The Sun.
London, England, 1867-06-25 00:00:00

Mr. Benedict's Conceit.

The great event of the musical season—viz., Mr.
Benedict's annual concert, which, for over 30 years,
has attracted such vast auliences—took place yes-
terday afternoon at St. James's Hall. The attend-
ance on the occasion was no exception to the general
rule ; every seat in the hall was occupied, and a
more brilliant or elegant audience has certainly
never assembled within the building. Their Royal

llighnesses the Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg
Strelitz, and his Serene Highness the Prince de Teck
and suite occupied a splendidly-furnished box on
the right of the orchestra, and altogether a scene of
no ordinary description presented itself to the
talented composer, which could not but have been
in the highest degree gratifying to him. The pro-
gramme, as usual, was an extraordinary one, as
it contained the names of all the greatest
artistes in the profession, both vocal and instru-
mental, and of such a length that a polite
suggestion was submitted to the audience to avoid
the demand for the repetition of any of the pieces.
The concert commenced with Beethoven's overture
" Egmont," splendidly played by the band, which
was composed of the pick of the two Italian opera
orchestras, and then Mr. Weiss sang a new song,
entitled "King Canute." Madame Trebelli-Bettina
followed with Bevignani's brilliant tarantella.,
yieni alla danza," which she executed in the most
charming manner. A triple concerto, by J. S'
Bach, for three pianofortes, was then performed
by Mr. Benedict, Mr. Lindsay Sloper, and
Master Cowen, which was, of course, one of the
great features of the concert. The manner in
which the piec3 was played was all that could ho
desired by the most exacting musician ; the exqui-
site touch, the astonishing precision, and the
quality
of tone were alike remarkable, and but for the " sug-
gestion" to which we have before referred it would
have had to have been repeated, an honour it most
unquestionably deserved. M. Jules Lefort then'
sang a very sweet romance " Chanson d'araour,'
and Madame Rudersdorff followed with a very
sparkling and pretty gipiy song h
Randegger, entitled ‘; Hasten hither, pretty
maidens." The bright particular vocal star,
Madlle. Christine, Nilsson then appeared, and sang
Mozart's aria, " Voi the sapete" with the most ex-
quisite taste. The audience were rapturous in their
applause, which was renewed again and again de-
spite the graceful acknowledgment of the fair and
accomplished artiste. Piatti then played one of his
best solos on the violoncello ; then followed Blan
qui's duo " Per valli, per boschi," by Madlle. Nils-
son and Madame Trebelli, and such was the extreme
beauty of the performance that, despite all remons-
trance to the contrary, the audience insisted on
an encore, which the ladies at once complied
with. Mr. Sims Reeves sang a new bal-
lad by Blumenthal, entitled " My Queen,"
but why such a dull and twaddling song should
have been selected is very peculiar. Of a
.very dif-
ferent description was Miss Edith Wynu's new song,
" The Maiden's Dream." That was as good as the
other was indifferent. Mdlle. Nilsson then again
appeared, and sang two of her national airs with
charming archness, and when again the audience
loudly pleaded for the repetition of at least
.one of them, she, with the sweetest of smiles,
complied, and at its conclusion she made a
who
very pleasant observation to Mr. Benedict,
accompanied her -- at least we judge so from
the warm and hearty manner in which both
shook hands as they quitted the orchestra.
The second part of the concert was Mr. Bene,i
diet's cantata, " The Legend of St. Cecilia,
supported by Mdlle. Titiens, Mr. Sims Reeves, Mr:
Santley, and Mdlle. Drasdil. We have before had
occasion to notice in unmeasured terms of praise
this cantata, so that on the present occasion we need
only say that the splendid composition
an w aser pebr-
formed again in the most perfect mn Yd
the most accomplished vocalists in the world, 51:180
that it called forth the unanimous aPPlati,_nt
of one of the most appreciative audiences
to
ever assembled. Space will not permit us enter
.:s
at much greater length into the remaining beg to
of the concert, but on no account must we omit of
compliment Mdme. Goddard for beeperformanceth
Mr. Benedict's concerto in E flat for the piano, wi t
orchestral accompaniments, as it wasa grey
work, admirably performed. Mdme. Vilda ellje
of
chanted the audience with Spohr's
fuggi ormai," from Faust ; and Signor NeD''o
well displayed his vocal power in the roninie
" Desert° in terra." Madame Enequist, Aladaso
Liebhart, Madame Dolby, Herr Reichardt, eze.,
also appeared, and in turn delighted the andieu,e..
At the conclusion of St. Cecilia, Mr. Benedict
ceived in person the warm and gratifying conga'
lations of the Royal party. The entire arrangir.
merits for the audience Were undertaken
cap.h
Nimmo, and none but such a skilful and active.i_
tain could have so admirably provided for the le"
vidual comfort of over 2,000 persons.

DEATH OF THE ARCHDEACON OF CARLISLE' —,/
3n
The Rev. W. Whitmarsh Phelps, M.A., Arcbdeacon
Canon of Carlisle, Chaplain to the Bishop of sl© 10'
Vicar of St. Lawrence, Appleby Westmoreland, died .°a.
Saturday evening. Ho was educated' at Corpus Chrit..l
Collee, Oxford, and for several years WAS one of the 1155"-/
ie
tant warders of Harrow. Aflor:yards ho becaino perVtg3
curate of Trinity Church, Reading.
A meeting of the creditors of Messrs. Frfts,chro'
Trenholm, and Co., the repres(!ntativec in Eugland of
late Confederate Government, was held on TuesdaY at
Liverpool. A statement was read, from which it appeared
that the meeting had reference solely to tbe affairs of lir,
Liverpool house, two partners in the American house 1).0' a
ing no connection with the English firm. The 1-I°,lteto
States Government had taken proceedings in Ail'er,ief of
attach the whole of the property of both firms on 1)013"
nt
all property shown to have arisen from funds remitted freed
America during the war, thus subjecting the estilliatis.
assets in the statement of affairs to any contingenciesc;t.r„,...s
ing therefrom. The following is the statement
£1,218,000 ; unsecured creditors, X511,‘?,u, to
estimated assets, £282,000. Mr. C. K. Prioleatt's ris3of
debts, after payment of private claims, exhibited XS,°°° to
assets. It was resolved, after considerable discussi°°'.
wind up the estate under the inspection of the foll°Wll,l
gentlemen : —Mr. John Torr, Mr. Norton (J. 11eivia
Co.), Mr. a Brown, and Mr. IL W. Bannon