Henri Herz’s Morning Concert
London: Concert Room, King’s Theatre—Time: Evening, Two o’Clock
Tickets: 10s. 6d., Boxes available
✗Programme
| *Cavatina | Mme Caradori-Allan | |
| Part I | ||
| Overture, Fidelio | Beethoven | |
| From Anna Bolena: Aria, ‘Vivi tu’ | Signor Ivanoff | Donizetti |
| Piano Concerto No.1 in A major | Mr. Herz | Herz |
| Flute Variations on the Air ‘Hope told a Flattering Tale’ | Mr. Nicholson | Nicholson |
| From Il Turco in Italia: Aria, ‘Amor, perchè mi pizzichi | Signor de Begnis | Rossini |
| From La donna del lago: Duet, ‘Scendi nel piccol legno’ | Rossini | |
| Piano Duet Concertante [Op.72, No.2] (first time of performance) | Messrs. Herz, Moscheles | Herz |
| Part II | ||
| Violin Concerto | Monsieur Ghys | Ghys |
| Cantata, ‘Non temer, amato bene’ | Mr. Braham; Piano Accompaniment: Sir George Smart | Mozart |
| From Orfeo ed Euridice: Recit. and Aria, ‘Che farò senza Euridice’ | Miss Masson | Gluck |
| Piano Brilliant Variations di Bravura, with Orchestral Accompaniments, on Herold’s Prèaux Clercs | Mr. Herz (composed for this occasion) | Herz |
| From Don Giovanni: Aria, ‘Il mio tesoro’ | Signor Rubini | Mozart |
| Dutch Ballad, ‘Maria’ | Monsieur de Vrugt | Van Bree |
| Grand Quartet for Four Performers on two Pianos on the air ‘Coro dei Congiurati’ from Meyerbeer’s Il crociato in Egitto | Herz |
| Principal Vocalists: Miss Masson, Mme Caradori-Allan; Mr. Braham, Monsieur de Vrugt, Signors de Begnis, Ivanoff, Rubini | ||
| Principal Instrumentalists: Messrs. Cramer, Herz, Moscheles, Nicholson, Potter, Monsieur Ghys | ||
| Leader: Signor Paolo Spagnoletti; Conductor: Sir George Smart |
———————————
Programme Notes: Mlle Grisi was indisposed. Signor Ivanoff sang in her place ‘Vivi tu’ in the first part. The reviews do not clarify if he definitely sang in the order that was supposed to be sang by Mlle Grisi. Additionally, according to the reviews, Miss Masson sang Meyerbeer’s arietta ‘Le Ricordanze’, yet the reviews only mention ‘Che farò senza Euridice’. It may have been performed in the place of the arietta. Mrs. Anderson was also too ill to perform and was replaced by Mr. Potter who played her part in the Quartet instead.
Encore: Aria, ‘Vivi tu’—Signor Ivanoff—Donizetti
Advertisements
Philharmonic Society Programme
Great Concert Room, King’s Theatre.
———–
MR.
HENRI HERZ
Has the honor to announce to the Nobility, Gentry, and the Public, that his
Morning Concert
Will take place in the above Room on
THURSDAY, MAY 22, 1834.
TO COMMENCE PRECISELY AT TWO O’CLOCK.
———–
Principal Vocal Performers.
Mademoiselle GIULIETTA GRISI,
Miss MASSON,
AND
Madame CARADORI ALLAN.
Mr. BRAHAM, Signor RUBINI,
Mons. DE C. VRUGT
(Premier Chanteur de la Chambre de S. M. le Roi des Pays-Bas),
AND
Signor DE BEGNIS
———–
IN THE COURSE OF THE CONCERT
WILL PERFORM
A GRAND CONCERTO in A major, with Orchestral Accomp.
———–
(FOR THE FIRST TIME)
A NEW DUET CONCERTANTE
On the Marche d’Alexandre and a subject from La Donna del Lago de Rossini, for Two Pianofortes, with
Mr. MOSCHELES.
———–
Brilliant Variations di Bravura, with Orchestral Accompaniments,
On the favorite Trio from Herold’s Pré aux Clercs, (composed for this occasion.)
———–
GRAND QUATUOR
For Four Performers on Two Pianofortes,
On the Chorus from Mayerbeer’s Il Crociato, by
Mrs. ANDERSON,
Mr. CRAMER, Mr. MOSCHELES, and Mr. H. HERZ.
———–
Mons. GHYS
Will perform a Solo on the Violin,
AND
Mr. NICHOLSON
A Solo on the Flute.
———–
Leader, Signor SPAGNOLETTI.
Conductor, Sir GEORGE SMART.
———–
Tickets, 10s. 6d. each, to be had at the principal Music Shops, and of Mr. HERZ, 20, Soho Square,
where only Boxes can be obtained.
THE PROGRAMME OF THE CONCERT IS ON THE OTHER SIDE.
[GB-Lbl Playbills 320 r.]
PROGRAMME
OF
MR. HENRI HERZ’S
Morning Concert,
THURSDAY, MAY 22, 1834.
[line]
| PART I. | |
| Overture. – – – – – (Fidelio.) – – – – | Beethoven. |
| Aria, Mlle. GIULIETTA GRISI, “Stanca di più combattere.” (Otello.) | Marliani. |
| Grand Concerto in A major, Pianoforte, Mr. HENRI HERZ. – – | H. Herz. |
| Solo, Flute, Mr. NICHOLSON. – – – – – – – | Nicholson. |
| Aria Buffa, Signor DE BEGNIS, “Amor, perchè.” (Il Turco in Italia.) | Rossini. |
| Duetto, Mlle. GIULIETTA GRISI and Signor RUBINI, | |
| “Scendi nel piccol legno.” – – (La Donna del Lago.) – – | Rossini. |
| Now Duet Concertante for two Pianofortes, on the Marche d’Aline and a favorite | |
| subject from La Donna del Lago, Messrs. MOSCHELES and HERZ | |
| (first time of performance). – – – – – – – – | H. Herz. |
| PART II. | |
| Concerto, Violin, Mons. GHYS. – – – – – – – – | Ghys. |
| Cantata, Mr. BRAHAM, “Non temer,” accompanied on the Pianoforte by | |
| Sir GEORGE SMART. – – – – – – – – | Mozart. |
| New Arietta, Miss MASSON, “Le Ricordanze.” – – – – | Meyerbeer. |
| Brilliant Variations di Bravura, Pianoforte, Mr. H. HERZ, with Orchestral | |
| Accompaniments, from Herold’s Pré aux Clercs (composed for this occasion) | H. Herz. |
| Aria, Signor RUBINI, “Il mio Tesoro.” – (Il Don Giovanni.) – | Mozart. |
| Dutch Ballad, Mons. DE C. VRUGT, “Maria,” – – – – | Van Bree. |
| Grand Quatuor for four Performers on two Pianofortes, on the Chorus from | |
| Meyerbeer’s Il Crociato, Mrs. ANDERSON, Mr. CRAMER, | |
| Mr. MOSCHELES, and Mr. H. HERZ. – – – – – | H. Herz |
Leader, Signor SPAGNOLETTI.
———–
Conductor, Sir GEORGE SMART.
———–
The Concert will commence at Two o’clock precisely.
[GB-Lbl Playbills 320 v.]
The Courier (May 10, 1834): 1.
GREAT CONCERT ROOM, KING’S THEATRE.—Mr. HENRI HERZ has the honour to announce that his MORNING CONCERT will take place on Thursday, May 22, 1834.—Principal Vocal Performers:—Mademoiselle Grisi, Miss Masson, and Madame Caradori Allan; Mr. Braham, Signor Rubini, Mons. De. C. Vrugt, and Signor De Begnis. In the course of the Concert Mr. Henri Herz will perform a Grand Concerto in A major, with Orchestral Accompaniment. (For the first time) a New Duet Concertante, for two Pianofortes, with Mr. Moscheles. Brilliant Variations di Bravura, with Orchestral Accompaniment, on Herold’s Prè aux Clercs (composed for this occasion). Grand Quatuor for Four Performers on Two Pianofortes, by Mrs. Anderson, Mr. Cramer, Mr. Moscheles, and Mr. H. Herz. Mons. Ghys will perform a Solo on the Violin; and Mr. Nicholson a Solo on the Flute. Leader—Signor Spagnoletti; Conductor—Sir George Smart. Tickets, 10s. 6d. each, to be had at the principal Music shops, and of Mr. Herz, 20, Soho-square, where only Boxes can be obtained.
The Morning Post (May 10, 1834): 1.
GREAT CONCERT ROOM, KING’S THEATRE.—Mr. HENRI HERZ has the honour to announce that his MORNING CONCERT will take place on THURSDAY, May 22.—Principal Vocal Performers:—Mademoiselle Grisi, Miss Masson, and Madame Caradori Allan; Mr. Braham, Signor Rubini, Mons. De. C. Vrugt, and Signor De Begnis. In the course of the Concert Mr. Henri Herz will perform a Grand Concerto in A major, with Orchestral Accompaniment; for the first time, a new Duet Concertante, for two Pianofortes, with Mr. Moscheles; Brilliant Variations di Bravura, with Orchestral Accompaniment, on Herold’s Prè aux Clercs (composed for this occasion). Grand Quatuor for Four Performers on Two Pianofortes, by Mrs. Anderson, Mr. Cramer, Mr. Moscheles, and Mr. H. Herz. Mons. Ghys will perform a Solo on the Violin, and Mr. Nicholson a Solo on the Flute. Leader, Signor Spagnoletti; Conductor, Sir George Smart.—Tickets, 10s. 6d. each, to be had at the principal Music Shops; and of Mr. Herz, 20, Soho-square, where only Boxes can be obtained.
John Bull (May 11, 1834): 145.
GREAT CONCERT ROOM, King’s Theatre.—MR. HENRI HERZ has the honour to announce that his MORNING CONCERT will take place on THURSDAY, May 22, 1834. Principal Vocal Performers— Mdlle. Grisi, Miss Masson, and Madame Caradori Allan. Mr. Braham, Signor Rubini, Mons. De. C. Vrugt, and Signor De Begnis. In the course of the Concert Mr. Henri Herz will perform a Grand Concerto in A major, with Orchestral Accompaniment. (For the first time) a new Duet Concertante, for two Pianofortes, with Mr Moscheles. Brilliant Variations di Bravura, with Orchestral Accompaniment, on Herold’s Pré aux Clercs (composed for this occasion). Grand Quatuor for Four Performers on Two Pianofortes, by Mrs Anderson, Mr. Cramer, Mr. Moscheles, and Mr. H. Herz. Mons. Ghys will perform a Solo on the Violin; and Mr. Nicholson a Solo on the Flute. Leader, Signor Spagnoletti. Conductor, Sir George Smart. Tickets, 10s. 6d. each, to be had at the principal Music Shops, and of Mr. Herz, 20, Soho-square, where only Boxes can be obtained.
The Atlas (May 11, 1834): 304.
GREAT CONCERT ROOM, KING’S THEATRE.—MR. HENRI HERZ has the honour to announce that his Morning Concert will take place on Thursday, May 22, 1834.—Principal Vocal Performers, Mademoiselle Grisi, Miss Masson, and Madame Caradori Allan; Mr. Braham, Signor Rubini, Mons. De. C. Vrugt, and Signor De Begnis. In the course of the Concert Mr. Henri Herz will perform a Grand Concerto in A major, with Orchestral Accompaniment. (For the first time) a new Duet Concertante, for two Pianofortes, with Mr Moscheles. Brilliant Variations di Bravura, with Orchestral Accomp., on Herold’s Pre aux Clercs (composed for this occasion). Grand Quatuor for Four Performers on Two Pianofortes, by Mrs Anderson, Mr Cramer, Mr. Moscheles, and Mr. H. Herz. Mons. Ghys will perform a Solo on the Violin; and Mr. Nicholson a Solo on the Flute. Leader, Signor Spagnoletti; Conductor, Sir George Smart. Tickets, 10s. 6d. each, to be had at the principal music shops, and of Mr. Herz, 20, Soho Square, where only boxes can be obtained.
The Examiner (May 11, 1834): 297.
GREAT CONCERT ROOM, KING’S THEATRE.—Mr HENRI HERZ has the honor to announce that his MORNING CONCERT will take place on THURSDAY, MAY 22, 1834.—Principal Vocal Performers—Mdlle. Grisi, Miss Masson, and Madame Caradori Allan; Mr Braham, Signor Rubini, Mons. De. C. Vrugt, and Signor De Begnis. In the course of the Concert Mr Henri Herz will perform a Grand Concerto in A major, with orchestral accompaniment; (for the first time) a new Duet Concertante, for Two Pianofortes, with Mr Moscheles; brilliant Variations di Bravura, with orchestral accompaniment, on Herold’s “Prè aux Clercs” (composed for this occasion); Grand Quatuor for Four Performers on Two Pianofortes, by Mrs Anderson, Mr Cramer, Mr Moscheles, and Mr H. Herz. Mons. Ghys will perform a Solo on the Violin, and Mr Nicholson a Solo on the Flute.—Leader, Signor Spagnoletti; Conductor, Sir G. Smart.—Tickets, 10s. 6d. each, to be had at the principal Music shops; and of Mr Herz, 20, Soho square, where only Boxes can be obtained.
The Globe and Traveller (May 12, 1834): 1.
GREAT CONCERT ROOM, KING’S THEATRE.
MR. HENRI HERZ has the honour to announce that his MORNING CONCERT will take place on THURSDAY, May 22, 1834. Principal Vocal Performers—Mademoiselle Grisi, Miss Masson, and Madame Caradori Allan. Mr. Braham, Signor Rubini, Mons. De. C. Vrugt, and Signor De Begnis. In the course of the Concert Mr. Henri Herz will perform a Grand Concerto in A major, with Orchestral Accompaniments. (For the first time) a New Duet Concertante, for two Pianofortes, with Mr. Moscheles. Brilliant Variations di Bravura, with Orchestral Accomp., on Herold’s Prè aux Clercs (composed for this occasion.) Grand Quatuor for four Performers on two Pianofortes, by Mrs. Anderson, Mr. Cramer, Mr. Moscheles, and Mr. H. Herz. Mons. Ghys will perform a Solo on the Violin; and Mr. Nicholson a Solo on the Flute.—Leader, Signor Spagnoletti.—Conductor, Sir George Smart.
Tickets, 10s. 6d. each, to be had at the principal Music Shops, and of Mr. Herz, 20, Soho square, where only Boxes can be obtained.
The Morning Post (May 12, 1834): 1.
GREAT CONCERT ROOM, KING’S THEATRE.—Mr. HENRI HERZ has the honour to announce that his MORNING CONCERT will take place on THURSDAY, May 22. Principal Vocal Performers :—Mademoiselle Grisi, Miss Masson, and Madame Caradori Allan; Mr. Braham, Signor Rubini, Mons. De. C. Vrugt, and Signor De Begnis. In the course of the Concert Mr. Henri Herz will perform a Grand Concerto in A major, with Orchestral Accompaniment; for the first time, a new Duet Concertante, for two Pianofortes, with Mr. Moscheles; Brilliant Variations di Bravura, with Orchestral Accompaniment, on Herold’s Prè aux Clercs (composed for this occasion). Grand Quatuor for Four Performers on Two Pianofortes, by Mrs. Anderson, Mr. Cramer, Mr. Moscheles, and Mr. H. Herz. Mons. Ghys will perform a Solo on the Violin, and Mr. Nicholson a Solo on the Flute. Leader, Signor Spagnoletti; Conductor, Sir George Smart.—Tickets, 10s. 6d. each, to be had at the principal Music Shops; and of Mr. Herz, 20, Soho-square, where only Boxes can be obtained.
The Times (May 12, 1834): 1.
GREAT CONCERT ROOM, King’s Theatre.—Mr. HENRI HERZ has the honour to announce that his MORNING CONCERT will take place on Thursday, May 22. Principal Vocal Performers, Mademoiselle Grisi, Miss Masson, and Madame Caradori Allan; Mr. Braham, Signor Rubini, Mons. De. C. Vrugt, and Signor De Begnis. In the course of the Concert Mr. Henri Herz will perform a Grand Concerto in A major, with Orchestral Accompaniments; for the first time, a New Duet Concertante, for two pianofortes, with Mr. Moscheles. Brilliant Variations di Bravura, with Orchestral Accompaniments, on Herold’s Prè aux Clercs (composed for this occasion). Grand Quatuor for four performers on two pianofortes, by Mrs. Anderson, Mr. Cramer, Mr. Moscheles, and Mr. H. Herz. Mons. Ghys will perform a Solo on the violin; and Mr. Nicholson a Solo on the flute. Leader, Signor Spagnoletti. Conductor, Sir George Smart. Tickets, 10s. 6d. each, to be had at the principal music shops, and of Mr. Herz, 20, Soho-square, where only boxes can be obtained.
The Courier (May 13, 1834): 1.
[Same as issued in The Courier on May 10]
The Globe and Traveller (May 14, 1834): 1.
[Same as issued in The Globe and The Traveller on May 12]
The Times (May 14, 1834): 1.
[Same as issued in The Times on May 12]
The Morning Post (May 15, 1834): 1.
[Same as issued in The Morning Post on May 12]
The Courier (May 16, 1834): 1.
GREAT CONCERT ROOM, KING’S THEATRE.—Mr. HENRI HERZ has the honour to announce [the rest is the same as issued in The Courier on May 10]
The Globe and Traveller (May 16, 1834): 1.
[Same as issued in The Globe and The Traveller on May 12]
The Times (May 16, 1834): 1.
[Same as issued in The Times on May 12]
The Morning Post (May 17, 1834): 1.
[Same as issued in The Morning Post on May 12]
Ibid., 3.
The Morning Concert of Mr. HENRI HERZ on Thursday next presents as rare an assemblage of novelty as that of any artiste during the present season, and will doubtless be attended by all the admirers of his brilliant and unrivalled style of performance, amongst other new compositions, he promises a quatuor on the pianoforte by HERZ, MOSCHELES, J. CRAMER, and Mrs. ANDERSON; a duo Concertante, and brilliant variations on an air from Le Prè aux Clercs.
The Court Journal: Gazette of the Fashionable World, vol. 6, (May 17, 1834): 350.
GREAT CONCERT ROOM, KING’S THEATRE.—Mr HENRI HERZ has the honor to announce that his Morning Concert will take place on THURSDAY, May 22, 1834. Principal Vocal Performers, Mademoiselle Grisi, Miss Masson, and Madame Caradori Allan. Mr Braham, Signor Rubini, Mons. De. C. Vrugt, and Signor De Begnis. In the course of the Concert Mr Henri Herz will perform a Grand Concerto in A major, with Orchestral Accompaniment. (For the first time) a New Duet Concertante, for two Pianofortes, with Mr Moscheles. Brilliant Variations di Bravura, with Orchestral Accomp., on Herold’s Prèaux Clercs (composed for this occasion). Grand Quatuor for Four Performers on Two Pianofortes, by Mrs Anderson, Mr. Cramer, Mr Moscheles, and Mr. H. Herz. Mons. Ghys will perform a Solo on the Violin; and Mr Nicholson a Solo on the Flute.—Leader, Signor Spagnoletti. Conductor, Sir George Smart.—Tickets, 10s. 6d. each, to be had at the principal Music Shops; and of Mr Herz, 20 Soho Square, where only Boxes can be obtained.
The Morning Post (May 19, 1834): 1.
[Same as issued in The Morning Post on May 12]
The Times (May 19, 1834): 1.
[Same as issued in The Times on May 12]
The Morning Post (May 20, 1834): 1.
GREAT CONCERT ROOM, KING’S THEATRE.—Mr. HENRI HERZ has the honour to announce that his MORNING CONCERT will take place on THURSDAY, May 22. Principal Vocal Performers :—Mademoiselle Grisi, Miss Masson, and Madame Caradori Allan; Mr. Braham, Signor Rubini, Mons. De. C. Vrugt, and Signor De Begnis. In the course of the Concert Mr. Henri Herz will perform a Grand Concerto in A major, with Orchestral Accompaniment; for the first time, a new Duet Concertante, for two Pianofortes, with Mr. Moscheles; Brilliant Variations di Bravura, with Orchestral Accompaniment, on Herold’s Prè aux Clercs (composed for this occasion). Grand Quatuor for Four Performers on Two Pianofortes, by Mrs. Anderson, Mr. Cramer, Mr. Moscheles, and Mr. H. Herz. Mons. Ghys will perform a Solo on the Violin, and Mr. Nicholson a Solo on the Flute. Leader, Signor Spagnoletti; Conductor, Sir George Smart.—Tickets, 10s. 6d. each, to be had at the principal Music Shops; and of Mr. Herz, 20, Soho-square, where only Boxes can be obtained.
Reviews
The Morning Post (May 23, 1834): 3
MR. HERZ’S CONCERT.
Fortunate was the person who could procure a seat at the King’s Theatre Concert Room yesterday morning, for the Concert of this popular pianist was so well attended that a great proportion of the company were obliged to stand during the whole of the performance. Of the fashionable assembly there collected at least twenty Ladies might be discovered for every Gentleman; and the numerous elegant bonnet, of various colours worn by the former presented the appearance of a large flower-garden tastily laid out. The Concert was a most excellent one. An apology was made for Mdlle. GIULIETA GRISI, who was prevented attending by indisposition; but Madame CARADORI ALLAN, besides her own cavatina, obligingly consented to sing a duet with RUBINI from La Donna del Lago set down for GRISI. Signor de BEGNIS was as usual exceedingly amusing in the aria buffa Amor perche from II Turco in Italia. Mr. BRAHAM, in our opinion, never sang with more expression than when he attempted MOZART’S beautiful cantata Non temer. It is very evident that he never intends to grow old. Signor RUBINI executed that magnificent production of MOZART’S, Il mio tesoro; but we think he produced more effect in it on Tuesday night. Miss MASSON sung that touching scene and aria from GLUCK’S Orfeo, Chefaro, with excellent feeling. Her voice bears a great resemblance to that of her instructress, pasta. Mons. de VRUGT, a very superior tenor singer, with a remarkably fine voice, favoured the company with a Dutch ballad. Most people would as soon think of finding sentiment in a Dutch cheese as in a Dutch ballad; but, certainly, the song which M. de VRUGT sung was one of a truly sentimental character, and it was executed with exquisite feeling. When Mr. HERZ heard of the impossibility of GRISI’S, attendance he sent for M. IVANOFF, who, as Sir GEORGE SMART took the trouble to inform us, kindly consented to appear at so short a notice. He entertained his audience with our old friend, Vivi tu, and deservedly met with an encore, the only compliment of the kind paid during the Concert. The instrumental performances were of the first order. We heard Mr. NICHOLSON to great advantage in some variations for the flute, composed by himself, on the air Hope told a flattering tale. Mons. GHYS astonished his hearers with his concerto on the violin. He is certainly a most brilliant player; but it is almost too much to be condemned to hear his music. Of Mr. HERZ, though we speak last, he does not hold the last place in our esteem. Besides a grand concerto in A major, and a grand quatuor for four performers on two pianofortes from MAYERBEER’S Il Crociato, he performed for the first time a new duet concertante with Mr. Moscheles on two pianofortes on the march d’ Aline, in which he introduced an air from La Donna del Lago, and some brilliant variations di bravura from a theme in HEROLD’S Pré aux Clercs. Both as concert pieces were performances, of distinguished merit. In the duet nothing could exceed the effect produced by these celebrated pianists. The variations were equally brilliant, and were executed in the most finished style. Each abounds with passages of extraordinary difficulty, and yet there is throughout a pleasing character which will lead many to study them. On the whole the Concert was very satisfactory.
The Times (May 23, 1834): 5.
MORNING CONCERT.—Mr. Herz’s Concert, at the Opera-room yesterday morning, was one of the most attractive that has taken place this season. Such a union of splendid pianoforte playing was perhaps never before heard on one and the same occasion. Mr. Herz’s first performance was a concerto in A major of his own composition. Though exceedingly difficult and brilliant, yet it did not appear to us calculated to display the peculiar beauties of his style, so well as another solo which he afterwards played, and which consisted of variations on an air in Herold’s Pré aux Clercs. These variations abound in passages requiring the utmost rapidity and lightness of fingering, qualities in which Herz so eminently excels, and which render his playing perfectly unique. There was a duet on two pianofortes, by Herz and Moscheles, and a quartet performed on two pianofortes, by Herz, Moscheles, J. B. Cramer, and Cipriani Potter. The latter piece was a perfect tour de force; it almost produced the effect of a full orchestra, for the different style and touch peculiar to each performer was in some degree equivalent to various instruments. Mrs. Anderson was to have taken the part performed by Mr. Potter, but indisposition prevented her from appearing. An apology was made for Signora Grisi, whom illness likewise disabled from attending; but Ivanoff, who was sent for in the emergency, immediately came, and sang his favourite “Vivi tu.” This, of course, went for to console the audience for their disappointment. Madame Caradori, Rubini, and M. Vrught, were also among the singers. We wish Mr. Vrught had sung something else than his Dutch ballad. He sings it very well, certainly; but the composition appears to be merely a poor imitation of Beethoven’s “Adelaide.” M. Ghys played a solo on the violin in a style which confirmed us in the favourable opinion we formed of his performance on his recent debut at Moscheles’s concert.
The Spectator (May 24, 1834): 490.
HERZ is the pianoforte-player for the ladies; so we infer from every concert he has given in London. On Thursday, the room was like a bed of roses, with here and there a weed of male growth rearing itself in sullen state. We like his Concerto in A, which was written, we think, before the curse of variations and quadrilles fell upon his genius with such blighting effect. Would he get rid of the incubus, and produce a new Concerto—a piece in which the subjects should be the offspring of his own fancy, and not the hackneyed notes of a popular opera—our pleasure in listening to him would be substantial and unalloyed. His Duet played with MOSCHELES was, as a performance, exquisite, but as a composition, was—an air with variations.
The Quatuor was extremely interesting, as it embraced CRAMER, MOSCHELES, POTTER, and the concert-giver. With such performers it was rendered remarkably brilliant and effective; but it sadly wanted repose: and it, too, was an air with variations—clever, fanciful, and abundantly difficult, but withal beneath the talents employed upon it. HERZ has genius for much higher flights than these pieces of routine: we pray him to call it forth, and produce something new—something worthy of himself and his fame.
We cannot help deprecating the mode adopted by the publishers of HERZ’S music, of thrusting a list of it into every one’s hand as he entered the concert-room. It is a species of dictation or intrusion upon our free choice of music, which, with us at least, would ever produce a contrary effect to that intended. This is in bad enough taste: but when, before we could seat ourselves, we had to remove a placard announcing the unprecedented sale of Gustavus the Third (what had it to do with the concert?) and denouncing surreptitious copies of it, we can term the mode nothing. better than downright quackery. HERZ’S music needs no such advertisements as these: and if Gustavus be so unprecedently popular, why, in the name of success, cushion the concert-room with a fact of which no one can necessarily be ignorant, because every one ought to have, from the style of announcement, at least one copy of the work?
The Court Journal: Gazette of the Fashionable World, vol. 6, (May 24, 1834): 359.
M. Henri Herz’s.
THE attractive announcements of pianoforte performances, contained in M. Herz’s programme, naturally attracted an unusual throng of ladies to his concert on Thursday morning. M. Herz, on this occasion, performed several new pieces of his own composition, all abounding in those brilliant difficulties, in the execution of which he is unrivalled. A duet for two pianofortes, by Herz and Moscheles, was splendidly played, and rapturously applauded; but a still more extraordinary performance was a quatuor, or, as it might be called, a double dueta. It was played on two pianofortes, by Herz, Moscheles, J. B. Cramer, and Cipriani Potter. The part played by Mr Potter was originally destined for Mrs Anderson; but she was too till to perform. The quatuor was the composition of Herz, on the subject of the Coro dei Congiurati in Mayerbeer’s Crociato. The parts were most ingeniously arranged, and the whole produced an effect surprisingly grand and beautiful. Sir George Smart had the unpleasant task of offering an apology for the absence of Signora Grisi; but to atone, as far as possible, for the disappointment, M. Herz sent for Ivanoff, who sang “Vivi tu” in his very best style. This, added to the fine singing of Madame Caradori, Rubini, Braham, and other distinguished public favourites, left no room for regret, and the concert was altogether one of the most gratifying of the present season.
The Literary Gazette; and Journal of Belles Lettres, Arts, Sciences, &c. (May 24, 1834): 362.
M. HERZ’S CONCERT
ON Thursday was perhaps the greatest piano-forte treat ever heard in this or any other country. Herz, himself a host, was assisted by Cramer, Moschelles, and Potter; and their combined performances (including a quartet on two instruments) were equally delightful and extraordinary. The vocal parts (though disappointed of Grisi,) were also of a high order; and M. Herz received the well-deserved plaudits of his auditory, no less pleased with his general entertainment than with his own particular contributions.
Bell’s Life in London and Sporting Chronicle (May 25, 1834): 2.
MORNING CONCERT.—Mr. Herz’s Concert, at the Opera-room on Thursday morning, was one of the most attractive that has taken place this season. Such a union of splendid pianoforte playing was perhaps never before heard on one and the same occasion. An apology was made for Signora Grisi, whom illness disabled from attending; but Ivanhoff, who was sent for in the emergency, immediately came, and sang his favourite “Vivi tu.” This, of course, went far to console the audience for their disappointment. Madame Caradori, Rubini, and M. Vrught, were also among the singers. The room was crowded to suffocation long before the performances commenced.
The Court Magazine and Belle Assemblée, vol. IV, (June 1834): 247.
Mr. Herz had a room crowded with fashionable company, nine-tenths of whom were elegantly dressed ladies. He performed in four different pieces of his own composition: his grand concerto in A major, a grand quatuor for four performers on two pianos, from the chorus in Meyerbeer’s II Crociato, in which he was assisted by Messrs. Cramer, Moscheles, and Cipriano Potter; a new duett Concertante for two pianos on the March d’Aline, in which he introduced an air from La Donna del Lago, assisted by M. Moscheles; and brilliant variations di bravura from a theme in Herald’s Pré aux Clercs. The last two were composed for the occasion. All were productions which showed the capabilities of the instrument and the skill of the performer. The brilliant manner in which they were played excited universal approbation.
Ignaz Moscheles' Concert Life 