SUBSCRIPTION CONCERTS.
THE third of a set of concerts, alternately given at the Hanover Square Rooms and the London Tavern, "came off" on Monday night. These performances are said to be under the direction of a set of amateurs ; and there is every indication that such is the fact. A very large and excellent instrumental band is engaged, and a long list of singers, in- cluding those of first-rate eminence ; while the highest price of admis- sion is four shillings, and for the entire number of concerts only half- a-crown for each. The loss upon every concert, therefore, even were the rooms crowded with payers, would be heavy. But this is a matter with which the speculators alone have to do ; and the public ought to be obliged to them for an opportunity of having some good music at a very little cost. The amateur management also peeps out in the selec- tion; which consists of a number of well-known songs, a few equally familiar concerted pieces, four overtures, and two instrumental solos. These are scattered at random—" Savourneen deelish " between "How willing my paternal love" and "The Lord is a man of war," and so on. This is indeed passing "from grave to gay, from lively to severe."
But it must surely strike the managers of these concerts, that such an amount of musical pleasure as they afford can be secured at much less cost. What need is there of a band as large as the Philharmonic, their occupation during the greater portion of the evening being merely to listen ? This is what engineers call a waste of power, and therefore a mistake. Eight principal singers being engaged, it follows of neces- sity that the concert is little else than what we have stated—a succes- sion of songs. This arrangement pleases the managers, and probably the audience; but we cannot help wishing a more appropriate adapta- tion of 'means to the end. It 15 like employing the Great Western to tow a Thames fanny. On a selection obviously made of pieces in which singers have established a certain degree of reputation there is nothing which calls for remark : for our readers need not to be told how well Mr. Panues sings "How willing my paternal love," or Miss BAINFORTH "Rose, softly blooming."
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