Great preparations are making for the annual festival of the Musical Society of the Austrian States, to be held on 7th, 9th, and 11th of November, at Vienna. Eleven hundred performers will attend; the greater portion gratuitously.

FRANKFÖRT.-Miss Adelaide Kemble has been delighting the Rhine Tourists by her beautiful singing and acting in Bellini's 'Norma.' She has created a furore, and has been re-engaged for twelve nights.

March, 1755. Many smaller lyrical poems by this monarch have been set to music, but of these only two odes, composed by Reichardt, which appeared at Berlin in 1800, have been given to the public.

The German musical Annual 'Orpheus' for 1842 is nearly ready for publication; it is embellished with a portrait of Mendelssohn Bartholdy, and contains some admired compositions by Seyfried, Lyser, Schindler, Dr. Schumann, Schilling, Reissiger, &c.

PRAGUE. The Hofburg theatre was most fully attended for some time past, owing to the attraction of Madame Peche, tragic actresses in Germany. who is unquestionably one of the finest Her GaFrivolity and its consequences, her 'Mabriele, in 'Leichtsinn und seine Folgen'

BERLIN. The good people of this city have been delighted with the singing and performances of Madame Pasta, at the King's Theatre. Her first performance of 'Anna Bolena,' in Donizetti's favourite opera of that name, elicited applause, particularly in the aria Amor che il seno m'agiti. Giovanna Semour was personated by Mademoiselle Ferlotti, and King Henry was well filled by M. Paltrinieri. riane, in Goethe's 'Geschwistern,' and She subsequently appeared in Bellini's of Kabale und Liebe,' were masterly her Louise, in Schiller's beautiful tragedy Tancredi and Norma.' Sever was personated by M. Vitali most effectively.

The promise made by his Majesty to revive the old classic drama is now about to be fulfilled. Several Greek tragedies, translated into German, will soon be forth coming. Mendelssohn has received orders to set the choruses of the Edipus Coloneus' to music. F. Schneider is com

performances, and elicited loud and frequent applause. The clear and impressive tones of her sweet voice, her commanding attitudes, and her graceful figure, distinguish her as the Siddons or Rachel of Germany. For her benefit a new fiveact drama, by Otto Prechtler, entitled Perdita,' was performed for the first time. The two first acts were very warmly received; but the third and fourth were so inferior, that the drama met with very equivocal success. Mademoiselle En

missioned to fulfil the same duties to the 'Electra,' and Spohr has the 'Antigone' now in hand. 'Die Huguenotten' is to be produced with great splendour on Meyer-ghans took the second character of Fulvia, beer's return to this city.

6

Madame Peche sustained Perdita, and M.

Loewe, Geraldo. Madame Allram is an established melodramatic performer, and has acquired great reputation by her performance in Wolf's Kammerdiener,'The Valet.

In the new palace at Potsdam are shown several compositions for the flute, both concertos and smaller pieces, from the hand of Frederick the Great; he also wrote the dramas of several operas for Graun, which were translated into Italian from the French, in which they were originally MANNHEIM. The musical society of Heicomposed, by the court poet of the day, delberg, Mannheim, and Speier, who reTagliazuchi. The following is the order cently offered a prize for the best trio on in which they were written :-'Iphigenia the Pianoforte, Violin, and Violoncello, in Aulis,' 1748; Coriolanus,' 1749; Pha- have declared the successful competitor eton,' 1750; Mithridates,' 1751; 'Sulla,' to be J. Wolff, of Vienna: the judges 1753; Montezuma,' 1755; Merope,' were Spohr, Kalliwoda, and Strauss. 1756; Cæsar and Cleopatra,' with which the Berlin Opera House was consecrated, (a secular solemnity,) on the 7th December, 1742; and Semiramis,' written in May, 1754, were also from his pen. Of all the lyrical dramas of Frederick, to the best of our knowledge, only one is now extant; it is still in the original manuscript and in private hands, and is that to which Graun composed his opera of 'Sulla' this work was brought out on the birth-day of the queen mother, 27th of

LEIPZIG. - Several attractive concerts have been given in the city; among others, one under the direction of G. Schmidt, of Weimar, was fully attended. On this occasion a new national song, and an aria and chorus from Weber's Euryanthe,' were effectively given. The organist of St. Nicholas' Church, M. Becker, gave a brilliant concert, in aid of the sufferers from the fire at Zschopau. The programme contained a fine selection from the works of Bach, Handel, and

Krabo. Donizetti's 'La Favourite,' is in rehearsal.

ITALY.

The degenerate state of Italian music at the present day, and the wretched compositions produced almost weekly in Italy, the Grand Opera, and the Opera Buffa, alike destitute of originality and taste, have been the subject of much com

ROME. Great preparations are making at the Teatro Apollo for the production of various novelties. A powerful com- ment of late, but the sharpest satire ever pany, including Mesdames Strefoni, Col- levelled at the modern opera is that by leonicosti, Brembilla, and Gualdi; Mes- Marcello, in a pamphlet entitled " Teatro sieurs Salvi and Gasparini, tenors; Mari- alla moda;" or, "An Easy and Certain ni, Alba, and Santoni, bassists. The most Method of Composing and Performing successful opera during the last season, Italian Operas after the Modern Manit will be remembered, was Rossini's ner."

He says as to the Poet-

"The modern poet should completely abstain from reading the ancient writers, for this reason, that the ancient writers

'Mosé,' for which Donizetti's 'Marino Faliero' was withdrawn. The good people of Rome are beginning to see the error of supporting Donizetti's trash, to the exclusion of Rossini, Bellini, Merca- never read the moderns. Before entering dante, and other composers of really good upon his task he will take an exact note music. The new Opera Buffa, of 'Il Bar- of the quantity and quality of the scenes bero Benefico, recently produced at the which the manager is desirous of introValle Theatre, has proved most unsuccess-ducing into his drama. He will compose ful; the composer, T. Carcano, will not his poem verse by verse, without giving be permitted to make another attempt. himself any trouble as to the action, in VENICE. The chief novelty has been order that it may be impossible for the the triumphant début of Mademoiselle spectator to comprehend the plot, and E. Gogge, a native of Prato in Tuscany, that curiosity may thus be kept alive to who appeared in Donizetti's Anna Bolena, the end of the piece. By the way he Bellini's Norma, and Speranza's Due will not forget to close the piece with a Figaro; the Apollo has been in conse- brilliant and magnificent scene, terminquence very fully attended. A new ating in a grand chorus in honour of the opera by Buzolla, entitled Il Mastino, has been successful at the Teatro San Benedetto.

sun, the moon, or the manager. He will have recourse as frequently as possible to the dagger, to poison, to earthquakes, to spectres, and to incantations. All these expedients are admirable; they cost but little, and produce a prodigious effect on the public."

And now the composer; not forgetting also the singer

a

FLORENCE. The folly of calling the author or composer forward several times to receive the applause of the audience we may now presume has reached its height in this city. Marliani, the composer of the opera of Ildegonda, which has been the great attraction at the Teatro "The modern composer has no occaPergola, was called on to present himself sion for a knowledge of the rules of comtwenty-four times in one evening to re-position; practice, and few general ceive the congratulations of the audience. principles will be quite sufficient. Nor Maray, the prima donna, was also calledion has he any occasion for an acquaintance nineteen several times. Rossini's Nuovo with poetry; he need not even be able to Mosé has also been successfully repro- distinguish a long syllable from a short duced at the same theatre. Meyerbeer's one. He will do well not to read the Robert le Diable was performed upwards poem before setting it to music, for fear of thirty nights. At the Leopold Theatre, of over-loading his imagination and opa new opera by Gordigiani, entitled Gli pressing his genius. He will compose Aragonesi in Napoli, has been received the music verse by verse, and will not with the most flattering success; the com- fail to adjust to the words such airs as he poser was also called upon to present has composed in the course of the year, hinself upwards of twenty-four times; even though the metre and the expression how long this insane custom will conti- should be at perfect variance with his nue we know not. At the theatre in the ideas. He will produce no airs but such town of Reggio a new opera Il Solitario as are accompanied by the whole orcheswas produced, and the composer, Peri, tra; for, in order to compose in the called forth nearly twenty times, and yet modern taste, it is indispensable, above the opera proved a failure. all things, to make plenty of noise. As

VOL. XXVIII.

17

to the singers, they should take care crat of the Russias. These living contranever to practise solfaing, for fear of basse never quit the chapel; isolated they falling into the old-fashioned custom of would be found intolerably heavy, but singing in tune and time; both of which their effect en masse is admirable.

things are at absolute variance with the taste of the day. And not only will they change the time of the airs, but also the airs themselves, though their variations are in direct opposition to the bass and the whole of the instruments."

HOLLAND AND BELGIUM.

The execution of the choir being unrivalled in the world, it were to be desired that the music should be of equal excel. lence, but this is not the case. Nearly all the pieces are of the last century, and are written by a certain Bertiensky, a clever composer, but gifted with little in. vention.

There are two musical societies in Theatrical music at St. Petersburgh is Amsterdam. The musical institute "Fe- the least flourishing of any, and it is diflix Meritis" consists of seventy-four ficult to understand why the operatic members, under the direction of M. Van orchestra and vocalists should be so feeble, Bree, a talented violinist; and the "Blaas when we find such magnificent chapel en Stryklust," under the direction of M. singers, and such excellent military bands.

Sundorf.

There are three theatres, - the Grand

BRUSSELS.-The Grand Opera has been Theatre, where the ballet and Russian or enlivened by the appearance of Rubini, German operas are performed; the TheaPersiani, and Signor Negri: Rossini's tre Michel, dedicated to slighter German Otello was rapturously received, and Ru- operas, and to French drama and vaudebini had to repeat the aria from Pacini's ville; finally, the Alexandrine Theatre, Niobe three times.

where Russian pieces only are played

At the Theatre de la Monnaie Doni- this latter does not fall within our prozetti's Favourite has been successfully pro- vince; all are supported by the governduced: the principal performers were ment at immense expense, but the AlexMdlle. Julian, M. Laborde, and M. Cana- andrine only commands adequate receipts. ple, who possesses a fine baritone. The Grand Theatre is one of the finest The Festival of the Société Philharmo- edifices in Europe; the interior is larger nique was to take place on the 26th Sep- than our opera, and combines beauty with tember, to contend for the prizes. Fo- simplicity; in lieu of our pit benches reigners were invited to attend and contest there are commodious arm-chairs, the the point of superior musical qualifica- first rows of which are always filled by tions with the Belgians.

RUSSIA.

the élite of the Russian aristocracy; a large central box is assigned to the court, but it is usually occupied by the maids of honour, the emperor and empress taking

Respecting the music of Russia, we are comparatively ignorant. Of the four dis- a small side box with private entrance. tinct categories, sacred, operatic, military, The corps de ballet is numerous, and is and chamber music, sacred music occu-supplied by the pupils of a school attachpies the highest rank, although the ed to the theatre under the direction of Greek ritual admits of no kind of instru- Messrs. Taglioni and Titus. It has proment in the churches. The choristers duced some good female dancers, the of the emperor's chapel sing no music but best are Mesdames Smirnova and Anthat of the office, and practice has given drianova, who are indeed worthy of our them an inconceivable skill in intonating academy. Unfortunately the ladies are with truth and precision without accom- not remarkable for personal charms. The paniment. But the peculiar feature of operatic répertoire is composed of trans-. their performance consists in the employ-lations of French and Italian operas, and ment of double-bass voices, whose com- of half-a-dozen German, two of which are pass is from the lowest A. of the piano to by Weber, and four by Mozart. Robert C. above the lines, and which produce an le Diable and La Muette have the power incredible effect by doubling the ordinary of attracting crowds.

bass parts.

The Russian opera has little more influ

Now Russia is the only country that ence on the public than the German; the offers a certain provision for a double-répertoire is the same with different lanbass singer: the possession of such notes gunge and performers. The first tenor, combined with a knowledge of music, Leonof, is Russian only by birth, having insures a pension for life from the auto-been educated in France. He is a na

tural son of Field the pianist; with much countenance, combine to make hera most musical knowledge, but very limited pow- accomplished artiste, and cause much

ers, he is called upon to fill the posts of Rubini in the Puritani, and of Nourrit in Robert. The prima donna is Mdlle. Verteuil, who on returning to her native country took the name of Soloviova.

regret at her departure.

FRANCE.

PARIS. Great preparations are making She has a pretty voice and great execu- for the opening of the Italian Opera with tion, but being an indifferent musician Mercadante's Vestale. Signor Ronzi, a sings very unequally, and the public has youthful tenor, who has been successful not sufficient discrimination to applaud in at Naples and Milan, and is the composer the right place. Another prima donna, of several cantatas, is engaged to replace Mdlle. Stephanova, is not without merit; Rubini. Mirate, Morelli, Tamburini, Althe bass is Petrorf, and his wife Petrova bertazzi and Lablache have arrived in the contralto.

Paris, and Grisi and Mario are hourly expected. The alterations of the Theatre Renaissance for the Italian company have cost £8000.

It is surprising the progress which music has made within the last few years in the Russian capital. Amongst the native artists of first-rate abilities, we rank, as a The past two months may be conviolinist, M. Ghys, styled the Russian sidered the most unmusical period of the Paganini, on the piano, the admirable year at Paris, but great preparations are Dreyschok, who is said to approach very making by the Italian Opera company, closely Thalberg, and to rival Hengelt and we are promised a brilliant campaign; and Gerke! Amongst the first-rate com- the novelties have not yet been announced, posers are M. Glinka, author of the first but we fear we shall have little less than Russian opera that has ever appeared. It Donizetti's and Mercadante's interminais entitled My Life for the Czar. The ble trash. Why do not the Parisians plot is simple; the action taking place adopt the opinion of their great model, during one of the old Russo-Polish wars; Napoleon?-He was exceedingly fond of a peasant devotes himself to save the Italian music, whose calmness, sweetness, Czar, who has taken refuge from pursuit and tender expression inspire gentle in the mountains; he simulates treachery, reveries, as he one day said to Cherubini. and offers himself to the Poles as a guide Often even had he complained to that to the retreat of their enemy, and having learned composer of the noise which filled conducted them into an inextricable laby- his orchestra to the detriment of melody. rinth of defiles, avows the act, and dies Cherubini had occasionally disputed the under the Polish swords, crying "Vive le point with the emperor, without being Czar."

able to bring him over to his opinion, After him ranks M. Stronisky, who has however piquant the observations were composed a pretty opera, entitled, Para- with which he maintained it. Thus at cha la Saberienne. Next comes Count Vienna, where he had been entrusted with Fobstog, the author of numerous songs the superintendence of the court concerts, and melodies. And lastly, Colonel Alexis Napoleon, in the middle of a brilliant and Lvof, Director of the Imperial Chapel, a animated morceau, suddenly exclaimed, perfect wonder on the violin, and who "Oh, M. Cherubini, your orchestra plays has recently been elected an honorary too high!" "Sir," answered the conmember of the Academy of Berlin, and ductor of the orchestra, with a sardonic received other marks of distinction smile, "I can assure your Majesty that throughout Germany. Amongst other my orchestra is in perfect tune." "This musicians of eminence are Count Wil- is not fair, M. Cherubini," replied the emhorsky, M. Dinitress, and the young peror with mildness; "I mean to say Monskof. The best native vocalists in- that your musicians play too strong!clude Madame Petrof and Madame Oze- That may be suited to what you call rof, and Messrs. Samoylof, Balabine, and French taste, but I have accustomed the Wolkof. The excellent German actress French to the roar of cannon, and by winand cantatrice, Mademoiselle Sabine ning battles they have lost their ears." Heinfetter, has been singing here for A new three act opera composed by some time. The purity and sonorousness Balfe is to be produced with great splenof her mezzo soprano, and the ability and dour, and the principal parts to be filled expression with which she regulates it, by Grisi, Mario and Tamburini.

together with her pleasing and intelligent At the Opera Français, Rossini's Guil

laume Tell and Auber's La Muette are to be produced immediately. In the former M. Poultier will make his débût as Arnold.

OPERA COMIQUE.--Three most successful operettas, or musical farces, have been produced for the first time at this theatre, and are each likely to become standard favourites. Les Deux Voleurs, Frère et Mari and L'Aëiule, are pleasant trifles; the former is the composition of M. Girard, the leader of the orchestra at this theatre.

wonderful flexibility in his voice. Some of these trifles would be worthy Mr. Webster's attention.

M. Schlesiner, the talented and indefatigable editor of the Revue et Gazette Musicale, has been presented with a gold medal by command of Her Majesty Victoria, in reward for the constant efforts made by him for the progress of music as evinced by the publication of that Journal, and by the beautiful collection of classical chefs d'œuvre of ancient and modern masters, with which he has presented the musical public. He has also been honoured with a similar distinction from Her Majesty the Empress of Russia.

LONDON.

The amusement in the plot arises from a double attempt made-first by the Marquis de Solange,-a name celebrated in the gallant annals of the court of Louis XV.to cheat a worthy bourgeois, Gibelin by name, out of his pretty wife on the wedding night; and, next, by the well-known robber of those days, Jean de Beauvais, to HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE.-Another seasteal a valuable set of diamonds, which son less brilliant than the preceding has the wealthy citizen has presented to his terminated without the fulfilment of those bride. By an ingenious ruse, the Marquis promises on the part of the manager gets Gibelin from his home, and both the which rendered the opening night so auschief and the gallant obtain admittance to picious. Only two novelties and two rethe house. The presence of mind and vivals were produced during the whole ready wit of the young wife-who though season. The former were most ill-selectpretty, and married to an elderly gentle- ed; Donizetti's Fausta' proved a decided man, the author represents as virtuous-failure, and his 'Roberto Devereux' excontrive means to defeat the designs of perienced a very indifferent reception. both marauders, until the return of her husband, when, after a series of mistakes of persons and scenes of equivoque which are highly amusing in representation, though too slight to bear detail, both parties receive their congé, and the fortunate husband is left in quiet possession. Frère et Mari is the composition of M. Clapisson. The plot turns upon a neg-opera has failed to become popular and lected wife being mistaken for a sister, and a consequent demand of the lady's hand, with a thousand jealousies and perplexities arising therefrom.

The revivals, on the contrary, were well chosen, Cimarosa's 'Gli Orazj ed i Curiazj' is a beautiful opera, but the music was less familiar to the ear than the old stock operas, and as it did not receive "uproarious applause," it was withdrawn without a fair trial; the same may be said of Rossini's 'Il Turco in Italia.' Many a good

justly appreciated from being withdrawn or too soon consigned to oblivion. The old favourites reproduced amounting to twenty were:-Cimarosa's 'Matrimonio Segreto;' Mozart's 'Nozze di Figaro' and Don Giovanni;' Rossini's Tancredi,' Otello,' 'Semiramide,' 'Cenerentola,'

L'Aeiule is the composition of A. Boildieu, and contains some sprightly music. The plot of this little piece consists in a young man, a sailor, disguis-Barbière,'' Mosè (one act only), and ing himself as his sister, in order to 'Gazza Ladra; Bellini's 'Beatrice di Tenthwart an old captain who is enamoured da,' 'Norma,' 'Puritani,' 'Sonnambula,' with her. The matchmaker is a grandmamma, who being blind is unable to detect the imposture, but causes much amusement by requiring the young man to sing, and display various other female The grand operas announced at the accomplishments to captivate the elderly commencement of the season in bold and admirer. The old gentleman ultimately attractive type were not produced, either relinquishes his claim, and the real young from penurious motives on the part of the lady is united to her lover, who proves to management, or because they were never be the captain's nephew. M. Roger per-intended otherwise than as a puff à la sonated the young lady, and displayed Bunn. It is evident it did not arise from