25 May 1822

Robert Nicolas Charles Bochsa’s Grand Musical Performance, (Selection of Sacred, Antient Modern Music)

London: Royal Theatre, Covent Garden

Time: Evening

 

Programme

Part I
Overture, Redemption		Handel
From Ezio: Recit. and Air, ‘He layeth the beams’	Mr. Bellamy	Handel
From Joshua: Air, ‘O had I Jubal’s lyre’	Miss Goodall	Handel
From Israel in Egypt Duet, ‘The Lord is a man of war’ ‘He gave them hailstones’	Mr. Bellamy, Signor Zuchelli Chorus	Handel
From Judas Maccabæus: Air, ‘Pious orgies’	Miss Povey	Handel
From Semele: Recit. and Air, ‘Lord, what is man’	Mr. Vaughan	Handel
From Theodora: Recit. and Air   ‘Angels, ever bright and fair’	Miss Stephens	Handel
From Saul Air, ‘Welcome, welcome, mighty King’ Air, ‘David his ten thousand slew’	Semi-chorus Full-chorus	Handel
From Judas Maccabæus: March		Handel
From Redemption   Air, ‘Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty’	Mrs. Salmon	Handel
From Israel in Egypt Chorus, ‘The Lord shall reign’   Recit., ‘For the host of Pharaoh’ Solo, ‘Sing ye to the Lord’    Chorus, ‘The horse and his rider’	Chorus   Mr. Pyne   Miss Stephens   Grand Double Chorus	Handel
Piano Fantasia with Orchestral   Accompaniments (MS)	Mr. Moscheles	Moscheles
From Le nozze di Figaro   Duet, ‘Sull’aria…che soave zeffiretto’	Signora Camporese, Signora de Begnis	Mozart
Part II
From Bajazet Piece One, Piece Three, Piece Four, Piece Five, Piece Six	Principal Parts: Signora Camporese, Signora de Begnis; Messrs. Begrez, Sapio, Signor Zuchelli	Lord Burghersh
Violin Concerto	Mr. Mori	Viotti
From [Mosè in Egitto]   Recit. ‘Invocation to the Deity’	Signor de Begnis	Rossini
From Mosè in Egitto   Quintet, ‘Praise for the return of light’	Signora de Begnis, Messrs. Begrez, Sapio, Signors de Begnis, Placci, Chorus; Harp: Mr. Bochsa; Horn: Mr. Tully	Rossini
From Le nozze di Figaro Duet, ‘Crudel! perchè finora’	Signora Camporese, Signor Cartoni	Mozart
From Jephtha   Recit., ‘Deeper and deeper still’ Aria, ‘Waft her, angels, through the skies’	Mr. Sapio	Handel
From Tancredi Duet, ‘Ah! se de’ mali miei’	Mme Vestris, Mr. Begrez	Rossini
From The Creation: Recit. and Air   ‘Now heav’n in fullest glory shone’	Signor Zuchelli   (first performance at this theatre)	Haydn
From L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato Air, ‘Sweet Bird’	Miss Stephens; Flute Obbligato: Mr. Nicholson	Handel
From Christus am Ölberge: ‘Hallelujah’	Grand Chorus	Beethoven
Concertante for Two Harps incl. ‘We’re a noddin’ arranged by Hawes (MS)	Messrs. Bochsa, Dizi (by particular desire)	Bochsa & Dizi
From Comus: Duet, ‘The Echo’ (by particular desire)	Mrs. Salmon, Miss Stephens	Arne
Part III
Glee for Four Voices ‘Oh Nanny, wilt thou gang with me’	Miss Stephens, Messrs. Bellamy, Greethead, Vaughan	Carter and Harrison
Recit. and Aria, ‘Fra tante angoscie’	Signor Torri	Carafa
Irish Melody with Variations, ‘The last rose of summer’	Mrs. Salmon; Harp Obbligato: Mr. Bochsa	Arranged by Bochsa
From Don Giovanni Duet, ‘Là ci darem la mano’	Signora de Begnis, Signor de Begnis	Mozart
French Air, ‘The Young Crusader’	Mrs. Bellchambers	Arranged with original words by E. Bellchambers
Grand Chorus, ‘O praise the God of mercy’	Grand Chorus	Bochsa
From Don Giovanni: Duet and Chorus  ‘Giovinette che fate all’amore’	Miss Stephens, Signor Ambrogetti, Chorus	Mozart
National Anthem, ‘God Save the King’

Principal Vocalists: Mrs. Bellchambers, Miss Goodall, Miss Povey, Mrs. Salmon, Miss Stephens, Mme Vestris, Signora Camporese, Signora de Begnis; Messrs. Bellamy, Begrez, Greethead, Pyne, Sapio, Vaughan, Signors Ambrogetti, de Begnis, Placci, Torri, Zuchelli

Principal Instrumentalists: Messrs. Bochsa, Dizi, Lindley, Mori, Moscheles, Nicholson, Tully

Conductor: Sir George Smart

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Encore: ‘He gave them hailstones’—Chorus—Handel

---

Moscheles: This monster programme puts even Astley’s Theatre in the shade, where in one evening the public is treated to a Scotch Hercules, several tight-rope dancers, two Laplanders, two dogs and a bear!.[RMM, 46.]

Moscheles: Was sind alle Concerte gegen das des Harfenspieler-Charlatans Bochsa! Gehört habe ich nur ein Pröbchen davon, aber hier schreibe ich mir das Programm her, obgleich schon dies eine Riesenarbeit ist….

Erster Theil.

1. Ouverture aus dem Oratorium the Redemption, v. Händel.
2. Arie, ges. Y. Bellamy.
3. Arie aus Josua, Miss Goodall.
4. Duett – Israel in Egypten.
5. Chor.
6. Arie aus Judas Maccabäus.
7.     ”   aus Semele.
8.     ”   aus Theodora.
9. Chor aus Saul.
10. Marsch aus Judas Maccabäus.
11. Arie aus the Redemption.
12. Chor aus Israel in Egypten.
13. Duett aus Figaro.
14. Alexander-Variationen (von mir selbst gespielt).

Zweiter Theil

(zu welchem das Publicum für den halben Eintrittspreis Einlass hatte.)

18. 6 Stücke aus einem musikalischen Drama: Bajazet, Musik von einem Lord Burghersh.
21. Violin-Concert v. Viotti, vorgetr. von Mori.
22. Recit. und Chor aus Moses, v. Rossini.
23. Quintett.
24. Duett aus Figaro, ges. v. Mad. Camporese und Cartoni.
25. Arie aus Jephtah.
26. Duetto aus Tancredi v. Rossini, ges. v. Mad. Vestris und Begrez.
27. Recit. und Arie aus der Schöpfung, ges. v. Zochel1i.
28. RecH. und Arie aus: il Pensieroso v. Händel, ges. v. Miss Stephens

[AML I, 67-68.]

Advertisements

Public Ledger and Daily Advertiser (May 17, 1822): 1.

WHITSUN-EVE.

THEATRE ROYAL, COVENT-GARDEN.

GRAND MUSICAL, PERFORMANCE,

Under the Management of Mr. BOCHSA.

On SATURDAY, May 25, a GRAND SELECTION of SACRED, ANTIENT, and MODERN MUSIC, From the Works of Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and other celebrated Composers, including several of the most favourite Compositions performed during the Lent Season.

Principal Vocal Performers:—Mrs. Salmon, Miss Stephens, Madame Ronzi De Begnis, Madame Vestris, Miss Goodall, Mrs. Bellchambers, Miss Povey, and Madame Camporese.—Mr. Vaughan, Mr. Bellamy, Mr. Begrez, Mr. Sapio, Signor Ambrogetti, Signor De Begnis, Signor Placci, Signor Torri, Signor Cartoni, Mr. Pyne, Mr. Hawes, Mr. Nelson, Mr. Greethead, Mr. Tinney, Master Longhurst, and Signor Zuchelli, his first performance at this Theatre.

Principal Instrumental Performers:—On the Grand Piano Forte, Mr. Moscheles, his first performance at this Theatre; Violin, Mr. Mori; Harps, Mr. Bochsa and Mr. Dizi; Flute, Mr. Nicholson; and Violoncello, Mr. Lindley.

Sir George Smart will conduct the Performance, and preside at the Organ, built by Mr. Gray.

The Times (May 18, 1822): 3.

WHITSUN-EVE.—THEATRE ROYAL, COVENT-GARDEN.—GRAND MUSICAL, PERFORMANCE, under the management of Mr. BOCHSA.— On Saturday, May the 25th, 1822, a GRAND SELECTION of SACRED, Ancient, and Modern MUSIC, from the works of Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and other celebrated composers, including several of the most favourite compositions performed during the Lent Season. Principal Vocal Performers:—Mrs. Salmon, Miss Stephens, Madame Ronzi de Begnis, Madame Vestris, Miss Goodall, Mrs. Bellchambers, Miss Povey, and Madame Camporese; Mr. Vaughan, Mr. Bellamy, Mr. Begrez, Mr. Sapio, Signor Ambrogetti, Signor de Begnis, Signor Placci, Signor Torri, Signor Cartoni, Mr. Pine, Mr. Hawes, Mr. Nelson, Mr. Greethead, Mr. Tinney, Master Longhurst, and Signor Zuchelli, his first performance at this theatre. Principal Instrumental Performers:—On the grand pianoforte, Mr. Moscheles, his first performance at this theatre; violin, Mr. Mori; harps, Mr. Bochsa and Mr. Dizi; flute, Mr. Nicholson; and violoncello, Mr. Lindley. Sir George Smart will conduct the performance, and preside at the organ built by Mr. Gray.

The Observer (May 19, 1822): 3.

WHITSUN-EVE.—THEATRE ROYAL, COVENT-GARDEN.—Grand Musical Performance, under the Management of Mr. Bochsa.— ON SATURDAY, May 25, 1822, a GRAND SELECTION of SACRED, ANTIENT, and MODERN MUSIC, from the works of Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and other celebrated composers, including several of the most favourite compositions performed during the Lent Season.

Principal Vocal Performers:—Mrs. Salmon, Miss Stephens, Madame Ronzi De Begnis, Madame Vestris, Miss Goodall, Mrs. Bellchambers, Miss Povey, and Madame Camporese; Mr. Vaughan, Mr. Bellamy, Mr. Begrez, Mr. Sapio, Signor Ambrogetti, Signor De Begnis, Signor Placci, Signor Torri, Signor Cartoni, Mr. Pine, Mr. Hawes, Mr. Nelson, Mr. Greethead, Mr. Tinney, Master Longhurst, and Signor Zuchelli, his first performance at this Theatre.—Principal Instrumental Performers: On the Grand Piano Forte, Mr. Moscheles, his first performance at this Theatre; Violin, Mr. Mori; Harps, Mr. Bochsa and Mr. Dizi; Flute, Mr. Nicholson; and Violoncello, Mr. Lindley.—Sir George Smart will conduct the performance, and preside at the Organ built by Mr. Gray.

Public Ledger and Daily Advertiser (May 20, 1822): 4.

The Musical World are anticipating a rich treat in the Grand Selection of Sacred Music which Mr. Bochsa is preparing for his benefit on Saturday, the 25^th inst. at Covent-garden. The taste which Mr. Bochsa displayed in his Selections during the last Oratorio Season was so highly gratifying to the Amateurs, that no doubt can be entertained of his success on the present occasion. The Selections are from the best ancient and modern Composers, both native and foreign, and the Performers, vocal and instrumental, are such as seldom, if ever, were assembled at one time. To enumerate them would be to mention every name that is eminent in either department. We shall, however, mention that of Signor Zuchelli among the first, and Mr. Moscheles in the latter, as being their first appearance. Of both these Professors Fame speaks most highly; and for the performance of the latter on the grand pianoforte, expectation is on the tiptoe.

The Morning Post (May 20, 1822): 1.

WHITSUN-EVE.—THEATRE ROYAL, COVENT-GARDEN. GRAND MUSICAL, PERFORMANCE, under the management of Mr. BOCHSA. On SATURDAY, May 25, a GRAND SELECTION of SACRED, ANTIENT, and MODERN MUSIC, from the Works of Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and other celebrated Composers, including several of the most favourite Compositions performed during the Lent Season. Principal Vocal Performers—Mrs. Salmon, Miss Stephens, Madame Ronzi De Begnis, Madame Vestris, Miss Goodall, Mrs. Bellchambers, Miss Povey, and Madame Camporese; Mr. Vaughan, Mr. Bellamy, Mr. Begrez, Mr. Sapio, Signor Ambrogetti, Signor De Begnis, Signor Placci, Signor Torri, Signor Cartoni, Mr. Pine, Mr. Hawes, Mr. Nelson, Mr. Greethead, Mr. Tinney, Master Longhurst, and Signor Zuchelli, his first performance at this Theatre. Principal Instrumental Performers.—On the Grand Pianoforte, Mr. Moscheles, his first performance at this Theatre; Violin, Mr. Mori; Harps, Mr. Bochsa and Mr. Dizi; Flute, Mr. Nicholson; and Violoncello, Mr. Lindley. Sir George Smart will conduct the performance, and preside at the Organ built by Mr. Gray.

Playbill (May 25, 1822).

WHITSUN-EVE.

Theatre Royal, Covent Garden.

———————————

This Evening, Saturday, May 25th, 1822,

WILL BE PERFORMED

A Grand Selection of Sacred, Antient, and Modern

MUSIC.

———————————

PART I.

A Selection from the Sacred Oratorio,

THE REDEMPTION.

The Pieces in which are from

THE OCCASIONAL ORATORIO, THEODORA, ISRAEL IN EGYPT, JOSHUA, SAUL,

AND JUDAS MACCABAEUS.

The Selection forming this Oratorio, was arranged by the late Dr. ARNOLD, from the favourite Works of HANDEL, and performed at his Commemoration in WESTMINDER ABBEY.

Overture to the Occasional Oratorio.

Recit. and Air, Mr. BELLAMY—He layeth the beams.

Air, Miss GOODALL—O had I Jubal’s lyre……………………………….(Joshua.)

Duet, Mr. BELLAMY and Signor ZUCHELLI—The Lord is a man of war………………(Israel in Egypt)

Grand Double Chorus—He gave them hailstones…………..(Israel in Egypt)

Air, Miss POVEY—Pious Orgies…………………………………………………..(Judas Maccabæus.)

Recit. and Air, Mr. VAUGHAN—Lord, what is man……..(Semele.)

Recit. and Air, Miss STEPHENS—Angels, ever bright and fair………………………..(Theodora.)

Semi-Chorus—Welcome, welcome, mighty king……………… (Saul)

                                     Full-Chorus—David his ten thousand slew…………………. [Saul]             

MARCH in JUDAS Maccabæus.

Air, Mrs. SALMON—Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty.

Chorus—The Lord shall reign……………………. (Israel in Egypt.)

Recit. Mr. PYNE—For the host of Pharaoh………. [[Israel in Egypt.]

Chorus—The Lord shall reign……………………. [Israel in Egypt.]

Solo, Miss STEPHENS—Sing ye to the Lord…… [Israel in Egypt.]

Grand Double Chorus—The horse and his rider…. [Israel in Egypt.]

——————————————————————

Between the First and Second Parts,

New Fantasia (MS.) for the Grand Piano Forte, Mr. MOSCHELES,

With Orchestral Accompaniments……………..Moscheles.

Duetto, Madame CAMPORSE and Madame RONZI DE BEGNIS—Sull’ aria…..(Figaro.)….Mozart.

——————————————————————

PART II.

In consequence of the general Acclamations of Applause during the Performance in the Lent Season, will be repeated, by Permission of the Author, a Selection from the MS serious Drama entitled

BAJAZET.

The Principal Parts by Madame CAMPORESE, Madame RONZI DE BEGNIS, Mr. BEGREZ, Mr. SAPIO, Signor PLACCI, and Signor DE BEGNIS, and Chorus, accompanied on the Harp by Mr. BOCHSA, & on the Horn by Mr. TULLY—Praise for the return of light—from Rossini’s celebrated Sacred Oratorio,

MOSES IN EGYPT,

(As performed, for the first time in this Country, with the greatest Applause, during the Lent Season.)

Duetto, Madame CAMPORESE and Signor CARTONI—Crudel perche finora…….(Figaro.)…….Mozart.

Recit. Mr. SAPIO, “Deeper and deeper,” and Air. “Waft her, Angels.”. . . . . .(Jephthah.). . . . . . .Handel

Recit. e Duetto, Madame VESTRIS and Mr. BEGREZ—Ah se di mali miei…….(Il Tancredi.)……Rossini.

Recit. and Air, Signor ZUCHELLI, (first time)—Now heav’n in the fullest glory shone.    From the

         CREATION.                                                       Haydn.

Recit. and Air, Miss STEPHENS—Sweet bird—Flute Obligato, Mr. NICHOLSON..(Il Pensieroso.)…Handel. Grand Chorus—Hallelujah………..(Mount of Olives.)………….Beethoven

——————————————————————

Between the Second and Third Parts,

By particular Desire, the Concertante (MS.) for Two Harps, Mr. BOCHSA and Mr. DIZI…..Bochsa & Dizi.

In which will be introduced the favourite Air, “We’re a noddin;” arranged by Mr. Hawes.

(By particular Desire)—The Echo Duet, Mrs. SALMON and Miss STEPHENS….(Comus.)….Dr. Arne.

——————————————————————

PART III.

A Miscellaneous Act.

Air, harmonized by Harrison—O Nanny—Miss STEPHENS, Mr. GREETHEAD, Mr. VAUGHAN, and Mr. BELLAMY…….Carter.

Recit. ed Aria, Signor TORRI—Fra tante angoscie…………..Carafa.

Irish Melody (with Variations), Mrs. SALMON—’Tis the last rose of summer—Harp Obligato, Mr. BOCHSA; newly arranged by Bochsa.

Duetto, Madame RONZI DE BEGNIS and Signor DE BEGNIS—La ci darem…….(Il Don Giovanni.) ……..Mozart.

Favourite French Air, Mrs. BELLCHAMBERS—The Young Crusader. Arranged with original Words by E. Bellchambers, Esq.

Grand Chorus— O praise the God of mercy…………….(The Debige.)………………..Bochsa.

Duetto, Miss STEPHENS and Signor AMBROGETTI, and Chorus—Giovinette che fate………..(Il Don Giovanni.)……..Mozart.

The Performance to conclude with

The National Anthem, GOD SAVE THE KING, Verse and full Chorus.

[GB-Lbl Playbills 98]

Public Ledger and Daily Advertiser (May 25, 1822): 1.

WHITSUN-EVE.

THEATRE ROYAL, COVENT-GARDEN.

GRAND MUSICAL, PERFORMANCE,

Under the Management of Mr. BOCHSA.

THIS EVENING, May 25, a GRAND SELECTION of SACRED, ANTIENT, and MODERN MUSIC. From the Works of Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and other celebrated Composers, including several of the most favourite Compositions performed during the Lent Season.

Selections of the MS. Serious Drama of BAJAZET, and Rossini’s Sacred Oratorio, MOSES IN EGYPT, and a GRAND MISCELLANEOUS ACT.

Principal Vocal Performers:—Mrs. Salmon, Miss Stephens, Madame Ronzi De Begnis, Madame Vestris, Miss Goodall, Mrs. Bellchambers, Miss Povey, and Madame Camporese.—Mr. Vaughan, Mr. Bellamy, Mr. Begrez, Mr. Sapio, Signor Ambrogetti, Signor De Begnis, Signor Placci, Signor Torri, Signor Cartoni, Mr. Pyne, Mr. Hawes, Mr. Nelson, Mr. Greethead, Mr. Tinney, Master Longhurst, and Signor Zuchelli, his first performance at this Theatre.

Principal Instrumental Performers:—On the Grand Piano Forte, Mr. Moscheles, his first performance at this Theatre; Violin, Mr. Mori; Harps, Mr. Bochsa and Mr. Dizi; Flute, Mr. Nicholson; and Violoncello, Mr. Lindley.

Sir George Smart will conduct the Performance, and preside at the Organ, built by Mr. Gray.

The Morning Post (May 25, 1822): 1.

WHITSUN-EVE.—THEATRE ROYAL, COVENT-GARDEN. GRAND MUSICAL, PERFORMANCE, under the management of Mr. BOCHSA. THIS EVENING, May 25, a GRAND SELECTION of SACRED, ANTIENT, and MODERN MUSIC, from the Works of Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and other celebrated Composers, including several of the most favourite Compositions performed during the Lent Season.

Selections of the MS. Serious Drama of BAJAZET, and Rossini’s Sacred Oratorio, MOSES IN EGYPT, and A GRAND MISCELLANEOUS ACT. Principal Vocal Performers—Mrs. Salmon, Miss Stephens, Madame Ronzi De Begnis, Madame Vestris, Miss Goodall, Mrs. Bellchambers, Miss Povey, and Madame Camporese; Mr. Vaughan, Mr. Bellamy, Mr. Begrez, Mr. Sapio, Signor Ambrogetti, Signor De Begnis, Signor Placci, Signor Torri, Signor Cartoni, Mr. Pine, Mr. Hawes, Mr. Nelson, Mr. Greethead, Mr. Tinney, Master Longhurst, and Signor Zuchelli, his first performance at this Theatre. Principal Instrumental Performers—On the Grand Pianoforte, Mr. Moscheles, his first performance at this Theatre; Violin, Mr. Mori; Harps, Mr. Bochsa and Mr. Dizi; Flute, Mr. Nicholson; and Violoncello, Mr. Lindley. Sir George Smart will conduct the performance, and preside at the Organ built by Mr. Gray.

The Times (May 25, 1822): 3.

THEATRE ROYAL, COVENT-GARDEN.

WHITSUN-EVE.

GRAND MUSICAL, PERFORMANCE, under the management of Mr. Bochsa.

THIS EVENING, a GRAND SELECTION of SACRED, ANCIENT, and MODERN MUSIC, from the works of Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and other celebrated composers, including several of the most favourite Compositions performed during the Lent Season. Selections from the. MS. Serious Drama of Bajazet, and Rossini’s Sacred Oratorio, Moses in Egypt, and a Grand Miscellaneous Act. Principal Vocal Performers:—Mrs. Salmon, Miss Stephens, Madame Ronzi de Begnis, Madame Vestris, Miss Goodall, Mrs. Bellchambers, Miss Povey, and Madame Camporese; Mr. Vaughan, Mr. Bellamy, Mr. Begrez, Mr. Sapio, Signor Ambrogetti, Signor de Begnis, Signor Placci, Signor Torri, Signor Cartoni, Mr. Pine, Mr. Hawes, Mr. Nelson, Mr. Greathead, Mr. Tinney, Master Longhurst, and Signor Zuchelli, his first performance at this theatre. Principal Instrumental Performers:—On the Grand Pianoforte, Mr. Moscheles, his first performance at this theatre; Violin, Mr. Mori; Harps, Mr. Bochsa and Mr. Dizi; Flute, Mr. Nicholson; and Violoncello, Mr. Lindley. Sir George Smart will conduct the performance, and preside at the Organ.

Reviews

The Times (May 27, 1822): 3.

COVENT-GARDEN THEATRE.

A selection of music, eminently distinguished by its variety and its excellence, was performed here on Saturday evening. The works of Handel, Hayden [sic], Beethoven, and Rossini, supplied the more solid part of the entertainment; the lighter portion was chiefly borrowed from Mozart’s operas of Figaro and Don Giovanni, relieved by a few of the popular compositions of Dr. Arne and other celebrated English professors. The vocal and instrumental departments comprised much both of native and foreign ability. The talents of Mrs. Salmon, Miss Stephens, Madame Ronzi de Begnis, Signor de Begnis, and Signor Zucchelli, gave lustre to. The former department; and the skill and science of Messrs. Moscheles, Mori, Bochsa, Dizi, Nicholson, and Lindley, impressed the amateurs of musical excellence with a very high opinion of the latter. It would be exceedingly difficult, where variety went hand in hand with merit, to point out particular exertions as worthy of extraordinary praise. In the execution of the sacred music, Mrs. Salmon, who is without doubt the finest oratorio singer of the day, Miss Stephens, Mr. Sapio, and Signor Zucchelli, greatly distinguished themselves. The last named individual made his first appearance here on this occasion. His deep, flexible, and musical bass, was finely suited to the recitative and air from Haydn’s Creation, descriptive of the animal kingdom, before the master-piece of Almighty Architect was called into being. Mr. Sapio gave the recitative and air “Deeper and deeper still” with much feeling. Miss Stephens sang “Angels ever bright and fair” with her accustomed pathos and simplicity. In the miscellaneous part of the entertainment we. Were delighted with the letter-duet between the Countess and Susanna, from the opera of Figaro, which was executed in an enchanting style by Mesdames Camporese and Ronzi de Begnis. A duet from Rossini’s opera of Tancredi was performed in a very fine style by Madame Vestris and Signor de Begnis. It is one of the most spirited compositions in the opera, and it was sung with commensurate energy, particularly that part in which the sound of the trumpet calls the warrior “al campo!” Miss Stephens’s song “Sweet Bird,” accompanied on the flute obligato, by Mr. Nicholson, and the celebrated echo song from Comus, by Miss Stephens and Mrs. Salmon, were fine specimens of pure harmony. In the course of the evening, Mr. Moschelles (his first appearance here) performed a fantasia on the grand pianoforte. It is quite impossible to give an adequate idea of his rapid and brilliant execution. It is said of Timotheus, that he

“with flying fingers touched the lyre.”

If we remove the last word, and substitute “keys,” the line will be perfectly applicable to Mr. Moschelles. He selected a very simple theme for his fantasia; but he pursued it “through all the compass of the notes,” and introduced so many extraordinary combinations and amazing involutions, that the capabilities of the instrument seemed to be almost exhausted. The most energetic plaudits rewarded the exertions of this wonderful performer. We cannot close this article without noticing the perfect manner in which the choruses were executed. Handel’s celebrated chorus, “He gave them Hailstones,” was loudly encored. The house was fully and fashionably attended.

The London Magazine, vol. 6, (July 1822): 91.

The Oratorio on Whitsun-even comprised a noble and very various selection of ancient and modern composition, and was supported by cento of the finest talents, both English and foreign. Mr. Vaughan, Mr. Sapio, Mr. Pyne, Mr. Begrez, and Signor Torri, were the tenors. Mr. Bellamy, Signors Ambrogetti, Zuchelli, Placci, De Begnis, and Cartoni, the basses. Mrs. Salmon, Mrs. Bellchambers, Mesdames Camporese and De Begnis, with Misses Stephens, Goodall, and Povey, the sopranos. Moscheles, Mori, Lindley, Bochsa, Dizi, and Nicholson, the concerto and obligato players, made up a band that has rarely been exceeded. Some of the most splendid of Handel’s songs, duets, and choruses, with Lord Burghersh’s Bajazet, Rossini’s Mose in Egitto, part of Haydn’s Creation, and Beethoven’s Mount of Olives, afforded the sacred and serious parts. To these were added, airs and duets, from Arne, Mozart, and living composers; altogether presenting a mass of performance so vast, that we almost wonder at the patience of the audience to hear it out. The million must love quantity dearly, for no excellence of quality could keep attention alive during so protracted a period.