The Sun.
London, England, 1841-03-16 00:00:00

PHILHARMONIC CONCERT.

Last night the second concert of the season took place, and
presented features of attraction, which give promise of brilliant
success. Considering the great power of this orchestra, loud
complaints have been reiterated that the concerts presented
nothing worthy of its high bearing in the musical world—that
the programmes of the evening were a continued routine, and
although we readily admit that many of the majestic sym-
phonies of Beethoven are ever fresh, and ever new, still a de-
pendence on these paid Haydn's, and Mozart's, betokens a lazy
way of performing the distinguished duties which devolve upon
the directors of this celebrated concert.
It has often been remarked how very inferior the vocal
music at the Philharmonic is ! But it must not be forgotten
that the sublime effects which.the orchestra produces in the
highest order of symphonies usually performed there, places
the singer under a most disadvantageous comparison. 'There
are not many vocal compositions that can stand the test, and
there are still fewer vocalists who dare to risk their fame and
reputation by venturing on the highest order of vocal composi-
tion. These are circumstances operating to the disadrare age
of the Philharmonic, but seldom or ever noticed in extenuation
of any failure ; in the whole concerts, however unexception-
able, many portions of each may have been.
The concert of last night was an exception to the old rou-
tine, and we hail it as the precursor of a great revival of this
Society.
The orchestra consisted of about 150 performers, including
a well trained choral band, collected together at an expense of
nearly three hundred guineas.
Great efforts must have been put forth to secure the magui-
ficant result of the evening, for which the Directors deserve not
only the thanks of the subscribers but of the musical world in
general ; and we trust that the public—who seldom overlook
exertions made to deserve their patronage—will so encourage
the Philharmonic as to enable the Society to continue the whole
series of concerts upon the magnificent scale of last night.
Mr. Loder led, and Mr. Lucas conducted. The following is
the programme:—

ACT 1.
Sinfonia in F—Ries.
Second Finale (Oberon)—C. M. Von Weber.
Concerto, Violin, Mr. B!agrove—Kreutzer.
Scena, Miss Rainforth, " Ocean, thou, mighty monster ,"
(Oberon)—C. M. Von Weber.
Overture, Benvenuto Cellina (first time of performance in
London)—Berlioz.

ACT 11.
" Lobgesang " a Hymn of Praise (first time of performance
in London)—F. Mendelssohn Bartholdy.
The novelties of the evening were Mendelsshon's Hymn of
Praise, Berlioz overture, and Ries' Symphony.
The Symphony was executed in a manner which set at de-
fiance all comparison in this country. The veteran Lindley
enchanted the audience with the fine compositions allotted to
him. The finale to Oberon followed, and left a. melancholy
impression on our mind, of the cold and withering neglect
which its great author experienced in his latter days.
The Concerto of Kreuzer was most beautifully played by
Mr. Blaygrove. If a little more soul, and energy could be in
fused into this most talented young artist, he would be the
most distinguished violinist of the present time.
The performance concluded with the scena from Oberon in
which Miss Rainforth who had been unable to attend in
time displayed great skill and power.
The overture of Berlioz will excite a great variety of criti-
cism ; but nevertheless the Directors deserve great credit for
introducing his writings to an English public.
The " Lobgesang," though a little lengthy in the symphony
portions, is a superb composition. There are gems in it which
must soon make it familiar in every musical family, among
which we would particularize the solo, Miss Rainforth and
chorus, " Praise the Lord, 0 my soul ; all that is in me praise
his holy name. Do not forget all his benefits." And the
charming duet, Miss Rainforth and Miss Williams, and chorus,
" I waited for the Lord • he inclined unto me ; he heard my
complaint. Blest are they that put their hope and trust in tile
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the rosin crowded. The experiment of last night musttobfeoleloowr-.
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mately be crowned with complete success.
The Concert altogether was well performed, surethe room was