CENTENARY MEETING OF THE MADRIGAL SOCIETY.

IN the year 1741, a few mechanics—chiefly Spitalfields weavers—were congregated together at the Twelve Bells in Bride Lane ; (music has generally received its best impulses from the City ;) a worthy attorney, Jortx IMMYNS by name, being the founder of the musical sect. He was a copier of music, too ; and it seems that in the exercise of this vocation he had alighted upon some old forgotten compositions called Madrigals, each part in a separate book. He had the curiosity to score some of them, and it seemed to him that they would repay the trouble of singing. Any man can found a sect in London ; for no heresy is too great, and no opinion too outrageous, to -want followers there. Upon this Imsn-xs speculated. He found converts to his faith. He preached to them—taking a trans- lated ZACCONI for his Bible. While the world was gone out after HANDEL, he reasoned to them of PALESTRINA and GIBBONS, of OR- LANDO DI Less° and WII.BYE. His partisans heard him, and they heard the madrigals of these resuscitated composers gladly. They had found a mine of musical wealth, which they worked assiduously and exclusively. Threepence a night found them in creature comforts, pipes and porter included.

In the year 1841, the same society meets : its objects the same—its rules the same—the same' compositions are sung ; its aspect only is changed. The centenary of the Madrigal Society was celebrated on • Thursday ; Sir JOHN ROGERS in the chair. We subjoin a list of the pieces which were performed. " Cry aloud, and shout." Anthem, 5 voices •• Glory be to the Father."

"I will go die for pare love." 6 voices " Come, gentle swains." 5 voices

A Lullaby. 5 voices •• Sisters, awake." 5 voices " Now is my Clods." 5 voices

" I will give thanks." Hymu, 5 voices "Sing joyfully." Anthem. 6 voices - " All creatures now." 5 voices "Sweet honey-sucking bees." 5 voices

" Tue. sacerdos." 4 voices •• My lady still abhors me." 5 voices " Phillis the bright." 5 voices " Lo 1 where with flowery head." 5 voices Finale, " Fa la la." 4 voices Dr. Caorr 1720.

Caorr —

L. MARENLIO

1550.

M. CAVENDISH.

.1600.

W. Bran 1530.

T. BATESON

1600.

'P. Ws ELK ES

1593.

PALESTRINA

1560.

W. Bran 1580.

3 Btyxv.I.

1600.

T WILnYE

1598.

Lanx. LEO

1720.

G. Fsitarrrr 1580.

3 WARD

1600.

T. MORLEY

1595.

J SAVILLE

1660