The Sun.
London, England, 1870-06-27 00:00:00

THE BEETHOVEN JUBILEE.

New York is keeping the hundredth anniversary of
Beethoven's birth with great eclat, and although the corn-
poser
was not born until December 1770, they are already
holding inaugural concerts and celebrations. The New
York Herald of June 14th gives the following account of
the proceedings at the first concert on the previous night :
—Wonderful as was the energy displayed in completing
the preliminary arrangements for the Beethoven festival,
the success which attended the opening last night
was far more surprising. Beyond question it was
a grand musical triumph, and it is no exag-
geration to say that the first programme was splen-
didly rendered and hailed with enthusiasm by an
appreciative multitude. All things considered,
no comparison can fairly be made between the
Beethoven festival and the peace jubilee held in Boston.
The former was gotten up with the most astonishing
rapidity, and it would be unjust to the managers not to
give them the greatest credit for the zeal, spirit and enter-
prize displayed by them in the gigantic undertaking. At
Boston there was perfection itself ; but it must be borne
in mind that the time for preparation was long, and the
most ample opportunity was afforded for the minutest
details of the jubilee. Altogether the Beethoven festival
was a splendid success, and clearly proved that musical
triumphs in this city are not by any means impossibilities.
And what a noble subject was ,the grand basis of the
undertaking ! How 'irony compose'rs of memorable works
pale before the glorious name of Beethoven !
Admittedly the greatest • that the present cen-
tury has produced, his memory will live in
whatever part of the globe true music is
appreciated. One hundred years ago he first saw the light.
As most people are aware, Louis Von Beethoven was born
in the pretty little town of Bonn, on the Rhine. His
career was wonderful, and fully illustrated that his gifts
were as natural as those of Shakespeare in their way.
Haydn was, perhaps, the man that first understood his
mighty genius, having in 1785, been shewn a cantata of
Beethoven's composition, with which he is said to have
been enchanted. In 1792 Beethoven left Bonn and pro-
ceeded to Vienna, where he studied under Haydn. It is
unnecessary to follow his magnificent career. His works
will not only be admired to the end of time, but will
even be regarded as the great standard towards which
the present generation looks with awe for the sublimity
which characterises them all. Beethoven died on the 25th
of March, 1827.
The appearance of the Coliseum was very impressive,
and looked to the best advantage. The lights burned
brightly, and towards eight o'clock the crowds began to
fill the building with great rapidity. Gradually • the
different societies took their respective places on the
stage, and in a short space of time there was not a vacant
seat on either side of the massive organ. And now the
interior of the Coliseum presented a scene to be remem-
bered, brilliant and imposing as it was. As the conductor
appeared a long continued round of approbation arose
from all sides. A general feeling of anxiety prevailed.
It was known that everything had been hurriedly organ-
ised, and few anticipated the triumph that was at hand.
The baton fell and a burst of harmony resounded through
the building like the thundering roar of the tide washing
high upon the beach. Soon the audience felt the thrill,
and when the programme was fairly under way gratifica-
tion was universally apparent. By the request
of the several conductors the decorations throughout
the entire building were very limited, owing to their inter-
ference with the harmony, but those displayed were unos-
tentatious and appropriate. For the short space allowed
for the completion of the details in connection with the
interior of the Coliseum the managers deserve much com-
mendation. As the evening advanced the audience in-
creased, and at half-past eight o'clock over 13,000 persons
were comfortably seated.
The stage was crowded to the walls. In the centre was
the organ, and on either side and extending to the extreme
end of the stage were the different societies. The orchestra
was composed as follows :—First violins, fifty-six second
violins, fifty six ; violas, thirty ; celli, forty ; bassi, forty ;
flauti, twelve ; oboi, twelve ; clarionetti, twelve ; fagotti,
eight ; horns, sixteen ; trumpets, six ; trombones, eighteen;
saxtuba, six ; kettle drums, four, making altogether 325
performers. The grand chorus was composed of about
2,500 performers. The balcony over the main entrance
was particularly crowded, but the acoustic properties of
the building generally were excellent.

VIOLENCE TOWARD RAILWAY PASSENGERS.—
Are the directors of, some of our suburban railroads wise
in permitting their conductors to resort to violence toward
passengers ? One would suppose that as a matter of
business they would render their lines as little disagreeable
as posSible. The time will come when New York City
will have independent systems of communication, and
then the outrages now so common will be remembered.
Indignation meetings may be powerless at present, but
they do undoubtedly create a strong public feeling the
effects of which will be apparent some day. It will not
always be possible for chartered companies to act like
organised banditti.—New York Times.
THOMAS CARLYLE COMING TO AMERICA.—One
of our late cable despatches has it that the veteran author
Tom Carlyle is coming on a visit to this country. It is
not impossible that the despatch may be founded on mere
rumour. At the same time we know no reason why such
a visit should be deemed improbable. Carlyle is an old
man, it is true. He is now in his seventy-fifth year ; and
examples are • not numerous of men at his age making
transatlantic trips. Still, all our late accounts agree that
he is hale and hearty and full of work. If Carlyle does
honour us with his presence he will have a hearty.
welcome. No living author has exercised so much in-
fluence on the intellect of his age as the author of " Sartor
Resartus ;" and his disciples are as numerous, proportion-
ally at least, on this continent as in Europe. A personal
inspection of our American progress might lead to a new
and improved version of one of his latest papers, "Shoot-
ing Niagara,"—New York Herald.