madame Trebelli-Bettini. Madame Maria Vilda, Madame Sainton-Dolby, Mdlle. Liebhart, Mdlle. Enequist, Madame Rudersdorff, Miss Kate Hersee, Miss Edith Wynne, Mdlle. Drasdil, Signors Mongini, Bettini, Gustave Garcia, Herr Reichardt, M. Jules Lefort, Mr. Tom Hohler, Mr. W. H. Cummings, Mr. Trelawney Cobham, Mr. W. H. Weiss, Mr. Lewis Thomas, Mr. Santley, and Mr. Sim. Reeves; and among the instrumentalists, Madame Arabella Goddard. Mdlle. Mariot de Beauvoisin, Miss Eleanor Ward. Mr. Lindsay Sloper, Mr. Walter Bache, Master Cowen, and Mr. Benedict (pianoforte), Signor Piatti (violoncello), and Mr. John Thomas (harp). There was a full and efficient orchestra who, besides performing in the cantata, played Beethoven's overture to Egmont, and accompanied Madame Arabella Goddard in Mr. Benedict's new pianoforte Concerto m E flat. Messrs. Arditi Mr. G. Cusins, Randegger, and Benedict, accompanied at the pianoforte. (The Standard, Tuesday, 2 July 1867) Monday, 1 July 1867 : Mr. Sims Reeves's National Ballad Concert at Exeter Hall. Mr SIMS REEVES'S NATIONAL BALLAD CONCERT. - MONDAY EVENING, July 1, 8 o'clock, EXETER HALL. SELECTIONS from standard OPERAS - Artaxerxes, Beggars Opera, The Farmer's Wife, Nourjahad, Rival Beauties, Mountain Sylph, &c, &c. Miss L. Pyne, Miss Wynne, Miss A Jewell, Miss L. Franklein, Madame Patey-Whytock, Mr Sims Reeves, Mr W. H. Cummings, Mr Patey, Mr Weiss. Pianoforte, Mr Lindsay Sloper; harp, Mr J. Thomas. Conductors Messrs Benedict, Lindsay Sloper and E. Land. Stalls, 5s: area, 3s; west gallery, 2s; admission, 1s. Addison and Co, 63, New Bond-street; Addison and Co, 210, Regent-street; Keith, Prowse, and Co, 48, Cheapside; Mr Austin, Ticket Office, 28, Piccadilly; and at No. 6, Exeter Hall. (The Times, Friday, 21 June 1867) (Also: Reynold's Newspaper, Sunday, 23 June 1867; The Times, Saturday, 22 June 1867.) MR. SIMS REEVES'S NATIONAL BALLAD CONCERT. Monday Evening, July 1, Exeter Hall, Eight o'clock.- Selections from Standard Operas- " Artaxerxes," " Beggar's Opera." "The Farmer's Wife," "Nourjahad," "Rival Beauties," "Mountain Sylph." &c. Miss Louisa Pyne, Miss Edith Wynne, Miss Anna Jewell, Miss Lucy Franklein, Madame Patey Whytock ; Mr. Sims Reeves, Mr. W. H. Cummings, Mr. Patey, Mr. Weiss. Pianoforte, Mr. Lindsay Sloper; harp, Mr. John Thomas. Conductors, Messrs. Benedict, Lindsay Sloper, and E. Land. Stalls, 5s.; area, 3s.; west gallery. 2s.; admission. 1s.- Addison and Co., 63, New Bond-street; Addison and Co., 210, Regent-street; Keith, Prowse, and Co., 48 Cheapside; Mr. Austin, Ticket Office, 28, Piccadilly; and at No. 6, Exeter Hall (The Standard, Saturday, 22 June 1867) Mr SIMS REEVES'S NATIONAL BALLAD CONCERT. - MONDAY EVENING, July 1, 8 o'clock, EXETER HALL. SELECTIONS will be given from standard OPERAS - Artaxerxes, Beggars Opera, The Farmer's Wife, Nourjahad, Rival Beauties, Mountain Sylph, &c, &c. Miss L. Pyne, Miss Wynne, Miss A Jewell, Miss L. Franklein, Madame Patey-Whytock, Mr Sims Reeves, Mr W. H. Cummings, Mr Patey, Mr Weiss. Pianoforte, Mr Lindsay Sloper; harp, Mr J. Thomas. Conductors Messrs Benedict, Lindsay Sloper and E. Land. Stalls, 5s: area, 3s; west gallery, 2s; admission, 1s. Addison and Co, 63, New Bond-street; Addison and Co, 210, Regent-street; Keith, Prowse, and Co, 48, Cheapside; Mr Austin, Ticket Office, 28, Piccadilly; and at No. 6, Exeter Hall. (Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle, Saturday, 22 June 1867) (Also: Illustrated London News, Saturday, 29 June 1867; Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle, Saturday, 29 June 1867; Morning Advertiser, Saturday, 29 June 1867; Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle, Saturday, 29 June 1867; Morning Advertiser, Wednesday, 26 June 1867; Saturday review of politics, literature, science and art, Saturday, 22 June 1867; Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle, Saturday, 22 June 1867; Morning Advertiser, Saturday, 22 June 1867; Illustrated London News, Saturday, 22 June 1867; Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle, Saturday, 22 June 1867.) Mr. SIMS REEVES'S NATIONAL BALLAD CONCERT, MONDAY Evening, July 1, Exeter Hall, Eight o'clock. Selections will be given from Standard Operas - 'Artaxerxes,' 'Beggars' Opera.' 'The Farmer's Wife' "Nourjahad,' 'Rival Beauties,' 'Mountain Sylph.' &c. Miss Louisa Pyne, Miss Edith Wynne, Miss Anna Jewell, Miss Lucy Franklein, Madame Patey, Mr. Sims Reeves, Mr. W. H. Cummings, Mr. Patey, Mr. Weiss. Pianoforte, Mr. Lindsay Sloper; Harp, Mr. John Thomas. Conductors, Messrs. Benedict, Lindsay Sloper. and E. Land. - Stalls, 5s.; Area. 3s.; West Gallery, 2s.; Admission, 1s.; Addison & Co., New Bond Street ; Addison & Co., 210, Regent Street; Keith, Prowse & Co., 48, Cheapside ; Mr. Austin, Ticket Office, 28, Piccadilly ; and at No. 6, Exeter Hall. (The Athenaeum, Saturday, 22 June 1867) (Also: The Athenaeum, Saturday, 29 June 1867.) MR. SIMS REEVES' NATIONAL BALLAD CONCERT, EXETER HALL, MONDAY EVENING. JULY 1st, Eight o'clock. Selections will be given from Standard Operas - "ARTAXERXES," "BEGGAR'S OPERA," "THE FARMER'S WIFE," "NOURJAHAD," "RIVAL BEAUTIES," "MOUNTAIN SYLPH," &c, &c. Miss LOUISA PYNE, Miss EDITH WYNNE, Miss ANNA JEWELL, Miss LUCY FRANKLEIN, Madame PATEY-WHYTOCK. Mr. SIMS REEVES, Ms. W. H. CUMMINGS, Ms. PATEY, Mr. WEISS. PIANOFORTE - Mr. LINDSAY SLOPER. Harp - Mr. JOHN THOMAS. Conductors - Messes. BENEDICT, LINDSAY SLOPER, and E. LAND. Stalls, 6s.; Area 3s.; West Gallery, 2s.; Admission, 1s. L. Cock, Addison, & Co., 63, New Bond Street; Addison & Co., 210, Regent Street; Keith. Prowse, & Co., 48, Cheapside; Mr. Austin, Ticket Office, 28, Piccadilly; and at No. 6, Exeter Hall. (The Musical world, Saturday, 22 June 1867) (Also: The Musical world, Saturday, 29 June 1867.) MR. SIMS REEVES'S NATIONAL BALLAD CONCERT. Monday Evening, July 1, Exeter Hall, Eight o'clock.- Selections from Standard Operas- "Artaxerxes," " Beggar's Opera." "The Farmer's Wife," "Nourjahad," "Rival Beauties," "Mountain Sylph." &c. Miss Louisa Pyne, Miss Edith Wynne, Miss Anna Jewell, Miss Lucy Franklein, Madame Patey Whytock ; Mr. Sims Reeves, Mr. W. H. Cummings, Mr. Patey, Mr. Weiss. Pianoforte, Mr. Lindsay Sloper; harp, Mr. John Thomas. Conductors, Messrs. Benedict, Lindsay Sloper, and E. Land. Stalls, 5s.; area, 3s.; west gallery. 2s.; admission. 1s.- Addison and Co., 63, New Bond-street; Addison and Co., 210, Regent-street; Keith, Prowse, and Co., 48 Cheapside; Mr. Austin, Ticket Office, 28, Piccadilly; and at No. 6, Exeter Hall (The Era, Sunday, 23 June 1867) (Also: The Standard, Friday, 28 June 1867; Morning Post, Saturday, 29 June 1867; The Standard, Wednesday, 26 June 1867; Morning Post, Tuesday, 25 June 1867; The Standard, Tuesday, 25 June 1867; Morning Post, Monday, 24 June 1867; Reynolds's Newspaper, Sunday, 23 June 1867; The Era, Sunday, 30 June 1867.) Mr SIMS REEVES' NATIONAL BALLAD CONCERT. - MONDAY EVENING, July 1, 8 o'clock, EXETER HALL. SELECTIONS from standard OPERAS - Artaxerxes, Beggars Opera, The Farmer's Wife, Nourjahad, Rival Beauties, Mountain Sylph, &c, &c. Miss L. Pyne, Miss Wynne, Miss A Jewell, Miss L. Franklein, Madame Patey-Whytock, Mr Sims Reeves, Mr W. H. Cummings, Mr Patey, Mr Weiss. Pianoforte, Mr Lindsay Sloper; harp, Mr J. Thomas. Conductors Messrs Benedict, Lindsay Sloper and E. Land. Stalls, 5s: area, 3s; west gallery, 2s; admission, 1s. Addison and Co, 63, New Bond-street; Addison and Co, 210, Regent-street; Keith, Prowse, and Co, 48, Cheapside; Mr Austin, Ticket Office, 28, Piccadilly; and at No. 6, Exeter Hall. (The Times, Monday, 24 June 1867) (Also: The Times, Tuesday, 25 June 1867.) MR. SIMS REEVES' NATIONAL BALLAD CONCERT. Monday Evening, July 1, Exeter Hall, Eight o'clock.- Selections from Standard Operas- "Artaxerxes," " Beggar's Opera." "The Farmer's Wife," "Nourjahad," "Rival Beauties," "Mountain Sylph." &c. Miss Louisa Pyne, Miss Edith Wynne, Miss Anna Jewell, Miss Lucy Franklein, Madame Patey Whytock ; Mr. Sims Reeves, Mr. W. H. Cummings, Mr. Patey, Mr. Weiss. Pianoforte, Mr. Lindsay Sloper; harp, Mr. John Thomas. Conductors, Messrs. Benedict, Lindsay Sloper, and E. Land. Stalls, 5s.; area, 3s.; west gallery. 2s.; admission. 1s.- Addison and Co., 63, New Bond-street; Addison and Co., 210, Regent-street; Keith, Prowse, and Co., 48 Cheapside; Mr. Austin, Ticket Office, 28, Piccadilly; and at No. 6, Exeter Hall. (Morning Post, Thursday, 27 June 1867) MR. SIMS REEVES will give a NATIONAL BALLAD CONCERT on Monday Evening, July 1, Exeter Hall, Eight o'clock.- Selections from Standard Operas- "Artaxerxes," " Beggar's Opera." "The Farmer's Wife," "Nourjahad," "Rival Beauties," "Mountain Sylph." &c. Miss Louisa Pyne, Miss Edith Wynne, Miss Anna Jewell, Miss Lucy Franklein, Madame Patey Whytock ; Mr. Sims Reeves, Mr. W. H. Cummings, Mr. Patey, Mr. Weiss. Pianoforte, Mr. Lindsay Sloper; harp, Mr. John Thomas. Conductors, Messrs. Benedict, Lindsay Sloper, and E. Land. Stalls, 5s.; area, 3s.; west gallery. 2s.; admission. 1s.- Addison and Co., 63, New Bond-street; Addison and Co., 210, Regent-street; Keith, Prowse, and Co., 48 Cheapside; Mr. Austin, Ticket Office, 28, Piccadilly; and at No. 6, Exeter Hall. (Daily News, Friday, 28 June 1867) (Also: Daily News, Saturday, 29 June 1867.) MR. SIMS REEVES will give a NATIONAL BALLAD CONCERT THIS EVENING, July 1, Exeter Hall, Eight o'clock. Miss Louisa Pyne, Miss Edith Wynne, Miss Anna Jewell, Miss Lucy Franklein, Madame Patey Whytock ; Mr. Sims Reeves, Mr. W. H. Cummings, Mr. Patey, Mr. Weiss. Pianoforte, Mr. Lindsay Sloper; harp, Mr. John Thomas. Conductors, Messrs. Benedict, Lindsay Sloper, and E. Land. Stalls, 5s.; area, 3s.; west gallery. 2s.; admission. 1s.- Addison and Co., 63, New Bond-street; Addison and Co., 210, Regent-street; Keith, Prowse, and Co., 48 Cheapside; Mr. Austin, Ticket Office, 28, Piccadilly; and at No. 6, Exeter Hall. (Daily News, Monday, 1 July 1867) MR. SIMS REEVES'S NATIONAL BALLAD CONCERT. THIS EVENING (MONDAY), Exeter Hall, Eight o'clock.- Selections from Standard Operas- "Artaxerxes," " Beggar's Opera." "The Farmer's Wife," "Nourjahad," "Rival Beauties," "Mountain Sylph." &c. Miss Louisa Pyne, Miss Edith Wynne, Miss Anna Jewell, Miss Lucy Franklein, Madame Patey Whytock ; Mr. Sims Reeves, Mr. W. H. Cummings, Mr. Patey, Mr. Weiss. Pianoforte, Mr. Lindsay Sloper; harp, Mr. John Thomas. Conductors, Messrs. Benedict, Lindsay Sloper, and E. Land. Stalls, 5s.; area, 3s.; west gallery. 2s.; admission. 1s.- Addison and Co., 63, New Bond-street; Addison and Co., 210, Regent-street; Keith, Prowse, and Co., 48 Cheapside; Mr. Austin, Ticket Office, 28, Piccadilly; and at No. 6, Exeter Hall. (Morning Post, Monday, 1 July 1867) EXETER HALL. Mr. Sims Reeves's "National Ballad Concert " took place here last night, when not only the hall itself but the orchestra also was crowded with visitors, who were attracted by the announcement of a selection of English music, including several popular songs of the old school, among which were " My Pretty Jane," "Water parted from the Sea," " If the heart of a man," and " The Bay of Biscay," of Mr. Reeves's singing, of which there is no need for fresh eulogium here; nor is it necessary to specify the many pieces encored in a long programme, that included vocal performances by Misses Edith Wynne, A. Jewell, L. Franklein, Madame Patey-Whytock; Messrs. Cummings, Patey, and Weiss ; and harp and pianoforte solos by Mr. J. Thomas and Mr. Lindsay Sloper. Messrs. Benedict, Sloper, and Land were the conductors. (London Express, Tuesday, 2 July 1867) MUSIC. Mr. Sims Reeves gave a National Ballad Concert at Exeter Hall on Monday evening to a crowded and enthusiastic audience. We have of late had several concerts which might come under this designation, but the speciality of Mr. Reeves' entertainment consisted in giving selections from the old and (now) comparatively little known ballad operas. He was assisted by Misses Edith Wynne, Anna Jewell, Lucy Franklein, Madame Patey Whytock, and Messrs W. H. Cummings, Patey, and Weiss, with Messrs. Benedict, Lindsay Sloper, Land, and John Thomas, as accompanyists. Miss Louisa Pyne was also advertised, but was prevented by indisposition. The selection was well chosen, and consisted of songs from Arne's Artaxerxes, the well-known Beggar's Opera, Sir H. Bishop's Farmer's Wife, Barnett's Mountain Sylph, Randegger's Rival Beauties, Shield's Castle of Andalusia, and Balfe's Keolanthe. Miss Wynne sang" Love has Eyes," from the Farmer's Wife charmingly, as she did also "Deep in a Forest Dell," from the Mountain Sylph. Miss Anna Jewell sang "My Home in Cloudland." by Benedict, very sweetly, and took the part assigned to Miss Pyne in the duet with Mr. Reeves, "A Lowly Cot." Mr. Reeves was in excellent voice and gave the "Bay of Biscay" with his usual force and fire. He was vociferously encored in "If the Heart of a Man," from the Beggar's Opera, and in "Water Parted from the Sea," from Artaxerxes, and also sang "My Pretty Jane," instead of Miss Pyne's "And ye shall walk in Silk Attire." Mr. Weiss was very successful in the "Wolf," as were also Madame Patey Whytock, Miss Franklein, and Messrs. Patey and Cummings. Messrs. Lindsay Sloper and Thomas each performed a solo of their own composition on their respective instruments, of which they are well known to be complete masters. The only draw back was the absurd practice of encoring everything, which prolonged the concert to such an extent that many were obliged to leave before its conclusion. (John Bull, Saturday, 6 July 1867) (Also: John Bull, Saturday, 6 July 1867.) MR SIMS REEVES'S NATIONAL BALLAD CONCERT. - Our concert singers and musical entrepreneurs are evidently determined that English composers, both past and present, shall not be forgotten, and the concert held at Exeter Hall on Monday last was one of many which have been devoted to English ballads and such English glees as have survived the rack of time. Mr Reeves himself was in excellent voice, and sang Arne's once-popular air "Water parted from the Sea," Davy's national " Bay of Biscay." the rollicking song from "The Beggar's Opera," "If the heart of a man," and other ditties. Miss Edith Wynne had to sing most of her songs twice, but the charming manner in which she rendered them excused the audience in some manner for their determination in persisting with their applause. Madame Patey-Whytock in Land's favourite song. "When night is darkest," which was accompanied by the composer, exhibited signs of great improvement. Mr. Weiss gave Shield's "Wolf," and " Hark ye soldiers, from one of Balfe's best operas, "The Castle of Aymon." Miss Anna Jewell, Miss Lucy Franklein, Mr W. H. Cummings, and Mr Patey (whose version of "The Sea" we did not admire, were amongst the vocalists whose talents were put into requisition. Mr Lindsay Sloper gave a pianoforte solo on English airs sung by Mr Sims Reeves, and Mr John Thomas presented several of the famous old Welsh airs on the harp with his usual ready ease and fulness of tone. An apology was made by Mr Benedict for the enforced absence of Miss Louisa Pyne, who was suffering from the horrors of a relaxed sore throat. Her part in the programme was filled by Miss Edith Wynne and Miss Anna Jewel; whilst Mr Sims Reeves sang "My Pretty Jane," in lieu of the Scotch song "And ye shall walk," set down for her. The ball was crowded in every part, and the concert may be said to be a success. (Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle, Saturday, 6 July 1867) (Also: Bell's Life in London and Sporting Chronicle, Saturday, 6 July 1867.) CONCERTS. A model ballad concert in point of merit, and certainly the most successful one of the season as regards attendance and enthusiasm, was that given by Mr. Sims Reeves on Monday at Exeter Hall. By himself assuming the reins of an undertaking like this, Mr. Reeves overrides his competitors. That he had well calculated on the support which the public were likely to afford so popular favourite was proved by the result. The doors of Exeter Hall were besieged; the auditorium was soon crowded to overflow ; and hundreds had to leave the doors unable to obtain admission. The program of this concert originally stood as follows :- Glee,- "Hark ! Apollo strikes the lyre " Miss Anna Jewell, Miss Lucy Franklein, and Mr. W. H. Weiss, Harp, Mr. J. Thomas. Pianoforte, Mr. E. Land. Sir H. Bishop. Air,- "Hark, Hark, ye soldiers," Castle of Aymon, Mr. W, H. Weiss. Balfe. Scotch Air,- "And ye shall walk in silk attire," Miss Louisa Pyne. National. Air,- " Water parted front the sea " (Artarxerxes) Mr. Sims Reeves. Dr. Arne. Air- "In infancy our hopes and fears" Mdme. Patey-Whytock. Dr. Arne. Air,- "If o'er the cruel tyrant Love (Artarxerxes) Miss Anna Jewell. Dr. Arne. Pianoforte Solo - " Ballad Fantasia on the English Airs sung by Mr. Sims Reeves, Pianoforte, Mr. Lindsay Sloper. Lindsay Sloper. Ballad,- "Sunshine and Shade " Rival Beauties, Mr. W. H. Cummings. Randegger. Cavatina,- "Deep in a forest dell " (Mountain Sylph) Miss Edith Wynne. Barnett. Song,- "The Sea " Mr. Patey. Neukomm. Song,- "Rest, warrior, rest " (Royal Oak). Miss Lucy Franklein. Michael Kelly. Duet,- "A lowly cot" Miss Louisa Pyne and Mr. Sims Reeves. Sir H. Bishop. Duet,- "List, dearest. list " (Keolanthe) Miss Edith Wynne and Mr. W. H. Cummings. Balfe. Song,- "When night is darkest " Mdme. Patey-Whytock, accompanied by the Composer. E. Land Song,- "Love has Eyes" (The Farmer's Wife) Miss Louisa Pyne. Sir H. Bishop. Song,- "The wolf " (Castle of Andalusia) Mr. Weiss. Shield. Song,- "If the heart of a man (Beggar's Opera) Mr. Sims Reeves. Traditional. Welsh Melodies(a) " atching the Wheat" (b) David of the White Rock (c) March of the Men of Harlech" Harp, Mr. John Thomas. Thomas. Song,- "My home in Cloudland " (Bride of Song) Miss Anna Jewell. Harp accompaniment, Mr. John Thomas. Benedict. Trio,- "Hark ! 'tis the Indian drum " (Cortez). Miss Anna Jewell. Mr. Cummings, and Mr. Patey. Sir H. Bishop. Song,- "Bay of Biscay " Mr. Sims Reeves. Davy. Welsh Air,- "The Blackbird " Miss Edith Wynne. Harp, Mr. John Thomas. National. Song,- "On by the Spur of valour goaded" Mr. J. G. Patey. Shield. Glee,- "Good night ! good rest !" Miss Edith Wynne, Mdme. Patey-Whytock, Mr. Cummings, and Mr. J. G. Patey. Dr. Arne and Sir H. Bishop. From some mysterious cause, however, Miss Louisa Pyne did not fulfil her engagement. In less strong force than that on the platform this defection might have been felt. As it was, Miss Pyne's aid was not, missed ; for Miss Edith Wynne undertook the song "Love has eyes," which she interpreted in such a manner as to call down overwhelming applause. Miss Jewell aided Mr. Reeves in the duet with equally good result ; and in the third place where Miss Pyne's name stood, Mr. Reeves sang "My pretty Jane" in a way and with an effect that belong to him alone. There were no less than ten encores called for throughout the evening. To notice in detail the points of excellence with which the execution abounded would be impossible, but we cannot resist indicating the very favourable reception given to "My Home in Cloudland," sung by Miss Anna Jewell. The success attained by this concert is of a kind to warrant its repetition. At a time when spurious ballads are manufactured by the gross, it is cheering to find a stand made by a legitimate artist on the vantage ground of the old school. At this concert the program was all good, its worth unalloyed. We hope to witness at a repetition of the enterprise as much success as attended it on Monday night. (The orchestra, Oct. 1863-Mar. 1881, Saturday, 6 July 1867) MR. SIMS REEVES'S NATIONAL BALLAD CONCERT. THERE is a growing desire upon the part of those whose business it is to cater for the amusement of the public to provide for each section of that public amusement at once specially suited to its wants and of good quality. In the way of ballad concerts there is a wide field lying almost uncultivated. This is not owing to any want of ballads, but rather to the very natural desire upon the part of owners of copyrights to advertise them in the most effective manner. The result of this is that ballad concerts have been little better than adjuncts of the music trade. The desire of the genuine ballad-lover is not to make acquaintance with the washed-out inanities of the day, but to hear some of the good solid stuff produced in times when ballad-writing was done by those who knew how to do it. Under these circumstances, Mr. Sims Reeves came forward with a programme comprising many extracts from some of the best of our English operas, mingled with a leaven of national tunes, and of more modern productions, and the consequence was that on Monday evening last Exeter Hall was "filled to the brim." Of the songs which have of late been but rarely heard we may name "As we wandered by the fountain," from Loder's Nourjahad, "Water parted from the sea," "In infancy our hopes and fears," and "If o'er the cruel tyrant," from Arne's Artaxerxes; "Rest warrior, rest," from Michael Kelly's Royal Oak; Neukomm's song "The Sea;" "Deep in a forest dell," from Barnett's Mountain Sylph; Shield's "On by the spur of valour goaded;" and "If the heart of a man," from the Beggar's Opera, as forming part of the programme. In the performance of these various items Mr. Reeves was associated with Misses Edith Wynne, Anna Jewell, Lucy Franklein, and Madame Patey-Whytock ; Messrs. Cummings, Patey, and Weiss, whilst Messrs. Lindsay Sloper and John Thomas contributed each a selection of ballads arranged for the pianoforte and harp respectively. Miss Louisa Pyne was prevented from appearing by illness. How Mr. Reeves sings we need not say ; he was ably and enthusiastically seconded by the various artists named with him. How the audience behaved may be guessed ; the desire to have almost everything over twice was uppermost, and in very many cases that desire was gratified. There were other pieces in the programme, but upon their merits we need not now enter, as the special feature of the concert has been sufficiently dwelt upon. We presume that Mr. Sims Reeves will try another concert upon the same plan as that under notice, seeing that nothing could well be more successful, and we heartily wish him success. It is possible that some may discover, even yet, that it pays to "sing the old songs." (Musical standard, Saturday, 6 July 1867) MR. SIMS REEVES' NATIONAL BALLAD CONCERT. The atmosphere of Exeter Hall under ordinary circumstances is hardly of the most refreshing character, the ventilation being of a similar order to the accommodation - (comfort is a word that can not be for one moment associated with the building) - none of the best. What it was on Monday evening last - one of the closest and most oppressive nights this season, - will not be readily forgotten by those who were present, and if anything were required to prove the enormous popularity of our English tenor it would be found in the fact that not only was every available spot for sitting or standing closely packed, but the huge orchestra itself was completely filled (with the exception of the small space necessarily left for the artists) by an audience whose enthusiasm was quite as warm as the weather - which is saying a good deal. Mr. Reeves is such an absolute master of every style of singing that it would be idle to attempt anything like an analysis of his performance on this occasion. A mere mention of the airs given must suffice. These were "Water parted from the sea" (Dr. Arne's Artaxerxes) "My pretty Jane," "If the heart of a man is opprest with care " (Beggar's Opera), and "The Bay of Biscay '' - all of which, with the exception of the second, were encored and repeated, to the intense delight of the applauders. But these were not the only encores of the evening ; Mr. W. H. Cummings, in "Sunshine and Shade" (Randegger); Miss Edith Wynne, in "Deep in a forest dell" and "Love has eyes" (Barnett); Madame Patey-Whytock, in Edward Land's "When night is darkest;" Mr. Weiss, in "The Wolf;" Mr. John Thomas, in his harp solo, "The March of the Men of Harlech." Moreover, Mr. Lindsay Sloper played a pianoforte solo of his own composition entitled, "Ballad fantasia on the English airs sung by Mr. Sims Reeves." Miss Lucy Franklein, Miss Anne Jewell, and Mr. Patey contributed various songs, all received with more or less favour. Messrs. Benedict, Lindsay Sloper and Land officiated as accompanists with their well-known ability. This concert might be considered as the grand climacteric, after which it is hoped that (for this season at least) ********** Drinkwater Hard. [Mr. Hard seems - his "usual custom of an afternoon " - to have fallen asleep at this juncture. So much the better.- A. S. S.] (The Musical world, Saturday, 6 July 1867) MR. SIMS REEVES'S CONCERT AT EXETER HALL. Mr. Sims Reeves's "National Ballad Concert" took place on Monday night, when not only the hall itself but the orchestra also was crowded with visitors, who were attracted by the announcement of a selection of English music, including several popular songs of the old school, among which were "My Pretty Jane," " Water parted from the Sea," "If the heart of a man," and "The Bay of Biscay," of Mr. Reeves's singing, of which there is no need for fresh eulogium here; nor is it necessary to specify the many pieces encored in a long programme, that included vocal performances by Misses Edith Wynne, A. Jowell, L. Franklein, Madame Patey-Whytock, Messrs. Cummings, Patey, and Weiss; and harp and pianoforte solos by Mr. J. Thomas, and Mr. Lindsay Sloper. Messrs. Benedict, Sloper, and Land were the conductors. (Reynolds's Newspaper, Sunday, 7 July 1867) Mr. John Boosey is organising a regular system of ballad concerts ; and we are to have one every other week during the autumn and winter. In the meanwhile, the entertainment of a ballad concert is offered to us every now and then. Mr. Sims Reeves's National Ballad Concert attracted to Exeter Hall an immense number of persons anxious to hear the great English tenor sing "My pretty Jane," "Water parted from the sea," "The Bay of Biscay," "If the heart of a man is oppressed with care," and other English airs as he alone can sing them. Miss Edith Wynne, Madame Patey-Whytock, Miss Franklein, Misa A. Jewell, and Messrs. Cummings, Patey, and Weiss were the vocalists. Mr. Lindsay Sloper was the pianist, Mr. John Thomas the harpist, Messrs. Benedict, Land, and Sloper, the conductors. (Morning Post, Monday, 8 July 1867) Mr. Sims Reeves's National Ballad Concert attracted to Exeter Hall an immense number of persons anxious to hear the great English tenor sing " My Pretty Jane," " Water parted from the sea," " The Bay of Biscay," " If the heart of a man is oppressed with care," and other English airs, as he alone can sing them. Miss Edith Wynne, Mdme. Patey-Whytock, Miss Franklein, Miss A. Jewell, and Messrs Cummings, Patey, and Weiss, were the vocalists. Mr. Lindsay Sloper was the pianist; Mr. John Thomas, the harpist; Messrs. Benedict, Land, and Sloper, the conductors. (Illustrated Times, Saturday, 13 July 1867) Monday, 15 July 1867 : Mr. Sims Reeves's Second National Ballad Concert at Exeter Hall. Exeter Hall. MONDAY (Exeter Hall, July 15) - Mr. SIMS REEVES S SECOND NATIONAL BALLAD CONCERT. Miss Edith Wynne. Miss Anna Jewell. Madame Patey-Whytock. and Miss Poole; Mr. Cummings. Mr. Patey, Mr. Winn, and Mr. Sims Reeves. Pianoforte. Mr. Lindsay Sloper; Harp, Mr John Thomas; Conductors, Mr. Benedict. Mr. Lindsay Sloper, and Mr. E. Land Tickets, 5s., 3s., 2s., and 1s. - L. Cock and Co., 63, New Bond-street, W. (The Standard, Thursday, 11 July 1867) (Also: The Standard, Friday, 12 July 1867.) MR.SIMS REEVES' SECOND NATIONAL BALLAD CONCERT. EXETER HALL, MONDAY, July 15. at Eight o'clock. Several of the Popular Songs, Duets, &C., from Old English Operas, which created so much sensation at the first Concert, will be repeated, in, addition to others of interest. Miss Edith Wynne, Miss Anna Jewell, Madame Patey-Whytock, and Miss Poole; Mr. Cummings, Mr. Patey, Mr. Winn, and Mr. Sims Reeves. Pianoforte, Mr. Lindsay Sloper; Harp, Mr. John Thomas; Conductors, Mr. Benedict, Mr. Lindsay Sloper, and Mr. E. Land. Stalls, 5s.; Tickets, 3s., 2s., and 1s. At 6, Exeter Hall, Cock, Addison's, 63, New Bond-street; Addison's, 210, Regent-street, Chappell's, 50, New Bond-street; Keith, Prowse's, 48, Cheapside; and Austin's, 28, Piccadilly. (Illustrated London News, Saturday, 13 July 1867) (Also: The Era, Sunday, 14 July 1867.) Mr. SIMS REEVES S SECOND NATIONAL BALLAD CONCERT. Exeter Hall. MONDAY July 15 at Eight o'clock. Vocalists - Miss Edith Wynne. Miss Anna Jewell. Madame Patey-Whytock. and Miss Poole; Mr. Cummings. Mr. Patey, Mr. Winn, and Mr. Sims Reeves. Pianoforte. Mr. Lindsay Sloper; Harp, Mr John Thomas; Conductors, Mr. Benedict. Mr. Lindsay Sloper, and Mr. E. Land Tickets, 5s., 3s., 2s., and 1s. - L. Cock and Co., 63, New Bond-street, W. and 6, Exeter Hall. (The orchestra, Oct. 1863-Mar. 1881, Saturday, 13 July 1867) MR. SIMS REEVES' SECOND NATIONAL BALLAD CONCERT, Exeter Hall, Monday, July 15th, at Eight o'clock. Vocalists-Miss Edith Wynne, Miss Anna Jewell, Madame Patey-Whytock, and Miss Poole; Mr. W. H. Cummings, Mr. Patey, Mr. Winn, and Mr. Sims Reeves. Pianoforte - Mr. Lindsay Sloper. Harp - Mr. John Thomas. Conductors-Mr. Benedict, Mr. Lindsay Sloper, and Mr. Edward Land. Tickets, 5s., 3s., 2s., and Is. L. Cock & Co., 63, New Bond Street, W.; and 6, Exeter Hall. (The Athenaeum, Saturday, 13 July 1867) (Also: The Musical world, Saturday, 13 July 1867.) Exeter Hall. THIS EVENING. - Mr. SIMS REEVES S SECOND NATIONAL BALLAD CONCERT. Miss Edith Wynne. Miss Anna Jewell. Madame Patey-Whytock. and Miss Poole; Mr. Cummings. Mr. Patey, Mr. Winn, and Mr. Sims Reeves. Pianoforte. Mr. Lindsay Sloper; Harp, Mr John Thomas; Conductors, Mr. Benedict. Mr. Lindsay Sloper, and Mr. E. Land Tickets, 5s., 3s., 2s., and 1s. - L. Cock and Co., 63, New Bond-street, W. (The Standard, Monday, 15 July 1867) MR. SIMS REEVES' NATIONAL BALLAD CONCERT. The second of these concerts was given last night Exeter Hall. the best impression that can be given of the result would be say a modern American phrase, that our great English tenor has "struck ile." Always himself remarkable for the purity, simplicity, and expression with which sings ballad music, he has the assistance of other artists scarcely less eminent in this particular department of vocal music. Last night he was assisted by Miss Poole, Miss Edith Wynne, Madame Patsy-Whytook, Mr. W. H. Cummings, Mr. Winn, and Mr. [?] The mere enumeration of these names is sufficient show how admirably supported in carrying the idea of these concerts. Turning to the programme, equal good taste was shown in the selection from standard but, it may be feared, little known English operas. The ballad gems from Artaxerxes, The Farmer's Wife, Rosina, Americans, Midas, Joan of Arc, Mountain Sylph, and the Gipsy's Warning made up a capital and varied bill of fare, which thoroughly enjoyed by large and fashionable audience, despite the inclemency of the weather, which reminded one more of November than July. Indeed, to tell the truth, the liking of the company for the ballads presented to them was decidedly over demonstrative. Scarcely a song in the first part escaped an encore, and the second portion of the programme would have been repeated throughout but for the vigorous determination of a minority, who wished to get home at reasonable hour. Mr. Reeves, on making his appearance to sing Arne's fine song, "Water parted from the sea," most enthusiastically welcomed. His "Jolly Young Waterman," so different from what have been accustomed to hear from him of late years, full of humour and character, and universally encored, while in the "Maid of Llangollen" (exquisitely accompanied on the harp by Mr. John Thomas) he displayed the very perfection of ballad singing, and was again enthusiastically recalled. As usual, "The death of Nelson" delivered with fire and fervour which electrified the audience, but returning to the platform Mr. Reeves substituted the ever popular "Pretty Jane." A brief enumeration of the principal ballads and duets will suffice to give an idea of the musical treat which Mr. Reeves provides When the rosy morn appearing," "While with village maids I stray," "Farewell the mountain," "Pray, Goody," "Love has eyes," The anchor's weighed," "O'er shepherd pipe," "The mermaid," "The bells of Aberdovey," &c. Madame Patey-Whytock sang in excellent style a song by Mr. Land, "When sorrow sleepeth," accompanied by the composer. Mr. Lindsay Sloper performed in his well-known manner a fantasia on the English airs sung Mr. Reeves; and Mr. John Thomas, in "Watching the wheat" and "The men of Harlech," showed his wonderful power over the harp. Mr. Benedict, whose name did not appear in the programme, dropped in to accompany Mr. Reeves in his great song, "The death of Nelson," and had a very cordial welcome. We can only repeat that Mr. Reeves has hit upon a capital idea, which ought to be as profitable him as it will be pleasant to the public. (Morning Advertiser, Tuesday, 16 July 1867) EXETER HALL. Mr. Sims Reeves' second national ballad concert, on Monday last, bore a strong family likeness to the first - a crowded room, an immensity of encores, and an intensity of enthusiasm, being among the most remarkable features in each instance. If Mr. Reeves, by force of circumstances over which he can have no control (and which are most certainly adverse to his own interests) is compelled occasionally to disappoint the public by not appearing, the public ought in the end to feel grateful; for when Mr. Reeves does appear, he sings magnificently, no matter whether it be the highest form of oratorio music, the most trying operatic scena, or the simple, homely ballad; while his voice, which might possibly have been impaired long before this by being used under unfavourable influences, is now in quite as fine a condition as it ever was, standing unrivalled in its combination of power and sweetness, each quality alike admirable in its way, while to each is added the ineffable charm of high intelligence associated with the most perfect musical knowledge. No wonder, then, that all were delighted on Monday last, and vociferously encored the popular tenor in all his songs - viz.: "Water parted from the sea," "The Jolly Young Waterman," "The Maid of Llangollen," and "The Death of Nelson " - which latter Mr. Reeves did not repeat, but gave "My pretty Jane " instead. But there were more encores: notably, "Farewell to the mountain," Mr. Patey; " Pray Goody," Miss Poole; "Love has eyes," Miss Edith Wynne;" "The Mermaid," Mr. Winn; "When Sorrow sleepeth," Madame Patey-Whytock; "March of the Men of Harlech" (harp solo), Mr. John Thomas - thus rendering a programme of more than twenty pieces nearly half as long again, and certainly giving the audience sufficient, if not more than sufficient, for their money. In addition to the artiste named, Miss Anna Jewell, Mr. W. H. Cummings, and Mr. Lindsay Sloper added to the attractions of the evening, Messrs. Benedict and E. Land sharing with the last-named gentleman the duties of accompanist at the pianoforte. Drinkwater Hard. (The Musical world, Saturday, 20 July 1867) MR. SIMS REEVES' SECOND NATIONAL BALLAD CONCERT. The name of the great English tenor appeared in immediate connection with a second " National Ballad Concert" given at Exeter Hall, on Monday evening last. The first was unquestionably a very great success, and that of Monday night would probably have borne the test of comparison with its predecessor, but for the wretched weather which prevented many lovers of the old English music from attending. As it was the audience was numerous but the area of Exeter Hall is an immense space to fill, and unsightly gaps, and rows of unoccupied seats were common throughout the building. Eight o'clock was the time announced for the commencement of the concert, and punctuality was a consideration with the audience, for cries of "Time," with an accompaniment of cheers and hisses filled up the interval between eight and close upon a quarter past. Notwithstanding these demonstrations the public were extremely good-tempered, not to say facetious, for the attendants engaged to open the pianos, &c., were saluted with vollies of ironical applause whenever they appeared. Those who attend concerts of this description are generally enthusiastic in their admiration, and are invariably most exacting to the singers. Mr. Sims Reeves, not very long ago always declined encores, and fought some stubborn battles with the public on that very subject. .He seems now to have abandoned the inflexible theory, for he seldom hesitates to fall in with the public views in this particular. Mr. Sims Reeves, in point of fact, does double duty and his hearers seem to appreciate to the letter the concessions he makes. On Monday night he was rewarded with positive thunders of applause, and, being in good voice, he accepted an encore for every one of his songs. He repeated "Water parted from the sea" (from Dr. Arne's Artaxerxes), "The Jolly Young Waterman" and "The Maid of Llangollen." "The Death of Nelson" was the last song down for Mr. Sims Reeves, and, despite the lateness of the hour, a greater display of enthusiasm than ever followed this. The most popular of all tenors again appeared, and the moment Mr. Benedict, the accompanist for the time, began "My Pretty Jane" Mr. Reeves was fairly overwhelmed with applause. After this the audience began to leave the Hall in force, for the numerous encores had prolonged the concert to a later hour than usual. Miss Edith Wynne sang Sir H. Bishop's "Love has eyes" and "The Bells of Aberdovey." The first-named was repeated. Madame Patey-Whytock's songs were "Scenes of my youth" (from Benedict's opera, The Gipsy's Warning), and Mr. E. Land's " When sorrow sleepeth." The last was encored. Miss Poole, who was extremely well received by the audience, sang "The Dashing White Sergeant" and "Pray Goody, cease" (from Midas). Her piquant rendering of this old melody seemed to delight the public beyond measure, and she was compelled to repeat it. Miss Anna Jewel was again among the solo vocalists, and gave a romance by Bishop, and a song of Shield's, from Rosina. Mr. W. H. Cumming's sang "The Anchor's Weighed" and Mr. Winn was encored for his spirited singing of the old sea song, "The Mermaid." Mr. J. G. Patey repeated "Farewell to time mountain," (from John Barnett's Mountain Sylph) and sang a by no means captivating composition by Shield called "as burns the charger." Mr. John Thomas repeated a Welsh melody on the harp and Mr. Lindsay Sloper (one of the Conductors) played his "Fantasia on the English Airs sung by Mr. Sims Reeves." Mr. E. Land assisted as Conductor. (The Era, Sunday, 21 July 1867) CONCERTS. Mr. Sims Reeves's Ballad Concerts.- The second of these national entertainments in the ballad line came off on Monday evening, like the first, at Exeter Hall. Again, was the hall crowded to excess, and again was enthusiasm rampant, more particularly when the great tenor sang. The ballad contributions of Mr. Reeves on this occasion were "Water parted from the Sea," from Dr. Arne's Artaxerxes; "The Jolly Young Waterman," from Dibdin's well-known operetta ; the Welsh air, " The Maid of Langollen ;" and the national ballad, "The Death of Nelson." All were encored and repeated except the last, for which Mr. Reeves substituted "My Pretty Jane," which the audience, peculiarly exacting on that night, would fain have heard a second time. It may be urged in defence of the exactions of the audience that Mr. Sims Reeves was in splendid voice and sang all his pieces magnificently. Encores were also awarded to Mr. Patey in the air from Mr. John Harnett's opera "The Mountain Sylph, " Farewell to the Mountain ;" to Miss Poole in "Pray, Goody, please;" to Miss Edith Wynne in "Love has eyes;" to Mr. Winn in the "Mermaid;'' to Madame Patey-Whytock in Mr. Land's song "When sorrow sleepeth wake it not;" and to Mr. John Thomas in his harp solo, "The March of the Men of Harlech." Miss Anna Jewell and Mr. W. H. Cummings also contributed vocal pieces ; and Mr. Lindsay Sloper added to the attractions of the evening by his performance of his new fantasia on certain national airs sung by Mr. Sims Reeves at the first concert. The conductors were Mr. Benedict and Mr. E. Land. No doubt we shall have a third national ballad concert from Mr. Reeves. (The Standard, Monday, 22 July 1867) "The National Ballad Concerts" given by Mr. Sims Reeves during the past month, in addition to their attractiveness as musical entertainments may be accepted as a proof that the meaningless songs forced into notice by the "Royalty" system are not the only specimens of the school of writing which they profess to represent. A very excellent programme had been provided at each concert; and we need scarcely say that the ballad singing of Mr. Reeves has been the principal feature of the entertainment. Such songs as "Water parted from the sea," "The Bay of Biscay," "My pretty Jane," "The jolly young Waterman," and the "Death of Nelson," although perhaps not amongst the highest specimens of the art, are infinitely superior to the twaddling sentimentalism we have been compelled of late years to listen to; and we therefore cordially wish Mr. Reeves every success in his undertaking. He has been ably assisted by Miss Edith Wynne, Miss Poole, Miss Lucy Franklein, Miss Anne Jewell, Madams Patey-Whytock, Messrs. W. H. Cummings, Patey, Weiss, and Winn. Mr. John Thomas (harp) and Mr. Lindsay Sloper (pianoforte) have also contributed solos in character with the nature of the concerts. (Musical Times, Thursday, 1 August 1867) Saturday, 31 August 1867 : Birmingham Musical Festival's Concert at Town Hall, Birmingham. CONCLUSION OF THE BIRMINGHAM FESTIVAL. The last evening of the festival (Saturday) afforded the least satisfactory performance of the week. The chorus singers generally seemed listless and tired. There was a rehearsal on Monday of eleven hours ; on Tuesday the two performances consumed eight hours, and about the same time was taken up each succeeding by hard unremitting physical and intellectual work. The solo singers were sufficiently taxed, but their work is as nothing in comparison with the constant occupation of the chorus and the unremitting labour entailed upon the band. At every festival since that memorable occasion when Mendelssohn conducted his own "Elijah," this masterpiece has always opened the week's solemnities. In 1864, however, the festival was opened by "St. Paul," and closed with " Elijah," the latter being an exceptional fine performance, and the former mediocre. The grandeur of " Elijah" we duly chronicled on Wednesday, and we have now to record the comparatively tame representation of "St. Paul," with which on Saturday night the festival of 1867 was brought to a close. Many of the choruses, nevertheless, were very effectively rendered. The opening chorus, founded on a pedal bass, "Lord, thou alone art God ;" the fierce choruses of the Hebrews, "Take him away," and "Stone him to death ;" the chorale, "Sleepers wake ! a voice is calling," the theme of which open the overture ; and the sensuously beautiful address of the Gentiles to Paul and Barnabas, "O be gracious, ye immortals ;" were all efficiently rendered. The traces of her recent indisposition were, it is true, observable in Mdll. Tietjens' singing of the plaintive aria, "Jerusalem! Jerusalem!" which she sometimes gives so grandly ; but Madame Lemmens-Sherrington, who appeared in the second part only, sang with all her never-failing earnestness and expression, and Madame Sainton-Dolby and Mr. Stanley were as unexceptionable as usual As for Mr. Sims Reeves, we have never heard him exhibit more passionate pathos than in the cavatina with violoncello obligato, "Be thou faithful unto death." The chorus singers, who in Gounod's St. Cecilian Mass, showed hesitation of which they had not betrayed a symptom in the earlier part of the week, regained all their confidence and strength when they were no longer hampered by the mark pppp, which M. Gounod has incessantly employed, and were able to attack with courage the familiar choruses of Handel's "Israel." We must still give credit to the magnificent choir for the extraordinary clearness of their articulation in "He spoke the word;" to the impetuosity with which they declaimed the famous "Hailstone chorus," the effect of which was quite electrical ; and to their wonderful singing of "He sent a thick darkness over all the land," which was simply appalling in its grand severity. In the second part the chorus was not above reproach, but the performance - the soloists in which we mentioned on Saturday - was, as a whole, magnificent. In conclusion, we cannot but congratulate the committee of the Birmingham Festival on the ability and success which have brought their labours to a brilliantly successful termination. In his negotiations to steal Mdlle. Nilsson for a few days from the Parisian impresario who is jealously watchful over his prize, Colonel Oliver, Mason, Chairman of the Orchestral Committee, is said to have shown remarkable astuteness and address, and his capture has certainly proved the star of the festival. The committee are also entitled to acknowledgment for the encouragement which they have given to English art in having such works as Professor Bennett s "Woman of Samaria," and Mr. Barnett's "Ancient Mariner" performed; Mr. Henry Smart's " Bride of Dunkerron," Mr. Macfarren's " Leonora," Mr. Howard Glover's " Tam O'Shanter," Mr. Sullivan's " Kenilworth," and works by Mr. Lindsay-Sloper and Mr. Henry Leslie we already owe to the encouragement of the Birmingham Festival. We trust, too, that the success of the sacred cantata will stimulate Professor Bennett to concentrate all his energies on an oratorio. Genius has its duties and renunciations as well as its privileges and pleasures. The man who can create is not justified whatever the inducements, in teaching others to play. The financial assets of the festival are declared to be £13,998 12s. 8d. - a prodigious amount to be obtained in four days. Whatever the expenses, a large sum must of necessity remain for the behoof of the Birmingham Hospital. So mercy, as well as music, has benefited by the Festival of 1867. (Nottinghamshire Guardian, Friday, 6 September 1867) Friday, 29 November 1867 : Mr. W. Ardley's Matinée at Royal Pavilion, Brighton. Mr William Ardley begs to announce that will give a Grand Matinée at the Pavilion, on Friday, Nov. 29th. Pianoforte, Mr Lindsay Sloper and Mr W. Ardley; violin, Herr Ludwig Straus; vocalist, Mr Louis Montgomery. Tickets at Messrs Potts' music establishments. (Brighton Gazette, Thursday, 31 October 1867) MR WILLIAM ARDLEY'S MATINEE MUSICALE. The above morning matinee is announced to take place in the Royal Pavilion, on Friday, November 29, at three. From the talent Mr Ardley has enlisted, and his known professional excellence as a pianist, we anticipate a delightful concert. Mr Lindsay Sloper will assist the entrepreneur at the pianoforte; Herr Ludwig Strauss (violinist) and L. Montgomery also take part in the performances. The arrangements are in the hands of Messrs R. Potts and Co. (Brighton Gazette, Thursday, 14 November 1867) … Mr William Ardley begs to announce that will give a Grand Matinée at the Pavilion, on Friday, Nov. 29th. Pianoforte, Mr Lindsay Sloper and Mr W. Ardley; violin, Herr Ludwig Straus; vocalist, Mr Louis Montgomery. Tickets at Messrs Potts' music establishments. (Brighton Gazette, Thursday, 14 November 1867) (Also: Brighton Guardian, Wednesday, 20 November 1867.) … Mr. William Ardley HAS THE HONOUR TO ANNOUNCE THAT HE WILL GIVE A GRAND MATINEE MUSICALE, ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1867, To commence Three o'clock. LINDSAY SLOPER, PIANOFORTE: AND MR WILLIAM ARDLEY. Violin: HERR LUDWIG STRAUS. Vocalist: MR LOUIS MONTGOMERY. Stalls (Numbered and Reserved), 6s.; Family Tickets, to admit five, 21s.; Unreserved Seats, 2s. 6d. To be obtained of Messrs. R. Potts and Co., 167, North St.eet, and 106, King's Road. (Brighton Gazette, Thursday, 21 November 1867) Mr William Ardley's Matinee Musicale.- feel pleasure in again adverting to the above morning matinee (fixed for the 29th instant), from our knowledge of Mr Ardley's professional eminence amongst ns, and the talent he has secured to supplement his performances. Already we hear promises of a very fashionable gathering the above, and, from a glance at the programme, we perceive intending patrons will derive much delight therefrom. That brilliant violin player, Herr Ludwig Straus,will accompany Mr Ardley in Beethoven's Sonata, No. 1, in D (Op. 12), -the same selection in which he divided honors with Miss Arabella Goddard at the London Popular Concerts,-will also play compositions of Bach, Spohr, and Paganini, and share a Sonata in A Major, of Mozart's, with Mr Lindsay Sloper (piano). The latter gentleman will contribute selections from Stephen Heller, and take part with Mr Ardley in one of his (Mr Sloper's) own arrangements. Mr Ardley's selections, too numerous to embody in this notice, embrace Mendelssohn, Beethoven, and Chopin, which will be dealt with by him in a masterly manner. Mr Louis Montgomery is named for two vocal pieces. Messrs. R. Potts and Co. have the arrangements. (Brighton Gazette, Thursday, 21 November 1867) BRIGHTON. - The New Book (No. 8) of Lieder Ohne Worte, by Mendelssohn, will be PLAYED by Mr. LINDSAY SLOPER, at Mr. Ardley's Matinée, on Friday, Nov. 29th. Tickets at Messrs. R. Potts and Co.'s, North-street, and King's-road. (The Times, Wednesday, 27 November 1867) (Also: The Times, Thursday, 28 November 1867.) Mr W. Ardley's Matinée. - The new book (No. 8) of Lieder ohne Worte, by Mendelssohn, will be played by. Mr Lindsay Sloper, at Mr W. Ardley's Matinée, to-morrow, November 29th. Mr Ardley will play solos by Mendelssohn. Beethoven, and Chopin. Herr Ludwig Straus will play solos by J. S. Rach, Spohr, and Paganini. Duet D, Beethoven, Mr H. Ardley and Herr Straus. Sonata Mozart, Sloper and Herr Straus. Vocalist: Mr Montgomery. Accompanist; Mons. E. de Paris, Tickets at Messrs Potts. (Brighton Gazette, Thursday, 28 November 1867) Mr. William Ardley HAS THE HONOUR TO ANNOUNCE THAT HE WILL GIVE A GRAND MATINEE MUSICALE, ON FRIDAY (TO-MORROW), NOVEMBER 29, 1867, To commence Three o'clock. LINDSAY SLOPER, PIANOFORTE: AND MR WILLIAM ARDLEY. Violin: HERR LUDWIG STRAUS. Vocalist: MR LOUIS MONTGOMERY. Stalls (Numbered and Reserved), 6s.; Family Tickets, to admit five, 21s.; Unreserved Seats, 2s. 6d. To be obtained of Messrs. R. Potts and Co., 167, North St.eet, and 106, King's Road. (Brighton Gazette, Thursday, 28 November 1867) The new book (No. 8) of LIEDER OHNE WORTE, MENDELSSOHN, Will be played by Mr LINDSAY SLOPER, At Mr W. ARDLEY'S MATINEE. TO-MORROW, Nov. 29, at ROYAL PAVILION, BRIGHTON. (Brighton Gazette, Thursday, 28 November 1867) … to which his talent justly entitles him. The programme is rich in instrumental gems, chief of them, the performance by Lindsay Sloper, of the New Book (No. 8) of Lieder ohne Worte, by Mendelssohn; with such a skilful player the work of the great master … [Abridged] (Brighton Gazette, Thursday, 28 November 1867) BRIGHTON. - THIS DAY, Nov. 29, MR. WILLIAM ARDLEY's, MATINEE at the Royal Pavilion. - Mr. Ardley will play duett in D, Op. 12, with Herr Straus; "Les Soirées Musicale" Duett, by Mr. Lindsay Sloper with the author; solos by Mendelssohn, Beethoven, and Chopin. Mr. Lindsay Sloper will play Book 8 of Lieder ohne Worte, Mendelssohn; sonata in A, Mozart, with Herr Straus, Herr Straus will play solos by Bach, Spohr, and Paganini; Mr. L. Montgomery will sing two songs; accompanist. Mons. E. de Paris. Tickets, 5s. and 2s, 6d., at Messrs. R. Potts and Co.'s. North-street, and King's-road. (The Times, Friday, 29 November 1867) MR W. ARDLEY'S MATINEE MUSICALE. Mr Ardley, a rapidly-rising professor, and an old pupil of Lindsay Sloper, gave a Morning Concert at the Pavilion, on Friday last, but the room was not as full as we could have desired to see it, owing probably the numerous entertainments of a similar character that have recently been given, -it could not be for the lack of talent, for some of the greatest performers in the world were heard afternoon. Monday play. - and Mr Ardley (pianoforte), Herr Ludwig Strauss (violin). The music was of highly classical character, for the names of Beethoven, Bach, Mendelssohn, Mozart, Chopin, Stephen Heller, Spohr, Paganini, &c, indicated that the Matinee would be a most interesting one. The first piece in the programme was a Sonata of Beethoven (No. 1 in D, Op. 121 for pianoforte and violin, Mr. Ardley and Herr Strauss. This duet was played a short time ago in London by Made. Goddard and Herr Strauss, and was finely executed, as may be imagined, and if we had not seen the performers we might have imagined that the same two performers who gave it in London were playing it again ; and it at once convinced us that Mr. Ardley was a highly accomplished musician. There are three movements in this composition, Allegro con brio, con variazione. and Rondo Allegro, all which were performed with master hands, with spirit, and great taste. The tema con variazione, especially, was rendered with fine expression, and, although the whole of the execution was good, the palm seemed to be awarded to this movement, and Mr Ardley and his colleague, the close, received great and well-merited applause. The next performance of Mr Ardley was three Mendelssohn's Songs without Words (No. 1, book 5, in ; No. 4, book 4, in F; and No. 5, book 4, in A minor (Volklied). To the varied passions depicted in these compositions-tenderness, melancholy, and the comic, which appears in the Volkeleid -Mr Ardley gave speaking expression, and again called forth much applause. The next performance of Mr Ardley's was Beethoven's Sonato, in E minor (by desire). In the two movements, the allegro and the rondo-allegretto, Mr Ardley again showed bis skill and bis acquaintance with classical music; the spirit be infused into the rondo called forth immense applause. Perhaps the great feature of the concert was Herr Strauss's violin playing. He performed three movements of Bach, in the first piece, in a highly finished style; and in the second part he played an Andante of Spohr and a Caprice of Paganini. What exquisite tone, what faultless intonation, what a refined style! He is indeed a great artist, second perhaps only to Joachim. We do not hesitate to rank him with Joachim, especially they excel in, and evidently prefer the music of the great masters, eschewing anything like an attempt at the fantastic extravagant school of Violin playing, of which occasionally hear specimens. Herr Strauss did indeed play the short theme with variations to it found at the end of Paganini's studies, but although faultless in execution, it lacked, we thought the vivid fancy, eccentricity even, that is required to make those things acceptable; whereas in the andante of Spohr, taken from a violin Concerto, how nobly did Strauss play it, and how he worked on the feelings of his audience until they burst into involuntary applause before the end of it! That was a performance to be remembered. Herr Strauss plays onon admirable, Stradivarius evidently com amore. Another great feature of this Concert was the performance of Lindsay Sloper (first time in Brighton) of the new book of Mendelssohn's Lieders, ranking as Book 8, which has just been published. Why it has not been published sooner it is for Messrs Carl and Paul Mendelssohn, son and brother of the composer, and also his trustees, to explain, something they have not yet deigned to, more especially as it is work of such great merit. This new book contains some very powerful conceptions of Mendelssohn, perhaps not equal to some of his other books; and we have our doubts of its obtaining the same success as the others. The varied subjects were played by Mr Sloper with extreme correctness, interpreting the author with the treme accuracy and finish, although might be considered some very dry playing. The performance elicited very marked applause. Mr Sloper and Herr Strauss played Mozart's sonata in A major, for pianoforte and violin, in a manner that could not be excelled. Mr Ardley gave fine effect to Chopin's Marche Funebre and Polonaise A, and again received warm applause for his admirable conception of the two subjects, and his executant skill. The last instrumental piece in the Concert was a duet of Lindsay Sloper, on airs from "Les Soirees Musicale" (Rossini), finely executed by Mr Sloper and Ardley. Montgomery was the only vocalist. He sang a song from the Lily of Killarney, a new song by Mattei, Pesca, with finish and highly creditable his talent. Mr Edouard Paris accompanied him, and he performed hi task in his usual manner, more than which need not say. The Concert gave the utmost delight to all present. The arrangements were under the direction of Messrs Potts and Co., and they were as usual ably carried out. (Brighton Gazette, Thursday, 5 December 1867) BRIGHTON…MR. W. ARDLEY'S MATINEE.-Mr. W. Ardley is rapidly making way in Brighton, and at his Matinée, given on Friday, 29th ultimo, in the Pavilion, he notably proclaimed his quality as a pianist in Beethoven's Sonata in E minor. Mr. Ardley was aided by Mr. Lindsay Sloper, who gave the new book of "Songs without Words," hitherto played by Madame Arabella Goddard only. Herr Strauss, one of the best violinists of the day, gave solos by Bach, Spohr, and Paganini. The vocalist was Mr. Montgomery. (The Era, Sunday, 8 December 1867) |
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