MUSIC.

EIGHTH PHILHARMONIC CONCERT—JUNE 21.

PART I.

PART

Overture, The Naiades W. S. Bennett. Itecit. " Du village voisin.".5 Madame Gras Dorm (f e}Aub.,.. Air, " Penance," 1 Bement)

Binfonia Pastorale Beethoven. Duette, " Crudel perelle," Madame Gras Dorus and

Herr Pischek (Le Nous di Figaro) Mozart. Overture, The fluter of the Spirits C. IL von Weber.

To a musical reader the above programme of the last concert of tho sea- son will serve as a description of it, in all its essential features. The two orchestral masterpieces of Mozart and Beethoven were executed in a mite- tier which, we are convinced, has never been equalled at these concert., and could not be surpassed at any concert in Europe. Indeed, the im- provement of the Philharmonic orchestra in the course of the two past seasons has been remarkable; and we are supported in our opinion by the authority of some of the most experienced judges when we say, that the performances of the season just terminated have not been excelled either by the boasted orchestra of the Conservatoire or by any orchestra in Gei- many. A few minute imperfections might be pointed out in the execution of the Pastoral Symphony on Monday evening—one or. two difficult pas- sages for wind-instruments not being played with absolute nicety: but these flaws were too trifling to derogate from the effect of the piece. This marked improvement we must ascribe to the ability of Mr. Costa as eon- ductor—to the confidence of the band in his judgment, their regard for his person, and respect for his authority. It is remarkable, however, that, though he has brought them to such a state of ensemble and delicacy iii symphony-playing, they are still liable to their old reproach of ring coarse and overpowering in the accompaniment of 'vocal music; and we hale never heard this more generally complained of than during .the present season. Even Pischek, with his stentorian lungs, was often unable Op strive against the brazen tempest which raged at his beck. Why should the same performers, under the same conductor, accompany so delicately is Covent Garden Theatre and so clumsily in the Hanover Square Booths?

Sinfonia In C, No. 6 Air, " Jours de mon enfanc.e," Madame Gras Dorus,

Violin Obligate, M. Sainton (Le Pre au.r Clem)

Concerto in E minor, Violin, Herr Helmesberger Recit. " Camilla Her,"

Air, " Du die mit holder," }lie" (EamPa). • •

Mozart.

Herold.

De 'toilet.

Herold. Beethoven.

Overture, Leonora

The Overture by our countryman Mr. Sterndale Bennett received due attention from the band and due applause from the audience. It is a com- position of great merit, containing much fine melody and evincing much skill in orchestral combination. It has, however, the fault to which young composers (for this overture was one of his earliest works) are liable-it is too much lengthened by repetitions of the same passages, without sufficient variety in their treatment.

There being three overtures at this concert, there was only one instru- mental solo-De Beriot's Violin Concerto in E minor, played by the elder Hellmesberger. The piece is not one of the composer's happiest produc- tions; but it was well played, and well received. There was nothing re- markable in the vocal music. Two pieces of the modern French school were sung by Madame Gras Dorus with her usual brilliancy. Pischek's scents (also of the same school) was not happy either in choice or execu- tion.

The season has been successful. The rooms have always been crowded, and the impression made by the concerts has been such as to augur well for the ensuing season. No orchestral novelties have been brought forward; but the effect of novelty has often been given to the standard works of the great masters by the improvement in their performance. Complaints of this want of novelty are frequently made; but they are more easily made than obviated. A great symphony is the highest achievement of the high- est genius; an achievement, it would seem, within the reach, among all the composers of the day, only of Spohr and Mendelssohn. All their symphonies, we believe, have been performed, some of them repeatedly; and, excellent as they are, they have been found scarcely able to stand their ground against Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. Every attempt to introduce a symphony by any one else has proved an absolute failure, and given rise to grumbling and censure on the part of the subscribers and critics. When we consider how large a repertoire is formed by the sym- phonies of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Spohr, and Mendelssohn, we are pretty well satisfied with the variety which their works is sufficient to afford; taking it for granted, that when so rare an occurrence shall take place as the appearance of a new symphony of first-rate merit in any part of Europe, it will not be overlooked by the Philharmonic Society.

In regard to vocal music, a reform is certainly necessary. During the past season, the singers engaged have been, for the most part, of the first class; but no control seems to have been exercised over the choice of their pieces, and many frivolous and commonplace affairs have consequently been admitted. The original rule, still standing in the Society's " Statute- book," is, that the vocal music shall consist entirely of concerted pieces; a wholesome regulation, which would take away the power of choice from individual performers, and secure a higher class of compositions than vapid airs of the modern Italian and French stage.