usir.
The only remarkable concert of the week has been that of the Vocal Association at St. James's Hall on Wednesday evening. This society appears to be thriving under its new course of management. A body of amateurs must commit the direction of their concerts to professional skill and experience; and their " conductor " must possess the requisite au- thority and control. This our Sacred Harmonic Society discovered long
ago; and it owes its present magnitude and prosperity to the powers exer - cised by Mr. Costa. The Vocal Association has now reposed similar con- fidence in Mr. Benedict. His management being no longer interfered with, he has formed an orchestra and chorus such as the Society never possessed before; and his judgment is apparent in the selection of the mu- sic, and all the arrangements of the performances. The concert of Wed- nesday evening, accordingly, was by far the best and most successful ever given by the Society. Its principal feature was Sterndale Bennett's May Queen, a work which is becoming more and more popular. Its per- formance was satisfactory in every respect, notwithstanding the centre- tempts of Sims Reeves's unexpected absence, caused (we regret to learn,) by a return of his serious indisposition. But Mr. Willbye Cooper, whose
services were obtained in his room, was evidently quite prepared the contingency : he had thoroughly studied the part, and his performance lacked nothing but a little more energy and passion. Miss Stabbach (a sound German artist,) sustained the character of the rustic heroine in a very agreeable manner' and the remaining parts were well supported by Miss Palmer and Mr. Santley. The choruses were sung, and the or- chestral accompaniments executed, in a style which showed the care bestowed on them by Mr. Benedict. The composer, who had ensconced himself in a corner, was drawn forward by loud cries, and greeted with reiterated acclamations. Our admirable musician furnishes a proof that a prophet may be honoured in his own country—and in this country such proofs are more numerous than they are often said to be. The miscellaneous portion of the concert consisted of choral and part-music, intermixed with airs, overtures, and other instrumental pieces, selected from the works of the greatest masters. The hall was crowded to the doors.
We were drawn on Monday evening to the Polytechnic Institution by the announcement of an entertainment partly literary and partly musical ; a lecture on The .Beggar's Opera, by Mr. Lennox Home, with vocal illustrations ; and it gave us so much pleasure that we recommend it to the notice of our readers. Mr. Home is a pleasant lecturer. He gave a concise but lively sketch ef Gay's life, of the manners of his time, the circumstances attending the production of his inimitable satire, and some of the most remarkable personal allusions contained in the dialogue and the songs. The principal songs were very well sung : those of Polly in particular, by Miss Roden, with so much sweetness, grace, and feeling, that this young singer, whose name is yet unknown, must one day become a favourite of the public. The other singers were Mr. Thorpe Peed and the lecturer himself. There was a crowded audience, who re- ceived the performance with much applause ; and we understand it is repeated nightly with similar success.
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