The Philharmonic Society have engaged Richard Wagner as conductor of
their concerts for the ensuing season ; a step which they have taken, we believe, after long inquiry and anxious deliberation. Herr Wagner, (the uncle of Mr. Gye's Johanna,) though as yet scarcely known in this country, is, since the death of Mendelssohn and the retirement of Spohr from active life, the most celebrated musician in Germany. About his merits as a composer there is great diversity of opinion ; by one party he is extolled as a second Beethoven—by another he is described as merely extravagant and fantastic. But while the critics dispute, his works make their way ; his operas, especially, have been successfully produced in several of the principal German theatres. Of his music we share the general ignorance in England ; but it is evident from Wagner's career— which seems not unlike that of Berlioz—that he is no ordinary man.
The New Philharmonic Society are to have Berlioz, in conjunction with Dr. Wylde, as the conductor of their concerts this season. Berlioz was applied to by the Old Society, but had been previously engaged by the New. This Society, who went to St. Martin's Hall last season, are re- turning to Exeter Hall. They frankly admit in their prospectus the great amount of their past pecunigry losses ; and court patronage by an- nouncing that, this season their profits arc to be bestowed on certain hos- pitals,and charitable institutions.
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