BRITISH CONCERTS.
Tut Society of British Musicians was formed for the avowed purpose of sustaining the reputation of the English school, but, as it turns out, for the real purpose of enabling certain juvenile writers to hear their own compositions. Even the latter, the true object and purpose of the Society, is a laudable one, if rightly pursued,—that is, privately and unostentatiously: but when the public are invited and urged to attend these exhibitions, the affair becomes somewhat ludicrous. The repus union of the English school on Wednesday night was in the keeping of Messrs. MONTGOMERY, MACFARREN, HOLBIES, REED, BLOCKLEY, and a few other composers of scarcely greater celebrity. The applause with which the respective pieces were received, seemed, as far as we could judge, to have no relation to their merits, but to be apportioned by the number and perseverance of the composers' friends. Several of them were clever, and evinced a degree of industry and talent deserv. ing encouragement ; but no mistake can be more fatal to a young com- poser, than a premature desire to figure before the public either in print or in an orchestra. In maturer age, 'he usually repents his vanity and presumption. We should say to the members of this Society, who evidently comprise only the younger members of the profession—Con. tinue to meet ; but for practice, not performance. Subject your com- positions to the friendly criticism of each other, but not to the public. Above all, distrust the silly and worthless puffs and praises of your pretended friends.
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