311JSIC.
THE SACRED HARMONIC SOCIETY.
THE Eleventh Annual Report, just published, exhibits a very satis- factory statement ; in which, whether we look to the success of the concerts, the state of the funds, or the ihternal management of this So- ,ciety, the elements of prosperity are cemented and the pledge of its' continuance renewed. During the late year there has been a slight de- crease in the average number of subscribers; but this little affects the general wellbeing of the Society ; for, after eighteen performances, sup- ported by the first professional talent, the aggregate receipts exceed those of any preceding year, and a balance of somewhat more than 2001. represents the profits of the season. It is unnecessary at present to, take a retrospect of the performances; but we may mention some of the works in rehearsal, from which the next novelties may be expected as for example, HaNDEL's Athaliah, Funeral Anthem, Coronation An- them " My heart is inditing," HAYDN'S and Rossnifs Stabat Mater;, besides Anthems by CROFT, COOKE, &-c. Independently of the regular practice of works like these, which can wait their time and be produced. when ready, additional choral rehearsals have been held for the sake of more rapidly mastering newer and more elaborate compositions. This separate training of the voices and orchestra has been very favourable to the working of the Society's machinery : it is indispensable to cor- rectness of expression and contrast of light and shade in modern ora- torio music ; and we think that, in the manifest general improvement of the execution at Exeter Hall, there is evidence that this new regulation. has been met with zeal by the choral body. It has enabled them to do• one thing which will always render the last year interesting to memory. SPORE was about to retire from London under discouraging circum- stances: the failure of the Philharmonic performance of his Oratorio, The Fall of Babylon, was an untoward event, that disfigured the national' hospitality and was deeply regretted by the musical public at large. At this crisis, the Society stepped forward, and, with feelings highly honourable to them, made an effort to retrieve the credit of the Metro-, polis for interest in the works of a great master, which was crowned. with complete success. Contrary to all expectation The Fall of B4. bylon was ready for performance in ten days. Enthusiasm was at its. height on the evening which displayed the venerable musician presiding, over his own work ; and the whole concluded by the presentation of a. memorial which will establish a lasting connexion between him and, the Society. This was an achievement of which any musical body might be justly proud ; nor could it have been accomplished by this large assembly of amateurs but for their years of practice and expe- rience. It may be referred to as a convincing test of the advantage of perseverance and the esprit de corps—the practical result of attention and good management. Burying minor differences of opinion on questions of taste, the musician will cheerfully bear the testimony of his applause at the objects accomplished by this Society, and the good sense which characterizes its councils. A great many important works that could scarcely ever have been expected to be heard have already been pro- duced, and by a chorus as remarkable for number as for complete organization. The chief novelty of the performance last week was an Organ Concerto of HANDEL'S. We are glad to see the instrumental genius of the master under protection. Mr. DA.NDO is restoring by degrees - his Concertos for Violins, at the Crosby Hall performances. A world of fine fugues and movements full of the passion of HANDEL—his noble and pathetic melody—lie buried in his Concertos, Trios, and suites de pieces.
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