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 Hamids 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 Hinders 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 defiled 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 Handel's oratorios. Saul was suc-
ceeded by the Creation of Haydn, which was
followed by a concert which combined three works of
modern composers—viz., Haydn's Third, or Imperial
Mass, Mendelssohn's Lauda Sion, and Spohr's Last
Judgment. The first and last of these had been laid
aside fur 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 sucoess, 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 effect
upon future performances.