The Press.
London, England, 1853-06-11 00:00:00

JUNE 11, 1853.

the sense of pain is so strong that relief is sought in
incregdulity. Consequently that which ought
Re-
the to be
thegreat climax to seine of its effect. .
gnier's Michonnet was an excellent performance—
truthful, forcible, and unexaggerated, full of simple,
manly tenderness. No words can describe the utter
inefficiency of the rest of the dramatis persona, in-
cluding M. Raphael Felix, who appears, every time
we see him, to have become coarser and more care-

less.
On Wednesday last M. Emile Augier's Diane was
produced for the first time in London. This play is
a decidedly clever piece of writing, and deserves great
praise for its originality of thought and excellent
construction. We are of opinion that our English
authors might well take a lesson from their French
brethren, and endeavour to emulate the care with
which they compose their plots, more especially at
this day, when the enormous increase of taste for the
theatre requires that there should be a corresponding
improvement iu the works that are to be represented.
After careful and earnest consideration, we pronounce
M. Angier a master of situation ; and, although the
play is much too long, the interest is well sustained
throughout, and the manner in which the end of the
play is brought about is full of noble and poetic
individuality of thought, and, moreover, displays
considerable moral courage on the part of the
author. Mlle. Rachel was great in the part of
Diane. She wore a most becoming co me,
stu and both
looked and acted admirably well. If we are to find
any fault, it is that she is not sufficiently devoid of
that rigidity of manner which is the offspring of
French Tragedy, and so well answers its purpose
when confined to its native sphere of action ; but
when another class of character has to be portrayed,
in which the chief emotions are those of maternal
devotion and sisterly affection, we think our heroine
was not exactly that which the author intended to
describe. In our judgment the most striking feature
of Mlle. Rachel's performance was the motionless
attitude and fixed gaze with which she heard the
order given for her brother's execution. Her acting
conveyed a notion of intense horror and despair
which we have never seen depicted with equal effect
by any tragedian. Of the other artists engaged in
the representation the less is said the better ; the
management seems to take a delight in uniting Mlle.
Rachel's talent to the most incredible mediocrity of
dramatic ability ; and the want of every element of
scenic and decorative illusion engendered and obtained
the most complete and unmistakable monotony.
We regret that we should be compelled again to
notice the undramatic and altogether indefensible
practice of calling for Mlle. Rachel during the pro-
gress of the play. Even after her exit in the scene
where she rushes away to procure her brother's
release after receiving the order for his pardon she was
compelled to return and acknowledge the applause.
This practice is a most vulgar piece of adulation, and
should be put a stop to without delay. We confess
our surprise that so great an artist as Mlle. Rachel
should so far demean herself as to answer to the call
of those who, from their conduct, show themselves
incapable of truly appreciating her abilities, and who
every way demonstrate their bad taste and want of
right feeling.

glusit.

ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA.
THE performances have this week been confined to
the Huguenots and Rossini's William Tell. This
last opera grows greatly upon us, and we consider it
one of the most remarkable works of modern days. A
judicious use of the pruning-knife, and the substitution
of some more efficient prima donna for Mme. Cas-
tellan (who, to her other shortcomings, now adds
frequent imperfection of intonation), would, we are
convinced, suffice to make this opera most popular
with the general public. Next week Berlioz's Ben-
venuto Cellini is promised; also Don Giovanni, not,
however, we trust, with the cast printed in the bills
exhibited in the theatre last Tuesday, which seemed
to threaten the most untoward results.
NEW PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY.
THE programme of, the fourth concert was RS
follows :
PART I.—Cantata, " Tho Widow of Nain"—Litulpaintner;
Overture, " Don Carlos "—Maefarren ; Fantasia, " Le Chasse,"
Prudent—Prudent ; Symphony, " Jupiter "—Mozart.
PNRT IL—" The First Walpurgis Night "—Nlentielssoloi ; Air,
"The Standard Bearer," M. Pischelt—Lindpainoter; overture,
" Der Freisehiitz "—Weber.
Although we failed to discover any striking fea-
tures or indications of original melody in M. Lind-
paintner's cantata, it is nevertheless the work of a
clever and accomplished musician, and so far intelli-
gible and pleasing that we by no means considered
as a waste of time the three quarters of an hour its
performance occupied. The concluding chorus, which
contains a fugue of much ingenuity and effect, was,
to our mind, the best and most interesting feature of
the whole companion. The instrumental part was
well executed by the orchestra, but the gentlemen vocal-
ists exhibited sundry and manifold imperfections ; M.
Pischek was suffering from a severe cold, which at

THE PRESS.

times rendered his execution very imperfect ; and M.
Reichart's hard German voice and style to a great
extent marred the effect of the music entrusted to his
care. We were by no means enraptured with the
performance of the "Jupiter" symphony, which,
though unquestionably well played., we have ofte
then
heard much better executed in this country. At
commencement of the andante the band was evidently
at fault, but they redeemed their character by their
brilliant and correct rendering of the last and most
difficult movement. Notwithstanding the accounts
we hear relative to the classic readings adopted by
M. Lindpaintner, we confess we could distinguish no
difference between the tempo he endeavoured to ob-
serve anti that which for many years past has been
universally recognised at the Philharmonic Society
as the most effective ; and, in our judgment, the use
of the mutes in the andante, though unquestionably
authorised by the score, materially impairs the
effect of a movement which is one of the most poetic
and expressive of the great master's creations. Con
sideriug the talent and experience of the band and
chorus, we looked for a more perfect excution of
Mendelssohn's " Walpurgia Night," music too well
known to require any critical remarks at this day.
Dr. Wyldo had obviously no controul over his
orchestra ; and one or two palpable mistakes of the
principal singers called forth expressions of disap-
probation from some of the more critical of the
audience. Mr. Macfarren's overture is a very clever
work, and we should be glad of the opportunity
of rehearing it. M. Prudent's music was pleasing, and
his performance excessively good : he seems to have
made much progress in his art since we heard him
some years ago at the Philharmonic Society. M.
Lindpaintner, whose engagement has concluded,
retired from the orchestra amidst the most vociferous
cheering and applause. We trust this ebullition of
feeling was rather due to his character as a musician,
and to that kindliness of deportment for which (vide
the programme) he is sand to be so remarkable, than
to his abilities as a conductor. Any person of practical
experience can see that M. Lindpaintner does not
possess the decision and energy which are the princi-
pal and most necessary elements in the composition
of a great conductor, and that to compare him with
such a man as Mr. Costa is a positive absurdity.
At the next concert Beethoven's Choral Symphony
will be performed under the direction of Dr. Spohr.
COLOGNE UNION OF MEN VOCALISTS.
THE engagement of the Cologne Society of Men
Singers by Mr. Mitchell is quite an event in the
musical history of this country. Although we are
averse to comparing our native singers with our
foreign visitors, we cannot help congratulating our-
selves upon their general superiority in part singing
to the Germans and Italians, for they are usually
free from shouting and whispering, and more truly
observe the distinctions between piano and forte
than the majority of foreigners. Still there is a
merit in the German school which we should do well
to imitate, that is, the organisation and discipline of
all the individual performers, and their unanimity of
mind, which, if applied to our own composers' works,
would result in a very different effect, and awaken a
more ambitious spirit amongst both authors and
singers than at present exists. Let us give up pro-
fessional quarrelling, and endeavour to gain the de-
sired end by more honourable and legitimate means.
The admirable performances of the Cologne Com-
pany should move our own artists to go and do like-
wise, by avoiding jealousy, and supporting one
another. We are quite of opinion that the Cologne
Company deserve the highest praise that can be be-
stowed. Their singing is equally perfect in time,
tune, and expression; and the music of the various
pieces they perform is both good and interesting.
Our limited space will not allow us to criticise
minutely the elements of the programme, and we shall
for the present content ourselves with stating that
the principal tenor voice seems the only good solo
one, and that the most effective piece sung on Tues-
day was the " Northman's Song," by Kiickner, which
is distinguished by its bold harmonies and eloquent
and descriptive melody.

QI7 A RTETT ASSOCIATION.
THE programme of the fifth performance was as
follows
Quartets, No. 4, in E flat, Mozart—MM. Cooper, Saban'',
Webb, and Platti; Quonset, No. 3, in II minor, Pisnofinse, Violin,
Viola, and Violoncello, Op. 3 (dedicated no Gabe), Mendeltoolin
Miss Goddard, M. bonen" Mr. Webb, and Signor Plant ; Quin,
tett, No. 9, in C, Op. 69, N 0.3, Beetitoven—MM. Stinnett, Cooper,
Webb, end Pion' ; Solo, Pianoforte, Miss Goddard, Sketches, W.
Sterndale Bennett.
Mozart's quartett was exceedingly well led by Mr.
Cooper, whose style and tone are daily improving.
On reflection we are of opinion that the selection of
Mendelssohn's quartett, written at the age of twelve
years, was not judicious : however interesting in the
history of art, it is not a composition of sufficient
merit to interest and rivet the attention of a general
audience. The execution, too, was not satisfactory;
Miss Goddard completely drowned the tenor and
violoncello, and the quartett was practically a duett
between the pianoforte and violin. Beethoven's

141

quartett, led by M. Swinton, was admirably given,
and excited much applause. We did not think Miss
Goddard's performance of Mr. Bennett's studies
very striking. Her power is prodigious, but she
lacks expression and sentiment; nevertheless, on
the whole, we prefer her to Mlle. Claus.

Court anb Cashion.

Her Majesty has spent the past week at Windsor,
where the customary hospitalities of the Ascot
anniversary have been duly dispensed. On one
day only, the Emperor's Plate day, the Queen
visited the raeecour.4e. the Duke of Genoa being
among the party from Windsor. The Court returned
to town yesterday (Friday) evening.
The Duke of Genoa, who arrived in London on
' the Ist instant, will leave England on Tuesday next.
During his brief stay his Royal Highness has visited
Windsor, Ascot, the Mansion-house, the Bank Of
England, Woolwich Garrison, &c., &e. He returns'
to Dresden to be present at the marriage .of his
brother-in-law, which will take piece on the 18tIt.
instant.
Comte Demetri Nesseirode arrived in London 911
Monday, as the bearer of despatches from Prince
Menseliikotf to Baron Brunow.

Summer has really come at last, and has proved
equally acceptable to the numerous distinguished
individuals who have lef town to do honour to our
great chief at Oxford, to the Ascot folks, and to the
duller mortals who have remained in town. Though
I can assign no reason except the tine weather, or
possibly the increased and better accommodation
afforded by the railway, 1 certainly never remem-
ber the races to have been so fully attended, and
their attraction has, as a matter course, caused a cer-
tain stoppage in the gay world and a blank in our
report. One of the most brilliant parties of the
year was given by Lord and Lady Jersey on Saturday
last, to meet the Hereditary ()fluid Duke and
Duchess of Mecklenburg Strelitz, the Duchess
Caroline of Mecklenburg Strelitz, and the Duke of
Genoa, who had the same day honoured the host and
hostess with their company at dinner.
On Tuesday a superb breakfast, served in artistic style,
was given by Lord and Lady Ctuington, on the oecasiou
of Miss Carington's marriage with Lord Colville.
The ceremony VMS performed by the Hon. and Iles
Orlando Forrester, in the Chapel Royal, Whitehall,
to which the uninvited were admitted by tickets still).
This most interesting and beautiful building, the bait .
i queting-house of the projected Whitehall Palace, (de
signed by huge .lones in the 17th century, and destined,
alas! never to be completed), was, though uncon-
secrated, converted into a chapel in the reign of
George I. Its beautiful proportions, as well
as the ceiling, painted by lteubens were seen
to great advantage when crowded with a brilliant
throng who assisted at the marriage ceremony. The
same evening Madame Walewska's weekly assembly
was honoured by the presence of the Duke of Genoa
and a host of titled folks and commoner**
both foreign and native. On this occasion
several artists of continental celebrity exhibited
the different phases of their talents for the instruc-
tion and amusement of the invited, amongst whom I
noticed Gordigiani, a Tuscan composer, who has
attained a certain reputation as an author of some
popular Italian canzonets and ballads. Lady Cla-
rendon and Mrs. Monekton Milnes also gave arties.
On Wednesday the Duke of Genoa, accompanied by
Lady and Miss Barrington, and a select puny, invited
by the Marquis d'Azeglio, breakfasted at Richmond.
In the evening a concert was given by Mrs. Prideaux
Brune, at their new house in Charles-street, Berke-
ley-square, at which most of the best Italian singers
assisted. Although 1 protest against this species of
musical entertainment (happily now going out of
fashion) as injurious to art and unsatisfactory to the
hearer, Mrs. Prideaux Brune's concert was as in
terestinF as such concerts usually are. Miss l'yne
was decidedly the star of the evening, and her pure
voice and excellent N oodisation made amends 14 the
absence of Grim), who was unable to attend from in-

disposition.
As I was on my way to bear the Horse ti uards' land
play, the first day last week that the weather allowed ow
to venture forth in the l'nrk without the certainty of
returning with a sore throat, I bad an opportunity of
observing the prevailing fashions amongst the eques-
trians in Itotten-row, and came to tins conclusion,
that while the ladies have nwluestionably improved
the stiff and unpicturesque costume of former years,
by substituting a graceful hat—rather Spanish in
shape—for the masculine and uncomfortable beaver,
the gentlemen have made a decided change for the
worse. So far as I could see,!shooting-jacketa seem the
order of the day. Wby straps should be discarded seems
more monstrousthan intelligible, inasmuch *sit c.ao-
pels the rider to take up his sumps two Wes shorter
than the proper length, to keep his trousers below
his knees.
Friday Evening. . . .... Fders.