27 JANUARY 1849, Page 9

On Thursday evening, at the London Institution, Mr. Henry Lincoln

delivered a lecture on the genius and writings of Purcell, illustrated by specimens of his compositions both sacred and secular. In describing Pur- cell as an artist, the lecturer justly compared him to Shakspere, not only in the supremacy of his rank but in the thoroughly English character of his genius; observing at the same time, as matter of regret, that the concep- tions of these two great men should have been so rarely combined,—two songs in the Tempest being the only poetry of Shakspere for which Purcell ever wrote music. The selection from Purcell's works was full of interest. It comprised his grandest anthem, "0 sing unto the Lord"; the song and chorus of sailors in Dido and Ewa.; the Frost-scene in King Arthur; the fine ballad "I attempt from Love's sickness"; the cantata (his last com- position) "From rosy bowers "; and several other beautiful pieces. They

were excellently sung by Miss Stewart, Mrs. Noble, Mr. W. Seguin, Mr. Herberte, and several choral voices. The lecture, and vocal performances, were received with great attention and applause by a crowded audience.