MADRIGAL SOCIETY.
The Madrigal Society had its anniversary " festival " on Thursday, at Freemasons Hall. The chair was occupied by the President, Lord Sal- toun,—an excellent nobleman, a gallant soldier, and a sincere lover of music; who performed his duties with much urbanity and good humour: but neither his Lordship, nor probably any other amateur of the day, could fill the blank made by the retirement of Sir John Rogers, who added to the best qualities of a gentleman the attainments of a musical artist. Sir John having died only a few months ago, his memory was drunk in solemn silence, and the first performance of the evening was one of his compo- sitions—his published madrigal, "0 say, ye saints"; a production full of the spirit of the Elizabethan age. The selection contained some of the finest works of the Italian and English madrigalist's; and the improve- ment in the manner of their performance, consequent on the accession of Mr. Turle as conductor, was the theme of' general remark throughout the evening. Nearly a hundred and fifty gentlemen were present; two-thirds at least of whom took part in the harmony.
Previous page
