The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1826-06-23 00:00:00

KING'S 7'HEATRE.

Signor Velluti has been hitherto represented as decidedly
inimical to Itossinrs style of music. It may, therefore,
have appeared inconsistent in him to have chosen an opera
of that 411aesfro's composition, Atircliann in Palmira, to appear in
on his benefit night ; but then it was an opera written expressly
for him, and this accounts for his choice. It nas one, too, which
hid never been performed in this country, though a good deal heard
of among the English musical world.
The representation of Aurcliauo was, after some delays and ob-
stacles, given last night, and Signor Velluti skived himself to
much advantage in the character of Arsace, the Persian Prince.
The parts assigned to him have been strictly adapted to his peculiar
style of singing. consequently they have little of that character
which distinguishes Rossini's music at almost every bar; but the
other parts of this opera are peculiarly his own. We cannot tax
him here with plagiarism from his other works,since Aurelian° was
tha earliest of his great productions, but we may call this *Theme of
many others which followed. There are two passages, especially,
copied into the Barber of Seville without the slightest alteration ;
the opening chorus in Aurelian is made the Count d'Almaivva's
serenading song, and some striking passages in the overture of the
former are taken from the subject of the second chorus. It may
be unfair to pronounce an unfavourable criticism on the first
performance of a musical piece, which is acknowledged to
have been scientifically laboured. Even the best-exercised ears are
at first sometimes inaccessible to real beauties, which are gradually
developed by repetition ; but if we were allowed so far to pronounce
a judgment, we should say that Aurelian,' is a work of small merit.
which deserves to be classed with the inferior productions of the
same author. 'Many passages were, to be mire, much applauded by
the audience ; but we confess we are among the last who would
form an opinion upon any such, but too often ill-timed, testimonies
of approbation.
Illademois. Ile Bonini, Signor Cit•ioni, and Signor Devitt., did
their best in their respective characters. 7he house was full, but
(excepting the gantry) not crowded.

Sir Henry Halford and Sir J. M'Gregor attended the
Duke of York as usual yesterday morning. Sir Henry
stated that " His Royal Highness had passed a good night
and was better to-day." The Royal Duke was engaged
for some time yesterday morning transacting business with
Sir Herbert Taylor, his Military Secretary. The Princess
Augusta, the Princess Sophia, and the Duchess of Glou-
cester visited their Royal Brother in the course of the day.
Despatches were received yesterday at the Secretary of
State's Office for Foreign Affairs, from Lord Granville, our
Ambassador at Paris.

Ne•rot TA AN Lon N.—The half-yearly dividend on the
above Loan falling due on Saturday, the Ist of July next,
will he paid by Mr.N. Rothschild, on such bonds as have
been negotiated by him. The dividend warrants, with
a thereof, in numerical order, roust be left for ex-
amination one day previous.