HANDEL'S ANNIVERSARY.
The Sacred Harmonic Society chose the anniversary of Handel's birth, the 23d of February, for their first performance of Israel in Egypt under the direction of Mr. Costa. The gigantic choruses of this oratorio were executed in a manner which justified Costa's reputation as a conductor— they were inexpressibly sublime. The only thing which, in a small de- gree, derogated from the completeness of the effect, was an occasional flatness of the soprano voices; caused, doubtless, by the unremitting exertion and strain to which they were subjected during a series of choruses so slightly relieved by the intervention of solo pieces; for the oratorio was performed without the admission of any interpolated airs. The solos were sung by Mr. Lockey, Mr. Phillips, Mr. Machin, Miss Birch, Miss Dolby, and Miss Louisa Pyne. They were well executed; but they were not very effective, with the exception of Miriam's magnificent burst of exultation " Sing ye to the Lord, for he bath triumphed gloriously!' which Miss Birch gave with great volume of voice and surprising energy of manner. The hall was fall to overflowing.
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