FUNERAL OF SIGNOR DRAGONETTI.
THE remains of the great artist were consigned to the vaults of the Roman Catholic Chapel, Moorfields, yesterday morning, with the ceremonies of the simple Gregorian service for the dead; but amid the more pleasing tributes of sincere regret and esteem from the large concourse of musicians present. Perhaps the Gregorian plain chant was better adapted to the occasion than the grand orchestral Requiem which had been first designed, and for which, had the Bishop given his consent to it, the first talent of the Italian Opera- house might have been obtained. As it happened, the service was long; and though without any pretension to refinement, it sufficed as a vehicle of expression for the solemn feelings and sincere sympathy of the multi- tude: and never amidst this music of the heart have the obsequies of a mu- sician been better celebrated.
Dragonetti was not only immeasurably the greatest performer of' his age on the double-bass,—possessing the finest instinct of true excellence in all that concerned his art,—but he had moral qualities of a high order- a benevolent and generous disposition; and an inclination to friendship, which he exercised with judgment and discrimination in men and things. The numerous circle who enjoyed his intimacy regret him not only as a loss to the art, but as a man and a friend. It is thought by those who are best able to make the calculation, that his true age approached ninety-one; an extraordinary term, considering that he has only for a few month; ceased to play in the orchestra. The greater part of this long life, exempt as it was almost entirely from illness, must have passed in the profound enjoyment of music•, the difficulties of his art having early surrendered to him. He enjoyed the friendship of Haydn and Beethoven. Among the mourners were Lablache, Lindley, Tolbecque, Sivori, Costa, Anfossi, Pigott, Novello, &c.; but the chapel was filled with musicians, comrades and associates of the deceased, who voluntarily attended to pay this last tribute of respect to his meihory. The spectacle was most impressive.
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