MUSICAL PREPARATIONS.
We have received a prospectus of the "Grand National Concerts" in Her Majesty's Theatre, which are to commence on the 15th of this month. They have been projected by a body of noblemen and gentle- men, and are to be managed by an "executive committee." In their general plan they resemble Jullien's Promenade Concerts, but on a much larger scale, and embracing a much greater variety of music. The di- rectors state their aim to be, "to present an intellectual entertainment of the highest order, embracing the greatest works of the greatest masters, illustrated by the moat eminent artistes in Europe, and at the cheapest possible rate consistent with prudence to themselves and justice towards those whose interests they have mainly in view." They pointedly dis- claim all partiality or exclusiveness, whether national or individual, in the selection of music or of performers. The concerts are intended "to meet as far as possible the wishes and tastes of all, and thus gratify the lovers of the higher class of music as well as those who may prefer a lighter school." Entire works in an operatic form will be given, but performed without dramatic action, like Handel's Avis and Galatea. Mr. Macfarren and Ur. Edward Leder have already coul-
d two works of this description ; the one on the subject of the Ara- bian tale " The Sleeper Awakened," the other taken from Telemachus. The committee are in communication with Spohr, Marschner, and Feli- eieta David, for the production of original works. Mr. Balfe is to be the musical director ; and Signor Pilodo, from the Jardin Mabille at Paris, is to have the direction and arrangement of the light or dance music, which will consist of quadrilles, waltzes, polkas, &c., written expressly for these concerts by the most eminent native and foreign composers.
Among the singers engaged, are Mademoiselle Angri, Miss Poole, Miss Messent, Mrs. Newton, Signor Calzolaii Mr. Bodda, and Mr. Sims Reeves. Among the instrumental solo performers, are Charles Halle, Thalberg, Molique, Blagrove, Sainton, Sivori, Hill, Piatti, and other dis- tinguished names. The instrumental band contains a list of ninety per- formers, many of them of the highest eminence. There is to be the entire chorus of the Berlin Chapel Royal, consisting of fifty voices, (obtained by the permission of the King of Prussia,) and a strong English chorus. The changes in the interior of the theatre, for the accommodation of the audience, are of great magnitude. The whole floor of the house, in- cluding the stw, is to be converted into an immense promenade, sur- rounding the o.tra, in a way similar to Jullien's arrangement at Drury Lane. The grand tier only remains as private boxes ; the other tiers will be open boxes, as in an English theatre, but seated like stalls. The prices of admission are to be—box stalls, first circle, 4s. ; second circle,
3s. ; half-circle and gallery stalls, 2s. 6d. • slip stalls, ls. fid. ; gallery, 1s, ; promenade, ls. 6d. But it is stated thL, as the committee mean to be guided wholly by circumstances, and no wish or idea of profit will in any way influence them, they beg it may be distinctly understood, should the returns justify any further reduction, that it will be instantly made."
This is a magnificent plan ; and, trusting that it will be executed in the spirit in which it has been conceived, we heartily wish it success.
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