1730
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Saturday, being the 3d Day of January, will be perform’d, A NEW OPERA, call’d, LOTHARIUS. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d this Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock. N.B. Tuesday next being Twelfth-Day, the Opera will be put off to the Saturday following.[1] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Saturday, being the 10th Day of January, will be perform’d, A NEW OPERA, call’d, LOTHARIUS. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d this Day at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[2] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Tuesday, being the 13th Day of January, will be perform’d, A NEW OPERA, call’d, LOTHARIUS. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d This Day at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[3] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Saturday, being the 17th Day of January, will be perform[’]d, An OPERA, call’d, JULIUS CAESAR. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d This Day at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[4] |
Jan 22
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AT the KING’s THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Thursday, being the 22d Day of January, will be A BALL. TICKETS will be delivered to the SUBSCRIBERS This Day, at White’s Chocolate-House in St. James’s- Street. A sufficient Guard is appointed within and without the House, to prevent all Disorders and Indecencies, and to oblige Persons guilty of ’em immediately to quit the Place. Strict Orders are given not to deliver any Bottles and Glasses from the Side-Board, and to shut them up early. The Doors to be opened at Half an Hour after 8 o’Clock. The Choaches [sic] are desired to come to the Hay-Market, and the Chairs up Market-Lane from the Pall-Mall. No Persons whatsoever can be admitted to see the House before the BALL begins. If any Subscribers or others have any Tickets to spare, they are desired not to give them to their Servants, but to send them to the Office in the Hay-Market, where the Money they cost shall be return’d, to prevent their falling into bad Hands. Vivant Rex & Regina.[5] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, This present Saturday, being the 24th Day of January, will be perform’d, An OPERA, call’d, JULIUS CAESAR. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d This Day at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[6] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Tuesday, being the 27th Day of January, will be perform’d, An OPERA, call’d, JULIUS CAESAR. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d This Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[7] |
Jan 30
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[Viscount Percival’s Diary, Friday 30 January 1729-30] In the evening, I went to my sister Percival to hear Signor Fabri, who sings the tenor in our Opera, perform, and I engaged him to teach my daughter at three guineas for ten times.[8] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Saturday, being the 31st Day of January, will be perform’d, An OPERA, call’d, JULIUS CAESAR. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d This Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[9] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Tuesday, being the 3d Day of February, will be perform’d, An OPERA, call’d, JULIUS CAESAR. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d This Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[10] |
Feb
5
Feb. 5. This Day was held the Annual Feast of the Sons of the Clergy at Merchant-Taylors Hall: The Stewards collected then and at the Rehearsal at St. Paul’s, about 520 l.[11]
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, This present Saturday, being the 7th Day of February, will be perform’d, An OPERA, call’d, JULIUS CAESAR. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d This Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[12] |
Feb 9
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AT the KING’s THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Monday, being the 9th of February, will be A BALL. TICKETS will be delivered to the SUBSCRIBERS This Day, at White’s Chocolate-House in St. James’s- Street. A sufficient Guard is appointed within and without the House, to prevent all Disorders and Indecencies, and to oblige Persons guilty of ’em immediately to quit the Place. Strict Orders are given not to deliver any Bottles and Glasses from the Side-Board, and to shut them up early. The Doors to be opened at Half an Hour after 8 o’Clock. The Coaches are desired to come to the Hay-Market, and the Chairs up Market-Lane from the Pall-Mall. No Persons whatsoever can be admitted to see the House before the BALL begins. If any Subscribers or others have any Tickets to spare, they are desired not to give them to their Servants, but to send them to the Office in the Hay-Market, where the Money they cost shall be return’d, to prevent their falling into bad Hands. _________________________________________________ To be Lett or Sold, At the Room next
Door to the Opera-House in
the Hay-Market, All Sorts of Masquerade Habits of the Newest Fashion, with Venetian and Italian Masks. N.B. There is a Back Door into the Opera-House, for the better Conveniency of Gentlemen and Ladies.[13] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Saturday, being the 14th Day of February, will be perform’d, An OPERA, call’d, JULIUS CAESAR. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d this Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[14] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Tuesday, being the 17th Day of February, will be perform’d, An OPERA, call’d, JULIUS CAESAR. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d This Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[15] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Saturday, being the 21st Day of February, will be perform’d, An OPERA, call’d, JULIUS CAESAR. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d this Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[16] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Tuesday, being the 24th Day of February, will be perform’d, A New OPERA, call’d, PARTHENOPE. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d This Day at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. The Scenes and Dresses are all intirely New. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[17] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Saturday, being the 28th Day of February, will be perform’d, A New OPERA, call’d, PARTHENOPE. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d This Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. The Scenes and Dresses are all intirely New. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[18] |
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On Saturday Night last their Majesties went to the Opera House in the Hay-Market, and saw the Opera of Parthenope perform’d.[19] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Tuesday, being the 3d Day of March, will be perform’d, A New OPERA, call’d, PARTHENOPE. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d This Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. The Scenes and Dresses are all intirely New. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[20] |
Mar 5
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AT the KING’s THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Thursday, being the 5th of March, will be AN ASSEMBLY. Two Tickets will be delivered to every Subscriber, paying Two Guineas, this Day, at White’s Chocolate-house in St. James’s-street: And if any Tickets remain, more than are subscribed for, they will be deliver’d at the Opera Office in the Hay-Market this Day, at 26 s. each. The Doors to be opened at 9 o’Clock. N.B. Every Ticket will admit either one Gentleman or two Ladies.[21] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Saturday, being the 7th Day of March, will be perform’d, A New OPERA, call’d, PARTHENOPE. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d This Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. The Scenes and Dresses are all intirely New. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[22] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the [sic] HAY-MARKET, this present Tuesday, being the 10th Day of March, will be perform’d, A New OPERA, call’d, PARTHENOPE. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d This Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. The Scenes and Dresses are all intirely New. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[23] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Saturday, being the 14th Day of March, will be perform’d, A New OPERA, call’d, PARTHENOPE. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d This Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. The Scenes and Dresses are all intirely New. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[24] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Tuesday, being the 17th Day of March, will be perform’d, A New OPERA, call’d, PARTHENOPE. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d this Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. The Scenes and Dresses are all intirely New. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[25] |
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Last Night their Majesties, with the Prince of Wales and Princess Royal, and the Princesses Amelia and Carolina, went to the Opera-House in the Hay-market, and saw the new Opera call’d Parthenope.[26] |
Mar 19
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AT the KING’s THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Thursday, being the 19th Day of March, will be AN ASSEMBLY. Two Tickets will be delivered to every Subscriber, paying Two Guineas, this Day, at White’s Chocolate-house in St. James’s-street: And if any Tickets remain, more than are subscribed for, they will be deliver’d this Day at the Opera Office in the Hay-Market, at 26 s. each. The Doors to be opened at Nine o’Clock. N.B. Every Ticket will admit either one Gentleman or two Ladies.[27] |
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By his MAJESTY’s Command. For the Benefit
of
Signora STRADA DEL PO. AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this Day, being the 21st Day of March, will be perform’d, An Opera, call’d, JULIUS CAESAR. With some NEW SONGS. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be delivered this Day at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. N.B. This Night’s Benefit, being Part of Signora STRADA’s Salary, it is not to be deem’d in the Number of Operas that the Proprietors are obliged to have perform’d this Season. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’ Clock.[28] |
[Giuseppe Riva in Vienna to Gio. Giacomo Zamboni, 5 April 1730]
Do not do anything more on behalf of the famous Tedeschina, who is second only to Cuzzoni, because she will remain in the service of the emperor [Charles VI] and cannot at present leave Vienna. Her name, family name, and citizenship are Teresa Holzshuseria of this city. For her, I beg you to have copies made of the best soprano arias in the opera Adelaide [i.e., Handel’s Lotario of 1729] and of those in the current work, [Handel’s] Partenope, and to send them to me on small, thin pages {...}, either by post or by whatever courier our kind Count [Kinsky] may dispatch….[29]
Mar 28
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We hear that Mr. Heydegger is going to Italy in the Month of June, to engage a new Set of Singers to come over hither against next Winter, the present Voices designing to leave us so soon as the Opera Season is over.[30] |
Mar 31
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Tuesday, being the 31st Day of March, will be perform’d, An Opera, call’d, JULIUS CAESAR. With an Addition of some NEW SONGS. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be delivered This Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. GALLERY 5 s. The Scenes and Dresses are all intirely New. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND. No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’ Clock.[31] |
[Giuseppe Riva in Vienna to Gio. Giacomo Zamboni, 12 April 1730]
Humble thanks for the full report {...} you gave me concerning the pitiable operas {...}. Marquis Orso [Handel] merits what he is getting! What the devil was he hoping for {...}! He is a guitarist who always plays the same chord {...}. As for your most cordial servant, the marvelous Teresina [Holtzhauser], nothing should be done, as I wrote in my last letter….
[117 …]
[Lindgren’s note:] Around 1730, orso (bear) was a nickname for Handel {…}[32]
Apr 2
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AT the KING’s THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Thursday, being the 2d Day of April, will be AN ASSEMBLY. Two Tickets will be delivered to every Subscriber, paying Two Guineas, this Day, at White’s Chocolate-house in St. James’s-street: And if any Tickets remain, more than are subscribed for, they will be deliver’d this Day at the Opera Office in the Hay-Market, at 26 s. each. The Doors to be opened at Nine o’Clock. A sufficient Guard is appointed to prevent all Disorders. N.B. Every Ticket will admit either one Gentleman or two Ladies.[33] |
Apr 4
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[Mrs. Pendarves to Mrs. Ann Granville, 4 April 1730] Last Thursday I went to the ridotto. I was engaged to go with my cousins Graham and Granville, and my Lady Lansdown being of the party, I shuffled me off, and was resolved to go, though it was with some difficulty; and that she might not think me destitute of company, I got one of the Bramstons. The hour it begins is nine; polite [253] company does not come till eleven: I was between both, and went at ten. The room is set out in the same manner as for the masquerade; it is the most entertaining sort of assembly, because you are at liberty to wander about as much as you please, and there is dancing, tea, coffee, chocolate, and all sorts of sweetmeats. Most of the ladies were in great distress for partners, for the greatest part of the clever men are gone to Newmarket. I did not think of dancing; but my cousin Graham, with something more of civility than his mother-in-law, told me he had reserved himself for me, and I could not resist the temptation. An Irish lord, whose name I have forgot, danced with Miss Granville, and Sir Richard Mead, an Irish baronet, danced with Mrs. Graham. There was a prodigious crowd, they danced till half an hour after one. How can you suppose that music and I are foes! No; I love it as well as ever, but don’t meet with it so much as I could wish. Operas are dying, to my great mortification. Yesterday I was at the rehearsal of a new one; it is composed of several songs out of Italian operas; but it is very heavy to Mr. Handel’s. Mrs. Donnellan has not sung a great while, for fear of straining her lungs. [...][34] |
Apr 4
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MUSICK This Day Published, The Whole Opera of PARTHENOPE, as it is perform’d at the King’s Theatre for the Royal Academy. Composed by Mr. HANDEL. Fairly engraven, and carefully corrected. Printed for and sold by JOHN WALSH, Servant to his Majesty, at the Harp and Hautboy in Catherine-street in the Strand; and JOSEPH HARE, at the Viol and Hautboy in Cornhill, near the Royal-Exchange.[35] |
Apr 4
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Saturday, being the 4th Day of April, will be perform’d, A New OPERA, call’d, ORMISDA. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d this Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[36] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Tuesday, being the 7th Day of April, will be perform’d, A New OPERA, call’d, ORMISDA. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d This Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[37] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Saturday, being the 11th Day of April, will be perform’d, A New OPERA, call’d, ORMISDA. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d This Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[38] |
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[Viscount Percival’s Diary, Saturday 11 April 1730] [...] At night I went to the Opera [Ormisda] with my wife and children.[39] |
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[Viscount Percival’s Diary, Monday 13 April 1730] [...] Mr. Cornwall came home with me to dinner, and found Fabri and Bartoldi, one of the women singers of the opera, and Mr. August Schutz and his wife at dinner. This singer, I was told, is a fresh mistress to the Prince, since La Tour’s daughter. The evening was spent in music.[40] |
Apr 14
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Tuesday, being the 14th Day of April, will be perform’d, A New OPERA, call’d, ORMISDA. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d This Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[41] |
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AT the KING’s THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Thursday, being the 16th Day of April, will be A BALL. Being the Last
this Year. TICKETS will be delivered to the SUBSCRIBERS This Day, at White’s Chocolate-House in St. James’s- Street. A sufficient Guard is appointed within and without the House, to prevent all Disorders and Indecencies, and to oblige Persons guilty of ’em immediately to quit the Place. Strict Orders are given not to deliver any Bottles and Glasses from the Side-Boards, and to shut them up early. The Doors to be opened at Half an Hour after 8 o’Clock. The Coaches are desired to come to the Hay-Market, and the Chairs up Market-Lane from the Pall-Mall. No Persons whatsoever can be admitted to see the House before the BALL begins. If any Subscriber or others have any Tickets to spare, they are desired not to give them to their Servants, but to send them to the Office in the Hay-Market, where the Money they cost shall be return’d, to prevent their falling into bad Hands.[42] |
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[Viscount Percival’s Diary, Friday 17 April 1730] [...] In the evening my concert as usual. There were at it Earl of Grantham, Lord Palmerston, Sir Richard Mead, Mr. Cornwall, Mr. Le Grand, Mr. Man, Mr. Clerk, Mr. Doddington, Duchess of Kent, Lady Palmerston, Mrs. Ramsden, Mrs. Le Grand, Lady Hanmer, sister Percival, Mr. J. Temple and his daughter. Mr. Taylor, my daughter, Miss Middleton, and Mr. Gaillard sung.[43] |
Apr 18
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Saturday, being the 18th Day of April, will be perform’d, A New OPERA, call’d, ORMISDA. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d this Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[44] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this Day, being Tuesday the 21st Day of April, will be perform’d, A New OPERA, call’d, ORMISDA. Having Twelve
Songs chang’d. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d This Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[45] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this Day, being Saturday the 25th Day of April, will be perform’d, A New OPERA, call’d, ORMISDA. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d This Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[46] |
Apr 25
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[Viscount Percival’s Diary, Saturday 25 April 1730] [...] Dined at home, and then went to the Opera [Ormisda].[47] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Tuesday, being the 28th Day of April, will be perform’d, A New OPERA, call’d, ORMISDA. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d this Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[48] |
[Giuseppe Riva in Vienna to Gio. Giacomo Zamboni, 10 May 1730]
I remind you to send me in carta picciola copies of the best arias from the operas composed this year by Handel.[49]
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Saturday, being the 2d Day of May, will be perform’d, A New OPERA, call’d, ORMISDA. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d This Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[50] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Tuesday, being the 5th Day of May, will be perform’d, A New OPERA, call’d, ORMISDA. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d This Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[51] |
[Giuseppe Riva in Vienna to Gio. Giacomo Zamboni, 17 May 1730]
How many disgraces this year in the Orsini family: the death of the Pope [Benedict XIII, i.e., Pierfrancesco Orsini, who died on 21 February 1730] and the ruination of operas in England [which were directed by an orso, i.e., Handel]. I await with impatient curiosity the soprano arias that you promised to send. We must hear them sung by the truly beautiful and admirable Teresina [Holtzhauser].[52]
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SATURDAY, May 9, 1730 WE read the Plato the Philosopher thought fit to banish Musick from his Commonwealth; for (no doubt) it was his Opinion, that all those Things which render the Minds of Men effeminate, bring a Kind of Lethargy over the State itself, and threaten it with a lingering Ruin. The modern Italians are the People who are most bewitch’d to this soft Amusement; they have with great Study cultivated and improved it, and they have given the Dignity of a Science to a Thing not design’d, either for the Improvement of the Manners, or the Instructions of the Minds of the People; but, while they were making it their Glory to be the first in an effeminate Art, the martial Spirit of their Ancestors departed from amongst them, and it is now some Ages that they have been looked upon as the most contemptible People in the World. [261] It is impossible for a Man without some Concern, to behold his Country running into the same Follies which have contributed to the Decay and Contempt that have fallen upon other Nations. While I am talking seriously upon this Subject, I foresee that I may draw upon me the Censure of some little Criticks, who probably will think that a Man ought to be condemn’d to a Straw Bed and and a dark Room, who should take it into his Head to entertain so wild a Notion as that an Opera could ruin a Kingdom. I have nothing to say to such Gentlemen as have a Laugh always at Command, and can sneer at every thing above their shallow Comprehensions, nor am I about to carry the Thing to such an Extravagance; but I believe I may venture to maintain, that since the Italian Luxury and a Taste for Italian Pleasures has gain’d Ground amongst us, our martial Disposition is not much encreas’d, nor any other publick Virtue has gain’d Ground amongst us. To how low a Condition of Sense must a Nation be reduced, when Men, considerable by their Fortunes, as well as Stations in their Country, shall suffer their Thoughts to be totally engaged about the Success of an Opera, or shall form into Parties, or break into violent Factions about the Merit of two Rival Minstrels, at the same Time that they are entirely tranquil about the most arduous Affairs of their Country, and never give themselves a Thought how it may be affected by Transactions of so much Importance, that their Posterity may feel the Consequence thereof, either in Happiness or Misery, for many Ages to come. I cou’d name the Place and the Time where Men of Senatorial Order have thought it a sufficient Excuse for absenting themselves from that Duty to which they had been elected by their Country, because a Visit was expected from a Fidler or a Singer, [262] and some Affair which concerned the Liberty of Subject has been neglected for the Sake of accompanying Geminiani in a Concerto. When the Hearts of Men are set upon Trifles, and Things design’d for little Amusements are pursued as Matters of the highest Importance, no Scorn or Ridicule can be too severe for such a Degree of Folly. If a Foreigner of good Sense was to be a Witness of such a Sense, what low and contemptible Ideas would it raise in him of such a People, and how little would he think their Enemies wou’d have to fear either from their Councils or Actions. It is written of Themistocles the Athenian, who was a famous General as well as a wise Statesman, that, being at a Banquet to which several young Athenian Noblemen were also invited, some of them, to shew their Parts, and to entertain the Company, sung Songs, and play’d with great Skill, upon Musical Instruments; at length one of them presented a Lute to Themistocles, desiring him to play upon it, but he returned the Instrument to this Grecian Petite Maitre, with this remarkable Saying, — That he cou’d not fiddle, tho’ he could make a small
Town a large City. I make no doubt but Themistocles, by this Answer, intended to reproach these young Men for wasting their Youth, that precious Time, which should be employ’d in Studies and Exercises to render them useful to their Country, in an Art, to be excellent in which requir’d so strong an Application, and yet when it was gain’d was nothing but a Trifle. I cannot forbear taking Notice of the Reflection which my Lord Chancellor Bacon makes upon this Saying of Themistocles, tho’ it should draw me a little aside from my Subject. [263] “ These Words, holpen with a little Metaphor (says this great Philosopher) “may express two very “ different Abilities in those that deal in Business of “ Estate; for if a true Survey be taken of the “ Counsellors and Ministers of Commonwealths “ and of Princes, there may be found those who “ can make a small State great, and yet cannot or “ will not fiddle; and yet, on the other Side, there “ may be found a great many who can fiddle very “ cunningly, and yet are so far from being able to “ make a small State great, that their Gifts lie quite “ another Way, that is to say, to bring a great and “ flourishing Kingdom to Ruin and Decay; and “ certainly those little degenerate Arts and Shifts, “ whereby many Governors and Counsellors of “ Princes have endeavour’d to gain Favour with “ their Masters, Estimation with some Faction, “ and by which they have attempted to blind and “ deceive the Common People, are only Things “ to amuse for a little Time, but of no Use to the “ State, as not tending to raise the Commonwealth, “ either in Power, Fortune, or Reputation. According to this ingenious Observation, we find that the Business of Fidling is not confin’d to the Professors of Musick, for it is certain there are Fidlers in all Arts, Sciences and Professions; nay, no Station or Rank of Men has been without them; there have been Emperors, Kings, Popes, Cardinals, Bishops, Secretaries, Ambassadors, and Senators, without Number, who have been Nothing but mere Fidlers. But perhaps it may be necessary for me to explain what I mean by a Fidler, for tho’ I take the Word to be universally understood, both in its literal and metaphorical Meaning, yet, to prevent the Cavils of Criticks, it may not be amiss to put the Thing out of Doubt[.] [264] I therefore take it, that a Fidler is he who is always very busy, and yet never does any thing; he makes a great Bustle about every Trifle, and trifles in the most important Affairs; if such a Man be a Minister of State, and a Rumour of War reaches his Ears, he immediately falls a Fidling, that is, he puts Armies and Fleets in Motion, without giving himself a Thought for what Purpose or Design; — if Peace be the Business in Hand, he fiddles again, that is, he runs about, to treat here, and negotiate there, without any thing in his Head but Crotchets; -- and indeed, in all Conditions and Circumstances of Life, the Fidlers are those, qui magno Conatu Nugas agunt, aut Nihil agunt, who do Nothing at all, with a great Shew of Business; and tho’ we shall often see Men of this silly Turn and Character affect great Names and Titles, and write themselves Treasurers, Secretaries, Plenipotentiaries, and Ambassadors, yet the whole World can see, at the same Time, that they are but mere Fidlers. And this Definition agrees exactly with the Notion of the common People; for whatever they observe a busy Fellow thrusting himself headlong into some Affairs of which he is totally ignorant, or doing Nothing with a great deal of Fracas, they very pertinently term such a Man, a fidling Fellow. And now, methinks, I can account for an odd Thing which I once read in an old Play, before the first Scene of which was written, Enter a King with two Fidlers, — I make no Doubt but a modern Author who was ignorant of the Proprieties, would have said, Enter a King with two of his Ministers, which in my poor Opinion would have been a great Absurdity, and which one of the Antients would not have been guilty of; for if these Persons were more like Fidlers than Statesmen, that was not a Fault of the Poet’s, and he shew’d his Judgment in keeping to the Truth of the Terms. [49 sic] Nor can I forbear thinking that the Hints here given may teach us to correct several Errors which have crept into History, either thro’ the Negligence of the Historians, who have not been well inform’d of the Characters of the Persons of whom they wrote, or thro’ their Ignorance of the Terms; and therefore in some particular Places in our English History, which have been transmitted down to us in no very advantageous Light, where we read that such or such an Affair was brought, or argued before the King and his Council, I humbly conceive it should be corrected thus, That such or such a Thing was argued before the King and his Fidlers; and so where we read, that such an Edict or an Arrest was issued out by the King and Council, it would be a more proper Reading, that such an Edict or an Arrest was issued out by the King and his Fidlers in Council, and so of other Things, —— but I shall act in this as in other Points, that is, I shall submit to the Opinions of more able Criticks. If the Authority of the Poets could have any Weight in a Criticism upon History, I could support my Opinion with some Examples; I remember to have seen a Play in France, where the Poet has introduc’d the Scene of a King sitting in Council, his Majesty is seated under a Canopy, his Counsellors rang’d of each Side, a Fiddle lying upon the Council Board. — When they begin to enter upon Business, one of these wise Counsellors takes up the Instrument and begins to fiddle, upon which his Brethren all look wise, and beat Time; but the King himself, not perfectly pleas’d with this Overture, rises up, and in the Stile of a Monarch say, Give Us the
Fiddle, We Ourselves will play. Here the Poet meant to shew in what a trifling Manner the Business of Nations has been sometimes carried on, and what a Pack of fidling Fellows have often presided in the very Councils of Kings. [50 sic] But to return from whence we digress’d. —— The Man who would criticise History must have a great Regard to the Times and Countries whose History he is reading, otherwise he will commit greater Errors, than he attempts to reform; for Example, if the Roman History falls under his Examination, he will find that the Persons employ’d in the Service of the Commonwealth must be stiled, Dictators, Consuls, Praetors, Ediles, Tribunes, Censors, and the like, because he will be convinced, upon examining their Actions, that there was not one Fidler amongst them, at least, for the first four or five Ages of the Commonwealth. —— Indeed after their Change of Government, when their Liberties were lost, the Case was quite otherwise, for Nero himself was but a Fidler, and so were all the Members of his Right Honourable and right-blundering Privy Council (Seneca excepted.) In like Manner, if our Critick should inspect the English History, he will certainly be of Opinion, that the great Officers of the State in the Reigns of Harry IV. Harry V. Harry VII. Queen Elizabeth, and some others, cannot with any Propriety of Speech be term’d Fidlers; but in some other Reigns he will find it quite otherwise; however, he must govern himself in this material Point by the Actions which he sees recorded of them in History, which will teach him to avoid all Mistakes: — But there is one Thing I would warn him of, and that is, if such an Author should chance to flourish in some future Period, when there should not be such able Ministers at the Helm as we now are bless’d with, that he do not presume to meddle with the History of his own Times, left by Prejudice or Partiality he should be misled to assign wrong Names to Persons and Things, and term some Men Ministers of State, who, in effect, shall be no more than most wretched Fidlers.[53] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Saturday, being the 9th Day of May, will be perform’d, A New OPERA, call’d, ORMISDA. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d This Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[54] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Tuesday, being the 12th Day of May, will be perform’d, A New OPERA, call’d, ORMISDA. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d This Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock.[55] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Thursday, being the 14th Day of May, will be perform’d, A New OPERA, call’d, ORMISDA. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d This Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’Clock. N.B. Saturday next being Whitsun-Eve, it occasions the Performance of the Opera This Night, and will be the last time of performing ORMISDA.[56] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Tuesday, being the 19th Day of May, will be perform’d, An OPERA, call’d, PTOLEMY. With several
Alterations. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d This Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. The Opera being short, it will not begin till Seven o’Clock. To begin exactly at Seven o’Clock.[57] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Saturday, being the 23d Day of May, will be perform’d, An OPERA, call’d, PTOLEMY. With several
Alterations. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d this Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. The Opera being short, it will not begin till Seven o’Clock. To begin exactly at Seven o’Clock.[58] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Tuesday, being the 26th Day of May, will be perform’d, An OPERA, call’d, PTOLEMY. With several
Alterations. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d this Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. The Opera being short, it will not begin till Seven o’Clock. To begin exactly at Seven o’Clock.[59] |
May 26
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On Tuesday Night his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, and the Princess Royal, came to Town from Richmond in an open Chaise, and went to the Opera House in the Hay-market, to see the Opera of Ptolemy: His Majesty was expected, but did not come.[60] |
May 27
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His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales came to Mr. Heydegger’s Assembly last Night in the Hay-market, where ten Couples danced, and his Royal Highness return’d about Five this Morning to Richmond.[61] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Saturday, being the 30th Day of May, will be perform’d, An OPERA, call’d, PTOLEMY. With several
Alterations. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d this Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. The Opera being short, it will not begin till Seven o’Clock. To begin exactly at Seven o’Clock.[62] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Tuesday, being the 2d Day of June, will be perform’d, An OPERA, call’d, PTOLEMY. With several
Alterations. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d this Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. The Opera being short, it will not begin till Seven o’Clock. To begin exactly at Seven o’Clock.[63] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Saturday, being the 6th Day of June, will be perform’d, An OPERA, call’d, PTOLEMY. With several
Alterations. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d This Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. The Opera being short, it will not begin till Seven o’Clock. To begin exactly at Seven o’Clock.[64] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Tuesday, being the 9th Day of June, will be perform’d, A New OPERA, call’d, ORMISDA. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d This Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Six o’ Clock.[65] |
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[Paolo Antonio Rolli to Giuseppe Riva, 12 June 1730] I have nothing much to say about the Heidegger-Handel couple [“la coppia Eidegrendeliana”], and their miserable opera. They have just succeeded in dragging through the season, and deserved no better. The musicians will be paid, and that is all. No one can say whether we shall have any opera next season or not, or whether the company will be the same, but it is certain that things are going from bad to worse. Strada finds favour with the very few who want to forget Cuzzoni . . . . A few days before he died M. Rizzi (?) sent to Goupy a caricature of Cuzzoni and Farinelli singing a duet. Goupy had added the figure of Heidegger seated in a chair with his face turned up, and this has been engraved to the honour and glory of the great army of tuneful {“}canaille.”[66] |
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AT the KING’s-THEATRE in the HAY-MARKET, this present Saturday, being the 13th Day of June, will be perform’d, An OPERA, call’d, PTOLEMY. With several
Alterations. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d this Day, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5 s. By His MAJESTY’s COMMAND, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. To begin exactly at Seven o’ Clock. Being the last Time of Performing this Season.[67] |
[Handel to Francis Colman in Florence]
Londres ce 19/30 de Juin 1730.
Monsieur,
DEPUIS que j’ay eu l’honneur de vous ecrire, on a trouvé moyen d’engager de nouveau la Sigra Merighi, et com[m]e c’est une voix de Contr’alto, il nous conviendroit presentement que la Fem[m]e qu’on doit engager en Italie fut un Soprano. J’ecris aussi avec cet ordinaire a Mr. Swinny pour cet effet, en luy recom[m]andant en meme tems que la Femme qu’il pourra Vous proposer fasse le Role d’hom[m]e aussi bien que celuy de Fem[m]e. Il y a lieu de croire que Vous n’avez pas encore pris d’engagement pour une Femme Contr’Alto, mais en cas que cela soit fait, il faudroit s’y en tenir. [20]
Je prens la Liberté de vous prier de nouveau qu’il ne soit pas fait mention dans les Contracts du premier, second, ou troisieme Rolle, puisque cela nous géne dans le choix du Drama, et est d’ailleurs sujet a de grands inconveniens. Nous esperons aussi d’avoir par Votre assistance un hom[m]e et une Fem[m]e pour la Saison prochaine, qui com[m]ence avec le mois d’Octobr de l’an[n]ee Courante et finit avec le mois de Juillet 1731, et nous attendons avec impatience d’en apprendre des nouvelles pour en informer la Cour.
Il ne me reste qu’a vous reiterer mes assurances de l’obligation particuliere que je Vous aurai de votre Bonté envers moi a cet egard, qui ai l’honneur d’etre avec une affection respectueuse
Monsieur
Votre
tres humble et obeissant
Serviteur
GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL.
A Monsieur Monsieur Colman, Envoyé extraordare de S. M. Britanique, aupres de S. A. R. le Duc de Toscane a Florence.[68]
[Giuseppe Riva in Vienna to Gio. Giacomo Zamboni, 8 July 1730]
[P.S.] Please send me the aria ‘La tigre arde di sdegno’ with instruments, which Senesino sang in Handel’s Admeto. I will await it impatiently via the post.[69]
[Giuseppe Riva in Vienna to Gio. Giacomo Zamboni, 12 July 1730]
I await the aria by Handel: ‘La tigre arde di sdegno’.[70]
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The Celebrated Mr. Green, Organist at the Cathedral of St. Paul, goes, as we hear, this Week to Cambridge, to take his Degree of Doctor of Musick.[71] |
Jul
7
July 7. At the publick Commencement at Cambridge [...] The University also confer’d the Degree [...] of Dr. of Musick on Mr. Green, Organist at the King’s Chapel, and at St. Paul’s: He was also chose Professor of Musick in the said University.[72]
Bologna July 18th, 1730.
Sr
I AM favoured wth yrs of ye 15th instant, & shall Endeavr to observe punctually wt you write about. I find yt [22] Senesino or Carestini are desired at 1200 Gs each, if they are to be had; Im’e sure that Carestini is Engaged at Milan, & has been so, for many Months past: and I hear yt Senesino, is Engaged for ye ensuing Carnival at Rome. [23]
If Senesino is at liberty (& will accept ye offer) then the affair is adjusted if Sigra Barbara Pisani accepts the offer I made her, which I really believe she will.
If we can neither get Senesino, nor Carestini, then Mr Handel desires to have a man (Soprano) & a woman contrealt, & yt The [sic] price (for both) must not exceed one Thousand or Eleven hundred Guineas, & that the persons must sett out for London ye latter end of Augt or beginning of Septembr, and yt no Engagemt must be Made wth one witht a certainty of getting the other.
Several of the persons recomended to Mr Handel (whose names he repeats in ye letters I received from him this Morning) are I think exceedingly indifferent, & Im’e persuaded wou’d never doe in England: & I think shou’d never be pitch’d on, till nobody else can be had.
I have heard a Lad here, of abt 19 years old, wth a very good soprano voice (& of whom there are vast hopes) who Im’e persuaded, would do very well in London, and much better than any of those mentioned in Mr Handel’s letter who are not already engaged in case you cannot get Senesino.
I have spoken with him and with ye person under whose direction he is, & they both of ’em hearken wth pleasure to [24] a proposal of going for London, & they have promised me to accept of no offer, till they have an answer from me, which I cannot give ’em till I hear from you, & That you approve ye person wch I suppose you will in case you do not fix on some other person.
[...]
I expect an answer from Sigra Barbara Pisani, by the next post, wch will meet me at Rome: as soon as I receive it I ll let you know her resolutions, & then you may provide a Woman in her room in case she does not accept my offer, & on my arrival in Florence we’l settle what is to be done about ye young Lad I mention, in case you do not find one yt is better for our purpose, in ye mean time.
I shall say no more at present, but conclude mye Self wth respects to Mrs. Colman,
Yr very much obliged & most
Obedt humble Sert,
OWEN SWINY. [25]
I should be glad to know whether you got Senesino; my addresse is chez Messrs Rizzi & Macirone Banqrs a Roma.
Having not time to answer Mr. Handel’s Letter, this day, I hope you will be so good as to let him know yt I shall Endeavr to serve him to the utmost of my power, & yt I shall do nothing but wt shall be concerted by you.
A Monsr
Monsr Colman Resident
de Sa Majesté
Britanique a
Firenze.[73]
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[Viscount Percival’s Diary, 8 July 1730] Wednesday, 8. — This day came down Fabri and his wife, and Bertholdi: the first and last singers of the Opera.[74] |
Jul 12
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[Viscount Percival’s Diary, Sunday 12 July 1730] Sunday, 12. — Mr. Fabri and his wife went home. [...] My wife presented Mrs. Fabri with a ring of six guineas.[75] |
Rome, July 29th 1730.
Sr
I WAS in hopes of ye Honr of a Letter from you, to
let me know whether Senesino had accepted the offer of 1200 Gs[.] If he does not, Then, we must provide
a Soprano Man & a Contrealt
Woman (tho the Merighi stays) at abt 1000 Gs (both) or, Therabts
– wth an absolute condition of their being in London by ye
end of Septembr[.] [26]
I told you I had a young Fellow in
View wth a good Voice & other requisites, in case Senesino (or some
other fit person) cou’d not be Engaged – I have recd no answer, as yet, From the Sigra
Barbara Pisani, but hope to have one by ye next week’s ordinary – as soon as I receive it, I
shall not fail to give you the purport of it.
[...]
Yr Oblig’d Servt
OWEN SWINY.
A Monsr
Monsr Colman Resident de
Sa Majesté
Britan[n]iq
Firenze.[76]
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[Viscount Percival’s Diary, 19 July 1730] Sunday, 19. — Mrs Bertholdi, the opera singer, went to London. My wife presented her a silver teapot and salver of six guineas. [...][77] |
[Francis Colman in Florence to Cocchi in Florence, Thursday ca July 1730]
I send you inclosed Mr Handel’s letter, that you may represent to Senesino all the reasons contained in it why the undertakers cannot go beyond the offer of 1200 guineas. When you have wrote the letter, pray do me the favour to bring it to me this afternoon at the Physick Gardens, when I will be sure to meet you a little before 21 hours.[78]
Aug
1
Aug. 1. THE Indian King and Prince, and the five Warriors (as they are call’d) attending them, arrived in Town this Night from Windsor, and took up their Lodging at Mr. Arn’s, an Upholsterer in King-street, Covent-Garden (the House where the Emperor of the Mohock Indians, and the three Indian Kings, lodged about twenty Years ago.)[79]
[they left their lodgings on October 2: see p. 187 [October]]
[Giuseppe Riva in Vienna to Gio. Giacomo Zamboni, 12 August 1730
I also await the aria by Handel via the post….[80]
Aug [13/]24
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[Edward Holdsworth in Rome to Charles Jennens] […] I have given orders to have the Overture, Songs and Symphonies of the last Opera copied, being very much admir’d. ’Tis the Composition of Vinci, who is since dead, very much lamented, and this performance is the more valued not only as twas ye last but esteem’d the best He ever did. The account you had of Senesino’s death was false, He is still living, and we expect him on this stage the next winter. I am assur’d yt He has been offer’d 1200£ for the winter, if He will return to England, and ’tis believ’d yt the Undertakers will advance to one hundred pds more, but He insists upon 1600. Mr Herbert has begun to learn on the Harpsicord that He may be better qualified to keep you company when He returns, and make his Harpsicord speak for him […][81] |
Aug 14
|
[Lettice Cornwallis to Cassandra Brydges, Tunbridge, 14 August 1730] […] This place Mr Connolly makes more & more agreeable to the Ladys, giving them all hopes, declaring he will not marry for fortune. Yesterday he gave a rural entertainment at the Roks between which he had a table curiously set out, he performed the honours himself to the admaration of all. Rain that fell eclipsed their merriment which they proposed in dancing upon the [365] green, hurryd them all | into a little Hutt where they stood & drank coffee & they had Hoboys, Trumpetts, French horns, in fine, the entertainment by report was most eligent [sic].[82] |
Aug 28
|
Signor Senisino, the famous Italian Singer, hath contracted to come over hither against the Winter, to perform under Mr. Heydegger in the Italian Operas.[83] |
Sep [1/]12
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[Giuseppe Riva in Vienna to Gio. Giacomo Zamboni, 12 September 1730] Yesterday, when I returned from a short trip, I found your most kind letter of August 18, which contains the Handel aria ‘La tigre’, &c., for which I render thanks.[84] |
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[Viscount Percival’s Diary, Wednesday 16 September 1730] Wednesday, 16. — Fabri, the opera man, came down.[85] |
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[Viscount Percival’s Diary, 20 September 1730] Sunday, 20. — Brother and sister Percival, Fabri and Nash dined with me.[86] |
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[Viscount Percival’s Diary, Saturday 3 October 1730] [...] At night I went to a public concert for the benefit of Mrs. Young, whose voice I think exceeds Corsone’s [Cuzzoni] or any Italian I ever heard in clearness, loudness, and high compass.[87] |
early October
|
Signiora [sic] Senisini, a very famous Singer, arrived here last Week from Italy, and has agreed with Mr. Heydegger to perform in the Italian Operas this Winter.[88] |
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FRIDAY, Oct. 9. [...] We hear Mr. Heydegger, Master of the Opera House in the Hay-market, having contracted with some extraordinary voices lately arrived from Italy, to perform in the Italian Operas, designs to open the same with a fine new Opera sat. the 24th instant. P. —— There are grand preparations making at the Opera-house, &c. and Senesino being arrived, they will begin to perform as soon as the Court comes to S. James’s. D. J. ———— As this revival of Italian Operas is grateful to some of our Members, who hope to have the translating of them: so it is
disagreeable to those greater Genius’s who write English Operas themselves.[89] |
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[Viscount Percival’s Diary, Tuesday 13 October 1730] Tuesday, 13. — Went to Miss Young’s second concert. There was much company at a crown a ticket, and all came away pleased. They agreed that her voice is better than any of the Italian women’s, but that she wants their perfect manner, which is not to be attained but by residing some years in Italy. She has a clear shake above E-la-mi, which the others have not. She is under the disadvantage of singing compositions adapted to the voices of others, and composed purposely for them. She is besides, as yet, only a scholar, [108] and does not propose till some years hence to sing in the opera. Geminiani, the famous violin, and a good composer, is her master.[90] |
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[Handel to Francis Colman in Florence] à Londres 27/16: d’Octobr 1730. Monsieur Je viens de recevoir l’ honneur de Votre Lettre du 22 du passeé N. S. par la quelle je vois les Raisons qui Vous ont determiné d’engager Sr Sinesino sur le pied de quatorze cent ghinées, a quoy nous acquiesçons, et je Vous fais mes tres humbles Remerciments des peines que Vous avez bien voulu prendre dans cette affaire[.] Le dit Sr Sinesino est arrivé icy il y a 12 jour et je n’ai pas manqué sur la presentation de Votre Lettre de Luy payer a comple de son sâlaire les cent ghinées que Vous Luy aviez promis. Pour ce qui est de la Sigra Pisani nous ne l’avons pas eüe, et comme la saison est fort avancée, et qu’on com[m]encera bientôt les Operas nous nous passerons cette année cy d’une autre Fëm[m]e d’Italie ayant deja disposé les Opera[s] pour la Compagnie que nous avons presentement. Je Vous suis pourtant tres obligé d’avoir songé a la Sigra Madalena Pieri en cas que nous eussions eu absolument besoin d’une autre Femme qui acte en homme, mais nous nous [1v] contenterons des cinq Personnages ayant actu- ellement trouvé de quoy suppleer au reste. C’est a Votre genereuse assistance que la Cour et la Noblesse devront en partie la satisfaction d’avoir presentement une Compagnie a Leur gré, en sorte qu’il ne me reste qu’a Vous en marquer mes sentiments particuliers de gratitude et a Vous assurer de l’attention tres respectueuse avec la quelle j’ay l’honneur d’etre Monsieur Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Sêrviteur George Frideric Handel. A Monsieur Monsieur Colman Envoyé Extraordinare de sa Majesté Britan[n]ique aupres de son Altese Royale le Grand Duc de Toscane à Florence[91] |
Nov 10
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To all Gentlemen that are Lovers and Judges
of MUSICK. HIS MAJESTY hath been graciously pleased to grant to JOHN HARRIS, of
Red Lion-street in Holbourn, London, his Letters Patent,
for the making of a new-invented Harpsichord with two Sets of Strings;
on which may be perform’d either one Unison or two, or two Unisons and an
Octave together; and the Forte’s or Piano’s, or Loud or Soft, or the
contrary, may be executed as quick as Thought: And like- wise not only all
that is before mention’d may be perform’d, but also double Basses may be
express’d by touching single Keys; so that here hard Divisions may be well play’d
in a double Manner, without the Thumb and Little Finger together,
which could not be well done otherwise. Besides the above-mentioned Advantages, these Instruments will keep much longer in
Tune than any Harpsichords which have Octave Stops; and does not require
near the same Trouble of Quilling and Tuning as those Instruments do,
and consequently will not be so expensive to put into Order. All Persons that shall make any of these Instruments without my
Licence, or any in
Imitation of them, &c. shall be prosecuted according to Law. John Harris. N. B. The under-mentioned Gentlemen have done me the Honour to approve of and
recommend these Instruments, (and also an Organ which I have by me for
Sale) as being preferable to others that are made in the common Way; and have
given me Leave to make use of their Names upon this Occasion, viz. Mr. Handel, Dr. Pepusch, Dr. Green, of St. Paul’s, Mr. Galliard. Note, Mr. Harris will make Harpsichords or Spinnets with Metal Pens, if desir’d, which
he believes will be as durable and lasting as the Strings of the Instruments;
and in case any Accident should happen to them, they may be rectify’d
almost as soon as a Crow-Quil could be put into good Order.[92] |
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On Thursday last the Coronation Musick (compos’d by Mr. Handel) was perform’d at Mr. Gates’s, Master of the Children of the Chapel Royal, where were present the Right Hon. the Marquess of Blandford, and several other Persons of Distinction.[93] |
[Anicius Manlius Torquatus Severinus Boetius, His Consolation of Philosophy, in Five Books translated into English (London: Printed for the Author [!], 1730), list of subscribers]
[Mr.] Hendel
Dec [9/]20
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[Edward Holdsworth in Naples to Charles Jennens] Dear Sr. As I am perswaded yt you don’t value riding a thousand miles to have the pleasure of hearing your dear Cuzzoni, this is to acquaint you that she is engag’d to sing here the ensuing Carneval. She has already entertain’d the town above these six weeks, but I have had the misfortune to have heard her once only, tho’ I have been here most part of the time; having been laid up wth a pain in my bones occasion’d by a violent cold, yt I have been scarce able to walk across my chamber above this month. […2v] I thank god I am now pretty well recover’d of my indisposition, and hope to be able to go abroad again in [a] few days; and tho’ I must not think of venturing so soon to an Opera, yet I hope to take an airing to Virgil’s tomb, wch I have had the mortification not to visit since I have been here. […][94] |
Dec 15
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Last Night their Majesties, his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, and the three eldest Princesses, went to the Opera House in the Hay-market, and saw the Opera of Parthenope.[95] |
They have in their Churches [in Bologna] a diverting Piece of Devotion, which they call an Oratorio: It is a musical Drama of two Acts, after the Manner of the Stage-Opera’s, with Recitativo between the Songs. The Subject is either some Scripture-Story, or a Story of some of their own Saints; generally the last. Between the Acts there is a Sermon; so timed (I suppose) to secure such of the Audience as might be apt to leave the Preacher in the lurch, if they were not to have some Musick to sweeten their Mouths with at last. The Whole is introduc’d with a Performance somewhat unusual, a Discorso (as they term it) spoken by a little Boy: We heart two of them: [...][96]
JUDITH,
AN
HEROICK POEM.
Written at Hemsworth in YORKSHIRE in the Months of November and December, 1730.[97]
[1] The Daily Journal, no. 2806, Saturday 3 January 1730, [2].
[2] The Daily Journal, no. 2812, Saturday 10 January 1730, [2].
[3] The Daily Journal, no. 28[14], Tuesday 13 January 1730, [1].
[4] The Daily Journal, no. 2818, Saturday 17 January 1730, [1].
[5] The Daily Journal, no. 2822, Thursday 22 January 1730, [1].
[6] The Daily Journal, no. 2824, Saturday 24 January 1730, [1].
[7] The Daily Journal, no. 2826, Tuesday 27 January 1730, [1].
[8] Manuscripts of the Earl of Egmont: Diary of Viscount Percival afterwards First Earl of Egmont. Vol. I. 1730-1733 (London: His Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1920), 15.
[9] The Daily Journal, no. 2830, Saturday 31 January 1730, [1].
[10] The Daily Journal, no. 2832, Tuesday 3 February 1730, [3].
[11] The Monthly Chronicle 3 (1730), 23 [February].
[12] The Daily Journal, no. 2836, Saturday 7 February 1730, [2].
[13] The Daily Journal, 2837, Monday 9 February 1730, [1].
[14] The Daily Journal, no. 2842, Saturday 14 February 1730, [1].
[15] The Daily Journal, no. 2844, Tuesday 17 February 1730, [1].
[16] The Daily Journal, no. 2848, Saturday 21 February 1730, [1].
[17] The Daily Journal, no. 2850, Tuesday 24 February 1730, [1].
[18] The Daily Journal, no. 2853, Saturday 28 February 1730, [1].
[19] The Daily Post, no. 3260, Monday 2 March 1730, [1].
[20] The Daily Journal, no. 2856, Tuesday 3 March 1730, [1].
[21] The Daily Journal, no. 2858, Thursday 5 March 1730, [1].
[22] The Daily Journal, no. 2860, Saturday 7 March 1730, [1].
[23] The Daily Journal, no. 2862, Tuesday 10 March 1730, [1].
[24] The Daily Journal, no. 2866, Saturday 14 March 1730, [2].
[25] The Daily Journal, no. 2868, Tuesday 17 March 1730, [1].
[26] The Daily Journal, no. 2869, Wednesday 18 March 1730, [1].
[27] The Daily Journal, no. 2870, Thursday 19 March 1730, [1].
[28] The Daily Journal, no. 2872, Saturday 21 March 1730, [2].
[29] 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: 116.
[30] The Universal Spectator, and Weekly Journal, no. 77, Saturday 28 March 1730, [2]; repr., The Grub-street Journal, no. 13, Thursday 2 April 1730, [2].
[31] The Daily Journal, no. 2880, Tuesday 31 March 1730, [2].
[32] 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: 116-17.
[33] The Daily Journal, no. 2882, Thursday 2 April 1730, [2].
[34] The Autobiography and Correspondence of Mary Granville, Mrs. Delany, ed. Lady Llanover, 3 vols. (London: Richard Bentley, 1861), 1:252-53.
[35] The Daily Journal, no. 2884, Saturday 4 April 1730, [2].
[36] The Daily Journal, no. 2884, Saturday 4 April 1730, [2].
[37] The Daily Journal, no. 2886, Tuesday 7 April 1730, [1].
[38] The Daily Journal, no. 2890, Saturday 11 April 1730, [2].
[39] Manuscripts of the Earl of Egmont: Diary of Viscount Percival afterwards First Earl of Egmont. Vol. I. 1730-1733 (London: His Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1920), 93.
[40] Manuscripts of the Earl of Egmont: Diary of Viscount Percival afterwards First Earl of Egmont. Vol. I. 1730-1733 (London: His Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1920), 93.
[41] The Daily Journal, no. 2892, Tuesday 14 April 1730, [1].
[42] The Daily Journal, no. 2894, Thursday 16 April 1730, [1].
[43] Manuscripts of the Earl of Egmont: Diary of Viscount Percival afterwards First Earl of Egmont. Vol. I. 1730-1733 (London: His Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1920), 93.
[44] The Daily Journal, no. 2896, Saturday 18 April 1730, [1].
[45] The Daily Journal, no. 2898, Tuesday 21 April 1730, [1].
[46] The Daily Journal, no. 2902, Saturday 25 April 1730, [1].
[47] Manuscripts of the Earl of Egmont: Diary of Viscount Percival afterwards First Earl of Egmont. Vol. I. 1730-1733 (London: His Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1920), 98.
[48] The Daily Journal, no. 2904, Tuesday 28 April 1730, [1].
[49] 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: 117.
[50] The Daily Journal, no. 2908, Saturday 2 May 1730, [1].
[51] The Daily Journal, no. 2910, Tuesday 5 May 1730, [1].
[52] 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: 117.
[53] Select Letters taken from Fog’s Weekly Journal, 2 vols. (London, 1732), 1:260-[66].
[54] The Daily Journal, no. 2914, Saturday 9 May 1730, [2].
[55] The Daily Journal, no. 2916, Tuesday 12 May 1730, [1].
[56] The Daily Journal, no. 2918, Thursday 14 May 1730, [1].
[57] The Daily Journal, no. 2922, Tuesday 19 May 1730, [2].
[58] The Daily Journal, no. 2926, Saturday 23 May 1730, [2].
[59] The Daily Journal, no. 2928, Tuesday 26 May 1730, [2].
[60] The London Evening-Post, no. 384, Tuesday 26 – Thursday 28 May 1730, [1].
[61] The London Evening-Post, no. 384, Tuesday 26 – Thursday 28 May 1730, [1].
[62] The Daily Journal, no. 2932, Saturday 30 May 1730, [1].
[63] The Daily Journal, no. 2934, Tuesday 2 June 1730, [1].
[64] The Daily Journal, no. 2938, Saturday 6 June 1730, [2].
[65] The Daily Journal, no. 2940, Tuesday 9 June 1730, [2].
[66] R. A. Streatfeild, “Handel, Rolli, and Italian Opera in London in the Eighteenth Century,” The Musical Quarterly 3 (1917), 428-445: 441.
[67] The Daily Journal, no. 2944, Saturday 13 June 1730, [1].
[68] Posthumous Letters, from Various Celebrated Men; addressed to Francis Colman, and George Colman, the Elder (London: T. Cadell and W. Davies, 1820), 19-20; facs. in Hedwig and E. H. Mueller von Asow, Georg Friedrich Händel: Biographie von John Mainwaring, Briefe und Schriften (Lindau im Bodensee: Werk-Verlag Frisch & Perneder, 1949), 120/21.
[69] 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: 118.
[70] 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: 119.
[71] The London Evening-Post, no. 399, Saturday 27 – Tuesday 30 June 1730, [2]; The Daily Post, no. 3363, Tuesday 30 June 1730, [1].
[72] The Monthly Chronicle 3 (1730), 135 [July].
[73] Posthumous Letters, from Various Celebrated Men; addressed to Francis Colman, and George Colman, the Elder (London: T. Cadell and W. Davies, 1820), 21-25.
[74] Manuscripts of the Earl of Egmont: Diary of Viscount Percival afterwards First Earl of Egmont. Vol. I. 1730-1733 (London: His Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1920), 98.
[75] Manuscripts of the Earl of Egmont: Diary of Viscount Percival afterwards First Earl of Egmont. Vol. I. 1730-1733 (London: His Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1920), 98.
[76] Posthumous Letters, from Various Celebrated Men; addressed to Francis Colman, and George Colman, the Elder (London: T. Cadell and W. Davies, 1820), 25-26.
[77] Manuscripts of the Earl of Egmont: Diary of Viscount Percival afterwards First Earl of Egmont. Vol. I. 1730-1733 (London: His Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1920), 99.
[78] 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: 119.
[79] The Monthly Chronicle 3 (1730), 151 [August].
[80] 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: 120.
[81]
Foundling Museum, Gerald Coke Handel Collection, accession no. 2702, “Jennens
Holdsworth Letters 1,” item 2, f. 2r; repr. Amanda Babington and
Ilias Chrissochoidis, “Musical References in the Jennens–Holdsworth
Correspondence (1729–46),” Royal Musical
Association Research Chronicle, 45:1 (2014), 76–129: 86.
[82] Cassandra Brydges, Duchess of Chandos, 1670-1735: Life and Letters, ed. Rosemary O’Day (Woodbridge: Boydell, 2007), 364-65 (no. C26).
[83] The Daily Post, no. 3414, Friday 28 August 1730, [1]; repr., Read’s Weekly Journal, Or, British-Gazetteer, no. 284, Saturday 29 August 1730, [3]; The Universal Spectator, and Weekly Journal, no. 99, Saturday 29 August 1730, [2]; The Evening Post, no. 3294, Thursday 27 – Saturday 29 August 1730, [2].
[84] 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: 120.
[85] Manuscripts of the Earl of Egmont: Diary of Viscount Percival afterwards First Earl of Egmont. Vol. I. 1730-1733 (London: His Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1920), 103.
[86] Manuscripts of the Earl of Egmont: Diary of Viscount Percival afterwards First Earl of Egmont. Vol. I. 1730-1733 (London: His Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1920), 104.
[87] Manuscripts of the Earl of Egmont: Diary of Viscount Percival afterwards First Earl of Egmont. Vol. I. 1730-1733 (London: His Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1920), 105.
[88] The Evening Post, no. 3310, Saturday 3 – Tuesday 6 October 1730, [3]; repr., The Grub-street Journal, no. 40, Thursday 8 October 1730, [2].
[89] The Grub-street Journal, no. 41, Thursday 15 October 1730, [2].
[90] Manuscripts of the Earl of Egmont: Diary of Viscount Percival afterwards First Earl of Egmont. Vol. I. 1730-1733 (London: His Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1920), 107-08.
[91] Foundling Museum, Gerald Coke Handel Collection, accession no. 4615; repr. Posthumous Letters, from Various Celebrated Men; addressed to Francis Colman, and George Colman, the Elder (London: T. Cadell and W. Davies, 1820), 28-29.
[92] The London Evening-Post, no. 457, Saturday 7 – Tuesday 10 November 1730, [2].
[93] The London Evening-Post, no. 465, Thursday 26 – Saturday 28 November 1730, [1]; repr. Donald Burrows, Handel and the English Chapel Royal (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005), 290.
[94]
Foundling Museum, Gerald Coke Handel Collection, accession no. 2702, “Jennens
Holdsworth Letters 1,” item 3, ff. 1r, 2v; repr. Amanda
Babington and Ilias Chrissochoidis, “Musical References in the
Jennens–Holdsworth Correspondence (1729–46),” Royal Musical Association Research Chronicle, 45:1 (2014), 76–129:
86–87.
[95] The Daily Courant, no. 9108, Wednesday 16 December 1730, [2].
[96] Edward Wright, Some Observations mane in Travelling through France, Italy, &c. in the Years 1720, 1721, and 1722, 2 vols. (London: Tho. Ward and E. Wicksteed, 1730), 2:449 (continuous pagination); Chrissochoidis, 691.
[97] John Free, Poems on Several Occasions, 2nd edition (London: E. Owen, 1757), 136-59; Chrissochoidis, 691.