Mademoiselle Henriette Sontag’s Concert for the Benefit of the Sufferers by the Inundation in Silesia
London: New Argyll Rooms—Time: Morning, Two o’Clock
Tickets: 10s. 6d.; Boxes available
Programme
| *From La Cenerentola: Comic Duet | Signors de Begnis, Pellegrini | Rossini |
| *From Semiramide: Duet, ‘Ebben ate ferisce’ | Mlle Sontag, Mme Malibran-Garcia | Rossini |
| *Song, ‘Fiu che al mar’ | Signor de Begnis | De Begnis |
| Part I | ||
| Overture, A Midsummer Night’s Dream | Conductor: Mr. Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn |
| Duet, ‘Che bella vita e il militar’ | Signors Pellegrini, Tori | Generali |
| Horn Fantasia | Signor Puzzi | |
| From [Il crociato in Egitto]: Duet, ‘Deh! per pietà, t’arresta’ | Mlle Sontag, Signor Velluti | Meyerbeer |
| Concerto for Two Pianos in E major | Messrs. Mendelssohn, Moscheles | Mendelssohn |
| Flute Variations on the Hunting Chorus from Der Freischütz | M. Drouet | Drouet |
| From L’Italiana in Algeri: Terzetto, ‘Cruda sorte!’ | Mlle Sontag, Mme Pisaroni, Signor Donzelli | Rossini |
| From Don Giovanni Sextet, ‘Sola, sola in buio loco’ | Mlles H. Sontag, N. Sontag, Mme Camporese, Signors Bordogni, Graziani, Pellegrini | Mozart |
| Part II | ||
| Violoncello Adagio and Rondo | M. Bohrer | |
| *From Il matrimonio segreto: Terzetto, ‘Le faccio un inchino’ | Mlles Blasis, H. Sontag, Mme Pisaroni | Cimarosa |
| *‘Vergogna, Vergogna’ | Mme Pisaroni |
| Principal Vocalists: Mesdames Malibran-Garcia, Pisaroni, Mlles Blasis, H. Sontag, N. Sontag, Signora Camporese; Signors Bordogni, de Begnis, Donzelli, Graziani, Pellegrini, Tori, Velluti, Zuchelli |
| Principal Instrumentalists: Messrs. Mendelssohn, Moscheles, M. Bohrer, M. Drouet, Signor Puzzi |
| Leaders: Signor Paolo Spagnoletti and Mr. Franz Cramer; Conductor: Sir George Smart |
———————————
Encore: Terzetto, ‘Le faccio un inchino’—Mlles Blasis, H. Sontag, Mme Pisaroni—Cimarosa
Charlotte: ‘Sontag, always kind and charitable, gave a “concert monstre” on the 13th of July, for the benefit of the sufferers by the inundation in Silesia, and every one lent a helping hand. Mendelssohn’s Overture to a Midsummer Night’s Dream was given for the second time, and more vehemently applauded than before. His double Concerto, too, in E major (manuscript), which Moscheles played with him, was a great success. The receipts amounted to £500’.
RMM, 151.
Letter: F. Mendelssohn to Paul, Lea and Abraham Mendelssohn.
London, 3 July 1829
…es ist am 13ten July Montags Morgen, alla Talente helfen mit, ich spiele mein Doppelconcert mit Moscheles und mein SommerN.sTr. wird auf Begehren repetirt.
MSB.1, 328.
Letter: F. Mendelssohn to his family, addressed to Abraham Mendelssohn.
London, 10 July 1829
…ist das Concert für die Schlesier; es ist wird der Wahl der Stücke nach unstreitig das glänzendste des Jahres; was irgend in der saison Aufsehn gemacht hat, wirkt mit, die meisten unentgeltlich; viele Anerbietungen von guten performers haben müssen abgewiesen werden, weil es ohnehin schon bis den andern Tag dauern wird’s. Den unermeßlichen Zettel schickt Euch Klingem., er ist warlich interessant. Meine Ouvertüre zum SommerNsTr. Macht den Angang auf Begehren, und dann spiele ich das Doppelconcert aus E mit Moscheles. Gestern hatten wird in der Clementischen Fabrik die erste Probe, Mde. Mosch. und Herr Collard hörten zu, und ich amüsirte mich himmlisch dabey, denn man hat keinen Begriff von unsern Coquetterien, und wie einer den andern fortwährend nachahmte, und wie süß wir waren. Das letzte Stück spielt Moscheles ungeheuer brillant, er schüttelt die Läufe aus dem Ärmel. Als es aus war, meinten sie alle, es sey so Schade, daß wir keine Cadenz machten, und da buddelte ich gleich im letzten Tutti des ersten Stücks eine Stelle heraus, wo das Orchester eine Fermate bekommt, und Moscheles mußte nolens einwilligen eine große Cadenz zu componiren; wir berechneten nun, unter tausend Possen, ob das letzet kleine solo (vide Fanny) stehn bleiben könnte, da die Leute doch applaudiren müßten. Wir brauchen ein Stück Tutti zwischen der Cadenz und dem Schlußsolo, sagte ich. Wie lange Zeit sollen sie denn klatschen, fragte Mosch.? 10 Minuten I dare say, sagte ich. Mosch. Handelte herunter bis auf 5. Ich verspach ein Tutti zu liefern, und so haben wir förmlich Maaß genommen, geflickt, gewendet und wattirt, Ärmel à la mameluke eingesetzt, und ein brillantes Concert zusammengeschneider. Heut ist wieder Probe, da giebts einen Musikpikenik, denn Mosch. bringt die Cadenzt mit, und ich das Tutti. Morgen um 2 ist die große Instrumentalprobe
MSB.1, 332.
Letter: F. Mendelssohn to Nathan Mendelssohn.
London, 16 July 1829
…und ich lief gleich zur S[ontag]., ließ mich nicht abweisen, weigerte mich den homme d’affaires und die Dame zu sprechen, setzte ihr sehr arg zu, versicherte, sie müße nun ein Konc. Geben, da es in der Staatszeit. Gestanden habe, und die Schlesier hätten es nöthiger als die Danziger, kurz sie entschloß sich es zu unternehmen. Nur sie, bei ihren ausgebreiteten Connexionen, bei ihrer Beliebtheit unter allen Ständen konnte es wagen, des Engländern in einem Augenblicke, wo das Elend in Lond. entsetzl. Groß ist und wo man nicht weiß, wie es zu erleichtern od. ihm abzuhelfen sei, ein Konc. Für fremde Verunglückte anzukündigen. Alles war dagegen, die Musiker prophezeiten, zumal bei dem vorgerückten Sommer einen leeren Saal, benahmen sich zum Theil kalt und unfreundlich, machten auf die Kosten aufmerksam, die man nicht herausbringen würde; ich trieb aber immer fort, es wurde angezeigt, eine Menge hoher Herrschaften nahmen die Patronage an, alle ausgezeichneten Sänger mußten schon honoris causa umsonst singen, viele Instrumentalspieler hatte die S. sich verpflichtet, viele thaten es mir zu Gefallen, kein Name der nur irgend in der saison geglänzt hatte, fehlte auf dem Programm und auf einmal war die Sache fashionable. Von nun an war der gute Ausgang entschieden, die ganze Stadt sprach davon. Als ich eine Stunde vor dem Anfang des Koncerts am vorigen Mont. vor den Argyll rooms (die der Besitzer auch umsonst gab) vorbei kam, und die Menschenmaße sah, die mit ihren fremden Gesichtern hereinströmte und sich drängte, als ich dan später aus Orchester ging und es ganz mit schönen geputzen Damen besetzt, alle Logen gefüllt, die Vorsäle sogar voll Menschen fan, so war mir unbeschreibl. froh und freudig zu Muthe und es that mir nur leid, daß man hier keinen größern Koncertsaal hat, denn an 100 Menschen mußten abgewiesen werden. Es sing zwischen 250 und 300 guinéen eingekommen die dem preuß. Gesandten hier übergeben und durch ihn nach Schlesien geschickt werden. Wie die Sache entstanden sei, konnten die Engl. sich nicht erklären; auf dem Zettel stand, die S. hätte von vielen hohen Personen in ihrem Vaterlande Briefe und Aufforderungen erhalten: das warst Du. Die Times merkte gar, daß der König v. Pr. sich an die S. gewendet habe: das warst wieder Du. Bei den Einladungen an die Patronages wurden lebhafte Beschreibungen der Verwüstungen beigelegt, wörtl. übersetzt aus dem Bericht eines Augenzeugen: das warst Du auch. Mit einem Wort, es ist in die Trompete ganz gehörig gestoßen worden, und es ist geglückt. Das Konc. war unstreitig das beste im ganzen Jahre; zu einer Arie war nicht Zeit, die vielen Sänger konnten nur in Quintetten und dergl. verbraucht werden, und dennoch dauerte es beinahe 4 Stunden: die S. [Sontag] hat 5mal gesungen, Drouet flötete, Moscheles spielte e in Konc. für 2 Claviere v. meiner Composition mit mir, meine ouvert. zum Sommern.str. kam auch vor, etc. etc.
MSB.1, 338.
Advertisements
The Morning Chronicle (July 4, 1829): 1.
ARGYLL ROOMS.—Mademoiselle SONTAG respectfully announces that, in consequence of letters she has had the honour to receive from many Distinguished Personages in Prussia, in conformity with their suggestions she is induced to have a MORNING CONCERT on MONDAY, July 13, at the above Rooms (the gratuitous use of which Mr. Welsh has most liberally given), for the BENEFIT of the numerous SUFFERERS from the recent destructive INUNDATION in SILESIA. Mademoiselle Sontag most respectfully solicits the aid of the British Public on this charitable occasion. The Concert has already been honoured with the patronage of the following Royal and Exalted Personages:—Their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Clarence, the Duchess of Kent, the Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg; Their Excellencies le Prince et la Princesse Esterhazy, le Prince et la Princess Polignac, Baron de Bulow; the Countess Gower, and the Countess St. Antonio. Leaders of the Band, Mr. F. Cramer and Signor Spagnoletti; Conductor, Sir George Smart. The Concert will commence at Two o’clock. Full particulars will be duly advertised.
Tickets, half a guinea each, can be had of Mademoiselle Sontag, 30, Margaret-street (from whom, by an early application, Boxes, containing six and eight, can be secured); at the Argyll Rooms; and at the principal Music Shops.
The Morning Post (July 4, 1829): 1.
ARGYLL ROOMS.—Mademoiselle SONTAG respectfully announces that, in consequence of letters she has had the honour to receive from many distinguished Personages in Prussia, in conformity with their suggestions she is induced to have a MORNING CONCERT on MONDAY, July 13, 1829, at the above Rooms (the gratuitous use of which Mr. Welsh has most liberally given), for the BENEFIT of the numerous Sufferers from the recent destructive Inundation in Silesia. Mademoiselle Sontag most respectfully solicits the aid of the British Public on this charitable occasion. The Concert has already been honoured with the patronage of the following Royal and exalted Personages:—Their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Clarence, the Duchess of Kent, the Prince Leopold of Saxe Coburg; their Excellencies le Prince et la Princesse Esterhazy, le Prince et la Princess Polignac, Baron de Bulow, the Countess Gower, and the Countesse St. Antonio. Leaders of the Band, Mr. F. Cramer and Signor Spagnoletti; Conductor, Sir George Smart. The Concert will commence at Two o’Clock. Full particulars will be duly advertised. Tickets, half-a-guinea each, can be had of Mademoiselle Sontag, 30, Margaret-street (from whom, by an early application, Boxes, containing six and eight, can be secured); at the Argyll Rooms; and at the principal Music Shops.
The Times (July 4, 1829): 2.
ARGYLL ROOMS.—Mademoiselle SONTAG respectfully announces, that in consequence of letters she has had the honour to receive from many distinguished Personages in Prussia, in conformity with their suggestions, she is induced to have a MORNING CONCERT, on Monday, July 13, at the above Rooms (the gratuitous use of which Mr. Welsh has most liberally given), for the BENEFIT of the numerous SUFFERERS from the recent destructive INUNDATION in SILESIA. Mademoiselle Sontag most respectfully solicits the aid of the British Public on this charitable occasion. The Concert has already been honoured with the patronage of the following Royal and exalted Personages:—Their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Clarence, the Duchess of Kent, the Prince Leopold of Saxe Coburg, their Excellencies le Prince et la Princesse Esterhazy, le Prince et la Princess Polignac, Baron de Bulow, the Countess Gower, and the Countess St. Antonio. Leaders of the band, Mr. F. Cramer and Signor Spagnoletti. Conductor, Sir George Smart. The Concert will commence at 2 o’clock. Full particulars will be duly advertised. Tickets, half-a-guinea each, can be had of Mademoiselle Sontag, 30, Margaret-street, (from whom, by an early application, boxes, containing six and eight, can be secured); at the Argyll Rooms; and at the principal music-shops.
The Morning Post (July 6, 1829): 1.
[Same as issued in The Morning Post on July 4]
The Times (July 7, 1829): 2.
[Same as issued in The Times on July 4]
The Morning Chronicle (July 8, 1829): 1.
ARGYLL ROOMS.—Mademoiselle SONTAG respectfully announces, that in consequence of letters she has had the honour to receive from many Distinguished Personages in Prussia, in conformity with their suggestions she is induced to have a MORNING CONCERT on MONDAY, July 13, at the above Rooms (the gratuitous use of which Mr. Welsh has most liberally given), for the BENEFIT of the numerous SUFFERERS from the recent destructive INUNDATION in SILESIA. Mademoiselle Sontag most respectfully solicits the aid of the British Public on this charitable occasion. The Concert has already been honoured with the patronage of the following Royal and Exalted Personages:—
| H. R. H. the Duchess of Clarence | Her Excellency the Princess Po- |
| H. R. H. the Duchess of Kent | lignac |
| H. R. H. the Princess Augusta | The Countess Gower |
| H. R. H. the Prince Leopold of | The Countess St. Antonio |
| Saxe-Coburg | His Excellency the Prince Esterhazy |
| Her Excellency the Princess Ester- | His Excellency the Prince Polignac |
| hazy | His Excellency Baron de Bulow |
All the following eminent Artists have, in the kindest manner, promised their gratuitous assistance:—Principal Vocal Performers, Madame Camporese, Mademoiselle Blasis, Mademoiselle Sontag, and Madame Malibran Garcia; Signor Velluti and Signor De Begnis, also, by the kind permission of Monsieur Laporte, Madame Pisaroni, Signor Donzelli, Signor Curioni, an Signor Zuchelli. Principal Instrumental Performers, Messrs. Moscheles and F. Mendelssohn. Mr. Drouet, Mr. Puzzi, Signori Gambati, and Monsieur Bohrer. Leaders of the Band, Mr. F. Cramer and Signor Spagnoletti; Conductor, Sir George Smart.
The Concert will commence with, for the second time in this country, New (MS.) Overture to Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, conducted by the Composer, F. Mendelssohn.
The Concert to commence at Two o’Clock. Full particulars are given in the printed bills.—Tickets, Half-a-Guinea each, can be had of Mademoiselle Sontag, 30, Margaret-street (from whom, by an early application. Boxes, containing six and eight, can be secured); at the Argyll Rooms; and at the principal Music Shops.
The Morning Post (July 8, 1829): 1.
ARGYLL ROOMS.—Mademoiselle SONTAG respectfully announces that, in consequence of letters she has had the honour to receive from many distinguished Personages in Prussia, in conformity with their suggestions she is induced to have a MORNING CONCERT on MONDAY, July 13, 1829, at the above Rooms (the gratuitous use of which Mr. Welsh has most liberally given), for the BENEFIT of the numerous Sufferers from the recent destructive Inundation in Silesia. Mademoiselle Sontag most respectfully solicits the aid of the British Public on this charitable occasion. The Concert has already been honoured with the patronage of the following Royal and Exalted Personages:—
Her Royal Highness the Duchess of CLARENCE,
Her Royal Highness the Duchess of KENT,
Her Royal Highness the Princess AUGUSTA,
His Royal Highness the Prince LEOPOLD of Saxe Coburg.
Her Excellency the Princess Esterhazy,
Her Excellency the Princess Polignac,
The Countess Gower,
The Countess St. Antonio,
His Excellency the Prince Esterhazy,
His Excellency the Prince Polignac,
His Excellency Baron de Bulow.
All the following eminent Artists have, in the kindest manner, promised their gratuitous assistance:—Principal Vocal Performers—Madame Camporese, Mademoiselle Blasis, Mademoiselle Sontag, and Madame Malibran Garcia. Signor Velluti and Signor De Begnis. Also, by the kind permission of Monsieur Laporte, Madame Pisaroni, Signor Donzelli, Signor Curioni, an Signor Zuchelli. Principal Instrumental Performers—Messrs. Moscheles and F. Mendelssohn. Mr. Drouet, Mr. Puzzi, Signori Gambati, and Monsieur Bohrer. Leaders of the Band, Mr. F. Cramer and Signor Spagnoletti; Conductor, Sir George Smart.
The Concert will commence with, for the second time in this Country, new (MS.) Overture to Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, conducted by the Composer, F. Mendelssohn.
The Concert to commence at Two o’Clock. Full particulars are given in the printed bills. Tickets, half-a-guinea each, can be had of Mademoiselle Sontag, 30, Margaret-street (from whom, by an early application, Boxes, containing six and eight, can be secured); at the Argyll Rooms; and at the principal Music Shops.
The Morning Chronicle (July 10, 1829): 1.
ARGYLL ROOMS.—Mademoiselle SONTAG respectfully announces, that there will be a MORNING CONCERT on Monday next, July 13, for the BENEFIT of the numerous SUFFERERS from the recent destructive INUNDATION in SILESIA. Mademoiselle Sontag most respectfully solicits the aid of the British Public on this charitable occasion. The Concert is honoured with the patronage of
| H. R. H. the Duchess of Clarence | Her Excellency the Princess Po- |
| H. R. H. the Duchess of Kent | lignac |
| H. R. H. the Princess Augusta | The Countess Gower |
| H. R. H. the Duke of Cumberland | The Countess St. Antonio |
| H. R. H. the Duke of Sussex | Lady Flint |
| H. R. H. the Prince Leopold of | Mrs. De Rothschild |
| Saxe-Coburg | His Excellency the Prince Esterhazy |
| Her Excellency the Princess Ester- | His Excellency the Prince Polignac |
| hazy | His Excellency Baron de Bulow |
The Concert to commence at Two o’clock.— Tickets, Half-a-Guinea each, and full particulars of the Performances, can be had of Mademoiselle Sontag, 30, Margaret-street (from whom, by an early application. Boxes, containing six and eight, can be secured); at the Argyll Rooms; and at the principal Music Shops.
The Morning Post (July 10, 1829): 1.
ARGYLL ROOMS.—Mademoiselle SONTAG respectfully announces that there will be a MORNING CONCERT on MONDAY next, July the 13th, 1829, for the BENEFIT of the numerous Sufferers from the recent destructive Inundation in Silesia. Mademoiselle Sontag most respectfully solicits the aid of the British Public on this charitable occasion. The Concert is honoured with the patronage of—
Her Royal Highness the Duchess of CLARENCE,
Her Royal Highness the Duchess of KENT,
Her Royal Highness the Princess AUGUSTA,
His Royal Highness the Duke of CUMBERLAND.
His Royal Highness the Duke of SUSSEX.
His Royal Highness the Prince LEOPOLD of Saxe Coburg.
Her Excellency the Princess Esterhazy,
Her Excellency the Princess Polignac,
The Countess Gower,
The Countess St. Antonio,
Lady Flint
Mrs. de Rothschild,
His Excellency the Prince Esterhazy,
His Excellency the Prince Polignac,
His Excellency Baron de Bulow.
The Concert to commence at Two o’Clock. Tickets, half-a-guinea each, and full particulars of the performance can be had of Mademoiselle Sontag, 30, Margaret-street (from whom, by an early application, Boxes, containing six and eight, can be secured); at the Argyll Rooms; and at the principal Music Shops.
The Morning Post (July 11, 1829): 1.
[Same as issued in The Morning Post on July 10]
The Morning Post (July 13, 1829): 1.
ARGYLL ROOMS.—Mademoiselle SONTAG respectfully announces that there will be a MORNING CONCERT THIS DAY, the 13th of July, 1829, for the BENEFIT of the numerous Sufferers from the….[the rest is the same as advertised in The Morning Post on July 10]
Reviews
The Courier (July 14, 1828): 4.
ARGYLL ROOMS.—A concert offering a very high degree of attraction was given yesterday morning, for the benefit of the sufferers by the inundation in Silesia. In vocal talent it combined nearly all the foreigners of merit at present in this country, and very seldom, indeed, have been united in the programme of one concert, the names of Malibran, Sontag, Nina Sontag, Pisaroni, Blasis, Camporese, Velluti, Curioni, Donzelli, Torri, Begrez, Zuchelli, De Begnis, Bordogni, Graziani, and Pellegrini. In the instrumental portion of the performance was the overture to the Midsummer’s Night Dream, a composition of great merit, conducted by the composer, Mr. Mendelssohn; also a concerto for two pianofortes, the work of the same gentleman, and performed, by himself with Mr. Moscheles; and air, with variations, by M. Drouet on the flute; and a fantasia by Mr. Puzzi on the French horn. Sir G. Smart presided at the pianoforte. It is to the exertions of Mademoiselle Sontag that this fine concert is owing, prompted, if report says true, by an individual no less in rank than the King of Prussia himself. The fair songstress was rewarded by one of the most fashionable and crowded audiences of the season.
The Globe and Traveller (July 14, 1828): 4.
The morning concert which Madlle. Sontage gave yesterday, at the Argyll Rooms, for the benefit of the numerous sufferers from the recent inundation in Silesia, and which was under the patronage of their R. H.’s the Duchess of Clarence, the Duchess of Kent, the Princess Augusta, the Dukes of Cumberland, Sussex, and the Prince Leopold, was very full attended. As early as two o’clock hundreds of individuals could not obtain admission for want of room. The concert commenced with Mendelsohn’s new overture to Shakspeare’s [sic] Midsummer Nights’ Dream, followed by Signors Torri’s and Pellegrini’s “Che bella vita e la military,” and a fantasia on the horn by Signor Puzzi; when great applause announced the arrival of Mademoiselle Sontag to the many who could not even get a glimpse of the orchestra. She sang Mayer’s duetto, “Deh’ per pieta,” with Signor Veluti. In the voices of two such singers no one could be mistaken; and that they were loudly applauded need hardly be added. Messrs. Moscheles and Mendelssohn performed a concerto together admirably on two pianofortes. Monsieur Drouet, the celebrated flute-player, performed Weber’s favourite “Hunting Chorus, with variations.” Bursts of admiration frequently interrupted his elegant and matchiess [sic] execution. Mademoiselle Sontag appeared again in the first act, with Madame Pisaroni and Signor Donzelli, to sing Rossini’s terzetto of “Cruda Serte,” and again with Madame Camporese, her sister Mademoiselle Nina, and Signors Bordogni, Graziani, and Pellegrini, in “Sola, Sola,” from Mozart’s “Don Giovanni,” in each of which she was tumultuously applauded. Monsieur Bohrer opened the second part by an adagio and rondo on the violoncello, drawing the most charming tones from that instrument. Madame Pisaroni, Mademoiselle Blasis, and Mademoiselle Sontag, were encored in Cimarosa’s “Le faccio un inchino.” the “Vergogna Vergogna” of Madame Pisaroni, and the bravura passages of the other ladies, were given a second time with extraordinary force. An apology was made of Signor Curioni on account of sudden illness; Signor de Begnis was therefore obliged to go through a song of his own composition—“Fiu che al mar,” as a substitute, which he accomplished, however, with much humour and effect. Madame Camporese, Madame Malibran Garcia, Mademoiselle Sontag, Signors Zuchelli, Begrez, Donzelli, and De Begnis, gave afterwards several detached parts from various of Rossini’s works, with even greater effect than at the King’s Theatre; and but for the excessive crowd, and the rudeness of some of the audience, who actually stood up for hours on their seats, three rows deep, and therefore prevented the ladies in the boxes, and those on the floor behind them, from seeing at all, the concert would have been highly gratifying.
The Morning Post (July 14, 1828): 3.
MADEMOISELLE SONTAG’S CONCERT,
FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE SUFFERERS BY THE INUNDATIONS IN SILESIA.
This Concert, which took place yesterday afternoon at the Argyll Rooms, was the result of an application from several persons of distinction in Prussia to Mademoiselle SONTAG, who acceded with a promptitude that does her much credit; this amiable disposition, which has been also manifested in favour or the Spitalfields Weavers and on other occasions, has deservedly rendered her not less esteemed for her qualities as a private individual than admired for her public talents. The British Public, on the other hand, when extensive and blameless distress demands relief, are never backward in assisting the cause of Charity; the praiseworthy undertaking was no sooner announced than it was honoured with the highest patronage, and, we are happy to add, has been crowned with complete success. Notwithstanding the numerous Concerts that have preceded it, and the comparatively unfavourable period, this presented decidedly the most numerous and fashionable levee of the season. Nearly an hour before the commencement, the upper end of Regent-street was thronged with carriages, and in a short time the company assembled became more numerous than the room could accommodate. Upwards of fifty Ladies honoured the musicians with their company in and about the orchestra, and many were supplied with seats in the ante-room. The crowd in front of the boxes was remarkably dense.
Madlle SONTAG, resolved to spare no exertions to gratify her auditory, took part in six different pieces. The celebrated duet with MALIBRAN, Ebben a te ferisci, which, as we have before observed, displays the acquirements of both singers to equal advantage, was, as usual, an exquisite treat, and excited great applause. A terzetto from II Matrimonio Segreto, by PISARONI, BLASIS, and SONTAG, was rendered highly effective by the spirit and point thrown into it by PISARONI: it was unanimously encored. DE BEGNIS and PELLEGRINI sang an excellent comic duet from the Cenerentola, and Cruda sorte was given in the finest style by SONTAG, PISARONI, and DONZELLI. CAMPORESE, ZUCHELLI, BEGREZ, BORDOGNI, and GRAZIANI, also took parts in duets and concerted pieces. Mr. DROUET performed his variations to the Huntsman’s Chorus, but as we have described this piece elsewhere, we need only here observe that his splendid style of performing it should be taken as the model of perfection. Mr. MENDELSSOHN’S Overture to the Midsummer Night’s Dream, conducted by himself, commenced the Concert. A more characteristic composition cannot be conceived; it opens with the gentle and airy breathings of the flute, which is successively joined by the horns, clarionets, and oboes; then follows a series of playful fairy-like passages on the violins, conjuring up a host of little mirthful elves to the imagination; after this idea has been very tastefully worked upon through a variety of changes, the grand and sudden burst of the tutti is wonderfully effective, and the piece proceeds with a succession of beauties till it concludes as it began, with the playfulness of the violins and the dulcet swell of wind instruments.
A Concerto, composed by Mr. MENDELSSOHN, was also performed as a duet for two pianofortes, between Mr. MOSCHELES and the composer. It was a superb piece, and it is almost needless to add, that the allied exertions of the two finest performers in England, or perhaps in Europe, produced an ensemble which nothing could surpass.
Evening Mail (July 15, 1828): 2.
[Same as issued in The Courier on July 14]
The Harmonicon, vol. VII (July 1829): 204.
CONCERT FOR THE RELIEF OF THE SUFFERERS
IN SILESIA.
MADLLE. SONTAG,—with a warmth of feeling that places her in a most amiable point of view, and is a complete answer to those who, because she has too much sense to caricature the parts assigned to her, and disdains quackery, is charged with insensibility,—got up a morning concert, on the 13th of July, in aid of a subscription now raising for the above purpose; and, notwithstanding the lateness of the season, succeeded in drawing together one of the most crowded audiences we ever witnessed. Indeed, tickets continued to be sold after as many had been issued as the room would contain—a practice exceedingly censurable, it must be allowed, and only to be palliated when the motive is charity; though even in such a case it is an imprudence, for the public will in future be shy of purchasing, seeing that they have no security for obtaining seats, or even admittance, after paying their money.
All the vocal strength of the Opera assisted, together with Madame Camporese, Signori Velluti and Torri; and Messrs. Moscheles, Bohrer, Drouet, and Puzzi contributed their talents. To which list is to be added M. Mendelssohn, who, on this occasion, went into the orchestra to give his personal aid, in addition to a pecuniary contribution, for the benefit of his distressed countrymen. Messrs. F. Cramer and Spagnoletti led each an act, and Sir G. Smart sat at the piano-forte.
The concert was made up chiefly of those pieces which had been performed every where during the season. The novelties were a new MS. overture to Shakspeare’s [sic] Midsummer Night’s Dream, and a duet for two piano-fortes, both composed by M. Mendelssohn. Of the overture we will say, in few words,—for a single hearing does not enable one to analyze a work of this kind,—that it is exactly suited to the drama which it is supposed to precede; and, if we may dare venture to say as much, is worthy of it, for it is a fine poetical composition, sparkling with genius and rich in effect; some parts playful and sylph-like, others lofty and solid; the whole indicating that the musician has studied the poet, has entered into his thoughts, and even caught some of his imagination. When, however, we again hear this overture, we trust that it will receive more justice from the band. It was performed in a very imperfect manner.
The piano-forte duet is not without beautiful parts, but as a whole is too long, and did not come up to the expectation we had formed. Drouet’ s variations were really wonderful, and Bohrer’s adagio charming.
Madlle. Sontag, the originater of the whole, sang very delightfully, though not with her usual power, and in one piece wanted better support.
The Athenæum and literary Chronicle (July 22, 1829): 492.
M. MENDELSOHN.
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We omitted to make mention of the excellent concert given by Madlle. Sontag last week, for the benefit of the sufferers from the inundation in Silesia. Our silence was not voluntary, inasmuch as we received from the performance a pleasure which had not been equalled in any previous concert of the season, and which we were prepared to express, but the graver matters of the week shut out our notes of admiration. All that can now be permitted, are a few words in praise of a most extraordinary man, whose name we have not hitherto presented to our readers, and whose appearance there was one of the grand features of the concert….
Allgemeine Theaterzeitung und Unterhaltungsblatt für Freunde der Kunst, Literatur und des geselligen Lebens (July 27, 1829): 935.
Am 13. July in de Morgensteunden fand das von Dlle. Sontag, zum besten der in Schlesten durch Wassernoth Verunglückten, veranstaltete Concert in den Argyll-Rooms Statt. Der Courier enthält darüber Folgendes: „Was sich nur von ausgezeichneten Gesang-Talenten des Auslandes gegenwärtig hier befindet, hatte sich zu der heutigen Aufführung vereinigt, und sehr selten hat man wohl in dem Programme eines und desselben Concertes die Namen Malibran, Sontag, Nina Sontag, Pisaroni, Blasis, Camporese, Velluti, Curioni, Donzelli, Toni, Begrez, Zuchelli, De Begnis, Bordogni, Graziani und Pellegrini beisammen gefunden. In dem instrumentalen Theile des Concerts zeichnete sich besonders die Ouvertüre zum «Sommernachts-Traum« als eine Composition von großem Verdienste aus; sie wurde vom Componisten, Hrn. Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy aus Berlin, persönlich dirigirt. Ein von demselben jungen Manne componirtes Concert für zwei Pianofortes wurde von ihm und Hrn.Moscheles vorgetragen. Nachstdem hörte man von Hrn. Drouet eine Arie mit Variationen auf der Flöte; Hrn. Puzzi trug eine Phantasie auf dem Basset-Horn vor; das ganze Concert hat unter der Leitung des Sir G. Smart Statt gefunden. Den umsichtigen Bemühungen der Dlle. Sontag verdanken wir allein dieses herrliche Concert; die Sängerinn wurde aber auch hinlänglich dafür belohnt; denn ein eben so vornehmens als zahlreiches Publicum hatte sich bei dem heutigen Concerte eingefunden.“
Allgemeiner Musikalischer Anzeiger (August 15, 1829): 132.
Am Vormittage des 13. July fand in London das, von Dlle. Sonntag, zum Besten der in Schlesien durch Wassernoth Verunglückten, veranstaltete Concert in der Argyle-Rooms Statt. Was sich nur von ausgezeichneten Gesangtalenten und Künstlern des Auslandes gegenwärtig daselbst befindet, hatte sich zu der Aufführung vereinigt, als die Sängerinnen Malibran, Sonntag, Pisaroni, de Begnis, die Herren Velluti, Curioni, Donzelli, Drouet, Mosche les, Bohrer u. s. w. Herr Felix Mendelssohn dirigirte eine von ihm componirte Ouverture.
The Musical World (February 25, 1854): 128.
…on this occasion, Felix and Moscheles played, from an unpublished score, a concerto in E major, for two pianofortes.
Ignaz Moscheles' Concert Life 