Page:Repository of Arts, Series 1, Volume 01, 1809, January-June.djvu/231

Rh avow our partiality to the Cuckoo Concerto, in preference to most of Mr. W.’s anterior works, as particularly abounding in marks of the author’s harmonic genius: nor is the present work so difficult of execution as other concertos of the same author, the Calm, Military Concerto, &c. since the most intricate passages are written in a twofold manner, so as to bring them within the reach of a moderately skilled performer.

A set of Violin Quartets composed by Mr. Woelfl, will appear in a few days, at Lavenn’s, in Bond-street, dedicated to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. They have been played at some private parties, and report speaks highly of their merit.

 

THEATRE.

A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Bishop, Henry music to the forthcoming opera at Drury-lane Theatre, has been frequently rehearsed. It possesses considerable variety; the overture is elegant and sprightly; the chorusses [sic] are sublimely grand and impressive; and the rest of the music, which consists of songs, duets, trios, quartets, quintets, &c. is a combination of excellence which we anticipate will furnish a delicious musical banquet for the cognoscenti.

Much of the effect which is to be produced will depend upon the wind-instruments; and we are sorry to state, that the managers have, perhaps from a principle of economy, refused to engage those performers on whose exertions the interest of Mr. Bishop’s production so essentially depends. We must, however, confess, that we are not without anxiety for the success of this music. The public seem to have an utter distaste for whatever assumes the form of scientific elegance; and to relish nothing but noise and bustle, to which they have been so long accustomed, as substitutes for harmony. Indeed we have often been surprised, that in addition to the melodious notes of drums, triangles, cymbals, &c. we have not been indulged also with the introduction into the bands of the theatres, of the sweet symphonies of the bagpipe or watchman’s rattle, or of that delicious vocal performer who is recorded by the poet Cowper, on a certain memorable occasion, to have “sung most loud and clear.”

A revolution can only be effected by degrees, and it will probably be a considerable time before the present vitiated taste of theatrical audiences, will be supplanted by that judicious discrimination, which characterized them in the time of Linley and Storace.



FASHIONS FOR LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.   A Polish cap, and pelisse of silver grey cloth, trimmed with gold or silver, buttoned down the front with small round buttons, a high collar, with a lace ruff; boots of same colour as the pelisse, and both embroidered with gold or silver. York tan gloves.

