Mr. Hullah has resumed the "Monthly Concerts" which he set
on foot last season at St. Martin's Hall. He has announced a series of only four, in place of eight, the number given last year ; a limitation doubtless occasioned by the expected shortness of this season in comparison with the last. The programme of his first concert, on Wednesday evening, presented little novelty ; but the music was, generally speaking, of a high order, well performed, and well received. It was expected that a dramatic cantata by Macfarren, on a large scale, and founded on a popular German legend, was to be produced ; but, owing to some obstacles, with the nature of which we are not acquainted, it has, we understand, been withdrawn. The selection of the even- ing consisted of Mendelssohn's "Ninety-fifth Psalm ; " a sacred song for a soprano voice, "By the rivers of Babylon," composed by Mr. Waley, a young amateur, whose talent has lately attracted much notice in musical circles ; Mr. Henry Leslie's "Festival Anthem " ; and Han- ders "Alexander's Feast." Mr. Waley's song was committed to a young debutante, Miss .Alleyne, whose timidity disabled her from doing it jus- tice. A new piece ought always to have a performer of confirmed power and reputation ; and, 6 converse), a new performer ought to have a piece of established character. It was easy to perceive, however, that the beautiful lament of the captive Hebrews was clothed in expressive melody, and that the construction of the piece was artistic and musicianlike ; while Miss A]leyrie, in the other pieces in which she felt more at home, showed herself to be a young singer of great promise. The "Festival Anthem," as our musical readers know, is also the work of an amateur. It was first brought into notice by Mr. Hullah, and is deservedly esteemed as a composition of no ordinary genius. It was, on the whole, exceedingly well performed; though there was a little waver- ing in a double chorus of very great difficulty. Miss Birch was very successful in the fine air "But let the righteous rejoice " ; and the duet "Give thanks, 0 Israel," sung by that lady and Mr. Swift, a rising
young tenor, had an excellent effect. The best performance of the evening was the " Alexander's Feast." The members of Mr. Hullah's upper schools are quite familiar with Hander s magnificent choruses, and sang them with a correctness and delicacy worthy of all praise. lIendelssohn's additional accompaniments—so delicate, careful, and full of reverence for the mighty master—enhanced the beauty of the finest secular cantata, except perhaps its companion " Acis and Galatea," that ever was written.
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