MUSIC.
HANDEL'S " ALEXANDER'S FEAST!'
THE upper classes of Mr. Hullah's Singing-schools were heard in this work on Wednesday evening, at the Apollonicon Rooms; and the occasion presented some attraction, not only on account of the composition, which has now long been withdrawn from public notice, but as a first attempt at the connected performance of one of Handers choral masterpieces. Due allowance made for certain difficulties inherent in the nature of the under- taking, the attempt demonstrated, on the whole, creditable and satisfactory progress. A performance of Alexander's Feast without an instrumental band, and in which some hundreds of voices receive no other support than that of the pianoforte, (which is actually equivalent to no support at all,) will always be found arduous by the best singers. The treble and tenor parts often lie fatigaingly high; the intonation is difficult; and the modu- lation requires an ear well cultivated in the progressions of scientific har- mony. The second part of the chorus " The many rend the skies"—" So love was crown'd," is a striking example of this; and can scarcely be ex- pected to go thoroughly well without the aid of an organ or the doublings of instruments.
Placed as we were on this occasion in immediate contact with the singers, and in a position in which it was impossible to estimate the total effect from the predominance of the part in our vicinity, we shall not offer any cri- ticism on the performance, but merely state our impression of the actual con- dition of the classes. With regard to correct time, accuracy in the notes, and promptness in the attack of the subjects of the fugues, there was much to praise; but in intonation, and feeling of the character of the phrase, there seems to be considerable room for improvement. The classes are at length brought up to Handel, and for the present we chiefly commend their me- chanical correctness the expression, character, and refinement of the master, must now be the object of their study; and to attain unity and massiveness of effect in these respects will occupy them some time. A great field of music lies open to these aspirants for choral fame, which, when they have thoroughly accomplished themselves, they may make their own. The difficult chorus " Let old Timothens" was perhaps one of the most success- ful exhibitions of the evening. Sundry volunteers performed the solos to the admiring pupils in creditable style; and the work throughout was accompanied by Mrs. Hullah on the pianoforte, with taste, neatness, and an aplomb in the time of this old music, remarkable in a lady performer. The accompaniment was altogether so exceedingly good, as to form, in our opinion, one of the most attractive features of the performance.
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