| Musical IntelLIGENCE-continued.

St. Valentine's Day at the Royal Albert Hall, QUErist, The: 31, 47, 79, 94, 112, 175, 250, 298,

SATURDAY, JAN. 3, 1885. WEEKLY: PRICE 3D.

INVENTIONS EXHIBITION AT SOUTH KENSINGTON. Manufacturers and Inventors intending to exhibit anything of interest to the musical world should forward particulars to Mr. HARRY LAVENDER, Musical Standard, 185, Fleet Street, E.C.

LENT TERM COMMENCES January 12th, when new students can be received for a complete course of musical training or for a single study. Forms of application and prospectuses, containing list of professors, fees, and all information, can be had post free on application to the Secretary. The next STUDENTS' INVITATION CONCERT, open to students, members, diplomés of the College, and their friends (by ticket only), will take place on Tuesday evening, December 16th, at 7 o'clock.

By order of the Academical Board. Mandeville-place, Manchester-square, W.

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TO SELL, MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS of every

description, also Libraries of Music, Music Plates and Copyrights, Stocks-in-Trade, &c. (Sale devoted exclusively to this class of Propercy) every month, single instruments inserted. Consignments received at any time.PUTTICK & SIMPSON, 47, Leicester Square, London, W.C.-(Established 1794).

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LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL.

The Royal Commissioners appointed to inquire into the condition of cathedral churches in England and Wales report, in regard to the Cathedral Church of Lichfield, that it is established on the old foundation. The see dates from about the year 656, when Oswy, King of Northumbria, is said to have built here a cathedral church for the Bishop of the Mercians. The eminent St. Chad (Ceadda), the fifth in the succession, seems to have been the first who bore the title of Bishop of Lichfield.

paid cathedral officers, whose constant and responsible duties are so uncomplainingly and patiently discharged. A distinct blow is apparently aimed at the organist's position. He is to be no longer a lay-vicar, and there is no counter proposal whereby his connection with the cathedral may be properly emphasised; for probably at Lichfield, as in other cathedrals, the position of organist is not individually defined in the statutes; as in ancient times it was not thought necessary apparently to specially distinguish the labours of the organ-playing priest any Lichfield Cathedral is in a peculiar position with more than it was deemed essential to set up the title of regard to statutes. The Bishops of Lichfield, in con- Preacher for the priest who in this capacity was called junction with the Dean and Chapter, have from time to upon to exercise another function of an ordained time claimed and exercised the right, which now rests on minister. The time indeed seems to be approaching a prescription of 700 years, of repealing, altering, and when in simple justice to themselves and with due regard framing their own statutes; the latest revision having taken for the dignity of their employment, our organists will place under the authority of the late Bishop Selwyn. have to again be ordained ministers; and in no direction "These statutes," the Commissioners say, "having could the movement for the extension of the diaconate be been carefully revised so late as the year 1875, and being more wisely advanced than in seeking to identify our generally in accordance with the mind of the present organists more closely with their work by ordination. Bishop and the Dean and Chapter of Lichfield, we have When our organists are once more ordained servants of not deemed it to be incumbent upon us to frame a new the Church, not only will music gain a stronger power code of statutes. We may, however, observe that there in public worship, but our organ players will regain are certain points with regard to which different arrange- their just statutable position and proper standing. ments would have been made had the statutes been Though the Lichfield organist is, according to these prepared." recommendations, to be no longer a lay-vicar, there The recommendations of the Commissioners include would seem to be no special provision in the way of a the following: "That the offices of Precentor, Chan-pension for him, as only lay-vicars are named as eligible cellor, and Treasurer be detached from the residentiary for pensions. The position of cathedral organist, to ships to which they are now annexed by the 37th Geo. III., speak plainly, would seem not to have been improved, c. 20, so as to provide for their being held with any of the but damaged, as a rule, by the proceedings of the Comresidentiaryships, as may be arranged by the Bishop missioners; yet who can deny that in the future elevation from time to time, with the consent of the canons and expansion of our grand cathedral services, our holding those offices; provided always that no canon organists are destined to do work of growing importance residentiary hold more than one of the said offices at the and calling day by day for greater gifts and more highly same time, and provided also that the stalls in the trained skill? The choir pensions are to be conferred as cathedral now assigned to the aforesaid offices are the higher clergy see fit. What can this expression mean? always occupied by the canons holding such offices. Is it not open to the suspicion that long and faithfully"That the corporation of the sub-chanter and vicars' discharged services are likely at times to be overlooked, choral of the cathedral be dissolved, due regard being if friendly interest is not at hand to enable the higher paid to existing interests. clergy to see fit; and does it not imply that personal "That the number of priest vicars be settled from time likes and dislikes-natural to a small cathedral as to any to time by the residentiary chapter; provided always other little human community-may at times be thrown in that there be never less than three, namely, the dean's the balancing scales, which may either secure a meagre vicar, the precentor's vicar, and the chancellor's vicar; justice to the long-suffering singer and at all times illthe residentiary chapter being empowered to appoint a paid artist, or condemn him to an old age of cruel poverty treasurer's vicar whenever it may be thought desirable. and gross neglect? Surely the Commissioners would "That the number of lay-vicars be never less than nine. have done well to place the pension question upon a "That no priest vicar hold any benefice, curacy, or basis standing on firmer ground than the tender mercies other office, whether connected with the cathedral or in- of a class which, even if composed of ever so worthy men, dependent of it, unless, in the opinion of the residentiary must naturally have class interests, and can hardly be chapter, the holding of the same be not incompatible expected to deal at all times justly with such a matter with the efficient discharge of his duties in the cathedral. without the more complete sympathies of a less exclusive "That the organist no longer be a lay-vicar choral. and more mixed body, or without the guidance of regu"That so soon as the present corporation of the sub-lating and well-defined directions. In truth, it is high chanter and vicars choral be dissolved, the annual sum of £2,160, now paid by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners in lieu of the estates, and also the houses and premises now held by the said corporation, or any member thereof, be handed over to the dean and residentiary chapter for the stipends of the priests and lay-vicars choral, for the payment of the organist, and for other expenses connected with the choir; and that they have power, as they see fit, to assign pensions to the lay-vicars choral, when from old age or infirmity they may need such assistance."

time public opinion should be brought to bear upon the labours of the very inadequate, one-sided cathedral Commission; for never was there a time in the history of the Church when the power of our uplifting cathedral services was more required, or a stronger desire on the part of the people that our great and venerable cathedrals should do, thoroughly well, their national work in our reviving and now vigorous religious life.

E. H. T.

PARIS INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, 1885. It is the intention of the Minister of Commerce to have exhibited a collection of teaching material and specimens of results from French schools. The Educational Section in Group V. (classes 38 to 44) will comprise plans, models, &c., of schools and other institutions, teaching appliances, gymnastics, military exercises and equipments, &c. ; printing and books; stationery; office furniture; photography; musical instruments. In the Scientific Annexe will be included geology, ethnography; hygienic discoveries, instruments and apparatus for medicine, surgery; astronomy; geography; weights and measures and moneys of different nations. The Artistic Annexe is

Alas! it must be confessed that the cloven foot of class selfishness is to be seen "peeping out," under the garment of a seeming desire to deal justly by all; and this is still more noticeable in reading the whole report, for which there is no space in these columns. It is easy enough to see what sort of scant justice is being dealt out to the priest and lay vicars and organists, the very men who have to bear so much of the heavy burden of cathedral work. No one can object to the higher clergy being duly honoured and properly supported. But all Churchmen who hoped once that the cathedral Commission consultations were about to redress wrongs, sweep away abuses, and place our glorious cathedrals in a truly national position of usefulness, must be seriously to comprise paintings, sculpture, architectural models disappointed as they note the reports of the Commissioners from time to time. In the document under notice there is no proposal to provide for services on a grander and more worthy scale; there is no desire shown to deal with the ample revenues of the cathedral in question in such way as to better proportion their distribution; there is no desire to do pecuniary justice to the under

and designs, reproduction of ancient and modern monuments, paintings on enamel, porcelain, medals, &c., and the industrial arts. The London offices are at 1, Castle Street, Holborn, where applications for the remaining available space and all communications from British Exhibitors should be addressed to Mr. Edmund Johnson, Commissaire Délégué.

ITALIAN OPERA IN LONDON.

One of a series of articles now being issued in the Daily News, under the generic title of "Workers and their Work," deals with Mr. Ernest Gye, in that journal, of December 24th. The following extracts are of timely interest :

The average of first-class voice and commensurate musical and "Round the corner from the Grand entrance to the Royal histrionic skill is not very great. It is, however, quite time that Italian Opera is to be found Mr. Gye, installed in a room neither somebody made a hit. Success in Germany and Russia is not so dark, so crowded, nor so dingy as the typical managerial enough to establish an artist. Only Paris and London give the real sanctum. On the walls are engravings of operatic stars. Mr. brevet of rank. Nobody cares a rush for a success at Vienna and Gye is very indifferent to the talk about desecrating a temple of St. Petersburg. Apropos of those distant places, I may say the lyric drama. When the circus has run its course the opera that improved communications have greatly increased the profits house will be swept and garnished. One might as well complain of artists, who now move rapidly from spot to spot. On the of promenade concerts, which have been given at both opera other hand, the influx of country people into London, does not houses time out of mind, or of the old bals masqués. In the old help the opera as it does the theatre. Opera is more expensive time there was little beyond the opera and the Philharmonic and rarely offers a new attraction. That is our weakness, over Concerts. These and private concerts composed the entire which we hope to get next season. We have orchestra, chorus, musical programme for the London year. Now there is music and a good company. What we want to attract is a new prima every day and everywhere. There are the capital Monday 'Pops,' donna or a new opera. My father found that at the end of the as well as every kind of concert, classical and the rest. There is opera everybody but about twenty or thirty people went home, musical opinion in London. There are Wagnerites and anti-so one of his first strokes of management was to suppress the Wagnerites-Gounodians and anti-Gounodians. Infinitely more ballet, except as introduced in the body of an opera. is known about music than in the days of my father's undertaking My father was one of the few successful managers of opera. to manage this house. But the people who love music are But he lived when there were tenori and contralti to be got. divided into sections, and all of these do not believe in Italian Now there are so many outlets for voice and talent of any kind opera of the melodious school of Mozart, Bellini, Donizetti, that the Italian Opera is only one of many. But when the Rossini, and Verdi, the masters who really attract the general circus is over we hope to have a season of Italian opera. We public, and whose method is again coming into fashion among cannot create composers, soprani, and tenori of the first rank, French composers. In the old time there were only the but we can at least give the public the best obtainable and do orchestras of the Opera and the Philharmonic to perform any our work well." piece of music. Now the field is enormously large and excellent musical entertainments are provided for all schools of musicians and amateurs. Competition of this kind has a great deal to do with producing indifference as to the opera, which was once almost the only place to hear music in, and was, besides, a fashionable sort of rendezvous-a place where you met your friends. Another difficulty is the scarcity of new operas and new singers. There is an important difference between operatic and theatrical management. When a play makes a genuine hit, you may run it for hundreds of nights, for months, sometimes for years. Now, let an opera be the best the world ever saw, you cannot play it every night. You have your public, and they will not listen to the same music night after night. They expect variety. This means enormous additional work and expense, a great staff of carpenters and wardrobe people to change the scenery, to repair and to put back into store hundreds of dresses, to get out and to look over hundreds more. In a little theatre, when you have got your run, the scenery and dresses go on till they are worn out and you buy a new set. This means that you can do with a squad of night carpenters. In an opera house there is carpentering going on morning, noon, and night. The law of the place is perpetual change. There is no end to the rehearsals. Our music library is a department of the greatest importance, and involves a great deal of work. There are transpositions, and cuttings innumerable to be made to suit each prima donna. I need not tell you that these alterations effect not only the principal soprano, but everybody else, including the orchestra. The quantity of music to be copied is very great, and the librarian of an opera house must be a hard-working man as well as a clever one."

"Ought the manager to be a musician ?"

"The question is an awkward one to answer. It seems absurd to say that a good man of business, who is not a musician, makes the best manager; but the fact remains that my father, who was one of the very few that made Italian opera pay, was not a musician, and only took up this house when the venture had fallen to pieces in the hands of one of the finest companies the

Musical Intelligence.

Striking

MR. E. AGUILAR'S PIANOFORTE RECITALS. Mr. E. Aguilar held his first Christmas recital, on Monday afternoon, Dec. 22nd, at his house in Gloucester Crescent, Hyde Park. He played a long list of pieces in his best style, but was obliged to omit two in order to limit the performance to the time appointed-one hour and a half. The list is annexed, to wit:-Prelude and Fugue in F minor (Mendelssohn); Nocturne in G flat (Aguilar); Allegro moderato in E flat (C. Stewart Macpherson, R.A. M.); Impromptu, No. 7 (Schubert); Sonata, Op. 31, No. 3 (Beethoven), played by Miss Mary Troughton (pupil of Mr. Aguilar); Chasse-Neige (Etude) in B flat minor (Liszt); Scherzo in D flat (Chopin); Dream Dance in A (Aguilar), and Sospiro (Valse poétique) in D flat (Gottschalk), played by Miss Mary Troughton Weber's last Waltz (Transcription), (Aguilar); and Fantastica in D flat (Aguilar). A grand Erard was used. It is only necessary to speak of a few of the less familiar numbers. Mr. Stewart Macpherson recently won the prize at the Royal Academy for three pianoforte pieces, of which this allegro is one. themes have here been well worked out, and the second subject, in G major, is charming; but reiteration protracts the work to undue length, and curtailment would be an improvement. The Abbé Liszt's "Snow Chase" in B flat minor is the twelfth of some "Etudes of transcendent execution"; and if not transcendently sublime, is tremendously difficult, abounding in running passages of In Paris musicians have not generally demi-semiquavers and semi-demi-semiquavers, octaves, been successful as managers, although backed by a tremendous and all sorts of tours de force, such as Dr. Johnson wished subvention from the Government. Continental opera houses of were impossible. A good study," but not very inimportance are nearly all liberally assisted by the State. At St. teresting music. Mr. Aguilar played the piece with the Petersburgh it is an Imperial business altogether. In Paris the energy and dash of Hercules Furens, as depicted by subvention is no less than £32,000 a year and a fine house, rent Euripides. His pupil, little Miss Troughton, played well, free. While it costs, in technical language, from £120 to £140 but the sonata was rather beyond her powers; the to 'raise the curtain' every night at a theatre, it costs us £600, or "Dream Dance" of her master and the "Sospiro" were £700 when artists who attract the public appear on the stage. both charmingly rendered. Mr. Aguilar, in the course of The increase in the remuneration of artists is very great. Mario the recital, delivered a short lecture on "Learning the and Giulia Grisi earned together little more in a month than a single soprano now does in a week. £400 per night is a Pianoforte," replete with some sense and knowledge of tremendous sum to pay a prima donna, when we consider what the subject. His transcription of Reissiger's "Last Valse" else has to be paid and the loss on the unavoidable dull nights, (ascribed to poor Weber) is remarkable for rich effective when the house is only half full. To walk down Piccadilly into harmonies and fine modulations. The next recital will be the park in June one would think there was public enough to fill given on Monday, Jan. 5th. two or three opera houses, but any such calculation would result in absolute failure. They dine, and dance, and sing to each other. Formerly, when there were no good amateurs, the operatic artists were asked to sing at private concerts and parties on very handsome terms. Their earnings were taken by the impresario of the opera, who had the exclusive right to their work while in this country, not only during the season, but for the entire year. They could do nothing without his permission, consequently their concert engagements helped him in a measure round to his money. This is now a small matter. It is compa

world ever saw.

THE CHILDREN'S HOME.

A. M.

A Christmas festival meeting in aid of the Children's Home and Orphanage in connection with the Wesleyan denomination, was held on Dec. 23rd, at Exeter Hall, under the presidency of Mr. T. M. Harvey. The large room was well filled, the boys and girls from the London and Gravesend Homes, who looked joyous and healthy, forming a conspicuous feature upon the plat form. The proccedings commenced with the singing of the

hymn, "Veni Salvator," followed by prayer; after which the QUEEN'S COLLEGE, OXFORD. chairman delivered a brief address. The Rev. T. B. Stephenson, On Christmas day, and long before the time for the LL.D., the Principal, gave a short historical sketch of the insti- proceedings to commence, the room, which had been tution and its various branches, illustrated by a series of dissolving views with the lime-light, which afforded much entertain- suitably decorated with evergreens, was comfortably filled ment to the audience. A programme of vocal and instrumental by those about to partake in the old-fashioned Christmas music was very creditably performed by the choir and band of Ceremony. The bugle having been sounded, Mr. A. H. the Home, under the direction of Mr. R. Heath Mills. It is the Spence-Black, Queen's, who has a powerful voice, preceded musical department of the work of the Home that this paper is the boar's head, and rendered the solo in excellent style, called upon to allude to again. The admirable performance of and the choristers, conducted by the organist, Mr. Dodd, the children, both as vocalists and instrumentalists, upon the Mus. Bac., sang the chorus. present occasion, presented abundant testimony as to the loving care, patience, sound method, and remarkable teaching talent brought to bear upon their musical education. Dr. Stephenson and Mr. R. Heath Mills are in this direction doing excellent work.

BATTERSEA.

Miss Marian Demsiel has just concluded a successful engagement at the Chatham Hall, in Mr. Mark Lennard's entertainment, entitled "Peculiar People." Miss Demsiel sang two airs of Mr. Crook, "Kissing goes by favour," and "Little Sally Watkins," also Mr. Levey's song, "White Blossoms." Mr. Mark Lennard achieved success in all his parts, and evoked much applause. The characters sustained by Miss Demsiel (and very ably sustained) were Miss Melinda May, as the lady of the period; Mrs. Nagger, a poor woman; Dolly Dimple, a country girl; and Grandmother Gray.

EAST DULWICH MUSICAL SOCIETY. The above society gave the first concert of their eighth season at the St. John's Parochial Schools, East Dulwich, on Thursday, the 18th Dec., when the work performed was Mendelssohn's oratorio, "Elijah. The soloists on the occasion were as follows: -Mr. Frank May taking the part of Elijah, Mr. Alfred Smith Obadiah, Miss Edith Stow an angel, Miss Rayson an angel. Miss Doulton the Widow, Miss Himing the Queen, and Mrs. Thomas a youth, and all did justice to the parts allotted to them, but Mr. May's perfect singing throughout was evidently much appreciated by the large audience present. The choruses were sung with great briskness and precision, and evidenced the careful training which the members had undergone at the hands of their skilful conductor, Mr. Chas. Lawrence, Mus. Bac., Oxon. The overture to the oratorio was played by Mrs. Lawrence, Miss F. Wright at the piano, and Mr. T. B. Knott at the organ, Mrs. Lawrence accompanied throughout on the piano, and Mr. Knott presided at the organ in a very efficient manner.

WIMBLEDON.

YORK.

For the first time, the opera, "Princess Ida," has been performed at this ancient town, from Dec. 15th to 24th, and well received by the audiences. Several changes have been made in mention Miss Madge Inglis as Lady Blanche, whose perfect the cast, and of the artists who deserve special praise we may rendering of her part, both vocally and dramatically, finds due acknowledgment, encores being nightly demar.ded. Miss Mary Winter, a fine soprano, as Lady Byche, also pleases much; Miss two Kings, Gama and Hildebrand, are most ably represented by Kate Forster's representations as Melifra is very enjoyable. The Messrs. David James, Jun., and Mr. Billington, who shows off a capital voice to best advantage. Mr. Rowan is a great attraction as Cyril, and is sometimes honoured with a double encore in the Kissing Song." The three Warriors, all capital basses, are Messrs. Thompson, Winterbottom, and Mountsea. Mr. Ralph Horner is a good musician, and a capital conductor. The chorus was strong and well trained. Mr. E. J. Benbrook deserves praise as acting manager for Mr. D'Oyly Carte.

HALIFAX.

The Amateur Orchestral Society gave in the Dean Clough Institute, recently, its first concert of the season. The programme included the overture to "La Gazza Ladra," Haydn's Symphony in D, overture to "Mirella" (Gounod); Handel's Largo (arranged for orchestra), and the March from Tannhäuser (Wagner). The band is really an excellent one, with nearly all the instruments requisite for an orchestra; and to Mr. George Haddock high praise is due for the excellence, precision and boldness with which the works were rendered, he having lately been appointed conductor of the society. Mr. Edgar Haddock was the solo violinist, and astonished the audience with his playing of Wieniawski's Fantasia Brilliante on "Faust de Gounod," Op. 20, for which he received an encore. Mr. Edgar Haddock plays finely, the pathos is touching, the execution brilliant. Mr. Edgar Haddock was accompanied on the pianoforte by his brother, Mr. G. Percy Haddock. Herr Alfred F. Christensen gave three pieces for the pianoforte-" Moment Musical" (Schubert), Nocturne (Field), Straniera-Fantasie (Thalberg) in his usual graceful style. Miss Alma Hallowell sang Hutchinson's "The Guadalquiver" and Pinsuti's, "A voice that is still," with great sweetness, and received an encore for the latter song. Altogether the concert was a success.

LEEDS.

A Christmas programme of Handel's "Messiah was given on Dec. 29th, by the Wimbledon Musical Society, the rendering on the whole being most satisfactory. The chorus had been strengthened in the parts pointed out in these columns as weak, the tenors especially being more numerous, and thus a well balanced body of voices had been brought together. Several of the choruses were exceedingly well delivered, the "Hallelujah" being loudly applauded and redemanded, but the conductor declined to comply. Mdme. Worrell was the soprano solo vocalist, and proved herself a thorough artist. Miss Dones had to bow acknowledgments in "He shall feed His flock," and "O Thou We have had the usual number of "Messiah" perforthat tellest." Mr. Kearton was more than satisfactory in the mances in Leeds during the past week, but undoubtedly tenor music, "Thou shalt break them," and "But Thou didst the palm must be given to the one under the management not leave," being his chief successes. Mr. John Bridson, how-of Mr. R. S. Burton (December 23rd) who spared no ever, most decidedly bore off the palm, his rendering of the bass solos being really fine, and after each he had to acknowledge the loud and prolonged applause. In "The trumpet shall sound," he found a most able coadjutor in Mr. Bosworth, as solo trumpet. The orchestra did its work in most cases well. It was not so complete as on former occasions, I suppose on account of the low charges for admission. There was weakness and hesitation in the second violins, and the horns and clarinets were occasionally of uncertain intonation, but as the band was entirely amateur, these failings may be condoned. Mr. Sumner conducted as usual. On the 15th inst. the society gives "Elijah," with Miss Anna Williams, Miss Helen D'Alton, Mr. Kearton, and Mr. Santley as principals.

BISHOP STORTFORD.

On the 19th Dec., a special service was held in St. Michael's Church, when Spohr's oratorio, "The Last Judgment," was sung by the choir. Messrs. Kenningham and Kempton, of St. Paul's Cathedral, assisted as soloists, with that efficiency for which their names have long been associated. The head choir boy of St. Michael's (Searles) undertook the soprano solos, and acquitted himself well. Mr. Marcus, whose admirable training of the choir cannot be too highly commended, presided at the organ and played the overture and accompaniments with remarkable manipulative skill, and throughout the voices and instrument were in perfect sympathy. There was a large congregation present. It is to be hoped that this service may be annually repeated. The offertory, on the 19th inst., was in aid of the Herts Convalescent Home.

expense to make the whole as near perfection as possible. Mr. S. Jackson, and Mr. J. Bridson. Mdme. Valleria has The principals were: Mdme. Valleria, Miss Hilda Wilson, become an established favourite in Leeds since her appearance at the last Musical Festival, and when she came forward to sing the music allotted to her, the reception she met with was most flattering. The lady was in splendid voice and nothing could have been finer than her rendering of the airs that fell to her share. Of the remaining vocalists it will suffice to say that they were highly satisfactory, and the impression they produced

was most favourable. The choruses were rendered in capital style, and the band, to the number of seventy, were thoroughly efficient. Mr. A. Barton ably presided at the organ, and Mr. Burton conducted with his usual skill.

The Leeds Choral Society gave their annual performance of the "Messiah" in the Town Hall, on Boxing Day, under the leadership of Dr. Creser. The solo vocalists were: Mdme. Carina Clelland, Mdme. Osborne Williams, Mr. J. Gawthrop, and Mr. E. Jackson. Mr. Barton was again the organist.

The "Messiah" has also been sung in Leeds Parish Church, and at All Souls' (Hook Memorial) Church.

A free concert, and organ recital, were given in the Leeds Town Hall on Saturday evening before a large audience. The vocalists were Miss L. Sweeney and Mr. H. Gilbert Jackson, whose songs were well received. Mr.