The Sun.
London, England, 1823-05-19 00:00:00

ROYAL SOCIETY OF MUSICIANS.

The Anniversary Dinner of this institution
took place on Saturday last at the Argyll Rooms, at. six
o'clock. Earl PonTrscur took the Chair, in consequence of
the sudden indisposition of the Earl of DEnar.
Upwards of two hundred Gentleman sat down to a most ex-
cellent dinner, provided by Wand, of Bond.street. The
boxes were filled with " England's matchless beauty." No-
thing could surpass the splendour of the scene; the !looms
being so elegant and brilliantly lighted, reminded us of the
banquets read of in the Arabian Nights.
A list of the toasts, together with the words of the glees, &e.
which were performA had been prepared anti distributed about
the room—a very commendable thing done by the.fitewards.
When the cloth was removed, Non Nobis Dontinc, w sung
in a most sublime manner ; then followed the toast or "Me
King," and our fine National Anthem was exquisitely per-
formed, accompanied on wind instruments. We shall not fol-
low the toasts, &.c. &c. regularly, but merely state, 'that the
fine glees of Come, jiiirest Nymph—ATTWOOD's Rise to the
Buttle—W. KNYVETT'S My love is like the red red rose—
Cial.covr's Queen of the Valley—and HottsLET's elegant
.composition, See the Chariot at hand —were performed in the
most masterly manner—liessrs. ATTIVOOD, kIoRSLEY, and
G nEATort Ex, presiding alternately at the Pianoforte.
AIL DANCE. rose to propose the health of the Noble Presi-
dent, which lie prefaced by stating how much the Society was
indebted to his Lordship, and to the other Noble Directors of
the Ancient Concerts. Mr. D. concluded a very feeling ad-
dress, .by quoting our immortal Bard's definition of mercy,
which, he said, might be, with great propriety, applied to

LOlit FORTESCUE (who laboured under a severe cold), as-
sured the company, that the welfare of the Society was dear to
his heart, and that he would, at all times, do his utmost to pro-
mote it.

Mr.AwEs rose to propose the health of the Royal and
Noble Vice-Presidents; and, in doing so, he touched on the
great claims which have lately come on the Society's funds.—
' A dark cloud hangs over us at this moment," said he, " and
l fear that the Governors will be under the painful necessity
of reducing the allowance to the claimants, which would be a
melancholy proceeding, or draw on the funded property of the
Society, which would be a ruinous alternative. But the cloud
will pass over ; yes, your bounty will disperse it, and the aged
musician, the widow and the orphan, will invoke blessings on
their excellent benefactors."

A Gentleman rose in the body of the room and said that he
was a life subscriber ; but before he could give further aid, he
wished to see a statement of the accounts, a regular debtor and
creditor in black and white. He was informed that the Socie-
ty's books were always open for his inspection, but at such a
meeting as the present to enter into long details of accounts
would only interrupt the harmony of the day. This did not
satisfy him. He persisted in addressing the Chair, to the great
annoyance of the company, particularly the Ladies. But this
discordant scene lual its effect, for it rendered Master SlTlTieti
song of Allan ri'dter doubly sweet, and C. TAvi.orem Good old
Days If Adam and Eve restored harmony and good humour.
Mr. Moat performed a polonaire on the violin, in a manner that
drew down universal applause. He was assisted by Messrs.
F. (NA NITA, PlO QT, SHERRINGTON, CALKIN, and NEATIL,
who kindly volunteered their services at a moment's notice.
Mr. MoscnELLES was to have performed a'Fantasia on the
Pianoforte, but he was taken very unwell, and confined to his
bed. Ile sent a very handsodie apology.
The Military Band, under the direction of KnAstEt and
Mr. WILLMAN, performed HAYDN' and WIN T les (hand
Marches, composed for the Society b those eminent authors,
in a most effective style. BisHor's beautiful Glee of" Fo-
resters sound the theesful horn," was loudly encored. Cot-
Lvtn sung Panitv's song of Sweet Home,' in a very chaste
manner.

Several donations were given, and many life and annual sub-
scribers were obtained. We were particularly pleased to hear,
among the life subscribers, the name of our beautiful warbler,
Miss STFPILENS.

Doctor NtCIIOLAS, Chaplain of the Society, on his health
being -drank, returned thanks in a very humoumus speech,
whielt was particularly complimentary to the Ladies, for the
Learned Gentleman " That men were nothing without
the women." lie `touched upon, ancient Greece, and then con-
cluded by making a strong appeal to the company in behalf of
the Society.