The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1865-02-07 00:00:00

THE INSTITUTION SOIREE.

To the Editor.

Sra—The late soiree at the Burdon Assembly Rooms,
although a complete success as regards the attendance,
has been the occasion of some little discussion relative
to the merits of the performance. The remarks of
"One of the Public" have brought down summary
vengeance from "Another of the Public," who, from
the tone of his letter, has evidently been labouring
under vexation of spirit since reading that unusual
thing—a fair criticism. Now, whatever absence of
party feeling there has been on the part of "One of
the Public," and however "fairly and honestly" he may
have written, there can be no doubt, I think, that
"Another of the Public" has fully made up the
deficiency. He may have taken a more charitable view
of "One of the Public's" criticism, as that gentleman
may have attended the concert in Ifixpectation of a
"musical treat" by "several gentleman of the philhar-
monic," and greatly to his disappointment to hear •
performance"mainly by amateurs"—perhaps the com-
mittee can explain the reason of their non-appearance.
On these considerations, I think, "Another of the
Public" may "fairly and honestly" have cooled his
irritated feelings, instead of rashly throwing himself
into the breach to defend the "meagre performance."
If he had waited a little longer before venturing his
remarks before the public, and calmly considered the
criticism of our friend, I think he would have been led
to see the justice of his remarks. It could not but vex
any one, with the leant veneration for the noble strains
of "Handel," to have heard them performed in the
manner they were on the 17th ult. That the accom-
paniment was "miserably deficient" no one who heard
it will gain-say. "One of the Public" also complains
very justly•of the want of unity in the overture, and, as
• remedy, he suggests that Mr. Board should have
"acted as conductor," as "he is able." Now, I think,
that the performers (four of whom were professional
gentlemen) if such had been the arrangement, would
have shown more self-abnegation by allowing an
amateur to conduct them, than is to be found in the
majority of gentlemen engaged in the profession, and
would have deserved some lasting memorial of their
Ituraifity. There is one thing I regret in connection
with the last soiree, and which roved a Bonne of great
disappointment to me, and that is the omitting of Mr.
Fairey's well-known song "The Ship on Fire," The
artistic manner in which that gentleman renders this
fine composition would have proved another "re-
deeming feature in the evening's entertainment." Mr.
Fairey's fine enunciation of the "Fire" would,
I have no doubt, brought down a fwrore of
applause from his frieuls. This song being so in-
separably connected with Mr. Fairey's name, I think we
need not fear but that the next time Mr. Fairey appears
in public, we shall have the gratification of hearing the
familiar strain. Both "Another of the Public" and Mr.
Beard appear to think that because the performance
was for a public benefit,the public should feel contented
with any "ludicrous performance" plated before them
as a " magical treat."
I am, Sir, yours truly,
A HATER OF PUFF.