Giuseppe de Begnis’ Benefit Concert
London: New Argyll Rooms—Time: Evening, Eight o’Clock
Tickets: 10s. 6d.
✗Programme
| *Overture, Der Freischütz | Weber | |
| *From Il Turco in Italia: Quintet, ‘Oh, guardate che accidente!’ | Rossini | |
| From La secchia rapita (new): Terzetto, ‘Fra l’ombre tacite’ | Miss Ayton, Mr. Begrez, Signor Galli | Celli |
| *From Maometto II: Terzetto, ‘In questi istanti’ | Rossini | |
| Part I | ||
| Overture, Preciosa[1] | Weber | |
| From La secchia rapita (new): Quintet | Celli | |
| Song, ‘O Love, why not relieve’ (new) (composed for the Melodists’ Club) | Mr. Braham | De Begnis |
| From Emma di Resburgo: Terzetto | Meyerbeer | |
| From Il crociato in Egitto: Aria, ‘Ah, come rapida’ | Mme Pasta | Meyerbeer |
| From La secchia rapita (new): Terzetto | Celli | |
| From Demetrio e Polibio: Quartet | Rossini | |
| Song, ‘Lo! Here the gentle lark’ | Miss Stephens | Bishop |
| From L’amor marinaro: Scena and Finale | Flute Obbligato: Mr. Nicholson Leading Part: Signor de Begnis Principal Parts: Mme Cornega, Mlle Brambilla, Miss F. Ayton, Miss Stephens, Messrs. Begrez, Pearman, Signor Torri | Weigl |
| Part II | ||
| Violin Fantasia[2] | M. de Bériot | De Bériot |
| From Bianca e Falliero: Quartet | Rossini | |
| From La donna del lago: Duet, ‘Nel rivederti o caro’ | Mme Caradori-Allan, Miss Wilkinson | Rossini |
| Piano Fantasia, The Recollections of Ireland with Orchestral Accompaniments | Mr. Moscheles | Moscheles |
| From Il crociato in Egitto: Terzetto | Rossini | |
| Song, ‘Savoyard’ [3] | Signor de Begnis | |
| Song | Miss Love | |
| Finale, ‘Il barbiere di Siviglia’ | Rossini |
| Principal Vocalists: Mesdames Castelli, Caradori-Allan, Cornega, Pasta, Stockhausen, Miss F. Ayton, Miss Love, Miss Stephens, Miss Wilkinson, Mlle Brambilla, Signora Puzzi (Toso); Messrs. Begrez, Braham, Phillips, Sapio, Seguin, Vaughan; Signor Curioni, de Angeli, de Begnis, Galli, Giovanola, Giubilei, Torri |
| Principal Instrumentalists: M. de Bériot, Messrs. Anfossi, Dragonetti, Lindley, Mori, Moscheles, Nicholson, Platt, Spagnoletti, Ware, Whitton, Willman |
| Leaders: Messrs. Nicholas Mori and Paolo Spagnoletti; Conductor: Sir George Smart |
[1] The Courier on June 21 wrote that Weber’s Overture Der Freischütz was performed. Whereas The Morning Post on June 18 advertised Weber’s Preciosa. Both of the overtures may have been performed. However, most probably Der Freischütz replaced Preciosa instead, since the reviews do not mention Preciosa at all.
[2] It is the same piece which was performed at Moscheles’ concert on 15 June 1827.
[3] Mme Vestris was supposed to sing ‘I’ve been roaming’, yet she could not.
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Encore: From L’amor marinaro: Scena and Finale—Weigl
Advertisements
The Morning Post (May 30, 1827): 1.
SIGNOR DE BEGNIS respectfully begs leave to inform the Nobility, Sabscribers [sic] to the Opera, and the Public, that having declined a Benefit at the King’s Theatre this year, and being desirous of availing himself of the talents of the numerous VOCAL and INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMERS now in London, he has it in his power to announce he will have A GRAND CONCERT at the NEW ARGYLL ROOMS, on WEDNESDAY, the 20th of June. The principal Vocal Performers who have already consented to assist are—Madames Pasta and Caradori Allan, Miss Stephens, Madame Stockhausen, Miss F. Ayton, and Madame Puzzi (Toso), Madame Vestris, Miss Love, Signora Brambilla, Miss Wilkinson, Madame Cornega, Madame Castelli; Messrs. Braham, Curioni, Galli, Sapio, Begrez, Torri, Phillips, Spagnoletti, Giovanola, Giubilei, A. Sapio, De Angeli, Seguin, De Begnis, &c. &c.—Concertante (Moschelles), de Begnis; Conductor, Sir. G. Smart; Leaders, Spagnoletti and Mori.
The Courier (May 31, 1827): 1.
SIGNOR DE BEGNIS respectfully begs leave to inform the Nobility, Subscribers to the Opera, and the Public, that, having declined a Benefit at the King’s Theatre this year, and being desirous of availing himself of the talents of the numerous VOCAL and INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMERS now in London, he has it in his power to announce he will have a GRAND CONCERT at the NEW ARGYLL ROOMS, on Wednesday, the 20th of June. The principal Vocal Performers who have already consented to assist are—Madames Pasta and Caradori Allan, Miss Stephens, Madame Stockhausen, Miss F. Ayton, and Madame Puzzi (Toso), Madame Vestris, Miss Love, Signora Brambilla, Miss Wilkinson, Madame Cornega, Madame Castelli; Messrs. Braham, Curioni, Galli, Sapio, Begrez, Torri, Phillips, Spagnoletti, Giovanola, Giubilei, A. Sapio, De Angeli, Seguin, De Begnis, &c. &c.—Concertante (Moschelles), De Beriot; Conductor, Sir. G. Smart; Leaders, Spagnoletti and Mori.
John Bull (June 10, 1827): 177.
SIGNOR DE BEGNIS respectfully begs leave to inform the Nobility, Subscribers to the Opera, and the Public, that having declined a Benefit at the King’s Theatre this year, and being desirous of availing himself of the talents of the numerous Vocal and Instrumental Performers in town, he has it in his power to announce, he will have A GRAND CONCERT at the new ARGYLL ROOMS, on WEDNESDAY, the 20th of June, 1827. Principal Vocal Performers—Mesdames Pasta and Caradori Allan, Stockhausen, Puzzi, Vestris, Cornega, Brambilla, and Castelli; Misses Stephens, Ayton, Wilkinson, and Love; Messrs. Braham, Sapio, Begrez, Curioni, Torri, Spagnoletti, Giovanolo, Galli, A. Sapio, Phillips, Guibelei, Seguin, D’Angeli, De Begnis, &c. The Instrumental Performers will be selected from the Orchestras of the King’s Theatre. The Ancient and Philharmonic Concerts, including Messrs. Moscheles, Nicholson, De Beriot, Spagnoletti, Mori, Ware, Lindley, Dragonetti, Anfossi, Whitton, Willman, Platt, Harpur, &c. &c. Signor De B. begs to add, that he has made a Selection of several admired Pieces of Italian Music, which will be performed for the first time in this country. Conductor, Sir G. Smart—Leaders, Spagnoletti and Mori.—Tickets, Half-a-Guinea each to be had of Signor De Begnis, 79, Regent’s Quadrant, and of the principal Music Sellers.
The Times (June 14, 1827): 2.
SIGNOR DE BEGNIS respectfully informs the Nobility, Subscribers to the Opera, and the Public, that having declined a benefit at the King’s Theatre this year, and being desirous of availing himself of the talents of the numerous vocal and instrumental performers in town, he has it in his power to announce, he will have A GRAND CONCERT at the Argyll Rooms, on Wednesday, the 20th of June, 1827. Principal vocal performers, Mesdames Pasta, Caradori, Stockhausen, Puzzi, Vestris, Cornega, Brambilla, and Castelli; Misses Stephens, Ayton, Wilkinson, and Love; Messrs. Braham, Sapio, Begrez, Curioni, Torri, Spagnoletti, Giovanola, Galli, A. Sapio, Phillips, Guibilei, Seguin, De Angeli, and De Begnis. The instrumental performers will be selected from the orchestras of the King’s Theatre, the Ancient and Philharmonic Concerts, including Messrs. Moscheles, Nicholson, De Beriot, Spagnoletti, Mori, Ware, Lindley, W. Lindley, Dragonetti, Anfossi, Whetton, Willman, Platt, Harper, Marriotti, &c. Signor De Begnis begs to add, that he has made a selection of many new and admired Italian pieces, which will be performed on this occasion for the first time in this country. Conductor, Sir G. Smart; Leaders, Spagnoletti and Mori. Tickets, half-a-guinea each, to be had of Signor De Begnis, 79, Regent’s-quadrant, and of the principal music sellers.
Bell’s Weekly Messenger (June 17, 1827): 6.
De Begnis’ Concert at the Argyll Rooms on Wednesday next, is the greatest musical treat the season has produced. All the excellence of musical talent, vocal and instrumental, will be concentrated for the occasion. Braham will sing a Grand English Aria, composed by Signor De Begnis, for him; and many admired pieces of Italian music, not known in this country, will be performed. From the known talents of Signor De Begins, and his readiness at all times to afford his aid to the cause of charity, we hope and expect the attendance at his Concert will be as numerous as his abilities and high character particularly entitle him to.
The Morning Post (June 18, 1827): 2.
SIGNOR DE BEGNIS respectfully announces to the Nobility, Subscribers to the Opera, and the Public, that he has selected the following Pieces of Music for his Grand Concert, at the Argyll Rooms, on WEDNESDAY next, the 20th instant, many of which will be produced for the first time in this country :—Overture to “Preciosa,” Weber; Quintetto, from the New Opera “La Secchia Rapita,” Celli; New Song, “O Love, why not relieve,” composed for the Melodists’ Club, De Begnis; Terzetto, from the Opera “Emma de Resburgho,” Mayerbeer; Aria, “Oh come rapida,” Madame Pasta,” Crociato in Egitto,” Mayerbeer; Terzetto, from the Opera “Secchia rapita,” Celli; Quartetto, from “Demetrio e Polibio,” Rossini; Song (Flute Obligato, Mr. Nicholson), Bishop; Scena and Finale, “L’ Amor Marinaro,” Weigl. The Scena will be performed by Signor De Begnis. Variations, Violin, M. De Beriot, Beriot; Quartetto, “Bianca e Faliere,” Rossini; Duetto, “Nel rivederti o caro,” introduced in the “Donna del Lago,” Celli; Grand Fantasia, Pianoforte, M. Moscheles, Moscheles; Terzetto, “Crociato in Egitto,” Mayerbeer; Duetto, “Barbiere di Siviglia,” Rossini; Song, Madame Vestris, and Song, Miss Love; Finale, “Barbiere di Siviglia,” Rossini. The Concert will commence at Eight o’Clock precisely.
The Morning Post (June 19, 1827): 3.
DE BEGNIS.—We understand it is the intention of this distinguished Comedian and Singer to provide a splendid treat of excellence and novelty for his Concert at the Argyll Rooms to-morrow evening. Selections from CELLI’S new and elegant Opera, La Secchio Rapita, now performing in Italy with great eclat, are among the most conspicuous, not omitting the grand Aria composed by himself for the Melodists’ Club, which will be sung by BRAHAM.
Reviews
The Courier (June 21, 1827): 4
SIGNOR DE BEGNI’S CONCERT, which took place, last evening, in the Argyll Rooms, afforded a high treat to the lovers of musical science; and was, we are happy to say, fully and fashionably attended. Among the piece, which this very able Actor, and accomplished Musician, provided for the entertainment of his friends on the present occasion, was song entitled “Oh Love, why not relieve,” composed by himself, for the Melodists’ Club; it is an effective composition, and was sung in BRAHAM in his best style. The first act the Concert concluded with the celebrated scena and finale from WEIGL’S Opera “L’Amor Marinaro,” the principal parts being sustained by his Misses STEPHENS and FANNY AYTON, Madlle. BRAMBILLA, Madame CORNEGA, Signori TORRI, BEGREZ. DE BEGNIS, and Mr. PEARMAN. It was extremely effective; and the vis comica of the scene, which was admirably sustained by DE BEGNIS, lost nothing in repetition that was unanimously demanded by the audience. The Overture Der Freischutz—that wildest, and most mystic musical compositions—was executed with great precision, by the orchestra, under the direction of Sir G. SMART, and Messrs. MORI and SPAGNOLETTI. But all the specimens of instrumental performance which have for long time witnessed M. DE BERIOT’S fantasia on the violin is the most extraordinary. The composition is, in itself, ingeniously contrived to display advantage the abilities of the violinist, whose execution is all but miraculous. Miss STEPHENS gave BISHOP’S pretty song, “Lo, here the gentle lark,” in a manner as sweet and liquid as though it bad been sung the chorister of the clouds himself—a feat, in the accomplishment of which, she was greatly assisted the delightful flute obligato of Mr. Nicholson. The terzetto, “In questi istanti,” from Maometto, was pleasingly executed Madame PUZZI, Madlle. BRAMBILLA, and Signor CURIONI, as was CELLI’S duet, “Nel rivederti O caro,” by Miss WILKINSON and Madame CARADORI, one of the most pleasing, and certainly the most perfect singers of her day. “Fra l’ombre tacite,” from the opera Secchia Rapita, by the same composer, was sung Miss AYTON (would her voice were less wiry!) and Messrs. BEGREZ and GALLI, the latter of whom sung magnificently. We had almost forgotten to say that Madame PASTA gave aria in her usual grand and overwhelming style, and was applauded to the echo.
The Globe and Traveller (June 21, 1827): 2.
De Begnis gave a splendid Concert at the Argyll Rooms last evening, which was crowded with elegant company, and assisted by the whole galaxy of vocal and instrumental talent in the country, and who seemed anxious to afford him their best services on the occasions.
The Morning Post (June 21, 1827): 3
DE BEGNIS’S CONCERT—ARGYLL ROOMS.
This excellent Comedian and Singer gave a splendid Concert at these Rooms, last evening, which (as might have been expected from his high estimation with the public and the profession), was crowded with elegant company, and assisted by the whole galaxy of vocal and instrumental talent in the country, and who seemed anxious to afford him their best services on the occasion. The pieces selected were principally from the Operas of CELLI, MAYERBEER, and ROSSINI, and several of them till now unknown in this country. After mentioning the names of The [sic] PASTA, Mesdames PUZZI, STOCKHAUSEN, BRAMBILLA, CARADORI, AYTON, STEPHENS, CORNEGA, CASTELLI, &c., and CURIONI, BRAHAM, BEGREZ, GALLI, TORRI, GIUBILEI, CROFT, &c. we need scarcely add that the treat was of the very first order, and left nothing to be desired. It will be sufficient to name a few of the most attractive pieces. A grand Scena from the Opera of “L’ Amor Marinara,” in which nearly all the performers joined, gave the highest gratification; it is a fine composition, and its character is comique. DE BEGNIS, who took the leading part in it exerted himself with great effect, and drew down the rapturous plaudits of the audience, as well by his acting as his singing. This piece was unanimously encored. “Lo here the gentle Lark,” by Miss STEPHENS, with flute obligato, NICHOLSON, was a beautiful performance. The exquisite quintetto, from the Turco, “Oh guardale,” was given in excellent style. BRAHAM sang a splendid aria, composed by DE BEGNIS for the Melodists’ Club. The instrumental performances were also of the highest order. DE BERIOT played his own beautiful fantasia, the same that he performed at MOSCHELES’ benefit, and at Drury-lane on Tuesday. MOSCHELES’ also executed a grand concerto on the pianoforte in his own inimitable style. The orchestra was of the most excellent description, and the Rooms were well and fashionably attended. Madame VESTRIS, who was to have sung, was prevented appearing through indisposition, and DE BEGNIS sung the “Savoyard,” in lieu of her “I’ve been roaming.”
Bell’s Weekly Messenger (June 24, 1827): 6
De Begni’s Concert at the Argyll Rooms, on Wednesday last, was one of the finest musical treats we have a long time been gratified with. All the talents in the country seemed anxious to give him their best assistance, and the company attending was both numerous and elegant. Mesdames Pasta, Stockhausen, Caradori, Miss Stephens, Miss Ayton, and Madame Puzzi, Mademoiselle Brambilla, Miss Wilkinson. Madame Cornega, Madame Castelli, Mr. Braham, Sig. Curoni [sic], Torri, Begrez, Giovanola, Galli, Giubilei, Mr. Croft, &c. and though last, not the least effective, De Begnis himself assisted. Among the novelties brought forward were several selections from Celli’s new opera, the Secchia Rapita; a splendid English air, “Oh, love, why not relieve;” and the grand Scena and Finale from Weigl’s opera L’Amor Marinaro, in which all the performers joined; De Begnis performing the comic character of a composer directing the corps de musique. Madame Stockhausen sung an Aria delightfully, and we could have wished to have heard her in several of the concerted pieces she was advertised for. We give this lady a friendly hint, that the English public are not to be disappointed or slighted, even by the heads of the profession. De Beriot played some variations of his own on the violin in the most exquisite style. This gentleman, for delicate execution, stands sans egal. Moschelles performed one of his own fantasias in a finished manner. Nicholson, and indeed the whole of the first instrumental artists, gave their powerful aid, and the eclat with which the concert went off, must have been highly gratifying to the excellent comedian and accomplished musician who gave it.
Ignaz Moscheles' Concert Life 