1724

 

 

Jan 1

AT the King’s Theatre in the Hay-Market, this present Wednesday, being the 1st of January, will be perform’d an Opera, call’d, OTHO, King of Germany. Tickets will be delivered out at the Office in the Hay-Market, this Day, at Half a Guinea each. And in Regard to the Increase of the Number of the Subscribers, no more than Three Hundred and Fifty Tickets will be delivered out. NB. No Tickets will be given at the Door, nor any Persons whatsoever admitted for Money. The Gallery 5 s. No Persons to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six a-Clock.[1]

 

 

 

Jan 5

Yesterday being the First Sunday after his Majesty’s safe Arrival at St. James’s, Te Deum, and a fine New Anthem composed by the famous M. Handel, were performed both Vocally and Instrumentally at the Royal Chapel there by the greatest Masters, before his Majesty and Royal Highnesses.[2]

 

Sunday last, being the first Sunday since his Majesty’s Arrival, Te Deum and a new Anthem were performed both Vocally and Instrumentally, at the Royal Chappel at St. James’s, his Majesty and their Royal Highnesses being present.[3]

 

 

 

Jan 6

The Lord Bishop of London preached the 6th Instant, the annual Sermon before the Society for the Reformation of Manners at Bow-Church; where was present the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, Eight or Nine Bishops, and many other Persons of Distinction, who afterwards dined with the Lord Mayor.[4]

 

 

 

Jan 8

The Opera of Pharnaces, which was to have been acted a[t] this Night at the Hay-Market, is put off till Saturday next, on account of the extraordinary Preparations that are making for the Ball which is to be to-Morrow.[5]

 

 

 

Jan 11

On Saturday Night his Majesty and the Prince and Princess were to see the Opera of Pharnaces acted at the Theatre in the Hay-Market.[6]

 

 

 

Jan 18

We hear there have been strange Commotions in the State of Musick in the Opera House in the Hay-Market, and that a civil Broil arose among the Subscribers at the Practice of the new Opera of Vespasian, which turn’d all the Harmony into Discord; and if these Dissentions do not cease, it is thought Opera Stock will fall.[7]

 

 

 

Jan 19

Mrs. Carteret, one of the Maids of Honour to the Princess, sprain’d her Foot in coming out of the Opera House to her Coach last Saturday.[8]

 

Mrs. Carteret, one of the Maids of Honour to the Princess, coming out of the Opera, had the Misfortune to break her Leg.[9]

 

 

 

Jan 21

IT may be hoped, that Ladies who are already

breeding, will, for the future, forbear giving

themselves the needless Trouble of going to

Masquerades, (how just a Pretence soever those who

desire to be so, may have to frequent them,) a

Chimney-sweeper, at the last of those Assemblies, having,

as we hear, unhappily miscarry’d by a Fright,

occasion’d by the shocking Appearance of a Mask,

in a Habit stained with Blood, representing the

Ghost of Banquo in the Tragedy of Mackbeth.

Mr. Heydegger is desired to make Use of his

Magick Wand, to oblige the Ghost to make good the

Loss to the Chimney-sweeper.[10]

 

 

 

Jan 28

We hear that on Tuesday last a Duel was to have been fought between two Noblemen, occasion’d by a Quarrel at the Opera of Vespasian on Saturday Night last: But that the Matter coming to his Majesty’s Knowledge, Care was taken to prevent their Meeting, and they are since reconciled to each other.[11]

 

 

 

Feb 7

[...] the present reigning Humour of Masquerading. [... 2 ...]

I have no great Genius at projecting; but I

confess that the Indignations which an envious Man has

at the Success of another, has rais’d in me an Emulation

to surpass the Immortal Heidegger, even in his

own Science. [proposes thet after the closing of

the theatrical season Drury-lane should offer a Ball]

[...] whereas the Habits are the greatest Article

of Expence in Mr. Heidegger’s Institution, [...]

the Inclinations of some

Ladies, whom Mr. Heidegger’s rigid Vertue will not

suffer to appear above half bare, [he would accept them naked][12]

 

 

 

Feb 18

SIR. J. VANBRUGH TO [LORD CARLISLE].

 

1724, Feb 18.—[...]

The masquerade flourishes more than ever. Some of the Bishops

(from the true spirit of the clergy to meddle in everything) had a mind

to attack the King about them, which I believe he did not like, for he

took occasion to declare aloud in the Drawing-room that whilst there

were masquerades he would go to them. This, with what the Bishops

understood from some Ministers they applied to, made them think it

might be as well to be quiet. The Bishop of London however, during

this (sic—Lent?), preached one very spiritless sermon on the subject,

which I believe has not lost Heydegger one single ticket. . . .[...][13]

 

 

 

Feb 18

St. JAMES’s.

THERE has been lately

published a Print, which is

a pretty good Representation

of the Humour of the

present Times; Crowds of

Men and Women of Quality

are seen pressing in to

compose the Circle of the

celebrated Mr. Fawkes; and

others applyig themselves

with great Industry to find

out, if possible, the Wit and Humour of a Masquerade.

Peers upon their Knees are bribing the Voices of

Italian Singers, and are so unhappy as to be treated

with Contempt for their Pains; mean while the Tempel [sic]

of Arts and Sciences is shut up, and the invaluable

Treasures of Shakespear, Congreve, &c. are cry’d

about in Wheelbarrows as Waste Paper at Two-Pence

a Pound.[14]

 

 

 

Feb 20

AT the King’s Theatre in the Hay-Market, this present Thursday, being the 20th of February, will be performed, A New Opera, call’d, JULIUS CAESAR. Tickets will be delivered out at the Office in the Hay-Market, this Day, at Half a Guinea each. And in Regard to the Increase of the Number of the Subscribers, no more than Three Hundred and Forty Tickets will be delivered out. N. B. No Tickets will be given at the Door, nor any Persons whatsoever admitted for Money. The Gallery 5 s. No Persons to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six a-Clock.[15]

 

 

 

Feb 20

ALL’

ALTEZZA REALE

DELLA

Principessa di GALLES.

ALTEZZA REALE,

COnoscendo gli Antichi Arcadi che la loro natura gl’ inclinava a’ costume aspri e rigidi, istituirono che ciascuno dalla sua fanciullezza sin all’ età di trent’ anni, per rendersi docile ed amabile, dovesse apprender ed esercitare la Musica; e fino a tanto che osservarono esattamente questa lor Legge, furono stimati e pregiati da Loro Vivini; ma non così tosto la neglettarono, che [page] si attiraron lo scherno ed il disprezzo di tutte le alter Nazioni.

            Se tanto può dunque la Musica, che rende gli animi rozzi, mansuetti ed umani, quall’ effetto non farà mai in quelli, che naturalmente sono inclinati alla benignità ed alla clemenza? certo è che infondendo in loro un certo che di Divino, li rende superiori ad ogni altro vivente, e f ache siano venerati, come cosa che ha più del celeste, che del terreno. Ciò si comprova evidentemente nella Persona di V. A. R. ch’ essendo escita da un ceppo, I cui Antenati sono sempre stati benignissimi Protettori di questa scienza; e che appena nata, I primi oggetti che per le vie dell’ udito ha tramandati alla mente, sono stati commisti col Canto del celebratissimo Pistocco, che può dirsi Padre del buon gusto modern; di la ha formate quelle giuste e si fine Idee, quella perfetta e giudiziosa conoscenza ch’ ella ha della Musica.

            Sia dunque in Gloria di questa Professione lo scorgersi, che oltre le distinte qualità native, abbia contribuito a perfezionare nell’ A. V. R. un compost da [page] immitarsi solamente, ma da non potersi uguagliare; mentre in Essa trovansi tutte unite le Virtù desiderabili in una Gran Principessa, donde le ne risulta Pregio infinito, e sommo content, avendole questi Popoli a causa di esse eretto un Tempio ne’ loro cori.

            L’ A. V. R. è il solo oggetto d’ ogni sguardo: Ogni afflitto quando la vede dimentica le sue disgrazie: Ogni Madre gode d’ aver figliuoli, per accrescere il numero de’ suoi devote; ed ognuno prega il Cielo per la sua Prosperità e Conservazione: Testimoni ne sono quei numerosi applause che si odono, ogni qual volta Ella si fa vedere in Pubblico; e la Britannia sembrerebbe ancor troppo angusta nelle Lodi dovutele se non si unisse con eessa il Mondo tutto. Anch’ io nell’ universali Acclamazioni non ho potuto negare a me stesso, l’ Onore d’ inchianarmi all’ A. V. R. con un Dono, che benchè tenue non le sarà forse discaro, per essere un Drama destinato al Nobile Divertimento della CASA REALE. In esso si rappresentano li famosi statti di Giulio Cesare in Egitto, adornati con la Musica del Signor [page] Giorgio Federico Handel; e se avrà la fortuna d’ incontrare il genio dell’ A. V. R. non saprà che più desiderare. Implorando adunque pel detto Drama che le Consacro, la Protezzione dell’ A. V. R. supplico umilmente che a me sia perdonato un tanto ardire, se indegnamente, ma con profondo Ossequio mi Dedico.

Di Vostr’ Altezza Reale

Umilissimo, Devotmo,

& Obligmo Servitore

Nicola Francesco Haym.[16]

 

 

 

Feb 22

AT the King’s Theatre in the Hay-Market, this present Saturday, being the 22d of February, will be performed, A New Opera, call’d, JULIUS CAESAR. Tickets will be delivered out at the Office in the Hay-Market, this Day, at Half a Guinea each. And in Regard to the Increase of the Number of the Subscribers, no more than Three Hundred and Forty Tickets will be delivered out. NB. No Tickets will be given at the Door, nor any Persons whatsoever admitted for Money. The Gallery 5 s. No Persons to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six a-Clock.[17]

 

 

 

Feb 25

AT the King’s Theatre in the Hay-Market, this present Tuesday, being the 25th of February[,] will be performed, a New Opera, call’d, JULIUS CAESAR. Tickets will be delivered out at the Office in the Hay-Market, this Day, at half a Guinea each. And in Regard to the Increase of the Number of the Subscribers, no more than Three Hundred and Forty Tickets will be delivered out. N. B. No Tickets will be given at the Door, nor any Persons whatsoever admitted for Money. The Gallery 5 s. No Persons to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six a-Clock.[18]

 

 

 

Feb 29

AT the King’s Theatre in the Hay-Market, this present Saturday, being the 29th of February, will be performed, a New Opera, call’d, JULIUS CAESAR. Tickets will be delivered out at the Office in the Hay-Market, this Day, at half a Guinea each. And in Regard to the Increase of the Number of the Subscribers, no more than Three Hundred and Forty Tickets will be delivered out. N. B. No Tickets will be given at the Door, nor any Persons whatsoever admitted for Money. The Gallery 5 s. No Persons to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six a-Clock.[19]

 

 

 

Feb 29

John Byrom to his wife Elizabeth, 3 March 1724

 

I was engaged to dine at Mrs. de Vlieger’s on Saturday, whence they all went to the opera of Julius Caesar, and I for one. Mr. Leycester sat by me in the front row of the gallery, for we both were there to get good places betimes; it was the first entertainment of this nature that I ever saw, and will I hope be the last, for of all the diversions of the town I least of all enter into this.[20]

 

 

 

Mar 3

AT the King’s Theatre in the Hay-Market, this present Tuesday, being the 3d of March, will be performed, a New Opera, call’d, JULIUS CAESAR. Tickets will be delivered out at the Office in the Hay-Market, this Day, at half a Guinea each. And in Regard to the Increase of the Number of the Subscribers, no more than Three Hundred and Forty Tickets will be delivered out. N. B. No Tickets will be given at the Door, nor any Persons whatsoever admitted for Money. The Gallery 5 s. No Persons to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six a-Clock.[21]

 

 

 

Mar 3

St. James’s.

To PASQUIN.

SIGNOR,

IN the Days of Dad and dirty Linnen, I used

frequently to divert my self at the Play-houses, and

was always sure to understand what passed: That

was a Diversion of my own chusing; but since the

Old Gentleman aforesaid has been pleased to get out

of my Place, and I have by that means come into a

good deal of ready Cash, my Friends have perswaded

me that I could not dispose of Part of it to better

Advantage than by subscribing to the Operas. This was

immediately done, and I was put in Possession of a

pretty thing call’d a Silver Ticket, upon Terms which

all Lovers of Musick said was Dog-cheap. Soon after

this, tho’ I own the Discovery was rather a little of

the latest, I found out that I had no manner of Ear,

no Taste by Nature for this Entertainment: I do not

doubt but Multitudes of our Corporation are in the

same deplorable Circumstance; for all People who,

like my self, are entirely disengaged and absent as to

what passes on the Stage, if they please but to look

round upon the Audience, may behold several of their

Fellow Creatures in the utmost Convulsions of

Fatigue and Vexation, and lifting up their Eyes in

Torment during the Harmony of Cuzzoni, which throws

the whole Court and all well-bred People into

Rapture and Extasie.

If any one of us miserable Academicians had but

Courage enough to unfold his Case to his Fellow-

Sufferers, somewhat might possibly be done for our

Relief; but at present we are really desperate; at

the last Election of Directors, I stood my self as

Candidate, and tho’ I may say it without Vanity, I had

a very good Interest of my own, which I presume

my Chariot and Equipage procured me, and though

for several Nights and Days I was indefatigable in

using all the Means necessary to Success in popular

Elections, not to mention a little secret Corruption now

and then by the by, yet, after all, I know not how

it happen’d, but the D— [Duke] of —carried it against

me, and, after a strict Scrutiny, was declared duly

elected by a Majority of two Votes. I would

willingly avoid making those Reflections which

unsuccessful Men usually do upon these Occasions; but I

can’t help saying, that if any Regard had been had to

the Principles of the Competitors, and their Zeal for

the present Establishment, this would have been a

good Occasion to have remember’d the Conduct of

that Person’s Family when the Bill of Commerce was

in Parliament in the last Reign, at which Time, it is

well known, all my Relations acted in a very

different Manner.

If I had succeeded in my Election, Signor, I

intended to have mov’d that we might have had at least

now and then an Opera in English, for the Benefit of

us who have not as yet forgot our own Language, or

else to have had Masters appointed to have taught

us Italian at the Expence of the Academy; for

it is very hard upon all who do not taste the

Musick, that therefore we should not be allow’d

to understand the Sense. I would have desir’d

to have been put upon the same Foot I was upon at

Drury-Lane, that is, to have had the Liberty of

Judging of such Parts of the Entertainment as were not

out of my Compass, the Fable, Characters and

Manners, the Sentiments and the Diction.

But since this is not to be brought about by the

Interest of a private Man, I must e’en content my self

with applying to the Honourable Board thro’ your

Means for a much less Favour, which is in Relation

to the Translation of the printed Operas; and I

would humbly beseech them for the future, that this

Work may be committed to some able Hand, that may

understand at least one of the Languages in which

he is concern’d, that the Sense of the Original may

be faithfully rendered, in Compassion to many

hundred good Protestants, who are willing to part with

as little of their Understandings as possible, it being

well known that there are many Persons in Town

who ’tis probable may one Day be brought to relish

the Italian, as they do at present the English Musick,

as soon as they shall be able to understand it as well;

but the Understanding of these Gentlemen and

Ladies is resolute not to abate of its natural Precedency,

but to take Place at all Adventures of the Ears.

I shall add nothing more, after observing to you,

that the Contempt with which our dear Fraternity is

treated by the genuine Sons of the Fiddle, is not

only very cruel to us, but very injurious and

prejudicial to themselves. We are sensible enough of our

own Misfortune, that Musick to those who really feel

its Charms, is a sure Refuge from the Cares of Life,

and even from Pain and Sickness itself; ’tis a Taste

which goes very far into the Happiness of Life, and a

good Ear is what every wise Man would purchase at

the greatest Expence: But why should any one be

angry that he sees Crowds about him, who are

incapable of sharing in his Happiness? We at least tend

to the serving of one good Purpose, the lessening the

Expence, an Article which the most entranc’d Part of

the Audience are not above attending to. But I doubt

I have too far intruded upon your Paper—— I am,

Dear SIGNOR,

Much Yours,

ADRIAN STARE.[22]

 

 

 

Mar 7

AT the King’s Theatre in the Hay-Market, this present Saturday, being the 7th of March, will be performed, a New Opera, call’d, JULIUS CAESAR. Tickets will be delivered out at the Office in the Hay-Market, this Day, at half a Guinea each. And in Regard to the Increase of the Number of the Subscribers, no more than Three Hundred and Forty Tickets will be delivered out. N. B. No Tickets will be given at the Door, nor any Persons whatsoever admitted for Money. The Gallery 5 s. No Persons to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six a-Clock.[23]

 

 

 

Mar 7

This day is published

An Epistle to Mr. Handel, upon his Opera’s of FLAVIUS and JULIUS CAESAR.…

            Printed for J. Roberts near the Oxford Arms in Warwick Lane. Pr. 4 d.[24]

 

 

 

Mar 10

AT the King’s Theatre in the Hay-Market, this present Tuesday, being the 10th of March, will be performed, a New Opera, call’d, JULIUS CAESAR. Tickets will be delivered out at the Office in the Hay-Market, this Day, at half a Guinea each. And in Regard to the Increase of the Number of the Subscribers, no more than Three Hundred and Forty Tickets will be delivered out. N. B. No Tickets will be given at the Door, nor any Persons whatsoever admitted for Money. The Gallery 5 s. No Persons to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six a-Clock.[25]

 

 

 

Mar 10

A. de Fabrice to Count Flemming

 

A Londres le 10. de Mars 1724.

… L’opera va grand train aussy depuis que le nouveau de Hendell, nommé Jules César, et dans leque Cenesino et la Cozzuna brillent au dela des expressions, est sur le theatre, la Maison ayant été aussy remplie à la Septieme representation qu’a la premiere. Outre cela les demelés entre les Directeurs et les party que tout le monde prend entre les Chanteurs et les Compositeurs donnent souvent des Scenes fort divertissantes au public.[26]

London, March 10th, 1724.

… The opera is in full swing also, since Hendell’s new one, called Jules César—in which Cenesino and Cozzuna shine beyond all criticism—has been put on. The house was just as full at the seventh performance as at the first. In addition to that the squabbles, between the Directors and the sides that everyone is taking between the singers and the composers, often provide the public with the most diverting scenes.[27]

 

 

 

Mar 14

AT the King’s Theatre in the Hay-Market, this present Saturday, being the 14th of March, will be performed, a New Opera, call’d, JULIUS CAESAR. Tickets will be delivered out at the Office in the Hay-Market, this Day[,] at half a Guinea each. And in Regard to the Increase of the Number of the Subscribers, no more than Three Hundred and Forty Tickets will be delivered out. N. B. No Tickets will be given at the Door, nor any Persons whatsoever admitted for Money. The Gallery 5 s. No Persons to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six a-Clock.[28]

 

 

 

Mar 18

Signora Durastanti being about to quit this

Kingdom, at her Benefit last Night sang the

following English Cantata,

 

Generous, gay, and gallant Nation,

Bold in Arms, and bright in Arts,

Land secure from all Invasion,

All but Cupid’s gentle Darts:

From your Charms, oh who would run?

Who would leave you for the Sun?

 

Happy Soil, adieu, adieu:

Let old Charmers yield to new.

In Arms, in Arts be still more shining,

All your Joys be still refining,

All your Jars for ever ceasing:

But let old Charmers yield to new,

Happy Soil, adieu, adieu.[29]

 

 

 

Mar 21

AT the King’s Theatre in the Hay-Market, this present Saturday, being the 21st of March, will be performed, a New Opera, call’d, JULIUS CAESAR. Tickets will be delivered out at the Office in the Hay-Market, this Day, at half a Guinea each. And in Regard to the Increase of the Number of the Subscribers, no more than Three Hundred and Forty Tickets will be delivered out. N. B. No Tickets will be given at the Door, nor any Persons whatsoever admitted for Money. The Gallery 5 s. No Persons to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six a-Clock.[30]

 

 

 

Mar 24

AT the King’s Theatre in the Hay-Market, this present Tuesday, being the 24th of March, will be performed, a New Opera, call’d, JULIUS CAESAR. Tickets will be delivered out at the Office in the Hay-Market, this Day, at half a Guinea each. And in Regard to the Increase of the Number of the Subscribers, no more than Three Hundred and Forty Tickets will be delivered out. N. B. No Tickets will be given at the Door, nor any Persons whatsoever admitted for Money. The Gallery 5 s. No Persons to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six a-Clock.[31]

 

 

 

Apr 5 NS

Holsteinischer Correspondent

 

Im Drill-Hause zu Hamburg wird heute, den 5ten April, das berühmte Paßions-Oratorium von S.T. Hn. Barthold Heinrich Brockes, nach der vortrefflichen Composition des Königl. Groß-Britannischen Capell-Meisters Hn. Hendels, aufgeführet werden.[32]

 

 

 

Mar 27

For the Benefit of Mr. Johnson, lately from Ireland.

AT the Great Room in Villars-street, York-Buildings, this present Friday, being the 27th of March, will be performed a Consort of Musick.

            1. A Concerto for two Trumpets.

            2. The Overture of Radamistus.

            3. Three Favourite Songs out of the Opera of Julius Caesar, the Song Part to be perform’d by Mr. Kytch, who also plays a Solo upon the Hautboy.

            4. Three Concerto’s performed by Mr. Johnson on the Violin, one of which is that called the Cuckoo.

            5. A Concerto for two French Horns, composed by Mr. Handel.

            6[.] A Trumpet Piece.

            Tickets are to be had at St. James’s Coffee-house; George’s at the Temple Exchange; Hamilton’s Coffee-house, and at the Place of Performance, at 5 s. each. To begin at Seven a-Clock.[33]

 

 

 

Mar 28

AT the King’s Theatre in the Hay-Market, this present Saturday, being the 28th of March, will be performed, a New Opera, call’d, JULIUS CAESAR. Tickets will be delivered out at the Office in the Hay-Market, this Day, at half a Guinea each. And in Regard to the Increase of the Number of the Subscribers, no more than Three Hundred and Forty Tickets will be delivered out. N. B. No Tickets will be given at the Door, nor any Persons whatsoever admitted for Money. The Gallery 5 s. No Persons to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six a-Clock.[34]

 

 

 

Mar 31

Mr. Lecoq to Count Ernst Christoph Manteuffel in Dresden

 

à Londres le 31. Marz 1724.

… La fureur pour l’Opera va icy au delà de l’imagination. Il est vray, que la musique est belle et diversifiée. Il y a trois Compositeurs, dont le fameux Hendel est du nombre, qui composent deux Operas chacun chaque hiver. L’Orquestre, pris en gros, a bien son mérite et l’on a soin de produire, de tems à autre, des vois nouvelles au Théatre. La Durastante, que vous connoissez, a pris congé pour une cantante, à la louange de la Nation angloise, le jour de son benefit. Elle a dit, qu’elle cédoit la partie à de plus jeunes enchanteresses. Ce jour luy a valu plus de 1000 livres Sterling. Son benefit de l’année de passée luy a valu presque autant, sans compter les gages de 1200 guinées par an. Avez vous jamais oui parler, Monseigneur, d’une pareille prodigalité et faveur d’une femme vieille et d’une voix mediocre et usée? Voila comme sont faits les Anglois.[35]

 

… The passion for the opera here is getting beyond all belief. It is true that the music is beautiful and varied. There are three composers, including the famous Handel, each of whom writes two operas every winter. The orchestra, by and large, is of high quality and good care is taken to produce new voices at the theatre from time to time. Durastante, whom you know, retired on the day of her benefit with a cantata in praise of the English nation. She said that she was making way for younger enchantresses. That one day brought her more than a thousand pounds sterling. Her benefit last year brought in nearly as much, not to mention her salary of 1200 guineas a year. Have you ever heard, Monseigneur, of prodigality and favour to equal this towards a woman [already] old, whose voice is both mediocre and worn out? That is what the English are like.…

London, March 31, 1724.[36]

 

 

 

Apr 1

[Lord Chamberlain’s Records]

 

These are &c. to Mr. John Kite Hautboi, Mr. George Angels and David Williwald

Double Bases Richard Vincent Bason and Christopher Smith Tenor the sum of

Twenty Five Pounds Four Shillings for attending three Practices of the Te Deum

and performing in the same before His Majesty at St: Jame’s Also to pay them the sum

of Three Pounds two Shillings and Sixpence for Office Fees Amounting in all to the

Sum of Twenty Eight Pounds Six Shillings and Six Pence.  And &c. Given &c. this 1st

Day of April 1724. in the Tenth Year of His Majesty’s Reign.

To Charles Stanhope Esq. &c.                                      Holles Newcastle

Marginal entry: Hautboy and Double Base &c. for p[er]forming in the Te Deum at

St Jame’s.

£28.6.6.

 

These are &ca to Mr. George Frederice Handle the sum of Three Pounds Eighteen

Shillings and Sixpence for Writing the Anthem which was P[er]form’d at St. Jame’s

before His Maj[es]ty And &c. Given &c. this 1st day of April 1724. in the Tenth year of

His Ma[jes]ty’s Reign.

To Charles Stanhope Esq. &c.                                      Holles Newcastle

Marginal entry: Mr. Handle for writing the Anthem which was P[er]formed before his

Ma[jes]ty

£3.18.6d.[37]

 

 

 

Apr 7

The Duke of Chandos to the Bishop of London

 

April. 7th 1724 Cannons.

            My Lord. The young man who will have the Honr to deliver yr Lordship this hath lived with me near ten years during which time he hath behaved himself with an uncommon sobriety & Diligence: He was at first my Page but finding in him an extraordinary Genius for Musick I made him apply himself to the Study & Practice of it & he hath been so successful in his Improvement under Mr Handell & Dr Pepusch, that he is become tho Young a perfect Master both for Composition & performance on the Organ & Harpsichord.

            He hears there is a Vacancy of an Organist to the Chappel in the Banquetting House & hath desired me to recommend him to your Ldship’s Favour for it, in whose Disposal he understands the Gift of it is.

            As I realy take him to be a deserving Young Man & that he is of a very good Family (the Monroes) in Scotland I should be glad to do him so good an Office & entreat Your Ldp will permit me to ask your Favour in his Behalf that if you have not designed already this Employment for any other Y.L. will have the Goodness to bestow it upon him.

                        I am with great Respect

                                                My Lord

                                    Your L. &c.[38]

 

 

 

Apr 7

AT the King’s Theatre in the Hay-Market, this present Tuesday, being the 7th of April, will be performed, a New Opera, call’d, JULIUS CAESAR. Tickets will be delivered out at the Office in the Hay-Market, this Day, at half a Guinea each. And in Regard to the Increase of the Number of the Subscribers, no more than Three Hundred and Forty Tickets will be delivered out. N. B. No Tickets will be given at the Door, nor any Persons whatsoever admitted for Money. The Gallery 5 s. No Persons to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six a-Clock.[39]

 

 

 

Apr 11

AT the King’s Theatre in the Hay-Market, this present Saturday, being the 11th of April, will be performed, a New Opera, call’d, JULIUS CAESAR. Tickets will be delivered out at the Office in the Hay-Market, this Day, at half a Guinea each. And in Regard to the Increase of the Number of the Subscribers, no more than Three Hundred and Forty Tickets will be delivered out. N. B. No Tickets will be given at the Door, nor any Persons whatsoever admitted for Money. The Gallery 5 s. No Persons to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six a-Clock.[40]

 

 

 

Apr 16

PROPOSALS for Printing by Subscription,

A Book, entitled, The Mirrour of the Age; or, Great Britain’s

Glory, exemplify’d and display’d. Being a weak Attempt to set

forth and celebrate the uncommon Virtues, Abilities, Publick

Spirit, extensive Charity, and Liberality, most unfeign’d Piety; and,

in a Word, the extraordinary and unparallel’d Merit of that illustrious

Person his Excellency the Count JOHN JAMES HEIDEGGER,

Baron Heidegger of Heidegger; born in Switzerland, but Naturaliz’d

and Ennobled, and, as a small Acknowledgment for his many great

and never-to-be-forgotten Services for our Church and Nation, preferr’d

to the high Dignity and Degree of Inspector and Superintendant

General of, and over all the Operas, Balls, Masquerades, Ridottos,

Musick-Booths, and Hops, in, and throughout England and

Wales, and the Town of Berwick upon Tweed. Faithfully recounting

the most material Transactions and Occurrences of his Life, from

his Birth, to the last Masquerade, Monday, February 17, in the

Year of the World 5727, and of Grace, 1724; and how he raised

himself to his present Grandeur and Honours; and the exceeding

Depth and Discernment, and prodigious Capacity and Strength of

Parts that he discover’d therein. Subscriptions are taken in at Mr.

Hobart’s, at the old Smyrna Coffee-House in Pall-Mall, opposite to

the Passage leading into the Park, and at no other Place.[41]

 

 

 

Apr 28

The Princess of Wales having been indispos’d for a Fortnight past, is now so well recover’d, that she received Company on Tuesday last; upon which Occasion there was a very great Court at Leicester-House. That Evening their Royal Highnesses went to the King’s Theatre in the Hay-Market, and diverted themselves with seeing the new Opera, call’d Calphurnia.[42]

 

 

 

Apr 28

A remarkable Tryal was to have came [sic] on last Tuesday at Guildhall, between the City Musicians and the ingenious Mr. Green, Organist at Cripplegate, a Blind Gentleman, for his exercising the Art of Musick in this City without being free. But the same was put off to the 23d of May.[43]

 

 

 

April

[Cassandra Brydges to Brydges of Aventon, April 1724]

 

[…] I take the liberty of inclosing 3 of the opera tickets, which I desire

you will keep as long as you care to use them;[44]

 

 

 

late April

The Author of the Pamphlet entitled, A Letter from Mr. Heidegger to the Bishop of London, concerning Masquerades, as also the Printer and Publisher thereof, were last Week taken into Custody for the same.[45]

 

 

 

May 1

[Wells, 1 May 1724]

 

[...] Went to Church.  We mix’d again in a Grand Consort; & after 2 of Valentini’s Concertos, we perform’d very justly Hendel’s Oritorio, & some of his Anthems.[46]

 

 

 

May 2

This Day is publish’d, and will be deliver’d to the Subscribers,

The Fine BOOK of MUSICK, Engrav’d at Cluer’s Printing-Office in Bow Church-Yard.

IT contains, A curious Collection of the most celebrated Opera Songs and Airs in English and Italian. And tho’ the Book is but a small Octavo size, (fit for the Pocket) yet the Musick is so legible, that it may be play’d a Yard at sight. All the Songs end without turning over Lead, so that they are as useful for any Instrument of Musick, as they are for the Voice; they being all transpos’d for the Flute, and likewise figur’d for the Harpsicord.

            This WORK (which has gain’d the Applause of all the great Masters in the Kingdom, and is allow’d to be the best Piece ever yet publish’d in the whole World) contain above 160 Copper Plates, and is printed on Paper of 3d. a Sheet.

            The Subscribers are desired forthwith to send their Receipts and second Payments to the Undertakers, J. Cluer at the Engraving and Printing-Office in Bow Church-Yard, and B. Creake at the Bible in Jermyn-street, St. James’s, (by whom the Books will be deliver’d.)

            Note, The first Impression being not sufficient to serve the numerous Subscribers, the Second Edition of this Book is now printing, therefore those Gentlemen and Ladies who design to Subscribe to the same, are desired forthwith to send their Names that they may be Engrav’d and Printed as Encouragers of the Work. 5 s. is to be paid down and 5 s. 6 d. on Delivery of the Book. Those who Subscribe for 6 to have a 7th gratis.

            The Price to those who do not subscribe will be 12 s.

            THE Proprietors of this Book are now Engraving, and will Publish in a Month’s time (in a neat large Octavo Pocket Size) that Celebrated Opera of Julius Caesar, they having a Grant for the sole printing and Publishing the same. To which will be added the Overtures to all Mr. Handel’s Opera’s; therefore beware of Spurious Editions, stampt on large Folio Pewter Plates.[47]

 

 

 

May 8

For the Benefit of J. Clegg (from Ireland), a Youth of Ten Years of Age, who play’d at Mrs. Barbier’s Benefit.

AT the New Theatre, over-against the Opera-House in the Hay-Market, this present Friday, being the 8th of May, will be perform’d a Consort of Musick, several choice Concerto’s by the Youth, never perform’d in Publick; particularly, a Concerto of Vivaldi’s, called La Temista [Tempesta] di Mare, a Solo by Mr. Kitch, a Solo Song out of the Opera of Julius Caesar, the Song Part by Mr. Kitch, the Violin by the Youth, as done by Sig. Castrucci in the Opera, a Solo of Sig. Geminiani’s by the Youth. Pit and Boxes laid together at 5 s. Gallery 2 s. 6 d. Tickets to be had at the Opera Coffee-house in the Hay-market; young Man’s at Charing-Cross; Temple Exchange Coffee-house in Fleet-street; and at the Theatre.[48]

 

 

 

May 23

It is said, that Bononcini not being engaged for the Year ensuing, by the Royal Academy of Musick, was about to return to his own Country; but that a great Dutchess hath settled 500 1. per annum, upon him, to oblige him to continue here.[49]

 

 

 

May 27

EVery Art and Science has in every Age had its particular Admirers and Followers; but Musick since its first Invention has met with general Applause: It has been universally received and encouraged; and to that and its Sister, Poetry, are attributed every Good of Life: To them we are said to owe the Names of Rational Creatures, they having brought the Generality of Mankind out of the Savage State in which they lived, to inhabit Towns, and to form regular Societies: The Stories of Orpheus and Amphion, are too well known to need repeating on this Occasion.

            The Works of our ancient and modern Poets are every where filled with the Praise of Musick: I will not quote particular Passages; they are so very numerous, that of themselves they would swell my Paper beyond its usual Length. I would rather chuse to admire the Improvements that have been made in it of late Years in our Nation; and indeed they are such, that we may venture to affirm they have brought that Art to the very Height of Perfection.

            But I am grieved to say, that as Musick has improved, Sense decayed; and that this has been reduced to the lowest Ebb it possibly could be, whilst the other was attaining that Summit of Perfection. It was a Custom amongst our Fathers, first to compose a Song, and then to set it to Musick; but their wiser Sons despise this old Fashion, and have quite inverted it. They value nothing but the Tune, which therefore they make it their Business to compose first, and then set Words to it, no Matter for the sense, provided they are soft, and run smoothly to the Notes.

            How many Examples will both Sacred and Profane History furnish us with, of eminent Musicians and Poets, who carefully cultivated the Sister Arts; yet thought that if they must incline to either Side, they ought to have the greater Regard for their Poetical Compositions. David touch a Harp so divinely, that he even charmed Evil Spirits; yet are his musical Compositions dead with him, whilst his Psalms remain the Standard and just Model of all spiritual Hymns. Homer sung from Door to Door the Wrath of Achilles, the Fall of Troy, and the Adventures of Ulysses; and tho’ his Musick doubtless was good, yet is that perished, whilst his Songs connected form [sic] the noblest Epick Poems that ever were wrote. The beauteous Sappho the Lesbian, is mentioned by several Writers, as having excelled her Cotemporaries in Musick; and those Fragments of hers which are handed down to us, at the same time shew that she excelled them in her poetical Compositions. But this is a Truth so universally [2] acknowledged, that more Instances of this Kind must be reckoned impertinent. Amongst our Moderns, Purcell was justly esteemed a great Master; and if we carefully read him, we shall find that he had as much Regard to the Song it self, as to the Air he composed for it.

            But whether the Nation, to whom we owe our Improvements in this Art, be not so well furnished with sound Judgment as their Neighbours, or whether they have so entirely devoted themselves to the one, that it is impossible they should have any Attention left for the other, I will not say; but to our Sorrow we find, that a Mio Caro quavered and repeated half a Dozen times, is equivalent to all the soft and easy Things a Suckling or a Prior could have wrote.

            I know not whether these warbling Gentlemen ever look forwards; but I am certain, that, were I in their Case, and capable of thinking, I should dread the Downfall of Musick in this Kingdom. All earthly Things are liable to the greatest Vicissitudes; and every thing is unstable. If Musick be at its Height amongst us, and that like all Things here below it cannot be fixed, of Necessity it must fall. How lately do we remember Wit in its full Bloom of Glory, when we were every Day blest with the Converse and Writings of an Addison, a Garth, a Pope, a Prior, a Steele, and several others, the Price of the Age, and the Darlings of Helicon; but Death summoned some away, old Age overtook others, and the rest, for want of Company, are retired, and have left us to bewail the sudden Fall of Wit, and the great Decay of Sense in so short a Time.

            But there are Men still left in the World, whose Ears may indeed awhile be charmed with an Italian Voice, or Violin, but who will soon recover from that Lethargy into which they have been lull’d; and who, seeing the Frothiness of what they have admired, will be ashamed of owning that they even were Lovers of Musick, when it appears that for its Sake only With and good Sense have been banished the Commonwealth.

            That the Fall of Musick is near at Hand, seems to me undoubted; I had my self a tolerable Opinion of South Sea Stock about four Years ago; but when Subscriptions began to run so prodigiously high, I foresaw its Fate. The Case is the very same here: Musical Subscriptions have been taken in at a very extravagant Rate, and frequent Calls made upon them; and if I am not misinformed, the Jobbers in that Way would fain get rid of what they have in that Fund; and I am told that even at this Present a Man might buy Opera Stock at a very considerable Discount.

            I am led into this Way of thinking, by reading over my Friend Saturnio’s Observations upon the late Eclipse; wherein, amongst other Things, he has particularly threatened Musick: As I have no great Faith in Prophecies, I was willing to account for its approaching Ruin from natural Causes; for I take for granted that its Downfall is near. Mean while some of my Readers will perhaps be much better pleased with Prophecy than Reason, and therefore I shall give ’em Saturnio’s own Words.

            “The Position of the Heavens, at the Time of this Eclipse, is of dire portent to Musicians, but sheds a benign Influence upon Poets and Writers: The two Arts are here represented by the two great Luminaries; the strong and dazzling Rays of Phoebus being a just Emblem of Poetick Fire, whilst the Lunar Globe is a Representative of Harmony, which receives its Light from the other’s bright Numbers: The Moon’s intercepting the Rays of Light, and the Clouds gathering round the Sun, shew us the Decay of the one, by our too great Attachment to the other, and our being guided by the clouded Imaginations and Fancies of some. But notwithstanding the Calculations made by the best Astronomers, the Eclipse was not total, which denotes that good Writing shall not be entirely rooted out of our Land. The Sun suddenly appeared again, and by its superior Brightness eclipsed the Moon, whose Body then we could not discern; so shall Poetry shortly re-assume its pristine Glory, and so dazzle us with its recovered Beauty, that we shall not be able to discover any Charms in Musick: which shall then be so contemned and neglected, that our Children’s Children, passing thro’ the Hay-Market, shall look with surprize upon the ruin’d Opera House, and enquire, what Service that decayed Pile of Building was intended for.”

            N. B. Saturnio at the same time made several other curious Observations; but they relating to **** and *** cannot be safely communicated at present, but the Author intends to take some more convenient Opportunity of letting the World know what they were.[50]

 

 

 

May 30

On Saturday Night, about Ten o’Clock, Mr. Southwell and Mr. Lutterel, [Weekly Journal: two Irish Gentlemen] coming from the Opera to a Tavern in the Hay Market, having in their Company a Woman, and being in a Room two Pair of Stairs, the Gentlemen quarrel’d, and both Swords being drawn, Mr. Southwell was run in ten Inches deep under the Left Arm. He came down Stairs, and seated himself in a Chair, complaining that he was desperately wounded. Surgeons were got with all Speed; but as they were making the necessary Dispositions for probing and dressing the Wound, he died. He was Son of Sir Thomas Southwell of the Kingdom of Ireland, Bart. First Commissioner of the Customs at Dublin, and created a Baron of that Kingdom the 3d of his present Majesty; who dying in 1720, left Issue five Sons. Thomas the Eldest succeeded him in the Honour, and married the only Daughter of Thomas Coke, Esq; Vice-Chamberlain of his Majesty’s Houshold; and the 4th Son is the unfortunate Person of whom we are speaking. The Deceased had served as a Voluntier on board his Majesty’s Ship the Success. Mr. [2] Lutterel [Weekly Journal: who is a natural Son of Col. Lutterel, assassinated in his Chair in the Streets of Dublin, in the 1st Year of the present Reign,] was seized, as was also the Woman, named Anne Butler, and carried before a Magistrate, and committed to the Gatehouse. The Coroner’s Inquest sate Yesterday from two of the Clock until seven in the Evening on the Body of the Deceas’d, and after a full Examination of several Witnesses, brought in Mr. Henry Lutterel and Anne Butler, Guilty of Wilful Murder. The said unfortunate Gentleman was buried last Night at St. James’s Church very privately.[51]

 

 

 

Jun 6

The following little Piece is so perfect in its kind, that any Recommendation of it would be impertinent: Nor can any one be ignorant of the Author, who has been pleas’d with the Delicacies of Thulé, or warm’d by the strong Sentiments of Vanoc.

 

To Signora CUZZONI.

ODE.

LIttle Syren of the Stage,

Charmer of an idle Age;

Empty Warbler, breathing Lyre,

Wanton Gale of fond Desire;

Bane of every manly Art,

Sweet Enfeebler of the Heart,

O, too pleasing in thy Strain,

Hence, to Southern Clime again.

Tuneful Mischief, vocal Spell,

To this Island bid farewell;

Leave us as we ought to be,

Leave the Britons rough and free.[52]

 

 

 

Jun 6

Speedily will be published,

THE whole OPERA of Julius Caesar (in Score) in a near large Octavo Pocket Volume. Curiously engrav’d on Copper Plates. Corrected and Figur’d by Mr. Handel’s own Hands; therefore beware of incorrect pirated Editions done on large Pewter Plates.— Note, J. Cluer at the Engraving and Printing Office in Bow Church-yard, and B. Creake at the Bible in Jermyn-street, St. James’s, have a Grant for the sole Engraving, Printing and Publishing the said Opera; and if their Names are not in the Title Page, it is a spurious Edition, of which Gentlemen and Ladies are desired to take Notice.[53]

 

 

 

Jun 11

[highways rating, St. Martin in the Fields parish, 20 December 1723 – 11 June 1724]

 

George Frederick Hendell, Rent £20.  Rate 3s. 4d.[54]

 

 

 

Jul 3

This Day is publish’d,

A Collection of Original Poems, viz. An Epistle from a Prude to Dr. W—dw—d. Tale of a Bottomless Tub. Deluge, or cautious old Woman[.] A Tale. Epistle from S——o to A——a R——n. Epistle to Mr. Handel on his Opera’s. The Session of the Musicians. The Ball: Stated in a Dialogue betwixt a Prude and a Coquet, last Masquerade Night. The Second Edition. Printed for J. Roberts, near the Oxford Arms in Warwick-Lane. 1724. Price 1 s. 6 d.[55]

 

 

 

Jul 24

This Day is publish’d in a large Royal Octavo Pocket Size, by J. Cluer and B. Creake (the Undertakers of the New Method of Engraving and Printing MUSICK in Pocket Volumes)

The whole OPERA of Julius Caesar in Score. Compos’d by Mr. Handel, and Corrected and Figured by his own Hand; Price 15 s. Note, J. Cluer at the Engraving and Printing-Office in Bow Church-yard, and B. Creake at the Bible in Jermyn street, St. James’s, have a Grant for the sole Printing and Publishing the said Opera, and if their Names are not on the Title Page, it is a spurious incorrect Edition, and not that Corrected and Figur’d by the abovesaid Mr. Handel.

            Note, This Opera will be publish’d for the Flute on Wednesday next. Every Lesson is transpos’d in the most proper Key, with their Symphonies. Engrav’d on Copper Plates of the same Size. price 2 s.

            They have just publish’d the 2d Edition of the Pocket Companion for Gentlemen and Ladies. Being a Collection of Opera Songs and Airs, in English and Italian. All transpos’d for the Flute.

            On the first Monday in August they will publish, The Monthly Apollo, or, a Collection of new Songs and Airs, with a thorough Bass, never before printed. All transpos’d for the Flute. To be continu’d Monthly. By the most eminent Masters. Curiously Engraved on Copper Plates, in a large Demy Octavo Size fit for the Pocket.

            N. B. The abovesaid Musick is also sold at the Musick Shops, and by the Booksellers of London and Westminster, and by the Booksellers of Great-Britain and Ireland.[56]

 

 

 

Jul 25

To the Author of the Universal Journal.

SIR,

AS you seem, by some of your Writings, to bear Respect to the Memory of the late famous Mr. Henry Purcel, it has revived my Veneration for that wonderful Man, and stirr’d up a little Resentment in me against the modern Fops, who seem resolv’d to tear the Laurel from his Brow, and lay his Memory low in Oblivion.

            I shall not vindicate him at the Expence of any Musician now living, tho’ I hope I may without Offence, say, That Purcel was a Shakespear in Musick; and tho’ we have had many great Poets since Shakespear, yet as none have exceeded, may I not say equal’d him; so tho’ Musick has been improved almost to a Prodigy since Purcel’s Time, yet those Lines of Mr. Hall’s may be very well apply’d.

 

            Sometimes an Hero in an Age appears;

            But scarce a Purcel in a Thousand Years.

 

Now that this Great Man’s Fame should dye, nay worse, that his incomparable Works should be made a Jest of by ignorant Coxcombs, who praise and condemn but by Example, and for Fashion’s Sake, is enough to raise Resentment in any, who have the least Regard to the Honour of their Country, or Concern for true Merit.

            The first and chief Reflection they cast on his Musick, is, that ’tis Old Stile: I grant it; (all the World knows it was not made Yesterday;) but I cannot comprehend these Gentlemens [sic] nice Distinction of Old Stile and New Stile, unless they would infer that the three Sister-Arts never flourished ’till now, or that the Musick, Painting and Poetry of the last Age is Old Stile, (i. e.) out of Date, and therefore ought to be kick’d out of Doors.

            We have doubtless many good Painters now living; must therefore Rubens, Vandyke, Lilly, and Kneller be forgot?  Must Spencer, Milton, Shakespear, and Addison be never read, because there are Writers of a later Date?  And must Corelli, Bird, and Purcel never be sung, because they are Old Stile?

            In Musick we have many Great Masters now living, to support the Dignity of that heavenly Science; but it is the worst Complement any one can pay them, to make Blockheads of Corelli and Purcel.  I am confident they would receive it with as much Indignation as Mr. Pope or Mr. Philips would hear a Reflection on Shakespear, tho’ never so much intended in their Favour.  No, ’tis only the noisy Vulgar who set up Idols, and demolish the Shrines of the Ancients.  It is from our present Great Men I would have our petits Maitres silenced:

            I defy any Person living to have a greater Veneration for Raphael, Rubens, and Vandyke, than Richardson, Dake, or Vandebank have for those glorious Ancients.  Let our Dablers in Poetry therefore learn of Philips or Welsted to prize Milton: And had every Man the same Value for our Purcel, as the wonderful Hendel has, I had never set Pen to Paper.  In Cotemporaries [sic] indeed Emulation may eclipse the Merit of great Men in each other’s Opinion: But the Grave throws all Blots aside; and there can be little Merit, where there is not Generosity enough to have Respect to the good Works of our Ancestors.

            Purcel was our great Reformer of Musick; he had a most happy enterprizing Genius, join’d with a boundless Invention, and noble Design.  He made Musick answer its Ends, (i. e.) move the Passions.  He express’d his Words with a singular Beauty and Energy; there is a Manliness of Stile runs through his Works; and were Italian Words put to some of his Airs, they would not be found Old Stile, nor need any of our modern Composers be ashamed of them.

            His Recitative is gracefully natural, and particularly adapted to the English Tongue.  There is a Solemnity in his Songs, which at the same time awes and pleases; and when they do not, the Fault is too frequently either in the Singer, who consults not the Intention of the Author; or in the Hearer, who is determined to condemn whatever is Purcel’s.

            Had that great Man lived till now, he had doubtless made yet greater Improvements in Musick; and it must be owned a great Misfortune, that his Works were not corrected by himself, but that after his Death all Copies were called in from private Hands, and a Collection made with a View more to the Bookseller’s Advantage, than the Author’s Honour.  There are doubtless many Songs in Orpheus Britannicus, which Purcel never intended for the Publick; little Occasional Pieces, done in his Juvenile Years, which he never designed to transmit to Posterity.  But then, on the contrary, there are in that very Book; (and of those a great many) such bright Originals, as will outlive the Malice and Ignorance of this fantastick Generation, and shine to the latest Posterity; when the Memory of that glorious Englishman shall again flourish, and when Musick and Reason shall once more be united.[57]

 

 

 

Aug 10

ODE. On Seigniora ****’s Voice and Face.

[Cuzzoni?]

 

I.

’TWAS long a Paradox to me,

That Musick dwells in Discord most:

But now ***** Face I see,

And hear her Voice, my Wonder’s lost.

 

II.

I thought she was, at the first Sight,

Of Lucifer’s Apostate Train,

But, fal’n from such prodigious Height,

Did yet her Angel Voice retain.

 

III.

To her such Qualities are giv’n,

As serve at once, to charm and fright:

Let her but sing, we rise to Heav’n!

But shew her Face, we’re d-mn’d out-right!

 

IV.

So have I known, with sweetest Sound,

An old worn Lute affect the Ears;

Its Looks might Harmony confound;

Its Notes work Envy in the Sphears.

 

V.

The Tongue, that us’d to be the worst

Of Womankind, she most prefers:

The Face, that others covet first,

And call their Pride, is least of hers.

 

VI.

Here would I doat, were I to chuse,

A Wife by th’Ear, and not the Eye:

Who wou’d not such an Hag refuse?

Who wou’d not for such Musick die?

 

VII.

While she has Tongue, and I have Eyes,

I ne’er shall tast Content of Mind ——

Ye Pow’rs, that know my Scorn, and Sighs,

Oh! make her dumb, or strike me blind.[58]

 

 

 

Aug 15

An ODE, on receiving a Wreath of

Bays from a Lady.

 

1.

LET him, who, favour’d by the Fair,

With Glove, or Ring, or Lock of Hair,

            Think he’s the happy Man.——

The Crown, I wear upon my Head,

Has Energy to wake the dead,

            And make a Goose a Swan.

 

2.

See! How, like Horace, I aspire!

I mount! I soar sublimely higher!

            And, as I soar, I sing!

Behold, ye Earth-born Mortals all,

I leave you in your kindred Ball,

            And Heav’nward sweetly spring.

 

3.

To humble Trophies dully creep,

And, in your Urns inglorious sleep,

            Ye Roman Caesars, now.——

Your Eagle’s Flight was all in vain,

Since I’ve more Triumph in my Brain,

            And greater on my Brow!

 

4.

My Laural, Rival of the Oak,

Malignant Planets, and the Stroke

            Of Thunder, cannot shake!

My Thoughts, inspired by Love and Bays,

O’er all your boasted Lands and Seas,

            Despotic Empire take.

 

5.

Why did great Alexander grieve?

Because no more he could atchieve!

            Had I been living then,

I could have taught the Hero how

He might have made, and conquer’d too,

            By Fancy, not with Men.

 

6.

Encircled with my sacred Wreath,

I ride triumphant over Death,

            And, at poetic Wheels, [1893]

I draw the Seasons of the Year,

I charm all Heav’n into my Sphere,

            And Hell my Fury feels!

 

7.

Avaunt low Flights —— let us create

New Systems, and a new Estate,

            For Bards and Lovers fit.

No higher, than Elysium,

Have Homer, Horace, Ovid, come,

            With all their tow’ring Wit.

 

8.

To a new World, my Fair, let’s fly,

A Venus Thou! Apollo I!

            To raise a Race of Gods.——

Attend us, Poets, if you’d have

A Subject, Proof against the Grave,

            To eternize your Odes.

 

9.

Astrologers, your Stars despise,——

All Fate lyes in Ophelia’s Eyes!

            From them derive your Skill;

Their Influence only can undo,

Amend, restore, confound, renew,

            Reanimate, and kill.[59]

 

 

 

Aug 17

To be LET,

The GREAT ROOM in Villars-street, York-

Buildings, 32 Foot 4 Inches long, 31 Foot 6 broad, 21 Foot high,

the Sides and Roof adorn’d with Painting, Gilding, Pillars, Capitals,

and other Decorations, 4 Rows of Seats round the Room, stuff’d

and cover’d with green Bayes, and rail’d in with Iron, besides an

Alcove rais’d four Foot, with a Semicir[c]le of Seats, and stands for

Musick, 15 Foot 9 deep, and 17 Foot in Diameter; towards the

Room, a Gallery over-against the Alcove, handsomely rail’d with

Iron.  Together with the House thereunto belonging, of 2 Ground

Rooms, 3 one Pair of Stairs, 6 two Pair of Stairs, and 7 Garrets,

with Kitchen and Cellars.  Enquire at the next Door.[60]

 

 

 

Aug 22

Last Monday their Royal Highnesses, the Princess Anne and Princess Carolina, came to St. Paul’s Cathedral, and heard the famous Mr. Handel, (their Musick-Master) perform upon the Organ; the Reverend Dr. Hare Dean of Worcester attending on their Royal Highnesses during their Stay there.[61]

 

 

 

Aug 24

Their Highnesses the Princess Anne and Princess Carolina came on Monday last to St. Paul’s Cathedral, and heard the famous Mr. Handel (their Master) perform upon the Organ, the Reverend Dr. Hare, Dean of Worcester attending upon their Highnesses during their Stay there.[62]

 

We hear, their Highnesses the Princess Anne and Princess Carolina went last Monday to St. Paul’s Cathedral, and heard the famous Mr. Handel (their Musick Master) perform upon the Organ, the Reverend Dr. Hare, Dean of Worcester, attending upon their Highnesses during their Stay there.[63]

 

Last Monday their Royal Highnesses, the Princess Anne and Princess Carolina, came to St. Paul’s Cathedral, and heard the famous Mr. Handel, (their Musick-Master) perform upon the Organ; the Reverend Dr Hare Dean of Worcester attending on their Royal Highnesses during their Stay there.[64]

 

 

 

Sep 1

[Cannons]

 

Near this Town [Edgware], and which is the reason of naming it, the present Duke of Chandos has built a most Magnificent Palace or Mansion House, I might say, the most Magnificent in England: It is Erected where formerly stood an old Seat belonging to Sir Lancelot Lake, whose Son and Successor struggled hard to be Chosen Representative for the Country, but lost it, and had a great Interest and Estate hereabouts.

            This Palace is so Beautiful in its Situation, so Lofty, so Majestick the Appearance of it, that a Pen can but ill describe it, the Pencil not much better; ’tis only fit to be talk’d of upon the very Spot, when the Building is under View, to be sonsider’d in all its Parts.

            The Fronts are all of Freestone, the Columns and Pilasters are lofty and Beautiful, the Windows very high, wil all possible Ornaments: The Pilasters running flush up to the Cornish and Architrave, their Capitals seem as so many Supporters to the fine Statues which stand on the Top, and crown the whole; in a word, the whole Structure is built with such a Profusion of Expence, and all finish’d with such a Brightness of Fancy, Goodness of Judgment; that I can assure you, we see many Palaces of Sovereign Princes abroad, which do not equal it, which yet pass for very fine too either within or without. And as it is a Noble and well contriv’d Building; so it is as well set out, and no Ornament is wanting to make it the finest House in England. The Plaistering and Guilding is done by the Famous Pargotti an Italian, said to be the finest Artist in those particular Works now in [9] England. The great Salon or Hall is painted by Paolucci, for the Duke spared no Cost to have every thing as Rich as possible. The Pillars supporting the Building are all of Marble: The great Staircass is the finest by far of any in England; and the Steps are all of Marble, every Step being of one whole Piece, about 22 Foot in Length.

            Nor is the Splendor which the present Duke lives in at this Place, at all beneath what such a Building calls for, and yet, so far is the Duke from having exhausted himself by this Prodigy of a Building; that we see him since that laying out a Scheme, and Storing up Materials for Building another House for his City Convenience, on the North Side of the New Square, call’d Oxford or Cavendish Square, near Maribone; and if that is discontinued, it seems to be so, only because the Duke found an Opportunity to purchase another much more to his advantage; Namely, the Duke of Ormond’s House in St. James’s Square.

            It is vain to attempt to describe the Beauties of this Building at Cannons; the whole is a Beauty, and as the Firmament is a Glorious Mantle filled with, or as it were made up of a Concurrence of lesser Glories the Stars; so every part of this Building adds to the Beauty of the whole. The Avenue is Spacious and Majestick, and as it gives you the view of two Fronts, join’d as it were in one, the Distance not admitting you to see the Angle, which is in the Centre; so you are agreeably drawn in, to think the Front of the House almost twice as large as it really is.

            And yet when you come nearer you are again surprized, by seeing the Winding Passage opening as it were a new Front to the Eye, of near 120 Foot wide, which you had not seen before, so that you are lost a while in looking near hand [10] for what you so evidently saw a great way off. Tho’ many of the Palaces in Italy are very large fine Buildings, yet I venture to say, not Italy it self can show such a Building rais’d from the Common Surface, by one private Hande, and in so little a time as this; For Cannons as I was inform’d, was not three Years a building and bringing the Gardens and al, to the most finish’d Beauty we now see it in.

            The great Palaces in Italy, are either the work of Sovereign Princes, or have been Ages in their Building; one Family laying the Design, and ten succeeding Ages and Families being taken up, in carrying on the Building: But Cannons had not been three Years in the Duke’s Possession, before we saw this Prodigy rise out of the Ground, as if he had been resolv’d to merit that Motto which the French King assum’d, He saw, and it was made.

            The Building is very Lofty, and Magnificent, and the Gardens are so well designed, and have so vast a Variety, and the Canals are so large, that they are not to be out done in England; possible the Lord Castlemains at Wanstead, may be said to equal but can not exceed them.

            The inside of this House is as Glorious, as the outside is Fine; the Lodgings are indeed most exquisitely Finish’d, and if I may call it so, royally Furnish’d; the Chapel is a Singularity, not only in its Building, and the Beauty of its Workmanship, but in this also, that the Duke maintains there a full Choir, and has the Worship perform’d there with the Best Musick, after the manner of the Chappel Royal, which is not done in any other Noble Man’s Chappel in Britain; no not the Prince of Wales’s, though Heir Apparent to the Crown. [11]

            Nor is the Chapel only Furnish’d with such excellent Musick, but the Duke has a Set of them to entertain him every Day at Dinner.

            The Avenues and Vista’s to this House are extreamly Magnificent, the great Walk or chief Avenue is near a Mile in length, planted with two double rows of Trees, and the middle Walk broad enough for a Troop of Horse to macrh in Front; in the middle Way there is a large Basin or Fountain of Water, and the Coaches drive round it on either Side; there are three other Avenues exceeding fine, but not so very large; the Beauty of them all will double, with time, when the Trees may be grown, like those of New-Hall, in Essex.

            Two things extreamly add to the Beauty of this House, namely, the Chapel, and the Library; but I cannot enlarge, having taken up so much Room in the View of this House, as must oblige me to abate in Others, to whom I am willing to do what Justice I can.

            In his Gardens and Out-houses the Duke keeps a Constant Night-Guard, who takes care of the whole Place, duly walk the Rounds, and constantly give the Hour to the Family at set appointed Places and Times; so that the House has some waking Eyes about it, to keep out Thieves and Spoilers Night and Day. In a Word, no Nobleman in England, and very few in Europe, lives in greater Splendor, or maintains a Grandeur and Magnificence, equal to the Duke of Chandos.

            Here are continually maintained, and that in the dearest Part of England, as to House Expences, not less One Hundred and Twenty in Family, and yet a Face of Plenty appears in every Part of it; nothing needful is with-held, nothing pleasant is restrained; every Servant in the House [12] is made easy, and his Life comfortable; and they have the Felicity that it is their Lord’s Desire and Delight that it should be so.

            But I am not writing Panegyrick. I left Cannons with regret, the Family all Gay, and in Raptures on the Marriage of the Marquiss of Caernarvon, the Dukes eldest Son, just then Celebrated with the Lady Katharine Talmash Daughter of the Earl of Dysert which Marriage adds to the Honour and Estate also, of the Family of Chandos.[65]

 

 

 

Sep 21

[Gio. Giacomo Zamboni to Francesco Maria Niccolò Gabburri in Florence, 21 September/2 October 1724]

 

            Operatic productions will resume here near the beginning of November, and they should succeed well, because this year we will have—in addition to Cuzzona and Senesino—the famous Borosini, recently arrived from Vienna, who pleases nicely {…}.  [Andrea] Pacini has also arrived, and shortly we expect Anna Dotti from Paris and [Benedetta Sorosini, called] Seresina from Venice.  The first opera will be Bajazet [i.e., Tamerlano], set to music by Hendel.[66]

 

 

 

Oct 17

We hear that there is a new Opera now in Practice at the Theatre in the Hay-Market, called Tamerlane, the Musick composed by Mynheer Hendel, and that Signior Borseni, newly arrived from Italy, is to sing the Part of the Tyrant Bajazet.  N. B. It is commonly reported this Gentleman was never cut out for a Singer.[67]

 

 

 

Oct 31

AT the King’s Theatre in the Hay-Market, this present Saturday, being the 31st of October, will be perform’d, A New Opera, call’d, TAMERLANE. Tickets will be deliver’d out at the Office in the Hay-Market, this Day, at Half a Guinea each. And in Regard to the Number of Subscribers, no more than Three Hundred and Forty Tickets will be deliver’d out. N. B. No Tickets will be given at the Door, nor any Persons whatsoever admitted for Money. The Gallery 5 s. No Persons to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin at Six a-Clock.[68]

 

 

 

Oct 31

Lady Bristol to Lord Bristol

London, Oct. 31, 1724.

You know my ear too well for me to pretend to give you any account of the Opera farther than that the new man takes extremely, but the woman is so great a joke that there was more laughing at her than at a farce, but her opinion of her self gets the better of that. The Royal family were all there, and a greater crowd than ever I saw, which has tired me to death, so that I am come home to go to bed as soon as I have finished this.[69]

 

 

 

Nov 3

AT the King’s Theatre in the Hay-Market, this present Tuesday, being the 3d of November, will be perform’d, A New Opera, call’d, TAMERLANE. Tickets will be deliver’d out at the Office in the Hay-Market, this Day, at Half a Guinea each. And in Regard to the Number of Subscribers, no more than Three Hundred and Forty Tickets will be deliver’d out. N. B. No Tickets will be given at the Door, nor any Persons whatsoever admitted for Money. The Gallery 5 s. No Persons to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin at Six a-Clock.[70]

 

 

 

Nov 3

[Cassandra Brydges to Brydges of Aventon, 3 November 1724]

 

Madam

In hopes the two inclosed tickets for the opera may prove an agreeable

divertion for your spare hours in town, I take the liberty of sending them to you &

desiring you will please to use them while you stay in London, & when you

return to the country, be so good to send them again to

Madam

Your affectionate kinswoman

& humble servant.[71]

 

 

 

Nov 7

AT the King’s Theatre in the Hay-Market, this present Saturday, being the 7th of November, will be perform’d, A New Opera, call’d, TAMERLANE. Tickets will be deliver’d out at the Office in the Hay-Market, this Day, at Half a Guinea each. And in Regard to the Number of Subscribers, no more than Three Hundred and Forty Tickets will be deliver’d out. N. B. No Tickets will be given at the Door, nor any Persons whatsoever admitted for Money. The Gallery 5 s. No Persons to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin at Six a-Clock.[72]

 

 

 

Nov 10

AT the King’s Theatre in the Hay-Market, this present Tuesday, being the 10th of November, will be perform’d, A New Opera, call’d, TAMERLANE. Tickets will be deliver’d out at the Office in the Hay-Market, this Day, at Half a Guinea each. And in Regard to the Number of Subscribers, no more than Three Hundred and Forty Tickets will be deliver’d out. N. B. No Tickets will be given at the Door, nor any Persons whatsoever admitted for Money. The Gallery 5 s. No Persons to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin at Six a-Clock.[73]

 

 

 

Nov 10

From Mr. J——’s Letter, London, Nov. 10.

            They write from the King’s Theatre in the Haymarket, That the Company of Singers lately arriv’d from Italy, continue performing Mr. Handel’s new Celebrated Opera, call’d Tamerlane, with such great Applause from the Nobility, and all the Audience, that ’tis order’d by the Royal Academy to be play’d 6 Weeks successively.  The Italian Words in the said Opera, are truely translated into English Verse, and Engrav’d under the Musick, which was never before done in any other Opera.[74]

 

 

 

Nov 14

AT the King’s Theatre in the Hay-Market, this present Saturday, being the 14th of November, will be perform’d, A New Opera, call’d, TAMERLANE. Tickets will be deliver’d out at the Office in the Hay-Market, this Day, at Half a Guinea each. And in Regard to the Number of Subscribers, no more than Three Hundred and Forty Tickets will be deliver’d out. N. B. No Tickets will be given at the Door, nor any Persons whatsoever admitted for Money. The Gallery 5 s. No Persons to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin at Six a-Clock.[75]

 

 

 

Nov 14

This Day is published,

THE whole OPERA of TAMERLANE in Score. Compos’d by Mr. HANDEL, Corrected and Figur’d by his own Hand. Engrav’d on Copper Plates. And to render the Work more acceptable to Gentlemen and Ladies, every Song is truly translated into English Verse, and the Words engrav’d to the Musick under the Italian, which was never before attempted in any Opera. Price 16 s. (for the Flute 2 s. 6 d.) Engrav’d, Printed and Sold by J. CLUER in Bow Church-yard, and may be also had at the Musick Shops.[76]

 

 

 

Nov 17

            The Governour and Court of Directors of the Royal Academy of Musick do hereby give Notice, That a General Court is to be held on Wednesday the 2d of December next, at Eleven a-Clock in the Morning, at their Office in the Hay-Market, in order to chuse a new Deputy-Governour and Directors for the Year ensuing.

            N. B. At a General Court of the said Royal Academy held the 27th of May last, it was resolved, That no Member of this Corporation shall have a Vote in the Choice of a Deputy-Governour, or of any Directors, who has not paid the several Calls made by the Royal Academy at the Time of such Election.

 

            The Court of Directors of the Royal Academy of Musick having ordered a further Call of 5 per Cent. which is the Twelfth Call, to be made payable on all the Subscribers to the said Royal Academy, on or before the 12th of December next; these are to give Notice, that the Deputy-Treasurer is to attend at the Office at the Opera-House in the Hay-Market on the several Days following, viz. the 10th, 11th, and 12th of December, as aforesaid, from Nine in the Morning till Two in the Afternoon, in order to receive the same.[77]

 

 

 

Nov 17

AT the King’s Theatre in the Hay-Market, this present Tuesday, being the 17th of November, will be perform’d, A New Opera, call’d, TAMERLANE. Tickets will be deliver’d out at the Office in the Hay-Market, this Day, at Half a Guinea each. And in Regard to the Number of Subscribers, no more than Three Hundred and Forty Tickets will be deliver’d out. N. B. No Tickets will be given at the Door, nor any Persons whatsoever admitted for Money. The Gallery 5 s. No Persons to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin at Six a-Clock.[78]

 

 

 

Nov 21

AT the King’s Theatre in the Hay-Market, this present Saturday, being the 21st of November, will be perform’d, A New Opera, call’d, TAMERLANE. Tickets will be deliver’d out at the Office in the Hay-Market, this Day, at Half a Guinea each. And in Regard to the Number of Subscribers, no more than Three Hundred and Forty Tickets will be deliver’d out. N. B. No Tickets will be given at the Door, nor any Persons whatsoever admitted for Money. The Gallery 5 s. No Persons to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin at Six a-Clock.[79]

 

 

 

Nov 24

AT the King’s Theatre in the Hay-Market, this present Tuesday, being the 24th of November, will be perform’d, A New Opera, call’d, TAMERLANE. Tickets will be deliver’d out at the Office in the Hay-Market, this Day, at Half a Guinea each. And in Regard to the Number of Subscribers, no more than Three Hundred and Forty Tickets will be deliver’d out. N. B. No Tickets will be given at the Door, nor any Persons whatsoever admitted for Money. The Gallery 5 s. No Persons to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin at Six a-Clock.[80]

 

 

 

Nov 28

AT the King’s Theatre in the Hay-Market, this present Saturday, being the 28th of November, will be perform’d, A New Opera, call’d, TAMERLANE. Tickets will be deliver’d out at the Office in the Hay-Market, this Day, at Half a Guinea each. And in Regard to the Number of Subscribers, no more than Three Hundred and Forty Tickets will be deliver’d out. N. B. No Tickets will be given at the Door, nor any Persons whatsoever admitted for Money. The Gallery 5 s. No Persons to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin at Six a-Clock.[81]

 

 

 

Dec 10

[Giuseppe Riva to Agostino Steffani, London, Sunday 10 December 1724]

 

{...} the Academy has many expenses this year and the first opera [Tamerlano], which was by Mr Handel, was poorly received.  Next we shall see that [Artaserse] of Father Attilio [Ariosti], which will necessarily be worse, and if they do not call [/94] Bononcini to the rescue, things will deteriorate even further. {...}

{...}

            [P. S.] 20 December. {...} the directors of the Academy {...} are distraught because the operas are going very badly, Attilio’s having been staged with little success.[82]

 

 

 

Dec 12

[Mrs. Pendarves to Mrs. Ann Granville, 12 December 1724]

 

[...] Artaxerxes is liked by most

people.  I think there are some very pretty things in

it.  I have bespoke three of the best songs in it.  I will

copy them, and send them to Mrs. Carter as soon as I

have them.  Enclosed is a song out of Tamerlane, which

is a favourita.

[...]

There will be no masquerades till after Xtmas.  I

have leave to go to one or two, but one will content

me.  I was to see the opera of Dioclesian, but was

very much disappointed, for instead of Purcell’s musick

which I expected, we had Papusch’s, and very humdrum [102]

it was; indeed I never was so tired with anything in my

life.  The performers were, Mrs. Barbier, Mrs. Chambers,

(a scholar of Margarettas), Legard and old Leveridge.

Mr. Rich promises the town a great many fine things at

the new house this winter.  There is a great curiosity

set up in one of the rooms in the Opera house, and

nobody is admitted to see it under a guinea a piece, ’tis the

Temple of Solomon; but it is too much money for me to

bestow only to see a model that may be no more like

the original than like St. Peter’s at Rome!  Lady

Lansdowne just now sent me a ticket for the opera, but I have

resisted the temptation, and stay at home to nurse.[83]

 

 

 

[late? 1724]

            Mr. P. Tillemans & Mr Jos. Goupee both joyntly imploy’d to paint [/] make a Sett of Sceenes [sic] for the Opera house in the Haymarkett. which were much approv’d of[84]

 

 

 

TAVOLA

De’ Signori Sottoscriventi,

[…]

N. Haym

G. Hendel

Mr. Heydegger

[…][85]

 

PSAL. XLII.

AS pants the hart […]

 

By Mr. GEORGE FREDERICK HANDELL, Composer to his Majesty.[86]

 



[1] The Daily Courant, nr. 6925, Wednesday 1 January 1724, [2].

[2] The Daily Post, nr. 1334, Monday 6 January 1724, [1].

[3] The London Journal, nr. ccxxxiii, Saturday 11 January 1724, 3.

[4] The London Journal, nr. ccxxxiii, Saturday 11 January 1724, 5.

[5] The Daily Journal, nr. 925, Wednesday 8 January 1724, [1].

[6] The Daily Journal, nr. 929, Monday 13 January 1724, [1].

[7] The Weekly Journal or Saturday-Post, no. 273, Saturday 18 January 1724, 1624.

[8] The Evening Post, nr. 2261, Tuesday 21 – Thursday 23 January 1724, [1].

[9] The Universal Journal, nr. viii, Wednesday 29 January 1723, 6.

[10] Pasquin, no. 102, Tuesday 21 January 1723-24, [2].

[11] The Daily Journal, nr. 944, Thursday 30 January 1724, [2].

[12] Pasquin, no. 106, Friday 7 February 1723-24, [1-2].

[13] The Manuscripts of the Earl of Carlisle, preserved at Castle Howard (London: Her Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1897), 48.

[14] Pasquin, no. 109, Tuesday 18 February 1723-24, [1].

[15] The Daily Courant, nr. 6968, Thursday 20 February 1724, [2].

[16] Giulio Cesare in Egitto. Drama. Da Rappresentarsi nel Regio Teatro di Hay-Market, per la Reale Accademia di Musica (London: Thomas Wood, 1724), n. p.

[17] The Daily Courant, nr. 6970, Saturday 22 February 1724, [2].

[18] The Daily Courant, nr. 6972, Tuesday 25 February 1724, [2].

[19] The Daily Courant, nr. 6976, Saturday 29 February 1724, [2].

[20] Deutsch, 158.

[21] The Daily Courant, nr. 6978, Tuesday 3 March 1724, [2].

[22] Pasquin, no. 113, Tuesday 3 March 1723-24, [2]; repr. Elizabeth Gibson, The Royal Academy of Music, 1719-1728: The Institution and Its Directors (New York and London: Garland, 1989), 386-87.

[23] The Daily Courant, nr. 6982, Saturday 7 March 1724, [2].

[24] Deutsch, 158.

[25] The Daily Courant, nr. 6984, Tuesday 10 March 1724, [2].

[26] Händel Handbuch, 122.

[27] Deutsch, 160.

[28] The Daily Courant, nr. 6988, Saturday 14 March 1724, [2].

[29] The Daily Journal, no. 985, Wednesday 18 March 1724, [1].

[30] The Daily Courant, nr. 6994, Saturday 21 March 1724, [2].

[31] The Daily Courant, nr. 6996, Tuesday 24 March 1724, [2].

[32] Händel Handbuch, 123.

[33] The Daily Courant, nr. 6999, Friday 27 March 1724, [1].

[34] The Daily Courant, nr. 7000, Saturday 28 March 1724, [2].

[35] Händel Handbuch, 122.

[36] Deutsch, 160.

[37] Donald Burrows, “Handel and the English Chapel Royal during the Reigns of Queen Anne and King George I,” 2 vols. (Ph.D. dissertation, Open University, Milton Keynes, 1981), 2:188r, v; Donald Burrows, Handel and the English Chapel Royal (Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press, 2005), 609.

[38] Deutsch, 161.

[39] The Daily Courant, nr. 7008, Tuesday 7 April 1724, [2].

[40] The Daily Courant, nr. 7012, Saturday 11 April 1724, [2].

[41] The Daily Journal, no. 1010, Thursday 16 April 1724, [2].

[42] The British Journal, nr. lxxxv, Saturday 2 May 1724, 3.

[43] The British Journal, nr. lxxxv, Saturday 2 May 1724, 3.

[44] Cassandra Brydges, Duchess of Chandos, 1670-1735: Life and Letters, ed. Rosemary O’Day (Woodbridge: Boydell, 2007), 173 (no. 169).

[45] The London Journal, nr. ccxlix, Saturday 2 May 1724, 3.

[46] [Claver Morris], The Diary of a West Country Physician, A.D. 1684-1726, ed. Edmund Hobhouse (Rochester: Stanhope Press, 1934), 107.

[47] The London Journal, nr. ccxlix, Saturday 2 May 1724, 3.

[48] The Daily Courant, nr. 7035, Friday 8 May 1724, [2].

[49] The Weekly Journal, or Saturday’s-Post, nr. 291, Saturday 23 May 1724, 1818.

[50] The Universal Journal, nr. xxv, Wednesday 27 May 1724, 1–2.

[51] The Evening Post, nr. 2317, Saturday 30 May – Tuesday 2 June 1724, [1]; The Weekly Journal, or Saturday’s-Post, nr. 293, Saturday 6 June 1724, 1830.

[52] The London Journal, nr. ccliv, Saturday 6 June 1724, 2; repr. in The Grub-street Journal, nr. 183, Thursday 28 June 1733, [2].

[53] The London Journal, nr. ccliv, Saturday 6 June 1724, 5.

[54] William C. Smith, “Handeliana,” Music & Letters 31 (1950), 125-32: 125.

[55] The Daily Post, nr. 1488, Friday 3 July 1724, [2].

[56] The Daily Journal, nr. 1095, Friday 24 July 1724, [2].

[57] The Universal Journal, no. 33, Saturday 25 July 1724, [3]. repr. Purcell Remembered, ed. Michael Burden (London: Faber and Faber, 1995), 136-38; William Weber and Donald Burrows, “Henry Purcell and The Universal Journal: The Building of Musical Canon in the 1720s,” in Music and History: Bridging the Disciplines, ed. Jeffrey H. Jackson and Stanley C. Pelkey (Jackson: University Press of Mississippi, 2005), 181-99: 195-97 (see also p. 197, n. 3).

[58] The Daily Journal, no. 1109, Monday 10 August 1724, [2].

[59] The Weekly Journal or Saturday’s-Post, nr. 303, Saturday 15 August 1724, 1892–93.

[60] The Daily Post, no. 1526, Monday 17 August 1724, [2]; repr. The Correspondence of Richard Steele, ed. Rae Blanchard (Oxford University Press / London: Humphrey Milford, 1941), 115.

[61] The Weekly Journal: or, British Gazetteer, Saturday 29 August 1724, 2957;also in The British Journal, cii, Saturday 29 August 1724, 3; and in The History of The Universal Journal, nr. xxxviii, Saturday 29 August 1724, 5.

[62] The British Journal, no. 102, Saturday 29 August 1724, 3.

[63] The History of The Universal Journal, no. 38, Saturday 29 August 1724, 5.

[64] The Weekly Journal: Or, British Gazetteer, Saturday 29 August 1724, p. 2957.

[65] [Daniel Defoe], A Tour thro’ the Whole Island of Great Britain, divided into Circuits or Journies, 3 vols. (London: G. Strahan et al, 1724), 2:8–12.

[66] Lowell Lindgren, “Musicians and Librettists in the Correspondence of Gio. Giacomo Zamboni (Oxford, Bodleian Library, MSS Rawlinson Letters 116-138),” [Royal Musical Association] Research Chronicle 24 (1991), 1-194: 70.

[67] The Weekly Journal or Saturday’s-Post, no. 312, Saturday 17 October 1724, 1945.

[68] The Daily Courant, nr. 7190, Saturday 31 October 1724, [1].

[69] Deutsch, 174–75.

[70] The Daily Courant, nr. 7192, Tuesday 3 November 1724, [2].

[71] Cassandra Brydges, Duchess of Chandos, 1670-1735: Life and Letters, ed. Rosemary O’Day (Woodbridge: Boydell, 2007), 183 (no. 185).

[72] The Daily Courant, nr. 7196, Saturday 7 November 1724, [2].

[73] The Daily Courant, nr. 7198, Tuesday 10 November 1724, [2].

[74] The Newcastle Courant, no. 230, Saturday 14 November 1724, 10.

[75] The Daily Courant, nr. 7202, Saturday 14 November 1724, [2].

[76] The London Journal, nr. cclxxvii, Saturday 14 November 1724, 4.

[77] The Daily Courant, nr. 7204, Tuesday 17 November 1724, [2].

[78] The Daily Courant, nr. 7204, Tuesday 17 November 1724, [2].

[79] The Daily Courant, nr. 7208, Saturday 21 November 1724, [2].

[80] The Daily Courant, nr. 7210, Tuesday 24 November 1724, [2].

[81] The Daily Courant, nr. 7214, Saturday 28 November 1724, [2].

[82] Lowell Lindgren and Colin Timms, “The Correspondence of Agostino Steffani and Giuseppe Riva, 1720-1728, and Related Correspondence with J.P.F. von Schönborn and S.B. Pallavicini,” Royal Musical Association Research Chronicle 36 (2003), 1-174: 93-94.

[83] The Autobiography and Correspondence of Mary Granville, Mrs. Delany, ed, Lady Llanover, 3 vols. (London: Richard Bentley, 1861), 1:101-02.

[84] The Twenty-Second Volume of the Walpole Society, 1933-1934: Vertue Note Books. Volume III (Oxford: Walpole Society, 1934), 21; repr. Deutsch: 176; HH4: 131.

[85] F. A. di C., Teatro Fisicosmografico: Overro trattato di Cosmografia (London: J. Bettenham, 1724), list is not paginated.

[86] A Collection of Anthems, As the same are now performed in his Majesty’s Chapels Royal, &c. (London: B. Barker and C. Rivington, 1724), 81.