The Sun.
London, England, 1859-04-20 00:00:00

THE OPERA SEASON.

England must be a musical nation, despite the
many controversies on the question—at least, if we
may form an estimate from the unnumbered temples
and priests raised to and serving Apollo in our
smoky metropolis.
We can, at random, name Exeter Hall, St. Mar-
tin's Hall, St. James's Hall, Canterbury Hall,
Royal Academy of Music, Royal Society of Mu-
sicians, Philharmonic Society, Sacred Harmonic
Society, Choral Society's Glee and Madrigal
Unions, with concerts of all possible classes, and
Christy Minstrels of all possible shades, and the
Royal Italian Opera crowning all. There must
assuredly be some taste and ear for sweet sounds,
with such " supplies" in the market ; and for our
part we hail with great pleasure the increasing de-
mand of the public for the rational and eleVating
entertainment afforded by the fascinating St.
Cecilia.

Mr. Gye has opened the grand campaign, and
his initiatory productions have been as successful
and satisfactory as the early period of the season
warrants us in expecting. Mr. Gye's liberal nego-
tiations with, and judicious selection of, artistes lead
us to hope for some brilliant castes of first-rate
operas. He promises great things, and there is no
reason to fear that he will break his word. With
such an edifice and such singers as he holds in
hand, he may justly boast of providing us with
one of the finest lyrical establishments in Europe.
Old Drury. will soon be also in the field, doffing
the mental glory of a Shakspere and' the tragio
dignity of a Siddons, and donning the light pages
of Italian libretto and the fairy wand of the con-
ductor's baton. Mr. Smith has exhibited spirit
and enterprise in all that he has yet undertaken,
and his programme for the forthcoming season be-
trays no lack of either of those important mana-
gerial qualifications; for it contains a fine ensemble
of vocal talent and a repertoire of world-famed
compositional beauties. He is to give us Mozart
without mutilation, Donizetti, Meyerbeer, 16ssini,
Bellini, Gluck, and other constellations of the first
magnitude, with novelties and attractions of great
interest. The scenery and decorations are to be
on an extensive and rich scale ; and altogether the
" bill of fare" is most enticing. We shall anxiously
await the 25th, the opening night, and hope to
record that the Royal Italian and Old Drury are
playing a fair game, well worthy of patronage and
praise.

THE LONDON GLEE AND MADRIGAL
UNION. •

The second of the admirable concerts given by
this association took place on Monday afternoon,
at Hanover-square. Rooms, when a crowded and
fashionable audience derived intense gratification
from the beauty o .the subjects chosen and the
spirit and perfection of the musical rendering.
There are few natures impervious to the effect of
a sweet English madrigal or glee ; and to heal.
Webbe's delicious composition, " When -winds
breathe soft,". and. Bishop's " Sleep, gentle Lady,"
so exquisitely breathed as they were on Monday
by the accomplished singers of this Union, consti-
tutes a rich treat not easily surpassed -in musical
attractions. The latter was rapturously encored,
as was also. Horsley's fine glee, for five voices,
" Sweet is evening's tranquil time."
The old song, " Shall I, wasting in despair,"
arranged for four voices, was given with great
animation, arid formed one of the most spark-
ling features of the programme. A Provençal
melody, words and =sic by Thibert, King of
Navarre, data. 1250, deserves especial mention. It
was warmly received and fully appreciated. The
choicest illustratiolis of the best masters in this
department of composition were presented—from
Wilbye and Saville, to our present cotemporaries.
The concert .received additional interest from a
series of remarks on madrigals and madrigal sing-
ing, by Mr. Thomas Oliphant, Hon. Secretary to
the Union. • • Much information and amusement
were derived from: his lucid and concise treatment
of the subject ; and the entertainment, altogether,
amply merited the enthusiastic applause bestowed
on it. The third concert will be given on Monday,
May 9th, the programme being of first-class attrac-
tion.