The Express.
London, England, 1863-08-26 00:00:00

MR. ALFRED MELLON'S CONCERTS.

These excellent entertainments increase in in-
terest and attraction. Since their commencement on
Monday fortnight • Mozart and a Mendelsohn night have
been given, and Haydn's Creation and Rossini's Seaga
Mater have been performed. On Monday hat M. Lotto,
the Polish violinist, appeared and executed some brilliant
solos ; and last night a speciality was given to the pro-
gramme by the introduction of a selection from Goturod's
Panel, commencing with the waltz movement vocalised by
Male. Carlotta Patti. The remainder of the selection,
which was entirely instrumental, comprised the most biter-
eating portions of the opera, the vocal solos being die.
tributed among the principal instrumentalists : Mr.
Nicholson (oboe), Mr. Hausser (bassoon), Mr. C. Harper
(hors), Mr. Trust (harp), Mr. Hawke (trombone), Mr.
Hughes (ophicleide), Mr. Pratten (flute), Mr. Barret
(corn Unless), Mr. H. Hill (violin), and Mr.
Levy (cornet). Reodered by such admirable artists, the
various solos of Margaret, Faust, Siebsi, Mephistopheles,
and Valentine were se expressive as it is possible for an in-
strumental adaptation of vocal music to be. The " Ber-
l:cease" scene was one of the most effective portions of the
selection, the effect of the chorus of old men being very
cleverly imitated by the use of the chalonteau of the
clarinets. The march, too (which formed the concluding
movement), was given with immense effect, aided by the
addition of the brass band of the Coldstream Guards,
and was encored by acclamation. The various portions
of the opera are moat skilfully adapted and woven
into a continuous whole by Mr. Alfred Mellon,
sod the selection from Faust affords most agreeable
reminiscences to those who have heard the work is its ori-
ginal shape, while to those who have not it will doubtless
set as an incentive to • further acquaintance with the open.
The large space of the Royal Italian Opera House was com-
pletely tilled by an audience whose numbers and enthusiasm
proved that there is • permanent London public for good
musical performances, irrespective of the conventional dia-
-1 Unctions of season. On Thursday night • Beethoven selec-
tion is announced, and on Friday Mendebieohn's " Lobge-
sang " (Hymn of Praise) is to he givers ; so that Mr. Mellon
is giving • high tone to his concerts, which have every
appearance of being as successful as they certainly deserve
to be.

TIER SEASON AT BADEN-BADEN. Seldom han
this favourite continental watering-place been an full of
visitors as during the present year ; far, as We learn by •
letter dated the Lod inst., the number then in the city
reached 31,000; sad, so the races commence on Seotem-
ber 2, the cohabitant' are looking forward to a great in-
crease in the number of their guests. During the past
week the King of Prussia, the King of the Netherlaods,
and the Kiog of Saxony were at Baden-Baden—quite an
event in the history of the city. The King of Saxony was
there in 1e:19, when he came to meet the Emperor of the
French. It was remarked by the inhabitant' that, although
no loos period has elapsed since his Sexes Majesty's former
visit, time has left its imprint on his brow. The King paid •
visit to the Duchess of Hamilton at the Hotel d'Aogleterre
woo after his arrival, sod prolonged his visit for two hours,
while awaiting the arrival of his son and danshter-in-law,
the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Sauey. Th;
carriage of the Duke of Hamilton eieveyed their royal
highnesses from the station to the hotel, bet the crowd of
people anxious to see the King and Prises sad Princew was
so great that the vehicle could only proceed slowly, and
with the utmost difficulty.
A DEFENDER OF THE FAITH.—The report CM
bripodage presented to the Italian parliament contains the
examioation of • brigand named Pasquale Forgioue,
who was tried and executed at Oesuaido, in the pro-
vince of Avelino, in February led. On his being
asked why he had committed the atrocities laid to
his charge. he replied that he was fighting (or the
Faith—for the catholic religion, and that be was blessed by
the Pope, as he might have proved had he not lost a
printed paper which bed come from Rome, sod in which it
was said that,the real brigands were the Piedmootese, who
bad deprived Francis 11. of his kingdom; and that they
were excommunicated, and the brigands, os the contrary,
were blessed. This paper, he added, was • patent eased
in the name of Francis If. and signed by • general whose
name he could not reeollint ; but there was a seal appealed
to it by white ribbon. Had he not lost that paper, he could
sever, be said. have been arrested. Knowing Ise wee to die,
he declared himself ready to confirm all he had said to the
imaftwaor appointed to prepare hint far deli.