The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1826-01-31 00:00:00

COVENT-GARDEN,

Lest night the Oratorio of The Mt s3ink was performed
at this Theatre, and not, as has been generally the case of
late years, a selection of sacred music both ancient and mo-
dern. The house was crowded in every part long before the
performance began. 'lle stage was fitted up in very
handsome style, and the chorus singers placed in the or-
chestra of the Theatre, instead of being on the stage as
formerly, which is a decided improvement, as the choruses,
which were very well sustained, never went oft' with better
effect. Before the Oratorio commenced the national an-
them, " God save the King," was gien by Mira Paton,
Nliss Stephens, Mr. Itraliam, &c. The latter sang
throughout the evening with great effect, and was never
heard to more advantage than in the air, "Thou shalt
break them like a potter's vessel." The fine conception of
it, and the volume of wire displayed, produced a unani-
mous errorr; and Alias Pator's " Rejoice greatly," for
neatness of execution and power, was never excelled by her
talented predecessor, Mrs. Salmon. The sweet and liquid
tones of bliss Stephenn in the airs " I know that my Re-
deemer liveth." and "'thou didat rest his soul in hell,"
wire also loudly and deservedly applauded. The bass
wtre given to Mr. Phillips, who, though a singer of
very considerable merit, dots not possess sufficient force
to give dee effect to the sublime compositions of Handel ;
however, he went through the part allotted to him
very correctly, soil with coed taste. .The only new per-
former intiothiced was a Nlaster Baker, a rather interesting
Jati. His voice is a soprano. posaessing a good compass
anti much power ; and we think he will prove an acquisi-
tion at these perfrmances. Ile sung "If God is for us."
That is far from the shortest air in the if exvinh ; and the
best proof that lie sung it well is, that after a slight oppo-
sition from certain sober-minded people, who were in a
hurry to go home, it was enerort d.

The %link! Oratorio went off' extremely well.

Grecn-room report speaks highly of a musical drama, of
peculiar iuterest, which will shortly be acted at Covent-
garden Theatre, and in which &Alain and Miss Paton
hare prominent characters.
Wt understand Yates is preparing an Olin, consisting of
imitations, and eccentric dialogue, which he intends
to introduce as a separate entertainment, at the Adelphi
fl.Latre, when the present regular dramatic season shall
rive.

Mr. Rotshchild has Sent 'OO guineas to ths,subscription
for the relief of the SON!fields weavers.
Cnr•:xtira Jrt.its YrT.lN.—The remains of
this grtid! man, who died in the Royal Hotel on Friday,
were ietirred in the Ohl Calton Burying, Ground on Tues-
day. The citevslitr was First Councillor of Finance to
the King of tvaria, a Member of the Royal Academy of
Sciences at Munich, and the author of various esteemed
works on mathematics and natural philosophy. He was by
religirm a Protestant, liberal in hisopinions, learned and ac-
ciniplislied, and highly esteemed in private life for his in-
ti.4tity and kintiness of disposition. He visited Britain
with his friend Baron Richtltal, from an enlightened desire
to witness the effect‘ or that spirit of improvetnent, and
those great principles of legislation, which his labours hail
contributed to introduce into hia own country. He died at
the age of fifty-five, after six weeks' illness, during which
he was attended by two of the most eminent physicians
in this city, and by two young German medical men, whose
names are not unknown on the Continent. Ills IX/tly was
opened, and from the state of the heart and •isotva, It was
found &at lie could only have lived a few years, supposing
h.! had survived this attack. His death, however, in a
ti.rei,m land, and in a situation where lie was bereft of the
care and tenderness of his family, must be to them a
source of great affliction. His remains were attended to
the Traye by the Lord Provlist. Sir IValter Scott, Principal
Baird, Professors Jameson, Leslie, Hope, Duncan, jun.
Sir Wm. Hamilton, the French Consul, and many other
rentlerren distinguished by their rank, station, or talent.—
yet..