96th Anniversary Dinner of the Royal Society of Musicians
London: Freemasons’ Hall
Tickets: 1 Guinea
↓Programme
| Glee | Callcott | |
| Glee | Webbe | |
| Glee, ‘Bring me flowers, bring me wine’ | Hawes | |
| Glee for Four Voices, ‘By Celia’s arbour’ | Messrs. Hobbs, Knyvett, Sale, Vaughan | Horsley |
| Glee, ‘When the Wind blows’ | Bishop | |
| Grand March | Haydn | |
| Grand March | Winter | |
| Hymn, ‘Non nobis Domine’ | ||
| Irish Melody, ‘Gramachree’ | Clarinet: Mr. Willman, Flute: Mr. Nicholson | |
| Madrigal, ‘All Creatures Now are Merry-Minded’ | J. Bennet | |
| Madrigal, ‘Down in a flowery vale’ | Festa | |
| National Anthem, ‘God Save the King’ | ||
| Septet for Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet and Double Bass [in E flat major] | Messrs. Nicholson, G. Cooke, Willman, Mackintosh, Platt, Harper, Howell | Neukomm |
| Principal Vocalists: Masters Boardman, Coward, Genge, Griffiths, Smith; Messrs. Bellamy, Blackbourne, Bradbury, Collyer, T. Cooke, Elliot, Fitzwilliam, Hawkins, Hobbs, King, Knyvett, Leete, Nield, Parry, Rovedino, Sale, C. Taylor, E. Taylor, Terrail, Turle, Vaughan, Walmisley | ||
| Principal Instrumentalists: Messrs. G. Cooke, Fliescher, Harper, Howell, Irwin, Irwin, Key, Mackintosh, Marriot, Nicholson, Platt, Ponder, Powell, Rae, Tully, Willman | ||
———————————
Encores: Glee for Four Voices, ‘By Celia’s arbour’—Messrs. Hobbs, Knyvett, Sale, Vaugha—Horsley
Grand March—Haydn
Madrigal, ‘All Creatures Now are Merry-Minded’—J. Bennet
Madrigal, ‘Down in a flowery vale’—Festa
Advertisements
John Bull (March 2, 1834): 65.
ROYAL SOCIETY of MUSICIANS.—The NINETY-SIXTH ANNIVERSARY DINNER of this Institution, will take place at the FREEMASONS’ TAVERN, on FRIDAY, March the 14th inst. on the same grand scale as heretofore. The Right Hon. Earl HOWE, in the Chair. The most eminent Vocal and Instrumental Performers, have kindly promised their assistance on the occasion. Particulars in the bills of the day. Tickets (which are limited) One Guinea each, may be had at the Tavern, and at the principal Music-shops.
The Morning Post (March 3, 1834): 1.
ROYAL SOCIETY of MUSICIANS.—The NINETY-SIXTH ANNIVERSARY DINNER of this INSTITUTION will be held at the Freemason’s Tavern on FRIDAY, March 14, on the same grand scale as heretofore. The Right Hon. Earl HOWE, in the Chair. The most eminent Vocal and Instrumental Performers, have kindly promised their assistance on the occasion. Particulars in the bills of the day. Tickets (which are limited), One Guinea each, may be had at the Tavern, and at the principal Music Shops.
The Morning Post (March 4, 1834): 1.
ROYAL SOCIETY of MUSICIANS.—The NINETY-SIXTH ANNIVERSARY DINNER of this INSTITUTION will be held at the Freemason’s Tavern on FRIDAY, March 14, on the same grand scale as heretofore. The Right Hon. Earl HOWE, in the Chair. The most eminent Vocal and Instrumental Performers have kindly promised their assistance on the occasion. Particulars in the bills of the day. Tickets (which are limited), One Guinea each, may be had at the Tavern, and at the principal Music Shops.
The Morning Post (March 6, 1834): 1.
[Same as issued in The Morning Post on March 3]
The Morning Post (March 8, 1834): 1.
[Same as issued in The Morning Post on March 3]
John Bull (March 9, 1834): 74.
[Same as issued in John Bull on March 2]
The Morning Post (March 13, 1834): 3.
In consequence of the great services rendered at the Commemoration of HANDEL in 1784 by the members of the Royal Society of Musicians, and in consideration of the great good the institution did in supporting aged professors, in their widows and orphans, the sum of six thousand pounds was given to it out of the surplus. Lord HOWE, Chairman of the Board of Directors, will preside to-morrow at the ninety-sixth Anniversary Festival of this Society, on which occasion a host of musical talent, both vocal and instrumental, will attend to render the entertainment far superior to anything of the kind given in the metropolis. We need only name NICHOLSON, WILLMAN, HARPRER, COOKE, MACKINTOSH, PLATT, &c., as a guarantee for what we advance.
The Morning Post (March 14, 1834): 1.
ROYAL SOCIETY of MUSICIANS.—The Committee respectfully inform the Patrons and Friends of this Institution that NO MORE TICKETS will be issued for the NINETY-SIXTY ANNIVERSARY DINNER, which takes places THIS DAY at the Freemasons’ Tavern. The Earl HOWE in the Chair.
Reviews
The Spectator (March 15, 1833): 251
ROYAL SOCIETY OF MUSICIANS.
THE ninety-sixth anniversary of this excellent association was held on Friday, at Freemason’s Hall; Earl HOWE in the chair. The attendance both of members and visitors was unusually large; arising, probably, from the excitement which the forthcoming Royal Festival has occasioned. The chief vocal features of the evening were two Madrigals, performed, principally, by the members of the Vocal Society, and conducted by Mr. TURLE: both were encored. The Glees were not happily chosen, and produced little effect. If the glee-writers of the present day bring their compositions into comparison with those of the greatest masters of vocal harmony that England ever produced, it behoves them to be cautious in their selection. A fine glee of WEBBE or CALLCOTT may stand such a trial of its power; but a composition which is merely correct, must sink under the encounter. The instrumental pieces, which always form the peculiar feature of this entertainment, were perfect in every respect. The collection, though not so large as that of the Theatrical Fund anniversaries, was larger than usual.
The Morning Post (March 17, 1833): 5.
ROYAL SOCIETY OF MUSICIANS.
We have recorded the proceedings of the Annual Festival of this excellent Institution for many years, but on no occasion have we had to speak in higher terms than we are about to do of the ninety-sixth Anniversary, which took place on Friday last, when upwards of two hundred professors and amateurs of music dined in the Freemasons’ Hall, the Earl HOWE in the Chair for the first time, as one of the Directors of the King’s Concerts of Ancient Music. When the cloth was removed Non Nobis was sublimely sung by at least fifty voices.
The Noble CHAIRMAN, in proposing “The King’s health,” observed that his Majesty wished every prosperity to the Society, and he fervently hoped that the approaching grand Festival in Westminster Abbey would be the means of benefitting that and similar institutions.—(Applause.)
God save the King was finely sung, accompanied by the band.
Lord HOWE stated that, in addition to her Majesty’s annual donation of ten guineas, he had the pleasure of presenting the Society with 10l. on that occasion.
“The health of the Queen” was drank with rapturous plaudits; after which BENNET’S madrigal, All creatures now are merry minded, composed in 1601, was sung, and encored.
In giving the health of the Royal Family the PRESIDENT said that the Duke of Cumberland had given a donation of 10l., and the Duchess of Kent 20l.—(Loud cheers.)—The band, which consisted of the finest performers in this or any other country on their various instruments, played a grand march, composed expessly [sic] by Haydn for this Society, which was loudly encored; as was another march, composed by WINTER; also NEUKOMM’S charming concertante, admirably performed by WILLMAN, NICHOLSON, COOKE. MACKINTOSH, PLATT, HARPER, and HOWELL: it would be injustice to pass unnoticed the excellent way in which the latter acquitted himself on the double bass; he stands second only to the great DRAGO. HORSLEY’S glee, By Celia’s Arbour, was beautiful sung by Messrs. W. KNYVETT, VAUGHAN, HOBBS, and SALE, and deservedly encored.
Mr. HORSLEY, in proposing “Lord Howe’s health,” made a humorous speech, which elicited much applause, concluding by observing that rank and title never appeared to greater advantage than when encouraging the fine arts and aiding the cause of charity.—(Cheers.)
His Lordship returned thanks in a very neat address, stating that he was always ready to do his utmost to promote and encourage the musical profession, from which so much rational and delightful entertainment was derived; and that he most sincerely concurred in his Majesty’s benevolent hope that the approaching Festival would be an honour to our country, and “relieve the poor that cry.”—(Cheers.)
HAWES’ glee, Bring me Flowers, was sung and greatly admired.
At this period of the evening the dessert was served, and the Ladies, of whom there were about 120 present, retired to partake of refreshment which had been provided for them, and on whose return to the hall and gallery the Noble President proposed, in a bumper, “The health of the fairer portion of the creation, without whose presence music would lose hall its charms.”
“To sing of woman’s charms
Your voices join with mine,
Her dear bewitching smile
Gives brightness to the wine.”
FESTA’S beautiful madrigal, Down in a flowery vale (composed in 1541), was sung and rapturously encored.
The President proposed “The health of Sir George Smart, and success to the Royal Musical Festival.”— (Cheers.)
Sir GEORGE addressed the Meeting in a very excellent manner, observing that his Majesty, having done him the honour of approving of a plan which he had submitted to him, his next duty was to appeal to the Royal Society of Musicians, which enrolled among its members a great portion of the most eminent musical talent England could boast of.— (Applause.)—The manner in which he was received, at a Meeting of nearly a hundred of the members, he should never forget; and the liberal way in which they all stepped forward to second the good intentions of our Gracious Sovereign reflected on them the greatest honour. He likened the promoters of the Festival to the three great pillars of the nation—of King, Lords, and Commons, the latter being the Committee of Professors who were preparing a Bill, which they hoped would neither be altered nor thrown out by the Lords (the Directors), but by them submitted to his Majesty for the Royal assent.—(Cheers.)—The Noble Lord who so ably presided that day, observed Sir George, was Chairman of the Directors appointed by the King. Lord Saltoun, their Honorary Treasurer, was a good musician, and could count time extremely well. He hoped that his Lordship would be scarce able to count the money which the Festival would produce. Sir Andrew Barnard, another amateur, was the Honorary Secretary; and “here’s my friend Parry (said he) has been fixed in a high post, in which he will have an obligato part to play.” After thanking the Chairman and the company for the honour conferred on him, Sir George concluded by presenting the name of Lady Smart at a life subscriber to the Society for ten guineas.—(Cheers.)
Mr. NICHOLSON and Mr. WILLMAN played the simple Irish melody of Gramachree on the flute and clarinet in the most delicious manner, which not only elicited the loudest plaudits, but an universal call for repetition; it was a perfect gem. BISHOP’S beautiful round, When the wind blows, was sung and encored.
A long list of donations and subscriptions was read, which included twelve guineas (annually) from his MAJESTY; 10lf. from the Honourable General BLIGH; 10l. from Mrs. MACKINTOSH; ten guineas from Lord HOWE, and an annual subscription of two guineas from his amiable Countess; ten guineas from Mrs. ANDERSON, pianiste to the QUEEN; ten guineas from Mr. C. SALAMAN, another excellent performer on the pianoforte; and several others.
To give our readers a faint idea of this very superior, social, and musical trait, which certainly has seldom been equalled, never surpassed, we shall insert the names of the professional persons present, all uniting “heart and voice” in the cause of charity. COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT.—Messrs. Anderson, F. Cramer, Calkin, Challoner, Dance, Fliescher, Griffin, J. H. Griesbach, Horsley, Hawes, Hodgson, Harper, Haydon, W. Knyvett, King, Kollmann, J. Lord, W. Lord, Mackintosh. Nield, Parry, Rovedino, J. B. Sale, Sherrington, Turle, and Willman.
VOCAL.—Messrs. Bellamy, Bradbury, Blackbourne, T. Cooke, Collyer, Elliott, Fitzwilliam, Hawkins, Hobbs, Knyvett, King, Leete, Nield, Parry, Rovedino, Sale, Terrail, C. Taylor, E. Taylor, Turle, Walmisley, and Vaughan; Masters Howe, Coward, Smith, Genge, Griffiths, Boardman, and six others. INSTRUMENTAL.— Messrs. Willman. Powell, Key, Fliescher, Nicholson, Cooke, Irwin, Platt, Rae, Mackintosh, Tully, Harper, Irwin, Marriott, Ponder, Howell, &c.
Besides Sir G. SMART, Mr. MOSCHELES, Signor SCAPPA, BISHOP, SALAMAN, and a host of musical visitors.
The Standard (March 17, 1833): 1.
ROYAL SOCIETY OF MUSICIANS.
We have recorded the proceedings of the annual festivals of this excellent institution for many years, but on no occasion have we had to speak in higher terms than we are about to do of the ninety-sixth anniversary, which took place on Friday last, when upwards of 200 professors and amateurs of music dined in the Freemasons’ Hall, the Earl Howe in the chair for the first time, as one of the directors of the King’s concerts of ancient music. When the cloth was removed Non Nobis, was sublimely sung by at least 50 voices.
The noble chairman, in proposing “the King’s health,” observed that his Majesty wished every prosperity to the society, and he fervently hoped that the approaching grand Festival in Westminster Abbey would be the means of benefitting that and similar institution. (Applause)
“God save the King” was finely sung, accompanied by the band.
Lord Howe stated that, in addition to her Majesty’s annual donation of ten guineas, he had the pleasure of presenting the Society with 10l. on that occasion.
“The health of the Queen” was drank with rapturous plaudits; after which Bennet’s madrigal, “All creatures now are merry minded,” composed in 1601, was sung, and encored.
In giving the health of the Royal Family, the President said that the Duke of Cumberland had given a donation of 10l., and the Duchess of Kent 20l. (Loud cheers). The band, which consisted of the finest performers in this or any other country on their various instruments, played a grand march, composed expressly by Haydn for this Society, which was loudly encored; as was another march, composed by Winter; also Neukomm’s charming concertante, admirably performed by Willman, Nicholson, Cooke, Mackintosh, Platt, Harper, and Howell: it would be injustice to pass unnoticed the excellent way in which the latter acquitted himself on the double bass; he stands second only to the great Drago Horsley’s glee, ‘”By Celia’s Arbour,” was beautifully sung by Messrs. W. Knyvett, Vaughan, Hobbs, and Sale, and deservedly encored.
Mr. Horsley, in proposing “Lord Howe’s health,” made a humourous [sic] speech, which elicited much applause, concluding by observing that rank and title never appeared to greater advantage than when encouraging the fine arts and aiding the cause of charity. (Cheers.)
His Lordship returned thanks in a very neat address, stating that he was always ready to do his utmost to promote and encourage the musical profession from which so much rational and delightful entertainment was derived; and that he most sincerely concurred in his Majesty’s benevolent hope that the approaching festival would be an honour to our country, and “relieve the poor that cry.” (Cheers.)
Hawes’ glee, “Bring me Flowers,” was sung and greatly admired.
At this period of the evening the dessert was served, and the ladies, of whom there were about 120 present, retired to partake of refreshment which had been provided for them, and on whose return to the hall and gallery the noble president proposed, in a bumper, “The health of the fairer portion of the creation, without whose presence music would lose half its charms.”
“To sing of woman’s charms
Your voices join with mine,
Her dear bewitching smile
Gives brightness to the wine.”
Festa’s beautiful madrigal, “Down in a flowery vale” (composed in 1541), was sung and rapturously encored. The President proposed “The health of Sir George Smart, and success to the Royal Musical Festival.” (Cheers.)
Sir George addressed the meeting in a very excellent manner, observing that his Majesty, having done him the honour of approving of a plan which he had submitted to him, his next duty was to appeal to the Royal Society of Musicians, which enrolled among its members a great portion of the most eminent musical talent England could boast of. (Applause.) The manner in which he was received, at a meeting of nearly a hundred of its members, he should never forget; and the liberal way in which they all stepped forward to second the good intentions of our gracious Sovereign reflected on them the greatest honour. He likened the promoters of the Festival to the three great pillars of the nation. . [sic] King, Lords, and Commons, the latter being the committee of professors who were preparing a Bill, which they hoped would neither be altered nor thrown out by the Lords (the directors), but by them be submitted to his Majesty for the royal assent. (Cheers.) The noble lord who so ably presided that day, obserbed Sir George, was chairman of the directors appointed by the King. Lord Saltoun, their honorary treasurer, was a good musician, and could count time extremely well. He hoped that his lordship would be scarce able to count the money which the festival would produce. Sir Andrew Barnard, another amateur, was the honorary secretary; and “here’s my friend Parry (said he) has been fixed in a high post, in which he will have an obligato part to play.” Alter thanking the chairman and the company for the honour conferred on him, Sir George concluded by presenting the name of Lady Smart as a life subscriber to the society for ten guineas. (Cheers.)
Mr. Nicholson and Mr. Willman played the simple Irish melody of “Grammachree” on the flute and clarinet in the most delicious manner, which not only elicited the loudest plaudits, but an universal call for repetition; it was a perfect gem. Bishop’s beautiful round, “When the wind blows,” was sung and encored.
A long list of donations and subscriptions was read, which included twelve guineas (annually) from his Majesty; 10l. from the Honourable General Bligh; 10l. from Mrs. Mackintosh; 10 guineas from Lord Howe, and an annual subscription of two guineas from his amiable Countess; ten guineas from Mrs. Anderson, pianist to the Queen; ten guineas from Mr. C. Salaman, another excellent performer on the pianoforte; and several others.
The following are the names of the professional persons present, all uniting “heart and voice” in the cause of charity:—
COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT.— Messrs Anderson, F. Cramer, Calkin, Challoner, Dance, Fliescher, Griffin, J. H. Griesbach, Horsley, Hawes, Hodgson, Harper, Haydon, W. Knyvett, King, Kollman, J. Lord, W. Lord, Mackintosh, Nield, Parry, Rovedino, J. B. Sale, Sherrington, Turle, and Willman.
Vocal.—Messrs. Bellamy, Bradbury, Blackbourne, T. Cooke, Collyer, Elliott, Fitzwilliam, Hawkins, Hobbs, Knyvett, King, Leete, Nield, Parry, Rovedino, Sale, Terrail, C. Taylor, E. Taylor, Turle, Walmisley, and Vaughan; Masters Howe, Coward, Smith, Genge, Griffiths, Boardman, and six others.
Instrumental.—Messrs. Willman, Powell, Key, Fliescher, Nicholson, Cooke, Irwin, Platt, Rae, Mackintosh, Tully, Harper, Irwin, Marriott, Ponder, Howell, &c.. Besides Sir G. Smart, Mr. Moscheles, Signor Scappa, Bishop, Salaman, and a host of musical visitors.
Ignaz Moscheles' Concert Life 