The Sun.
London, England, 1854-09-19 00:00:00

OPENING OF ST. GEORGES HALL.

building, and the ceiling, which is arched, is one of the
most splendid specimens of chaste decoration. The 15
shields, duly blazoned, and the gilded stars, are the most
striking objects —but one knows not whether most to ad-
mire the classic character of the designs about the ceiling,
or the colouring of pale blue and white and delicate red
with which the work is finished.

Lrennnoon, Monday.—The long-expected opening of
this magnificent specimen a architectural skill and cor-
porate enterprise took place this morning, under auspices
the most favourable. It had been imagined that her Ma-
jesty would have honoured the ceremony with her pre-
sence ; but her visit to Balmoral at this period being fixed,
the Queen declined the invitation which had been for-
warded, and the corporate authorities of Liverpool, as-
sisted by the leading nobility and gentry of the neighbour-
hood, were thus compelled to take upon themselves the
inauguration of this noble hall, which now stands unrivalled
in the empire as the masterpiece of its class of human in-
genuity and perseverance.
The throwing open to-day of St. George's Hall is an
event which the pages of history alone can truly recognise;
it would be quite impossible to convey in mere words the
amount of interest which was manifested by all classes of
the inhabitants in desiring to exhibit their feelings of ap-
probation of the course pursued this morning. The de-
monstration was most complete, and was as satisfactory as
could be wished. Nine o'clock was the hour named for
the admission of ticket-holders (21s. each, and the pro-
ceeds to be devoted to the charities); but for a consider-
able period before that hour the various approaches
to the hall were crowded with spectators anxious to wit-
ness the arrivals. As time wore on the streets adjacent
with
to the bhildings were densely packed, soldi
it vas
s
the utmost difficulty the carriages were enabled to pro-
ceed. Flags and banners streamed from the windt
windows on
all sides, and occasional festoons and garlands greatly en.
hanced the scene, which was of the most animating and
interesting description.
A large body of police, under the immediate command
of Major Greig and other superintendents, was busily en-
order, and in carrying out their
gaged in preserving proper
instructions to prevent pressure, which duty they per-
formed admirably.
The morning was exceedingly fine, and induced large
numbers of persons to visit Lives-pool from the surround-
ing country, but it was much to be regretted that as the
afternoon advanced the rain descended, but not in such a
quantity as very materially to mar the prcceedings.
St. George's Hall is situated on an immense piece of
ground in Lime-street, and directly opposite the beautiful
station of the London and North-Western Railway. It
has been erected by the corporation of Liverpool for the
purpose of giving increased facilities for the accomniona-
„ tion of the courts of assizes, sessions, &c. It was at first
intended that the assize courts and St. George's Hall
should form two separate and distinct structures,
and premiums were offered for separate plans of the
assize courts and the hall, in both of which Mr. usury
Lonniale Elmes was the successful competitor, cut of
seventy-five for' the courts, and eighty-six for the hall.
The original design, however, was abandoned, and the
architect was directed to remodel his plans, and his de-
sign was finally, after a great deal of anxious delibera-
tion, approved of in May, 1841, by the Liverpool town
council, and during the same year the foundation-Stone
was laid by William Rathbone, Esq., then mayor of Liver-
pool. The building advanced rapidly, and in Insl was
sufficiently advanced to be opened by her gracious Me-
jesty, daring the mayoralty of Sir John Bent.
A short description of this magnificent structure will,
we are sure, prove interesting to our readers.
The order adopted throughout is Corinthian, at d ar-
ranged throughout so as to produce the richest poiystyle
composition, with a more than ordinary degree of variety
and contrast. The northern aspect of the building is semi-
circular, the columns being eight in number and attaelied.
Viewed from the north-east a very striking effect is caused
by this projection and the long row of pillars on the eastern
facade. The eastern facade (or longer side of the bull ling)
is 420 feet long (being 38 feet less than the National Gal-
lery, Trafalgar-square, London, and much loftier, being
(the columns) 45 feet high, and 4 feet 6 inches in diameter.
The central colonnade advances 26 feet and extends 200
feet. On either side the subordinate portion of the facade
is extremely effective, and a striking contrast has been
produced by the introduction of square pillars and pedi-
ments for statuary on the screen which rises between them.
Viewing the building from the south-east another change
presents itself, and is perhaps the most commanding
view which can be obtained. The entire of the southern
entrance, and the whole range of columns on, the
eastern facade, come within the range of the eye.' Tho
south front is, indeed, a noble design and specimen of
art and workmanship, and were it not that the ground
sinks to the extent et• 16 feet, the effect would he all
that could be desired. To remedy this, however,
terrace has been constructed, from which the portic o and
its sty bolate (carried onwards to the eastern side) arise.
The height from the ground line to the pediment is b 5 feet.
'ln this portico, which recedes 24 feet, there is a double
row of massive, lofty pillars, eight in front and four
within, and above these is a piece of finely executed and
emblematic sculpture and well worthy of careful in spec-
tion. Tho figures are large and numerous, the weig ht of THE MUSICAL PERFORMANCES.
the whole being over 50 tons. In style the western por- The inauguration ceremony having concluded, the muni-
tion of the hall differs materially from the other ul'ree. cal performances commenced with the oratorio of the
Corresponding with the projecting façade on the e.is tern, " Messiah." Sir Henry Bishop acted as conductor, and
side there is a lofty screen, with square Corinthian pli Lars, Dr. Wesley presided at the organ.
extending upwards. Inserted in the screen are win lows Judging from this, the first musical performance that has
which throw light into the various small apartmenets or taken place in the hall, we have some misgivings as to it,
chambers connected with the law courts. The frcuet of fitness for such purposes. Grand and unique as the place
St. George's Hall greatly surpasses anything of the :kind certainly is in an architectural point of view, it does not
yet attempted in the metropolis ; yet it appears little z core appear well adapted for musical effect. Some of the short-
than a subordinate portion of the whole when comp; seed comings on this occasion may, however, be accounted fcr
with the magnificent eastern façade. Independent o: f its in other ways.
beauties of design (of which we have previously spot en), Before proceeding with a detailed notice of the perfor-
we must say that the latter.has the merit of clearly ex- manes of the oratorio, we will give a few particulars re-
pressing the general interior arrangement of the IA an ; specting the orchestra and the general musical arrange-
the advanced colonnade in the centre is 200 feet in leis gth, meats. The principal vocal performers engaged for the
and (being raised) forms within an ample sheltered sea sbu- festival are—Madame Clara Novelle, Madame Castellan,
latory of 26 feet, corresponding with St. George's 3°. fall, Madame Viardot Garcia, Miss Dolby, Mrs. Lockey, Mrs.
which we should say comes between the assize co./arts, Weiss, Signor Gardoni, Mr. Sims Reeves, Mr. Lockey,
and defines itself externally in the composi ;Lion, Signor Belletti, Mr. Weiss, and Herr Carl Formes, assisted
by being carried up higher than the rest. This by a few of the leading local vocalists.
division of the front consists of 15 inner col awns. The band consists of about 100 performers, the Liverpool
The interior of the hall measures 169 feet by 75, the-lasi ght Philharmonic Society making up the greater part of the
being 82 feet. It is lighted by gallery windows in the number, the remainder being obtained from London and
west, and by windows near the roof, in arched recesses ;at other places. The distinguished names of Sainton, Bla-
the ends. The breadth of the hall is increased to 100: ,:not grove, and Lucas appear in the list of metropolitan en.
by ten recesses—five on either side, 12 feet in depth, c on- gagements. Altogether the band may be considered
taming five rows of benches. The organ is placed at the an effective one. Tho monster organ seems destined
north end, occupying the space between four of the lte. :ty, to take a prominent part in the accompaniments.
beautifully polished red granite pillars which support. the Whether this is a judicious arrangement or not is a roof, and nearly fills the entire breadth of the hall. The matter about which people differ. Our own opinion
workmanship within the building is massive like 'that is that 'the effect of the intrusion of such a formidable in.
without, and the greater part of the carpentry is of hi 1;hly strument, although sometimes productive of grand results,
polished oak. At the south there is the Nisi Prins C !wart is more frequently calculated to smother the voices and to
and grand jury room, at the north the Crown Court aa. a a create utter confusion in the general effect. The chorus
large concert room, on a level with the noble chamber in numbers 300, comprising 85 trebles, 60 altos, 70 tenors,
the centre. There are also court rooms for the duchy of and 85 basses, all of whom are residents in Liverpool. It
Lancaster and for the sheriff, and several other apartmet ~te, says much for the choral resources of the town that so
including a library. There are three entrances to the *l,l m- fine a body of singers could be got together without
did structure, the chief by the south portico, on each ;a de foreign aid. If the effect produced is not always what
of which a noble staircase extends to recessed galleries of might be expected, we are convinced the chorus. itself is
the great hall. The northern entrance is through an ap; an- not to blame. But Liverpool chorus singing does not ro-
ment under the semi-circular concert-room, and the t t .ird quire any praise from us. The defects we shall presently
entrance is from the eastern facade, opening directly :into complain of grim partly from the general arrangement of
the corridor which passes round th© hell. There are six I the orchestra, partly from insufficient rehearsal, and
entrances to the ground floor of the hall, three on ei partly, also, we fear, from the conductor himself. The
side from the corridors. These are flanked with grey orchestra stands at the north end of the building. Archi-
granite pillars, on which are hung brass doors of ran u a•k- tecturally considered it must be pronounced an abomi-
able workmanship, which cost about 2301. each. The: es oat nation. It is of immense width, being carried into the
hall is paved with tesselated tiles, manufactured by Ai in- remotest corners of the building on either side. The organ
ton. The design is as follows :—The general form cone sts occupies the larger portion of the centre area, whilst the
of three circles—the central, which is largest, being ate ;ut band fills up the whole of the centre space immediately at
ten feet in diameter, and on each side of this, towards 1 she the front of the organ. The effect of this disposition of
ends of the hall, is a smaller circle, which is again sear- the forces is completely to separate the two divisions of
rounded by four still smaller, the ends being terminal .ed the chorus, which stand isolated from each other at ex-
by areas of a similar radius to the large central cir c le. treme points, trebles and altos being on one side, and the
These circular compartments are all of them surnmune .ed tenors and basses on the other. Considering the time ne-
with bands of classical ornament, which intersect at i he cessary for the sound to travel from one extremity to the
junction of one circular compartment with the other, aid ;or other, this is a most injudicious arrangement, and much
the manner of the guilloche ornament, uniting the whet >le of the occasional unsteadiness of the chorus may be
into one grand design. The field of the floor is a diaper eel attributed to this cause. It must also be conceded that
ground-work, of ornamental encaustic tiles, in blue, re d, the appointment of Sir Henry Bishop as conductor was not
buff, chocolate, and white ; the diaper is also divided is to the best that might have been made. However distin-
panels by bands of chocolate tiles, six inches wide, the sir guished as a musician he may be, he is clearly not at heave
'Points of intersection being formed by white tiles, hay j .ng as a conductor of oratorios. We have serious misgivings
;Pd and black ornament, giving the whole a brilliant :yet as to the success of Elijah and the Last Judgment if per-
richand chaste effect. In the centre of the large tires a lar formed under his direction. Much of the unsteadiness and
compartment, and immediately in the centre of the fl o or, want of precision in taking up the leads, which we shall
is introduced the Royal arms on a blue ground, about five presently have occasion, to notice, was clearly owing to
feet in diameter, surrounded by a laurel wreath, f `tom
which radiates Meer of 16 points, between which ap pear a lack of the requisite assistance on the part of the con.
the caduceus of ductor.
feethtis.is surrounded by a ri. tally We will now proceed briefly to comment upon the lead-
ornamented border three;
width, bearing t
iOl ing points of the performance. Mr. Sims Reeves and Mr.
dolphins, and other figures
emblematicof the seas, et Phi ch Lockey divided the tenor solos between them. Both were
is again surrounded by bands
of rich (slag si- in good voice. The former sang "Comfort ye" in his very
cal ornament, appropriate to the enrichments of the 'buil d- best. style, eclipsing, if possible, his former efforts. In
ins. In the centre of the two emade circles is placed t he " Thou shalt dash them" he was equally good. Hr.
---o•
arms of Liverpool,
eeigns similar to t he Lonkey's rendering of " Behold, and see," was exceedingly
Royal arms, and in the centres of the other small circut ar chaste and finely expressed throughout. "Rejoice greatly,'
compartments is placed alternately the star of St. G
and the thistle, rose, and shamrock, vellicpfroepea.teeed3l.. " Como lento him," and "I know that my Redeemer
in liveth," were all harmingly sung by Madame Clara No-
another form in the diaper. The raised
similar design to the diape •
platform Is I lid lle
ve . Some will no doubt fird fault with the number of
with encaustic tiles of a
P nels the length a•en cadences introduced into the latter solo, but with the ex-
ground centre, formed into
the ceptinie 'of the addition made to the finale of "Rejoice
spaces within the doors by rich inscriptions is
lish and Latin, appropriate to the nures em. ble-nia gc;rmebeetliern,s'h' whichmeltts
awreasopedencitdoedyleyryinsebriaodustaosbtiee,etnioonne.
?Madame
fatdhaemsee
&c, Vienclot was not at all sttecessful in the alto eolos, "0,
of Justice, Temperance, Prudence, Art' Science,
and the
thou that tallest," and " He was despised," this kind of
which are seen above between the pillars
rich circular panels, 7 be ar.
fqauiliutreennsn.ited to her. The first-named solo
Opposite to each of the doors are rm • •
a deep bl ese are (ciubteteinag ing in the centre a dolphin in proper colours on
ornament. . If it was necessary to allot these pieces
ground, surrounded by a rich framework of ornam to a female •
voice a
organ-gallery he have been
,much more judicious selection might
In the space immediately under the org made.' a
t
• by et we are convinced that if efforts
crest of the Prince of Wales is introduced, surrounded 'made male voices competent were
to sing the music as the corn-
laurel wreath, and bands of geometrical and foliated ors ta- poser intended it to be done might easily b
cleat, the whole forming a beautiful panel of about 20 ft .et Miss Dolby's delicionnrendering,of Hesh elfrocured.
in diameter; the panels at each of the four corners of t ho flock," was a striking contrast to theson sjust anoticed.lead his
The
floor are also richly ornamented, and bear the motto of t Ise bass solos were divided between Herr Carl Formes and Mr.
corporation, "Deus nobis line otia fecit." These til eiss ; the former taking " For behold darkness," and
cost 4,0001., exclusive of laying down. • ~ The trumpet shall sound;" and the latter, "Thus saith
Looking up to the galleries the balustrade is remarkably th a Lord," and " Why do the nationt, Herr
striking. This is composed of black and variegated marble, ti ouch occasionally coarse in his style, was very ormvs,
'with serpentine slabs at intervals. Serpentine is likewise in both solos. Mr. Weiss is now acknowledged to b effective
introduced upon the walls. The roof is td b 22 best living oratorio singers e ee
supper e y e very • e was Mot is such
red. granite pillars of large diameter. Rising above the gc .od voice to-day as we haveheard him ; but, notwithstand-
capitals, and between the minor arches of the galleries, are in h this, his solos were amongst the most successful Der.
12 emblematic sculptures in bas-relief—white on pale blue, fo -mances of the morning. SOIMe of the choruses 'were
extremely beautiful and chaste. Within each of these ten m gni icentlgiven, and with delightful precision, in spite
y
galleries the work of the ecAlptor er ad ti; iite4 the or tett all dieselyantags. > "
.And the glory of the Ldrd;'s

In niches between•. the pillars are 20 white marble plinths
for statues, and those of Peel and Stephenson are among
the first to adorn the hall. _ _ _

The whole apartments are warmed by hot,water pipes,
and great attention has been paid to ventilation. In fact,
for this and for the wind-chests of the organ, a powerful
steam-engine works in the vaults below.
The lighting of this gorgeous hail was a subject of some
consideration to the committee ; and although we are not
aware that a plan similar to that so effectively adopted in
the Philharmonic Hall was ever contemplated, the mode
selected is very satisfactory, and the design of the burners
are in keeping with the architecture. Before each of the
ten recesses a gasalier depends from a design in the ceiling,
representing the prow of a ship. This projects the burners
under the great arch, and produces little shadow, and as
the lights range with the capitals of the columns the eye
is not distressed with undue brilliancy. The burners are
arranged in double circlets.

The unrivalled and in some respects unique organ in St.
George's Hall also claims attention. The instrument con-
sists of four rows of keys, and there are 103 stops and 8000
pipes, varying in length from 32 feet to three-eighths of an
inch, 10 octaves apart.
The grand source of the wind is from two immense
bellows, each having three feeders, placed in the vaults
below the floor of the hall. These are blown by a steam-
engine, consisting of a pair of oscillating cylinders. There
are, besides, 12 other bellows or reservoirs, each giving its
own appropriate pressure of air to those stops or pipes
which it supplies.

The concert-room, at the north end of the building, is
horse-shoe shaped, and elegantly fitted up ; the boxes run-
ning round being very handsome.
The approaches to St. George's Hall have been designed
by Mr. cockerell, and have been the subject of unfavour-
able criticism. A low stone balustrade, of very fine work-
manship, is carried along the line of pavement, with high
red granite polished pillars, introduced for swinging the
gates. The effect of the rod granite and the sand-stone—
the massive pillars and the light balustrade - the height of
the former and the lowness of the latter, is somewhat in-
congruous, unless a railway iS intended to be placed on the
balustrade. (For this description we are indebted to " The
Stranger's Vade Mecum ; or, Liverpool Described.")