The Statesman.
London, England, 1818-09-04 00:00:00

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COVENT-GARDEN THEATRE. ' •—•-•:-:
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TO THE EDITOR. OF Tit F. STATESMAN.
Silt,—Should the following observations, which
ewe their birth to a species of undue influence that
bas for some time past been practised in the Musical
Department at this Theatre, be deemed worthy' of
insertion in your independent columns, yes will be
doing an eel of justice to the character of theist. me-
ritorious Bind, and rendering a service to the cause
of musk in general, by exposing abuses which injure
and disgrace the profession. Without having any
other knowledge of Mr. Elicitor, the present Cott
doctor and Compnser of Music to this Theatre, than
. what I have obtained from thoesi,..who have been
placed under his control'', andAlitabisig seep music
published in his name, it is necessity issslate that the
situation, as Conductor of the Winkles eibicb he has
for some time past held, ought to -titiirettreed him.
in cases of dispute, as the profesirorisT" pritekt,r of
the Band, next to the Leader.-itbit chew..
ter he must appear at an enemy, fer.kt is almost im.il
possible to remain neater amongst the jarring itta-.
terests of a Theatre;' besides, when w• combine;
bow much a composer is indebted to the Batid in stit.;.
log effect to his harmony, be is hound by every tie
'of gratitude to support their interests with the Ma-
.. 'stagers as far as his power and influence may estend.
-Bow far this has helm tketase, the late reductions
in their salaries, as well el the tyrkinnical 'restriction
which hate been imposed, will sufficiently explain.
The salaries of the Band were reduced the last sea.
son lower than at any former period, or than what
is given at any other Theatre in London.; indeed, en
r. inn i 4 the pay of the musicians reduced at this
flourishing Theatre, that, under the proposed re-
strictions for the ensuing season from playing et
:Concerts, those who have families dependent only
on he engagement for . livelihood, must positively
be driven into a state of lingering starvation !! !
, And silt ti, Sir. hate riven the griping effects of the
late musical (1141180Mellt et this. Theatre, that several
' Trost escellent must ions, who have for• many years
:splayed -in the- Orchestra, hate been compelled to
• 4 resign their situations rather (hen submit to the de-
gradation of signing erticles that would disgrace
the profession 1.--But what has been must gall-
ing to these veteran sons of APOLLO, was to see to-
veigners placed over the hesda of their own country.
men at estended• salaries, with less ability, it is
well hone is, (or rip situations ; a glariog instatice of
which, amensm others, is one of a foreigner., whops,
it is said, Mr litsitop introduced into the Ocebeitte I
as a slur, giving WM more than double the:salary of
' the list player on the same instrument ; but ..ilbicis
slar, from the dinsnesr of its lustre, when istased:l4,
the radiance of native talent, was fe9pl). 41411401481M14
to be of the second magnitude. •I:4o4loV.wilikkitillat
to be considered as introducing !bean .tesaws:kbrlms, alr
any uatiortal antipathy or personal didrespeet.sto.fo:.
reigners; for, although science. and skiesior falente
' have a legitimate claim to, protectionits irll•pcdiebeek,
nations, yet it is bat justiCtitsi crinclud4 from locale_
. and national habits, as well ay Nort,pettiotia motires,4l
that the unrivalled merits, ef-nOcitatiMi,,porfortustra..
ought to have a natural pricidehgtifimAiftteasceeragrao
4 talents and support of the prderei** 7 ewer amp
: ,either country ; and we need' norikniiir iiirdiat Mi.
c' Ing en natural a feeling peerrsit 4sfrfteasse outotoisigo
' manners, foreign indium*. and ' foreign intetestis;.
where a foreigner is VllowidlO preside fiver out: pis
tional amusements. Bet, Sir, ear risviiii* hmeet Must
give way to feelingi. of indignationi. ben -we see
uny of our own countrymenwhoWlay appen to be
undeservedly elevated to such a situation, condescend.
- ing to court the favobt of It Manager, by sordidly
fleecing musicians under..unwarrantable reductions,
of every shilling thee 'fin with impunity he elected
front, necessity, or distharging such as will not tamely
• submit to the proscriptive arrogance of these who, like
" the Ass in the Lion's Skin," may, for a while,
usurp the situation of real merit, but when their na-
tive worthlessness is expoied,' ire sure to excite only
feelings of contempt.
I am, Sir, 'Asc.
A I,olfE.lt OF MUSIC.

Sept.!.