The Sun.
London, England, 1850-05-25 00:00:00

SACRED HARMONIC SOCIETY.

The season was brought to a termination, last
evening, with the repetition of Israel in Egypt.
Although not distinguished by the introduction of
much novelty, the past season has witnessed the re-
vival of several works which, from the length of time
that had elapsed since they had been performed, or
the different circumstances under which they were
now presented, acquired all the freshness and interest
of new productions. The season commenced in No-
vember last, with Handel's Solomon, one of his later
works,containing several of his most magnificent double
chorusses. This was followed by the customary Christ-
mas performances of the Messiah. The new year
opened with Mendelssohn's Paul, which introduced
Miss Catherine Hayes and Formes to the concerts of the
society. After being twice most successfully per-
formed, it was repeated a third time, by the desire of
Prince Albert. The first and second performances
were attended by the brother of the lamented com-
poser, who expressed himself highly gratified with
the excellent manner in which the work was given.,
The next revival was Handel's Saul, which had been
left untouched by the society for six years. Although
formerly accounted one of the composer's dullest
works, and neglected accordingly, it proved, on this oc-
casion, under the able conductorship of Mr. Costa, to
be one of the most dramatic, and effective in the society's
repertoire. It derived additional interest from
being performed from Handel's score, without extra
accompaniments, an experiment which the committee
were induced to venture upon from the circum-
stance of Saul being more fully instrumented than the
generality of Handers oratorios. Saul was suc-
ceeded by the Creation of Haydn, which was
followed by a toncert which combined three works of
modern composers—viz , Haydn's Third, or Imperial
Mass, Mendelssohn's Lantekt Sion, and Spobr's Last
Judgment. Tne first and last of these had been laid
aside for considerable periods, and the second was
performed by the society for the first time. .The three
works were 'admirably developed, and the concert was.
one of the most interesting of the season. After the
usual Passion week performance of the Messiah,
Mendelssohn's Elijah was performed three times with
great success, and then two performances of Israel
in Egypt, the second and last of which we have above
recorded. It is worthy of remark, that every pro-
mise held out in the prospectus put forth at the com•
mencement of the season has been performed, and
every work specified as intended for production pro-
duced. The season has been unusually prosperous ;
more so, indeed, than on any preceding occasion.
The subscription list has, been much larger than
usual, and many subscribers have already entered
their names for next season. The directors of Exeter
Hall have, we are informed, very important plans
under their consideration for improving the building
as regards its capacity for sound, by raising the roof,
throwing back the organ, and removing the pillars in
front of the great gallery. These alterations, which
it is hoped will be completed before the commence-
ment of next season, will have a most, beneficial affect
upon future performances.

VERY AUTHENTIC INTELLIGEIIIOE.
TO THE EDITOR. OF THE MORNING PQST.
Sir,—l beg to draw your attention to the following
circumstance:--
In the Journal des Dibats, of the 22d of May,
there is an article headed, " They write us from Lon-
don on the 20th of May," pretending to give the
answer by,Lord Palmerston to the Russian note of
the 19th and 20th of February., which answer, ac-
cording to this communication, is "painfully modest."
Now, the Times gives, about the same time (a day
before or after, which you will find if you refer to
dates), the very same article, pretending to have re-
ceived the information from Paris. Nothing can in-
dicate more plainly that the same agency is at work
in Paris and here—in the Journal des Debats and the
Times—to perplex matters and to throw odium upon
Lord Palmerston.
I think this blunder in the double communication
lets the cat out of the bag, and ought to be noticed in
your paper.—Your obedient servant,
Friday, May 24. * t

SHIPWRECKED FISHERMEN AND MARINERS' ROYAL
BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.—The entitle' meeting of this society
took place yesterday, at Willis's Rodms, the Earl of Ellen-
borough in the chair. The report stated that during the
past year .assistance had been given to 960 widows and or-
phans, and•to 3,270 shipwrecked persons. The total number
relieved since the foundation of the society amounted to
26,130. ' There were now 25,444' seamen subscribing 2s. 6d.
each per annum to the funds of this society, and 2,120 ships
were at the present moment carrying the flag of the society.
The receipts for the past year amounted to 7;1651., and the
expenditure .to p,311. The report was adopted, and after a
vote of thanks to 'the chairman the meeting separated:
We should be 'cautious how , we indulge. in the
feelings of a virtuous indignttion. It is the bandsome.bro,
ther of anger and hatred.—Eliza Cook's Journal.
THE PORTSMOUTH STATUES.—The statues of the
Duke of Wellington and Lord Viscount Nelson, which have
been sculptured in London by Mr. Milligan, for Lord Frede-
rick Fitzclarence, have arrived at Portsmouth. The statues
area little larger than life, standing about seven feet high.
The pedestals are square, of Purbeck stone. " The tasteless
mistake has been made of placing the Duke's foot 'on the
Gallic Gallic _Cock. This should be altered forthwith.— The
Builder.
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Cook'se r f
A great many people have.some knowledge of the
ast
o acquire uki knowledge
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and.—Eliza eyd.
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