The Sun.
London, England, 1844-05-18 00:00:00

months, something must be wrong. On inquiry, I find the
Second Lieutenant, Wade, is under close arrest, and will, it is
generally supposed, be tried' by a court-martial."

SACREDCONCEitTS-EXETER-

HALL.

The concerts given by the Sacred Harmonic Society at
Exeter-hall were resumed yesterday evening, under the most
favourable auspices. Mr. George Perry 's beautiful oratorio
of the Deuth of Abel was selected for the evening's enter-
tainment. The Hall was numerously and fashionably at -
tended, as usual. The vocal performance, with but one ex-
ception, was composed of native talent, Herr Staudigl being
the only foreigner amongst the professionals. His re-appear-
ance caused much delight, but it would be unjust to say that
the approbation of the audience was lessened in consequence
towards his friendly rivals, among whom were Miss Rain-
forth, Miss Poole, Hobbs, Manvers, and Phillips. The fol-
lowing was the programme :
PART I.

Introduction.
Recit
Air
Recit. • All nature celebrates.
Solo and Chorus
Recit. These are thy Works 0 God.
Air
Recit. Hear'st thou not Eve.
Quartett and Chorus
Recit. What sounds of joy.
Air
Recit ......... 0 Father.
Air 0 dearest Father.
Recit ... ..... What means this sternness.
Air I cannot smoothly smile.
Recit.... 'Tis Envy.
Air 0 Cain.
Recit.
Chorus

—..--- _
Recit....
Air
.._

Recit. Forgive me, Abel.
Duet

Recit. Thus ever, 0 my children.
Chorus
PART 11. •
I will ascend to Earth.
The favourite of Heaven.

Recit.
Air

Chorus ..
Recit
Air
Recit

I am not glad.
My children.
Most calm.
Soli and Chorus
Recit Come forth, 0 Cain.
Air .. The Lord is my Shepherd.
Recit ... - - Who shall ascend.
Chorus ... ..... ... He that hath clean hands.
Recit Pride, Envy, Malice.
Air Behold, 0 Cain.
Recit
Air .

Recit
Recit Turn not away.
Duet
Chorus
Recit What hath my fury done.
Recit.
Air and Chorus A vengeance.
Recit.
Air Them that are meek.
Recit To the just God.
Chorus
The Death of Abel, as a performance, has been so often
criticised, and acknowledged to rank high in the musical
world, that an elaborate comment upon it in the present in-
stance as a whole is superfluous ; suffice it, therefore, that the
melodies are elegant and flaming, and light and spirited by
turns. The ear is first charmed by a quiet serenity, the heart
pants with the impress of a holy fear, and then swells forth
with a burst of praise to the Almighty; anon we feel the
approach of the dark hour, in which man slew his fellow. man,
and the mind is led to reflect upon the infinite power of the
Creator, and the meek and helpless state of mortal existence
in itself. The remorse and repentance of Cain is then pour-
trayed ; and finally the chorus bursts forth in a gust of me-
lody—" Give the Lord the honour due unto his name." The
soft, the pathetic, and the triumphant, follow with harmonious
rivalry—all has been perfect, and the oratorio is finished with
the just approbation of the scientific, as well as with that of
the humble amateur.
Miss Rainforth sang with her accustomed sweetness and
power. Herr Standigl was able to prove the brilliancy of his
voice in the part assigned him, to which the audience re-
sponded. Mr. Phillips was effective throughout, and appears
to improve upon acquaintance, though he has long been a
favourite. Miss Poole, Hobbs, and Manors, each sang with
effective precision and discernment.