6 June 1833

Party for the Christening Moscheles’ son, Felix Moscheles

London: Ignaz Moscheles’ Residence—Time: Evening

 ↓Programme

ImpromptuMiss Masson; Piano Accomp.: Chevalier NeukommNeukomm
Piano DuetMessrs. J. B. Cramer, MoschelesClementi
Free Piano Fantasia, incl. ‘The Harmonious Blacksmith’Mr. Hummel 
Piano RondoMr. J. B. Cramer 
Violin FantasiaM. de Bériot 
Principal Vocalists: Miss Masson, Mlle F. Pixis, Mme Schröder-Devrient; Messrs. Dobler, Haitzinger, Parry jun. 
Principal Instrumentalists: Chevalier Neukomm, M. de Bériot, Messrs. Hummel, J. B. Cramer, Moscheles

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Review

The Morning Post (June 8, 1833): 3.

SOIREE MUSICALE. 

Mr. MOSCHELES gave an exquisite musical treat to a select party of friends on Thursday evening, at his residence, Chester-place. Regent’s Park; the immediate occasion of which was the christening of a son. An impromptu, written by BARRY CORNWALL, and set to music by the Chevalier NEUKOMM, was extremely well sung by Miss MASSON, accompanied by the composer. Madame SCHRŒDER DEVRIENT, Madlle. PIXIS, Herr HAITZINGER, Herr DOBLER, PARRY, jun., &c. &c, sang a variety of vocal compositions. There were no less than five of the first-rate pianoforte-players present, namely, J. B. CRAMER, HUMMEL, PIXIS, HERZ, and MOSCHELES; the latter performed a duet of CLEMENTI’S with J. B. CRAMER, who afterwards played a brilliant rondo with that elegance of style, neatness of execution, taste, and expression for which he is so distinguished! HUMMEL performed extemporaneously in the most scientific and masterly manner; he introduced HANDEL’S air, The Harmonious Blacksmith, in a variety of shapes, concluding with a spirited fugue. MOSCHELES’ mode of accompanying NEUKOMM’S fine cantata of The Midnight Review, sung by PARRY, jun., displayed his knowledge of orchestral effects, for the solos given to the various instruments, in the score, were rendered particularly conspicuous by him on the piano-forte; in short, he left not a point untouched. DE BERIOT performed a fantasia on the violin with consummate skill, power, and command; his tone, his bowing, both legato and staccato, his double and triple stops, his harmonies, his rapid yet distinct execution, all combined to render his performance one of the most finished that was ever witnessed. All who took part in this truly musical treat did so con amore, which, after all, is the best standard by which real talent can be duly judged. The company partook of an elegant supper after the Concert, and departed highly delighted with the evening’s entertainment, and the kind attention of the host and hostess.