21 May 1829

Giuseppe de Begnis’ Annual Concert

London: New Argyll Rooms—Time: Evening, Half Past Seven o’Clock

Tickets: 10s. 6d.

Programme

Part I
Trumpet Duet	Signors Alessandro and Antonio Gambati	Meyerbeer
From Il Fanatico per la Musica: Duet (by desire)	Mlle Sontag, Signor de Begnis	Fioravanti
Recit. and Aria	Mme Malibran	Mercadante
Terzetto	Mlle Blasis, Sontag, Mme Pisaroni	Cimarosa
Duet	Signora Camporese, Signor Curioni	Rossini
Aria	Mlle Sontag	Pacini
From Mosè in Egitto: Quartet, ‘Mi manca la voce’	Mme Stockhausen, Signora Camporese, Signors Bordigni, Torri	Rossini
Duet (first time in the country) (instrumental accompaniment arranged expressly for this concert by Alexander Lee)	Mlle Sontag, Mme Malibran	Mercadante
Piano Fantasia	Mr. Moscheles	Moscheles
From Il Turco in Italia Quintet, ‘Oh! guardate che accidente’	Mlle Blasis, Mme Malibran, Signors Curioni, de Begnis, Zuchelli	Rossini
Part II
From Il Fanatico per la Musica Grand Scena (by particular desire)	Orchestra director: Signor De Begnis	Sacchini
Aria	Mlle Blasis	Pacini
From Abel Song, ‘How cheerful along he gay mead’	Miss Wilkinson	Arne
Duetto Buffo	Signors de Begnis, Zuchelli	Coccia
Violin and Harp Concertante	MM. de Bériot, Labarre	Labarre
Spanish Air, ‘Bajelito’	Mme de Vigo	Garcia
From Tancredi: Duet	Mme Pisaroni, Signor Donzelli	Rossini
Swiss Air	Mme Stockhausen
From Matilde di Shabran Sestet, ‘E palese il tradimento’	Mlle Blasis, Miss Wilkinson, Mr. Begrez, Signors de Begnis, Donzelli	Rossini
From Gli Amori Marinari: Scena		Weigl

Principal Vocalists: Mesdames de Vigo, Malibran, Stockhausen, Mlles Blasis, Sontag, Miss Wilkinson, Signora Camporese; Mr. Begrez, Signors Bordigni, Curioni, de Begnis, Donzelli, Torri, Zuchelli

Principal Instrumentalists: Mr. Moscheles, MM. de Bériot, Labarre, Signors Alessandro and Antonio Gambati

Leader: Mr. Nicolas Mori; Conductor: Sir George Smart

———————————

The Morning Post (May 5, 1829): 1.

SIGNOR DE BEGNIS has the honour of announcing to the Nobility, Gentry, and his Friends, that his ANNUAL CONCERT will take place on THURSDAY, the 21st of this present May, at the Argyll Rooms, at which the concentrated Vocal and Instrumental Talent at present in London will assist. Among those who have kindly offered their services will be found Mdlle. Sontag, Madame Malibran Garcia, Madame Camporese, Madame Stockhausen, Mademoiselle Blasis, Miss Wilkinson, and Madame Pisaroni—Signori Donzelli, Curioni, Bordogni, Begrez, Zuchelli, and Mr. Lenox (pupil of Signor De Begnis). The Orchestra will be upon the grand scale of former years. For the Concertante, M. Moscheles, les deux Gambati, &c. Conductor, Sir George Smart—Leader, Mr. Mori. Boxes may be taken, and Tickets, Half a Guinea each, obtained of Signor De Begnis, 79, Quadrant.

The Morning Post (May 7, 1829): 1.

SIGNOR DE BEGNIS has the honour of announcing to the Nobility, Gentry, and his Friends, that his ANNUAL CONCERT will take place on THURSDAY, the 21st of this present May, at the Argyll Rooms, at which the concentrated Vocal and Instrumental Talent at present in London will assist. Among those who have kindly offered their services will be found Mdlle. Sontag, Madame Malibran Garcia, Madame Camporese, Madame Stockhausen, Mademoiselle Blasis, Miss Wilkinson, Madame De Vigo, and Madame Pisaroni—Signori Donzelli, Curioni, Bordogni, Begrez, Zuchelli, and Mr. Lenox (pupil of Signor De Begnis). The Orchestra will be upon the grand scale of former years. For the Concertante, M. Moscheles, Labarre, les deux Gambati, and De Beriot.—Conductor, Sir George Smart—Leader, Mr. Mori. Boxes may be taken, and Tickets, Half a Guinea each, obtained of Signor De Begnis, 79, Quadrant.

The Courier (May 8, 1829): 3.

De Begnis’s Annual Concert, which we see, by our advertisement, takes places at the Argyll Rooms, on the 21st of this month, promises to be the finest musical banquet of the season. All the great talents and favourites contribute their valuable aid. Sontag, Malibran, Pesaroni, Camporese, Zuchelli, Donzelli, Moscheles, De Beriot, Labarre, and many of our most distinguished artists, will be found in the list. These, added to the always effective exertions of the comic De Begnis himself, will, no doubt, ensure a crowded attendance of the lovers of music.

The Morning Post (May 11, 1829): 1.

SIGNOR DE BEGNIS respectfully informs the Nobility, Gentry, and his Friends generally, that his MORNING CONCERT will take place at the Argyll Rooms, on THURSDAY, 21st of May, 1829.—Principal Vocal Performers:—Mesdames Sontag, Pisaroni, Malibran, Madame Camporese, Madame Stockhausen, Miss Wilkinson, Madame De Vigo, and Mademoiselle Blasis—Signor Donzelli, Signor Torri, Signor Bordogni, Signor Begrez, and Signor Curioni, Signor Zuchelli, Mr. Lenox (pupil of Signor De Begnis), Signor Giubilei, and Signor De Begnis. Grand Duetto, Violin and Harp, M. De Beriot and M. Labarre; Grand Duo, Two Trumpets, Signori Cambati; and Grand Fantasia, Pianoforte, M. Moscheles. Conductor, Sir George Smart—Leader, Mr. Mori. The Grand Orchestra will comprise the first-rate talent in every department, selected from the Concerts of Ancient Music, the King’s Theatre, Royal Academy of Music, &c. &c. Tickets, 10s. 6d. each, to be had of Signor De Begnis, 79, Quadrant; Mr. Segnio, Regent-street; and of the principal Musicsellers. The Concert will commence at half-past One o’Clock precisely.—Parties of six and upwards may be accommodated with boxes by an early application to Sig. De Begnis.

The Morning Post (May 18, 1829): 1.

SIGNOR DE BEGNIS has the honour to inform the Nobility, Gentry, and his Friends generally, that his ANNUAL GRAND CONCERT will take place at the Argyll Rooms on THURSDAY next, the 21st instant, to commence at One o’Clock. Programme:—

Act 1.—Introduzione and Duetto, two Trumpets, Signor Gambati (Mayerbeer).—Duetto, Il Fanatico, by desire, Mdlle. Sontag and Signor De Begnis (Fioravanti).—Recitative and Aria, Madame Malibran (Mercadante).—Terzetto, Mesdames Sontag, Blasis, and Pisaroni (Cimarosa).—Duetto, Madame Camporese and Signor Curioni (Rossini).—Grand Aria, Mdlle. Sontag (Pacini).—Quartetto, “Mi manca la voce,” Mesdames Camporese and Stockhausen, Signori Torri and Bordigni (Rossini).—Grand Duetto, Mdlle. Sontag and Madame Malibran, which excited the most enthusiastic admiration and applause at Paris, and will be performed on this occasion for the first time in this country, composed by Mercadante, the instrumental accompaniment arranged expressly for this Concert by Alexander Lee.—Grand Fantasia, Pianoforte (Moscheles).—Quintetto, “Oh, Guardate,” Mesdames Malibran and Blasis, Signori Curioni, Zuchelli, and De Begnis.

Act II.—Grand Scena, Il Fanatico per la Musica, in which Signor De Begnis will direct the Orchestra—by particular desire—(Sacchini).—Aria, Mdlle. Blasis (Pacini).—Song, Miss Wilkinson, “How cheerful along the gay mead” (Arne).—Duetto Buffo, Signor De Begnis and Signor Zuchelli (Coccia).—Grand Duo, Violin and Harp, M. De Beriot and M. Labarre (Labarre).—Spanish Song, Madame De Vigo (Bajelito).—Duetto, Madame Pisaroni and Signor Donzelli, Tancredi (Rossini).—Swiss Air, Madame Stockhausen.—Grand Sestetto, “E palese il tradimento,” Mdlle, Blasis, Miss Wilkinson, Signori Donzelli, Begrez, Giubilei, and De Begnis.

The Courier (May 19, 1829): 1.

Signor DE BEGNIS has the honour to inform the Nobility, Gentry, and his Friends generally, that his ANNUAL GRAND CONCERT will take place at the Argyll Rooms on Thursday next, the 21st instant, to commence at One o’Clock. Programme:—

Act I.—Introduzione and Duetto, two Trumpets, Signor Gambasti (Mayerbeer)—Duetto, Il Fanatico, by desire, Mdlle. Sontag and Signor De Begnis (Fioravanti)—Recitative and Aria, Madame Malibran (Mercadante)—Terzetto, Mesdames Sontag, Blasis, and Pisaroni (Cimarosa)—Duetto, Madame Camporese and Signor Curioni (Rossini)—Grand Aria, Mdlle. Sontag (Pacini)—Quartetto, “Mi monca la voce,” Mesdames Camporese and Stockhausen, Signori Torri and Bordigni (Rossini)—Grand Duetto, Mdlle. Sontag and Madame Malibran, which excited the most enthusiastic admiration and applause at Paris, and will be performed on this occasion for the first time in this country, composed by Mercadante, the instrumental accompaniment arranged expressly for this Concert by Alexander Lee—Grand Fantasia, Pianoforte (Moscheles).—Quintetto, “Oh, Guardate,” Mesdames Malibran and Blasis, Signori Curioni, Zuchelli, and De Begnis.

The Courier (May 20, 1829): 4.

[Same as issued in The Courier on May 19]

The Athenæum and literary Chronicle (May 20, 1829): 319.

Among the musical treats announced for this week, we know none which presents more promise than the Morning Concert of Signor De Begnis, which we observe is fixed to take place at the New Argyll Rooms, on Thursday next. The names of Malibran, Sontag, Pisaroni, Camporese, Stockhausen, Wilkinson, De Vigo, Blasis, and the principal male singers of note, including De Begnis himself, with Sir George Smart for conductor, and Mori for leader, hold out the prospect of a gratification to the dilettanti difficult to be surpassed.

Ibid.

NEW ARGYLL ROOMS.

SIGNOR DE BEGNIS respectfully informs the Nobility, Gentry, and his Friends generally, that his MORNING CONCERT will take place at the above rooms, on Thursday, 21st of May, 1829.

PRINCIPAL VOCAL PERFORMERS.

Mesdames Malibran, Sontag, Pisaroni; Madame Camporese, Madame Stockhausen, Miss Wilkinson, Madame De Vigo, and Mademoiselle Blasis.

Signor Donzelli, Signor Bordogni, Signor Torri, Signor Begrez, and Signor Curioni. Signor Zuchelli, Mr. Lennox, (Pupil of Signor De Begnis,) Signor Giubilei, and Signor De Begnis.

Grand Duetto, Violin and Harp, M. De Beriot and M. Labarre. Grand Duo, two Trumpets, Signori Gambati. And Grand Fantasia, Piano-Forte, M. Moschelles.

Conductor, Sir George Smart. Leader, Mr. Mori.

The Grand Orchestra will comprise the first-rate talent in every department, selected from the Concerts of Ancient Music, the King’s Theatre, Royal Academy of Music, &c. &c.

Tickets, 10s. 6d. each, to be had of Signor DE BEGNIS, 79, Quadrant; Mr. SEGUIN, Regent-street; and of the principal Music-sellers.

The Concert will commence at One o’clock precisely.

Parties of six and upwards may be accommodated with Boxes, by an early application to Signor De Begnis.

The Morning Post (May 20, 1829): 1.

[Same as issued in The Morning Post on May 18]

Reviews

The Courier (May 22, 1829): 1.

ARGYLL ROOMS.

Signor De Begnis’ annual Benefit Concert took place in these rooms yesterday morning, and was attended by a much more numerous audience than space could conveniently accommodate. A great number of ladies sat amidst the performers in the orchestra, and the coup d’œil from thence to the pit, which was almost exclusively occupied by ladies dressed in the gayest attire of the season, and wearing satin hats of various colours, ornamented with flowers, was of the most picturesque description that can be well imagined. Signor De Begnis opened the vocal part of the Concert by a duet between Mademoiselle Sontag and himself, which received great applause. Madame Malibran then sang an aria of Mercadante, Madame Pisaroni, Madame Camporese, Mademoiselle Blasis, Miss Wilkinson, Madame Stockhausen, Signori Curioni, Bordogni, Torri, and Donzelli, subsequently came in succession, either singly or in duets, trios, and concerted pieces. A fantasia on the pianoforte by Mr. Moscheles, and a Concertante duet for violin and harp between Messrs. Beriot and Labarre, were the only instrumental performances of any note and of course exhibited the acquirements of those three artists on their respective instruments in all their perfection. The concert was closed with the celebrated scena of “Gli Amori Marinari,” in which all the above-named vocalists took a part, excepting Mademoiselle Sontag and Madame Malibran. Signor De Begnis, of course, personated the conductor with his usual comic humour, and greatly amused the audience by the mock zeal and spirit with which he directed the respective efforts of the numerous vocalists around him.

The Globe and Traveller (May 22, 1829): 4.

That excellent singer and actor, De Begnis, had a benefit concert yesterday at the Argyll-rooms. It was more numerously attended than any we have witnessed this season. The principal features of the concert was Mercadante’s duet by Malibran and Sontag, which was sung on this occasion, for the first time, in London, and was much applauded; indeed the whole performance went off admirably.

The Morning Post (May 22, 1829): 3.

SIGNOR DE BEGNIS’ CONCERT.

The long-established popularity and eminent merits of this favourite Vocalist would, under any circumstances, have ensured to him a brilliant attendance; but combined as there were with the excellent bill of fare which he presented, a concourse was attracted to the Argyll Rooms, yesterday morning, more numerous than any we have witnessed this season. Not only was the room itself thronged to excess, but the anti-room was also crowded, while the Musicians in the Orchestra were honoured by the presence of Ladies at least equal in number t themselves. The principal feature of the Concert was MERCADANTE’s duet by MALIBRAN and SONTAG, which was sung on this occasion, for the first time, in London. It is an extremely beautiful and pleasing composition, and was performed in superb style by the above-mentioned Vocalists. DE BEGNIS’ talents, as a comic singer, are so well known and appreciated, that it is hardly necessary to say that he acquitted himself to the entire satisfaction of this auditory. We are unable to enter into the details of this Concert, but may observe generally that it was a treat of the highest order.

The Times (May 22, 1829): 3.

ARGYLL ROOMS.

Signor De Begnis’ annual Benefit Concert took place in these rooms yesterday morning, and was attended by a much more numerous audience than space could conveniently accommodate. A great number of ladies sat amidst the performers in the orchestra, and the coup d’œil from thence to the pit, which was almost exclusively occupied by ladies dressed in the gayest attire of the season, and wearing satin hats of various colours, ornamented with flowers, was of the most picturesque description that can be well imagined. Signor De Begnis opened the vocal part of the concert by a duet between Mademoiselle Sontag and himself, which received great applause. Madame Malibran then sang an aria of Mercadante, Madame Pisaroni, Madame Camporese, Mademoiselle Blasis, Miss Wilkinson, Madame Stockhausen, Signori Curioni, Bordogni, Torri, and Donzelli, subsequently came in succession, either singly or in duets, trios, and concerted pieces. A fantasia on the pianoforte by Mr. Moschelles, and a concertante duet for violin and harp between Messrs. Beriot and Labarre, were the only instrumental performances of any note and of course exhibited the acquirements of those three artists on their respective instruments in all their perfection. The concert was closed with the celebrated scena of Gli Amori Marinari, in which all the above-named vocalists took a part, excepting Mademoiselle Sontag and Madame Malibran. Signor De Begnis, of course, personated the conductor with his usual comic humour, and greatly amused the audience by the mock zeal and spirit with which he directed the respective efforts of the numerous vocalists around him.

The Harmonicon, vol. VII (July 1829): 175.

SIGNOR DE BEGNIS’,

Argyll Rooms, Thursday Morning, May 21.

Sig. De Begnis had every foreign singer in London to aid him in this concert, together with Miss Wilkinson. It was a vocal selection, but the Sig. Gambati opened the proceedings with a “Duetto di Trombe,” or blast of trumpets; and Mr. Moscheles played a very fine extempore fantasia on the piano-forte. Mr. Mori led, and Mr. P. Cianchettini conducted. The room was exceedingly crowded.