The Sun.
London, England, 1865-05-02 00:00:00

National Choral Spciety.

This society gave at Exeter Hall, on Monday
night, Haydn's oratorio of " The Creation," being
their last performance this season.

The principal vocal parts were taken by Miss
Louisa Pyne, Mr. Santley, and Mr. R. Taylor, the
latter of whom made his first aprearance in London.
Miss Pyne was ably assisted by 1 lady whose name
was not mentioned, but whose singing displayed
vocal qualities far from contemptible. Of Miss
Louisa Pyne and Mr. Santley, it is almost
needless to say that we can but speak in
terms of unqualified praise and admiration. Mr.
Santley particularly seems to have gathered
strength as well as additional cultivation. If we
have a quarrel with him, and more particularly and
noticeably with Miss Pyne, it is that, in several in-
stances, each of them made gratuitous departures
from the score—departures from it which, though
well adapted to display their command over their
vocal powers, at least do not add to the charm of
the music, and, in one point of Miss Pyne's reci-
tative, certainly very much detracted from it.
Mr. Taylor showed his possession of a voice of
very good quality and one also very well trained ;
but he has not nearly sufficient power _to fill so
large an area as Exeter Hall. He no doubt suffered,
in this respect, by comparison with Mr. Santley.
Mr. Taylor would be well advised to abstain from
trials in such extensive spaces.
The chorus displayed a high state of effi-
ciency, and does very great credit to the skill and
indefatigability of Mr. G. W. Martin.
The instrumentation was, however, far from per-
fect, and the introduction was almost miserably
performed, particularly the violin parts.
We congratulate the Society upon their present
satisfactory state, and trust to see them continue
and prosper. The time may be looked for when their
gatherings will equal in musical success, as they do
now nearly in interest, those of their elder sister,
the Sacred Harmonic Society.

MARTIN'S GRAND PICTURE OF THE CORONATION
of Queen Victoria, lately added to the gallery of
the South Kensington Museum, appears to afford high
gratification to the visitors. It is, indeed, we believe, the
only picture which gives an idea of the whole grand spec-
tacle. The moment seized by the artist is that in which
the Royal lady, forgetful of pomp, started from her
throne, and extended her hand to raise the aged poer
(Lord Bob)o who, in mounting the stairs to render homage,
had stumbled and fallen. In the history of the world's
commotions can a similar incident be found? The paint-
ing is, we perceive, lent only ; but as it could be nowhere
more fitly placed than in the institution which was so
highly favoured by the lamented Consort of our illustrious
Queen, it may be hoped that if tho present possessor will
part with it some wealthy and patriotic gentleman or lady
Play be meyed to purchase and present it thereunto.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

RUSSIA.
ST. PETERSBURG, MAY 2.

An Imperial manifesto has been published to-
day, proclaiming the Grand Duke Alexander
Alexandrowitch heir to the Crown.

An Imperial decree, t.lso published to-day, ex-
tends to the Prussian frontier the right of the Cus-
toms' authorities to seize, within a distance of 50
versts from the frontier, all merchandise liable to
duty, and the owners of which have no official cer-
tificate to prove that such duty has been paid.