The Press.
London, England, 1854-03-11 00:00:00

Pusit.

THE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY.
THE programme of the first concert of the Philhar-
monio Society given on Monday was as follows :.•—•
PART L—Sinfonia, No. 6 (Jupiter), Mozart—Aria, Signor
Belletti, " Di militari onori " (Jeasoncia), Spohr—Concerto in
D minor, lira. Thompson (late Miss Kate Loder), Mendelzsohn
—Aria, " Dalla era pace" (Don Giovanni), Mr. Sims Reeves,
Mozart—Overture, Siege of Corinth, Rossini.
PART ll.—Sinfonia Pastorale, Beethoven—Duetto, " I Mari-
nari," Mr. Sims Reeves and Signor Belletti, Rossini—Jubilee
Overture, Weber.
In the absence of novelty, the best possible substi-
tute was offered to the subscribers by the performance
of two masterpieces of instrumental music. Often
as these symphonies have been heard, no one, be he
artist or amateur, however familiar with their
phrases, can hear them without pleasure, or with-
out that profit that must be derived from the con-
templation of great efforts of true genius. The exe-
cution of both symphonies was excellent—in particular,
we never heard the different subjects of the last move-
ment °file Jupiter symphony given with more distinct-
ness or greater effect. The pianoforte concerto in D
minor, performed by Mrs. Thompson (late Miss
Kate Loder), was dull and uninteresting. We shall
not take upon ourselves to say whether the composer
or artist is to be held responsible in the cause of this
defect.. With the exception of Rossini's duet, " I
Marinari," which is sad rubbish and never ought to
be admitted into a Philharmonic programme, the
vocal music was good and well chosen. Signor Bel-
itrretti sang the fine bass song from Jessonda with 1
at vigour and expression ; and Mr. Sims Reeves 1
as not unsuccessful in " Della sus pace," from Don
Giovanni. (Query, why is this charming song always
omitted in the representation of the opera?) The two
overtures, brilliantly given, formed appropriate finales
to the two parts. We congratulate the directors at
having at last planned a programme of such a
length as to keep the audience quietly seated until the
conclusion of the concert. It must have been a satis-
faction to them to see the room quite as full when the
last bar of the last overture was played as at the com-
mencement of the first symphony,—satisfactory proof
that two hours and a half is the just quantum that
the keenest musical appetite can devour.

Mn. LrcAs's MUSICAL Evzwixos.—Of all the con-
certs in the year there are none where a musician's
time can be employed with more advantage than at
Mr. Luca,'s musical evenings. The selection of the
classical chamber compositions there performed are
invariably good and the execution excellent. Mr.
Lucas's is, perhaps, all things considered, the best I
quartett party in London, for there exists amongst
the performers something like an equality as re-
gards musical knowledge, expression, and tone. The
first of these concerts took place on Friday week,
and the second is announced for the 17th inst.
THE CONCERTS OF THIS WEEK, considering the
early period of the season, have been very numerous.
On Thursday the Harmonic Union performed Han-
del's oratorio Judas Maccabeus with as strong a vocal
cast as could possibly be obtained, including Miss
Dolby, Mr. Sims Reeves, and Mr. and Mrs. Weiss ;
the same night Mr. Ella gave his second musical
evening ; and last night (Friday) The Creation was
performed by the Sacred Harmonic Society at Exe-
ter-hall.
On Thursday last Mr. WRIGHTON gave a musical en-
tertainment, consisting of a lecture illustrated by nu-
merous songs. The spoken part of the entertainment
was interesting and amusing, and the singing was
much applauded by a numerous audience. Mr.
Wrighton was accompanied on the piano by Mr. W.
Wilkinson. These entertainments will continue for
several successive Thursdays.
As yet we have no intelligence respecting what
is going on at COVENT GARDEN. Report
awl saysth that
the company is to be uratettally strong, at the

THE PRESS

veteran Lablache is to take the place of Formes.
As no advertisement has appeared it would seem
doubtful whether the theatre will open before Easter.

A MEETING OF THE ROYAL GEOGRAPHICAL SO-
CIETY will be held on Monday evening next, at half-
past eight, when the following communications will
be read :-1. Extracts of a letter from Captain Sprat,
R.N., H.M.S. Spitfire, Smyrna, on the west part of
the Island of Crete, communicated by Colonel
Leake, F.R.G.S. 2. Report on the Russian Caravan
Trade with China, by Harry Parkes, Esq., F.R.G.S.
3. Variation of the Magnetic Needle at Aden, by
Captain S. B. Haines, 1.N., communicated by the
Hon. East India Company's Service. 4. On the pro-
posed North Australian Expedition, by Mr. J. S.
Wilson.
THE DISTRIBUTION OF MEDALS to the male and
female students of the central school at Marlborough-
house took place on Saturday afternoon in the thea-
tre of the department of science and art. The Right
Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., President, and the
Lord Stanley of Alderley, the Vice-President of the
Board of Trade, were present among a numerous
body of students and their friends. Mr. Cardwell
and Mr. Redgrave, the art superintendent, delivered
appropriate addresses.