1735
We hear that the New Opera of Mr. Handel’s, call’d ARIODANTE, is now in Rehearsal at the Theatre-Royal in Covent-Garden; and that the Scenes prepar’d for that Purpose are thought to excell any Thing of the Kind that has yet appear’d, and the same will be perform’d some Day next Week.[1] |
Died,
on monday at Wandsworth, John Eccles, Esq; master of his majesty’s band of
musick. C. [= Daily Courant][2]
Last wednesday night his excellency the
Spanish embassador, count Montijo, open’d his assembly at Powis house, the
great apartment up one pair of stairs, was finely illuminated; there were
several rooms for cards; one for a fine concert, where the famous Farinelli
sung; another for a magnificent supper, to which twenty of the first quality
only were invited; and after supper, in another room, there was a most
beautiful desert [dessert] [sic] set out. There were refreshments of all kinds for the
whole company. LE. [=The
London Evening-Post][3]
THURSDAY, Jan. 16. We hear that Dr Green, organist of St Paul’s
cathedral, is appointed master of his majesty’s band of musick. P. [=Daily Post-Boy]———Yesterday he
was sworn in. DA. [Daily
Advertiser][4]
Jan
29
Yesterday the lady Brown, sister to the
lord bishop of Bangor, was presented to their majesties, upon her arrival from
Italy, where she has resided ten years. LE.
[The London Evening-Post][5]
We hear there will be a gallery erected at
the east-end of the choir of St. Paul’s for the music, on the next rehearsal
and feast-days for the sons of the clergy, by their present stewards, from
whence both the voices and instruments will be heard to the best advantage; and
that the sermon will be preach’d by the rev. Dr. Lavington, residentiary of St.
Paul’s. DA. [=Daily Advertiser][6]
On Friday last Claudius Amyand, Esq; Surgeon to his Majesty’s Houshold, who with Dr. Tessier, and Dr. Douglass, embark’d with her Royal Highness the Princess of Orange for Calais, and been ever since at the Court of the Prince of Orange, arriv’d here from thence, having left those two Gentlemen to attend her Royal Highness during her Pregnancy; and he left her Royal Highness in perfect Health.[7] |
January
Verses occasioned by reading Mr. Pope’s four Essays on Man, and his Epistle to Dr. Arbuthnot.
By Mr. Humphreys. [...] Can thy strong fame be wounded to the quick, Because thy foes make half a nation sick? If frogs at Phoebus in their sens [sic] repine, Shall Phoebus, at their croaking, cease to shine? Who asks if nature, by mistake, has plan’d ill Handel’s Oldmixion*, or Oldmixion’s Handel? Ev’n opera frequenters own, at once, That one’s a savage, and that one’s a dunce. Let then thy petulant opposers rage, Thou still shalt live the glory of our age; And late posterity (’tis more than hope) Will honour Britain for producing Pope.[8] |
On Saturday their Majesties, together with the Prince of Wales, and the Princesses Amelia and Carolina, were at the Opera House in the Haymarket, and saw the Opera of Polifemo; which was perform’d to one of the greatest Audiences that hath been known this Season.[9] |
Feb 8
THE Annual Feast of the Sons of the Clergy will be held at Merchant-Taylors Hall in Thread- needle-street, on Thursday the 13th Instant. Tickets may be had at the following Coffee-houses, viz. the Chapter and Child’s in St. Paul’s Church-yard; Tom’s in Cornhill; the Rainbow near Temple-Bar; the Bedford, Covent Garden; the Gray’s-Inn, near Gray’s-Inn Gate, Holbourn; the Guildhall Coffee-house; Will’s near Lincoln’s-Inn Back-Gate; and Oliver’s by Westminster-Hall Gate; and at the Half-Moon Tavern, Cheapside. N. B. Stewards are provided for the Year ensuing. Before the Service the Overture of Esther; Mr. Handel’s Te Deum in Airy; his Jubilate; his Coronation Anthem, God save
the King. And after Sermon, a new Anthem by Dr. Green will be Vocally and Instrumentally perform’d, and those that bring Feast Tickets will be admitted into the Choir. N. B. The REHEARSAL will be at St. Paul’s Cathedral on Tuesday next the 11th Instant.[10] |
Last Night their Majesties were at the Opera of Ariodante, at Covent-Garden Theatre.[11] |
On Tuesday last died the Footman of the Marquis of Tweedale, that was stabb’d at the Opera-House in the Haymarket on Saturday last, when the Disturbance was made by the Footmen crowding into the Passage with their Flambeaux.[12] |
Yesterday being the Annual Feast of the Sons of the Clergy, the Rev. Dr. Lavington preach’d before them at St. Paul’s Cathedral; Mr. Handell’s Coronation Musick, &c. being perform’d exceeding well. There were about 140 Instruments, and 40 Voices; there was not so many of the Lords Spiritual as usual, their Lordships being oblig’d to attend the Parliament: After Sermon they proceeded to Merchant-Taylors Hall to Dinner, which was very Elegant; and after Dinner the Stewards went round the Hall, and collected (including the Collection at the Church Doors) about 670 l. which with 298 l. gather’d at the Rehearsal on Tuesday, makes 968 l. which is already about 60 l. more than the whole Collection last Year amounted to; and as several of the Bishops were not there, considerable Sums are expected to be sent in, as well from their Lordships, as other Persons.[13] |
Thursday was held the Annual Feast of the Sons of the Clergy, upon which Occasion there was a Sermon preach’d by the Rev. Dr. Lavington at St. Paul’s Cathedral, before several of the Right Rev. the Bishops, many of the Reverend Clergy, and a great Number of Persons of Quality and Distinction of both Sexes: Before the Service the Overture of Esther, Mr. Handel’s Te Deum in A-re, his Jubilate, his Coronation Anthem, and after the Sermon Dr. Green’s new Anthem, were perform’d in an extraordinary fine Manner by a vast Number of Voices and Instruments: After which the Illustrious Company repair’d in decent Order to Merchant-Taylors Hall in Thread- needle-street, where an elegant Entertainment was provided for them; and the Collection, including that on Tuesday last at the Rehearsal, amounted to about 968 l. near 60 l. more than the Collection last Year; and as several of the Bishops were not there, considerable Sums are expected to be sent in, as well from their Lordships, as other Persons.[14] |
Yesterday the rev. Dr. Lavington preach’d
before the sons of the clergy at S. Paul’s: after which those gentlemen went in
a grand procession to Merchant-Taylors-hall to dine. DJ.
DA.——Lavender. DP.——The
collection at the choir was 114 l. and at the Hall 535 l. 17 s. 6 d. The whole including the ladies collection,
amounted to 948 l. 8 s. which was 39 l. 2 s. more than was gathered last
year. DA.——The whole amounted to
upwards of 950 l. P.——960 l. DP. [=Daily Post][15]
Last Night their Royal Highnesses the Duke, and Princess Caroline, were at Covent Garden Theatre, and saw the Opera of Ariodante. […] We hear next Week, Te Deum will be sung at the Portuguese Chapel in Warwick-street, by Signor Farinelli and others, the best Performers, as a Thanksgiving for the Princess of Brazil’s being safely deliver’d of a Princess.[16] |
AT the KING’s THEATRE in the Haymarket, on Friday next, being the 28th of February, will be perform’d an Oratorio, or Sacred Drama, call’d / DAVID. / Set to Musick by Signor NICOLA PORPORA. / Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Person to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d on Friday next, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5s. / By HIS MAJESTY’s Command, / No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. / The Gallery will be open’d at Three o’Clock. Pit and Boxes at Five. / To begin at Six o’Clock.[17] |
AT the KING’s THEATRE in the Haymarket, on Friday next, being the 28th of February, will be perform’d an Oratorio, or Sacred Drama, call’d DAVID. Set to Musick by Signor NICOLA PORPORA. Pit and Boxes to be put together, and no Persons to be admitted without Tickets, which will be deliver’d on Friday next, at the Office in the Hay-Market, at Half a Guinea each. Gallery 5s. By HIS MAJESTY’s Command, No Persons whatever to be admitted behind the Scenes. The Gallery will be open’d at Three o’Clock. Pit and Boxes at Five. To begin at Six o’Clock.[18] |
[Earl of Egmont’s Diary, Thursday 27 February 1734-5] After dinner I went to the Royal Society and then to the Thursday Vocal Academy at the Crown Tavern, where we had 19 voices, 12 violins and 5 basses. The famous Miserere of Allegri, forbid to be copied out or communicated to any under pain of excommunication, being reserved solely for the use of his chapel, was sung, being brought us by the Earl of Abercorn, whose brother contrived to obtain it.[19] |
[Earl of Egmont’s Diary, Friday 28 February 1734-5] Friday, 28. — This morning I visited Lord Wilmington, dined at home, and went in the evening to the Oratorio at the Haymarket.[20] |
Mar 4
We hear that Mr. Handel has prepar’d several Oratorio’s, which are to be perform’d this Lent, and has made several Additions to that of Esther, in which the Part that Signior Carastini is to perform, is intirely new; as also two Concerto’s for the Organ, in which Mr. Handel will perform the Solo Parts. The whole, excepting the Part of Signor Carastini, is to be perform’d in English.[21] |
Died yesterday, in Burlington-gardens, Dr.
Arbuthnot, an eminent physician. C.—In Cork-street. P.—Fellow of
the Royal Society. DP.—Physician to his late majesty. DA.[22]
[Earl of Egmont’s Diary, Wednesday 12 March 1734-5] I dined with my daughter Hanmer, and after a short visit to my brother Percival went to the Oratorio called Hester.[23] |
Signora Celeste Gismundi, a famous Singer, Wife to Mr. Hempson, an English Gentleman, died on Tuesday, after a lingering Illness. She perform’d in Mr. Handel’s Operas for several Winters with great Applause, but did not sing this Season on any Stage, on Account of her Indisposition.[24] ’Tis expected that Signor Farinello will have the greatest Appearance on Saturday that has been known. We hear that a Contrivance will be made to accom[m]odate 2000 People. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales has been pleas’d to give him 200 Guineas, the Spanish Ambassador 100, the Emperor’s Ambassador 50, his Grace the Duke of Leeds 50, the Countess of Portmore 50, Lord Burlington 50, his Grace the Duke of Richmond 50, the Hon. Col. Paget 30, Lady Rich 20, and most of the other Nobility 50, 30 or 20 Guineas each; so that ’tis believ’d his Benefit will be worth to him upwards of 2000 l. [25] |
Mar 15
There was a very numerous and gay Appearance on Saturday Night at Signor Farinello’s Benefit, the Pit was full soon after 4 o’Clock. There was no Scenes, the Stage being adorn’d as at a Ridotto, and curiously hung with gilt Leather. The Seats placed on the Stage contain’d several hundred People. Many of the Songs in the Opera were new; that which preceded the Chorus was compos’d by himself, and so extremely applauded, that he sung it again, at the Request of the Audience, tho’ the Chorus was over, and the Musicians retiring from the Orchestra.[26] |
[Mrs. Pendarves to Mrs. Granville, 15 March, 1734-5] [...] We [she and her sister] were together at Mr. Handel’s oratorio Esther, [... 531 ... 532 ...] My sister gave you an account of Mr. Handel’s playing here for three hours together: I did wish for you, for no entertainment in music could exceed it, except his playing on the organ in Esther, where he performs a part in two concertos, that are the finest things I ever heard in my life. [...][27] |
Died,
[...] On tuesday Signora Celeste Gismundi, a famous singer. DA.[28]
[Earl of Egmont’s Diary, Wednesday 19 March 1734-5] [...] Dined with my brother Percival, and went in the evening to the Oratorio called Hester.[29] |
WEDNESDAY, Mar. 19. The private charity that has been sent to the
stewards of the sons of the clergy, since their feast-day, makes the whole
amount to 986 l. 12 s. 4 d. DA.[30]
Mar 20
A Letter to a
Friend in the Country. [...] The late Squabble at the Opera is pretty well adjusted. It had rose very high; Parties were formed, and Protests were just ready to be enter’d, to which many fair Hands had threaten’d to subscribe; when, by accommodating Matters with Senesino, all the ruffled Passions were calmed, as it had been by the Melody of his Voice. Farinello surpasses every thing we have hitherto heard. Nor are we wanting in our Acknowledgments: For, besides the numerous Presents of considerable Sums made him by the Nobility, Foreign Ministers, and Others, (which amounted to some Thousand Pounds,) he had an Audience at his Benefit larger than was ever seen in an English Theatre; and there was an
Attention, that shew’d how much every one was charmed. — In the flourishing State of this Opera, ’tis no Wonder that the other Theatres decline. Handel, whose excellent Compositions have often pleased our Ears, and touched our Hearts, has this Winter sometimes performed to an almost empty Pitt. He has lately reviv’d his fine Oratorio of Esther, in which he has introduced two Concerto’s on the Organ, that are inimitable. But so strong is the Disgust taken against him, that even this has been far from bringing him crowded Audiences; tho’ there were no other publick Entertainments on those Evenings. His Loss is computed for these two Seasons at a great Sum. [...][31] |
Mar 23
[Edward Holdsworth in Atherton to Charles Jennens] […] I am sorry to hear of the ill success of the Prodigious; and of the death of poor Celestina. Our news papers make most extravagant [1v] Presents to Farinelli. Sure the people in Italy will think our money is soon parted with.[32] |
To Mr. HOOKER. SIR, AS in your Paper of Saturday last, you very generously exposed the Folly of our British Quality, in so exorbitantly indulging the Italian Boy, on his late Benefit Night, I have the Pleasure to tell you, that the said Paper has had a most uncommon good Effect, since he himself has determined to shew his Gratitude, in a Method quite new, and which you’ll oblige your constant Reader to insert in your next Saturday’s Journal, as a Piece of authentick News, viz. ‘We are informed that Signior Farinello, in Gratitude for the immense Sum the Quality of Great Britain indulged him with on his late Benefit Night, has determined to sing the famous Mr. Hendal’s TE DEUM, from the Organ Loft of the Parish Church of St. James’s, Westminster, for the Benefit of the Charity Girls of the said Parish, To-morrow, being Palm-Sunday; when it is hoped, all true Lovers of Harmony will contribute largely to the Relief of those real Objects of Charity.[’] Yours, March 26, 1735. A. W.[33] |
Last Monday Night his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, gave a fine Concert of Musick to several Persons of Distinction, at his House in Pall-Mall.[34]
Apr 11
[Mrs. Pendarves to her mother Mrs. Granville, 12 April 1735] Yesterday morning my sister [Ann Granville] and I went with Mrs. Donellan to Mr. Handel’s house to hear the first [534] rehearsal of the new opera Alcina. I think it the best he ever made, but I have thought so of so many, that I will not say positively ’tis the finest, but ’tis so fine I have not words to describe it. Strada has a whole scene of charming recitative — there are a thousand beauties. Whilst Mr. Handel was playing his part, I could not help thinking him a necromancer in the midst of his own enchantments.[35] |
We hear, that by the Bill depending in Parliament, the Number of Playhouses will be restrained to Three, viz. Drury-Lane, Covent-Garden, and the Opera-House in the Hay-Market; and that no Tragedy, Comedy, &c. shall be acted in any House, or Place, where Wine, Ale, Beer, or other Liqours [sic] shall be publickly sold.[36]
Apr 17
[Edward Holdsworth in Otterbourn, near Winchester to Charles Jennens] I wish the Prodigious better success wth his Alcina than He has had with his other operas. […][37] |
[“FRIDAY.”]
A melancholy Accident happen’d on Wednesday Night last when their Majesties and the Royal Family came from the Opera, viz. Mr. Perry, who drove the Queen’s leading Coach having just set down some of the Houshold [sic], before he could get into the Box again, the Horses took Fright and ran away with the Coach; [...] The Horses very narrowly missed running against the Coach in which the young Princesses were, and ’tis thought if they had it would have been torn to Pieces; so that all the Royal Family were in the utmost Consternation at this Mischance.[38]
To the Author of a Poem call’d the Furniture of a Woman’s Mind. ILLUSTRIOUS Doctor! [i.e. Swift] [...] [...] It’s to the world vast information, To tell we’re fond of dress and fashion; [...] Who’s in the fault? if our * creator Forms souls as blank as spotless paper; Then ladies by scholastick knowledge, Improv’d by tutors sent to college, Might tell a mood, a noun, or case, As ready as the price of lace: Might read old Homer with more skill, Than chuse a silk, or play quadrill; Wou’d like a Boyle before a Handall, Nor doat on coxcombs, or on scandal.[39] |
[Earl of Egmont’s Diary, Tuesday 6 May 1735] I went to Court. Brother Percival, my sister and Miss Donellan dined with me. In the evening I went to the opera called Iphigenia, composed by Porpora, and I think the town does not justice in condemning it.[40] |
[Farinelli to Sicinio Pepoli] Le avanzo le notizie teatrali che mi lusingo che possono esser di suo piacere: i signori Cavallieri dell’imprese fino adesso hanno fatto alla porta denar vivo, summa di 22 mila zecchini, e vi restano altre sei recite; del rimanente i palchi tirano 11 mila zecchini. L’altro Teatro [=Handel’s] tutto non passano i 25 mila di guadagno; da questo puol considerare se questi Cavallieri avevano voglia ch’io fossi stato [...] Se n’è discorso fortemente costì, in Italia [...][41] I am sending the theatrical notices that have crossed my path that may be of interest to you: the gentlemen of this establishment have by now taken in a lot of money at the door, totaling 22,000 zecchini, and six performances are still in the offing; from those, the boxes should bring in 11,000 zecchini. The other [Handel’s] theater has not surpassed 25,000 in earnings; from this one might wonder whether these gentlemen would wish me to have been [...] If there is a disagreement [...], in Italy [...][42] |
May 8
On Mr. HANDEL’s performance on the Organ, and his Opera of ALCINA. By a Philarmonick. 1. Gently, ye winds, your pinions move On the soft bosom of the air; Be all serene and calm above, Let not ev’n Zephyrs whisper there. 2. And oh! Ye active springs of life, Whose chearful course the blood conveys, Compose a while your wonted strife; Attend — ’tis matchless HANDEL plays. 3. Hush’d by such strains, the soft delight Recalls each absent wish, and thought; Our senses from their airy flight, Are all to this sweet period brought: 4. And here they fix, and here they rest, As if ’twas now consistent grown, To sacrifice the pleasing taste Of ev’ry blessing to this one. 5. And who wou’d not with transport seek All other objects to remove; And when an angel designs to speak, By silence, admiration prove? 6. When lo! the mighty man essay’d The organ’s heavenly breathing sound, Things that † inanimate were made, Strait mov’d, and as inform’d were found. 7. Thus ORPHEUS, when the numbers flow’d, Sweetly descanting from his lyre, Mountains and hills confess’d the God, Nature look’d up, and did admire. 8. HANDEL, to wax the charm as strong, Temper’d *ALCINA’s with his own: And now asserted by their song, They rule the tunefull world alone. 9. Or she improves his wonderous lay; Or he by a superior spell Does greater melody convey, That she may her bright self excell. 10. Then cease, your fruitless flights forbear, Ye § infants in great HANDEL’s art: To imitate you must not dare, Much less such excellence impart. 11. When HANDEL deigns to strike the sense, ’Tis as when heaven, with hands divine, Struck out the globe (a work immense!) Where harmony meets with design. 12. When you attempt the mighty ║ strain, Consistency is quite destroy’d; Great order is dissolv’d again, Chaos returns, and all is void. __________________________________________ † The disaffected. * An enchantress, Strada. § Three great composers. ║ The Opera.[43] |
[Earl of Egmont’s Diary, Wednesday 14 May 1735] In the evening I went to Handel’s opera called Alcina.[44] |
May 16
[Mrs. Pendarves to Dr. Swift, 16 May 1735] Our operas have given much cause of dissension; men and women have been deeply engaged; and no debate in the House of Commons has been urged with more warmth: the dispute of the merits of the composers and singers is carried to so great a height, that it is much feared, by all true lovers of music, that operas will be quite overturned. I own I think we make a very silly figure about it. [...][45] |
May 19-20
Mr. Handel goes to spend the Summer in Germany, but comes back against Winter, and is to have Concerts of Musick next Season, but no Opera’s.[46] |
Jun
5
FARINELLI. Whilst Britain, destitute of aid, Weeps
taxes and decaying trade; Sees
want approach with nimble pace, And
ruin stare her in the face; Charm’d
by the sweet Italian’s tongue, 5 In
show’rs of gold she pays each song. Say,
politicians, how agree, Such
bounty, and such poverty? Each
Cit for thee, dear FARINELLI, To
feed the ear, neglects the belly. 10 The
wond’rous magick of thy voice, Stills
parties’ ever-jarring noise: For
thee together they combine, And
in harmonious discord join. (So
th’ highest and the lowest note 15 Mix
in the musick of thy throat.) No more for similies [sic] rely on, ORPHEUS,
ye poets, or AMPHION. ’Tis
said indeed, their melody Could
raise a stone, or move a tree; 20 Could
teach the wolves and bears to dance, Like
country ’Squire arriv’d from France; Could
stop the winds whene’er unruly—— All
mighty useful actions truly! More
gainful FARINELLI’s lay: 25 His musick works another way. AMPHION
once could build a town; His art consists in pulling down. For
him the Cits, to please their spouses, Cut
down their trees, and sell their houses: 30 Whilst
he departing, (and what worse is) Leaving
behind him empty purses, Melodious
chymist! counts his gains, Extracting
gold from leaden brains.[47] |
An Extract of a
Letter from an English Officer, in the
Service of the Empress of Russia, to his Friend in
London. Dated Jan. 11, N.S. ‘I landed at Cronstadt the 8th of June, 1735, [...] When I drew near ‘Petersburg, I was surpriz’d at the stately Buildings and ‘beautiful Situation: It is like Venice, on a great Number ‘of Islands; [...] As the Weather ‘was excessive hot, I could not help fancying myself in ‘Italy; the ringing of Bells, the vast Number of gilded ‘Barges and Yachts, belonging to the Nobility and ‘People in Office (they each being obliged to keep one) ‘rowing and sailing on the River, the excessive Pride and ‘Richness of the better sort, and the Poverty and Slavery ‘of the lower sort, all contributed to this Thought. All ‘take Place here according to the Rank and Posts granted ‘them in the Army, and not by Birth. ‘I should not neglect giving you some Account of the ‘Gaity of the Court of Petersburg. We had one Italian ‘Opera, and a Comedy every Week, in the Theatre of ‘the Summer Palace, where the Court then was. I assure ‘you the Voices are very good, tho’ they are not Farinelli’s ‘or Strada’s. There is an Orchestre of 40 excellent ‘Hands, and the best set of Serious and Comic Dancers I ‘ever yet saw on any Stage together: One Woman pleases ‘me as much as ever Madam Sallé did, or rather more, ‘being far handsomer; and the Men equal to any you ‘have in England.[48] |
From the PEGASUS in Grub-street. On FARINELLI. If FEBRIA’S judgment you relie on, Enraptur’d FEBRIA’S sure to tell you, That neither ORPHEUS, nor AMPHION, Could charm like warbling FARINELLI. But if effects most wond’rous prove A title to the greatest art and fame; Those old musicians stones could move: Can FARINELLI do the
same?[49] |
From
the
PEGASUS in Grub-street.
THE author of the Verses on
FARINELLI, in our last Journal, might justly wonder to see the second
stanza altered in the manner it there appeared, by the mistake of the
printer. To do justice therefore to the
author, as well as to our-selves, it is thought necessary to exhibit that
stanza here, both as he sent it, and as we alter’d it.
But if from the effects alone
Their musick’s pow’r we scan;
Those old musicians mov’d a stone:
Let FARINELLI, if he can.
The second verse, on scanning, was
found to be a foot too short; and in the third, a stone seemed not so
proper as the plural: which occasioned the alteration following.
But if effects most wondrous prove
A claim to greatest art and fame;
Those old musicians stones could move:
Can FARINELLI do the same?[50]
Last Night her Majesty, their Royal Highnesses the Duke, and the Princesses Amelia and Carolina, were at the Theatre-Royal in Covent-Garden, at the Opera of Alcina.[51] |
We hear that Sig. Farinelli is going with
his grace the duke of Leeds into Yorkshire for the summer season, to entertain the
nobility and quality there. DP.
[=Daily Post][52]
THURSDAY, July 3. Signior Amiconi the famous Italian painter,
having lately finish’d a fine picture of Signior Farinello at whole length,
there is a great concourse of persons of distinction every day to see it, at
his house in Great Marlborough-street.
The picture is 15 foot by 10, and is valued at 150 l.[53]
Jul 16
[“From THURSDAY’s Papers.”] Yesterday Signor Charistini, a celebrated Singer in the late Opera’s in Covent-Garden Theatre, embarqued on Board a Ship for Venice.[54] |
Jul 28
[Handel to Charles Jennens] London July 28/1735 Sr I received your very agreable Letter with the inclosed Oratorio. I am just going to Tunbridge, yet what I could read of it in haste, gave me a great deal of satisfaction. I shall have more leasure time there to read it with all the Attention it deserves. There is no certainty of any Scheme for next Season, but it is probable that some thing or other may be done, of which I shall take the Liberty to give you notice, beeng extreamly obliged to you for the generous concern you show upon this account. The Opera of Alcina is a writing out and shall be send according to your Direction, it is allways a great Pleasure to me if I have an opportunity to show the Sincere Respect with which I have the Honour to be Sir Your Most obedient humble Servant George Frideric Handel[55] |
[Earl of Egmont’s Diary, Thursday 31 July 1735] After dinner I went to see Mr. Amiconi’s painting, who showed us a fine large piece of the Queen presenting the Duke of Cumberland to Mrs. Points, his Governor’s lady; a good picture of Farinelli the eunuch and others.[56] |
[Prince Cantemir in London to Gio. Giacomo Zamboni, ca 1735] I thank you wholeheartedly {...} for having given me the pleasure of seeing the pieces by Hendel, and I send them back to you at once, because they seem to be most sublime algebra to my slightly trained brain {...}, constructed like that of Salviati {...}, which does not like to see before it things that it cannot understand.[57] |
[Thomas Bowen to the Earl of Essex] [4 August 1735] [...] The poor Duke of Leeds is, they say, retiring into Yorkshire, to endeavour to forget his Disappointmt. in Lady Carolina Darcy, who, I suppose, upon being nearly pressed by his Grace, owned an Engagement with Lord Jedburgh: this is the Town Talk, and I beleive has something in it: His Grace did certainly retire to Weybridge on a Sudden, and the Town assigned this for the reason: He takes Farinelli with him into the Country to Sooth his Sorrows. [...] We are talking his Royal Highness , the prince of Wales, into a Match with a daughter of Saxe-Gotha: I wish him better Success in his Love than he has lately had in his Diversions, for he has lost on the Middlesex side, against Lord Middx on the Kentish Side, two very Solemn Cricket Matches, one plaid at Moulsey, and the other at Bronley; at the last of which they say there were not less than 30,000 Spectators: Lord Middlefox sticks close Kentians, and may perhaps strengthen his Interest, in earnest, in the Country by it. [...][58] [Note: “Middlefox” corrected over “Middlesex”] |
EPILOGUE written by Mr. CAREY, and
intended to be spoken the fourth night of the Honest Yorkshireman, but
through fear or folly so angled by some hedge poet, that the author did not
know it again. [3 ...]
The English actor goes with hungry belly,
While heaps of gold are forc’d on
FARINELLI.
[...][59]
Sep 9
LONDON, September 9. [...] We hear that Mr. Handel is to have Operas this Winter at Lincoln’s-Inn-Fields, and is to have a fine new Voice from the Pope’s Choir at Rome. We hear also, that a fine Woman is coming from Venice, to perform at the King’s Theatre: she is said to be one of the best Singers in Italy, and has never appear’d on any Stage.[60] |
Sep 8, 11
MONDAY, Sep. 8. [...] We hear that Mr. Handel is to have Operas this winter at
Lincoln’s-inn-fields, and is to have a fine new voice from the Pope’s choir at Rome. ——— And a fine woman is coming from Venice to perform at the King’s theatre. DA. ——— A fine voice and a fine foreign woman, will make no fine fools of the English.[61] |
We hear that Mr. Handel is to have Operas
this winter at Lincoln’s-inn-fields, and is to have a fine new voice from the
Pope’s choir at Rome.———And a fine woman is coming from Venice to perform at
the King’s theatre. DA.———A fine voice and a fine foreign woman, will
make no fine fools of the English.[62]
On seeing a MISER at the late consort in
Spring-garden’s. Musick has charms to sooth a savage
breast, To calm the tyrant, and relieve th’
opprest: But VAUX-HALL consort’s more attractive
pow’r, Unlock’d SIR RICHARD’s pocket at
three-score: O strange effect of Musick’s matchless
force, T’ extract two shillings from a MISER’s
purse![63] |
Oct 16
We hear that Mr. Handell will perform Oratorios, and have Concerts of Musick, this Winter, at Covent-Garden Theatre.[64] |
Oct 18
A fine Singer is arrived here from Venice, in order to perform this Season in the Opera’s at the Hay-Market, in the Room of Signior Sagati; and Mr. Porpora has composed a new Part for her in the celebrated Opera of Polifemo, with which the King’s Theatre opens on Tuesday 7-Night, the Day the Court removes from Kensington to St. James’s.[65] |
On Saturday Night last her Majesty was pleased to give a fine Concert of Musick to his Highness the Prince of Modena, who seemed extremely satisfy’d; his Highness was complimented there as Count of Lannois, and afterwards entertained by his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.[66]
EPIGRAMS.
I.
On Signor FARANELLI’S coming to Sing in the OPERA.
AMPHION strikes the vocal Lyre, And ready at his Call, Harmonious Brick and Stone conspire To raise the Theban
Wall. In Emulation of his Praise, A Latian Hero’s come, The Opera Theatre to raise, And new erect its Dome: But how this last should come to pass, Is strange, all Men must
own; Since this poor Gentleman, alas! Brings neither Brick nor Stone.[67] |
[“MONDAY.”]
Yesterday a fine new Anthem, composed by Dr. Greene, was performed before the Royal Family, by the Gentlemen of the Chappel, on Occasion of his Majesty’s happy Return to England. Their Majesty’s afterwards dined in Publick.[68]
Last Night their Majesties, his Royal Highness, and the Princess, were at the King’s Theatre in the Hay-Market, to see the new Opera of Adriano, compos’d by the famous Signior Veracini, who perform’d the first Fiddle: And the same was receiv’d with Great Applause, by a very numerous Audience.[69] |
[Sir Henry Liddell to Henry Ellison, 27 November 1735] …Verracini gave us a new Opera last tuesday which will not do, & I doubt we are in a bad way for ye winter, for Hendal is proud & saucy, & without him nothing can be done for us yt is good.[70] |
Nov 27
[Charles Jennens at Queen Square, London, to Edward Holdsworth] We have been three weeks without any Opera, till last Tuesday, when out came Veracini’s Adriano. He is a better man at Songs than at instrumental compositions, & his Opera w<as> so much beyond my expectation, that I d<ecided> to go again on Saturday. I like it better th<an> [1v] any Opera we have yet had from an Italian, tho’ we have had some from Porpora & Vinci. There goes a story of Veracini, which may be true for ought I know, but it can be true of none but such a Madman as He is. They say, that having heard, his excellent hand upon the Violin was attributed in great measure by Carbonelli to the Tone of his instrument rather than to his superior skill in the Use of it, he has burnt two very fine fiddles, & bought him a Scrub of 15s price, to shew the World that he does not stand in need of a Cremona to outshine his Brethren.[71] |
Golden
Lyon, Temple-bar, Nov.
28.
Brother BAVIUS,
[...]
Harke’e, a secret, the world grows cursed
tir’d of your contest with the Bee Writers: it must be sure for want of
other matter that you take such pains with a defunct Drone that was
unregarded in its lingering life: let me present you with a subject. As three of the Theatres are now acting Pantomimes,
gives [sic] us a Dissertation on their antiquity, beauty,
usefulness, and the preference that is due to them before Tragedy and
Comedy. After which you may gently touch
on the Opera and demonstrate to the world, that the Operas of Julius
Caesar and Tamerlane are more instructive than the admirable
Tragedys of those names. I’m humbly of
opinion that some times a Paper were well bestow’d in endeavouring to laugh the
world out of their follys. But if you
must criticise Books, let ’em be such as are known, that we may judge of the
Controversy. For my part, as I take in
your Paper and never read a Bee in my life, I look on my self as 2 d.
out of pocket, when instead of a chearful entertainment, I see the first page
of your paper fill’d with the Philosopher’s Prayer.
I’m your affectionate Cousin, &c.
JACK NAB.[72]
[Thomas Bowen to the Earl of Essex] [3. Decr 1735] [postscript:] Farinelli has been Ill, but is recovered, and Our Opera is opened again with a new one called
|
Dec 7
[Edward Holdsworth in Winton [Winchester] to Charles Jennens] Your story of Veracini diverted me very much. ’Tis like the man; and as the Italian say, Si non è vero, è ben trovato.[74] |
The Opera of Adriano, now performing with great Applause, particularly for some fine Songs in it, compos’d for Signor Farinello, having been thought by the King to be rather too long, M. Veracini has shorten’d it, and his Majesty has declar’d his Intention of being present at it Tomorrow Night.[75] |
[Henry Corry to the Earl of Essex] [“Xmas day 1735.”] [...] Operas <now/here> at a Low Ebb the chief diversion at present are the Frinch Tumblers one <B...oe> does Miracles his Ladder operation is Extra y Mr & Mrs Bowen my son & I saw it greatly at <...> I did, for tho the lives of such fellows are [232v] not of great consequence to the publick yet it shocks one to see their Motions. The Notion I had at first of Farinelli is now in great Vogue that he was only fitt for a popes Chappele, for that on the Stage he has neither Action, nor Expression in what he is about, and many that admired beyond measure at first say they are now tyrd wth his fyne <Ger/Bu>gle tho it is so exceeding sweet. [...][76] |
[“AN EPISTLE FROM Dr. LITTLETON at Cambridge, To his Friend at Eton.”]
[...] Thus when the fam’d Faustina sings, Or Handel tunes the trembling strings, The Voice, they [i.e. Philosophers] say, is untun’d Air, And all the Music’s in the Ear.[77] |
TO THE AUTHOR OF The CHACE. ONCE more,
my Friend, I touch the trembling Lyre, And in my
Bosom feel poetick Fire. For thee I
quit the Law’s more rugged Ways, To pay my
humble Tribute to thy Lays. What, tho’
I daily turn each learned Sage, And labour
thro’ the unenlighten’d Page: Wak’d by
thy Lines, the borrow’d Flames I feel, As Flints give Fire when aided by the Steel. [page] Tho’ in
sulphureous Clouds of Smoak confin’d, Thy rural
Scenes spring fresh into my Mind. Thy Genius
in such Colours paints the Chace, The real to
fictitious Joys give place. When the
wild Musick charms my ravish’d Ear, How dull,
how tasteless Handel’s Notes appear! Ev’n Farenelli’s Self the Palm resigns, He yields
—— but to the Musick of thy Lines. If Friends
to Poetry can yet be found; Who without
blushing Sense prefer to Sound; Then let
this soft, this Soul-enfeebling Band, These
warbling Minstrels quit the beggar’d Land. They but a
momentary Joy impart, ’Tis you,
who touch the Soul, and warm the Heart. [… page …] J. TRACY.[78] |
The Establishment of their Royal
Highnesses the Princess Amelia, and
the Princess Carolina. […] Pages of the Back-Stairs. […] Musick-Master, Mr. George-Frederic Handell [per annum] 200 0 0[79] |
After 1735 – 18
September 1742
[James Corfe to his brother Charles, undated] To Mr Charles Corfe — at His House in the Close Sarum. Dear Charles, If you are not set out of Sarum by that time this reaches you, I beg you’ll take Horse & come away as soon as possible, for I have seen Mr Handel this Day, who expects you in London in order on Saturday next; he is very impatient till he sees you. I begg you’ll make no delay, for I am sure you’ll provide for yourself very handsomely now at this time. Dr Green would have wrote you concerning what I told you in my last. But Mr Snow told him you would be in town very soon. Mr Handel will lead me a weary life till he see you, so if you have any value for yourself & family, come away; in so doing you’ll oblige yourself & Your Affect: Br to command J. CORFE[80] |
[1] The London Daily Post, and General Advertiser, no. 51, Wednesday 1 January 1735, [2].
[2] The Grub-street Journal, no. 264, Thursday 16 January 1735, [3].
[3] The Grub-street Journal, no. 265, Thursday 23 January 1735, [2].
[4] The Grub-street Journal, no. 265, Thursday 23 January 1735, [2].
[5] The Grub-street Journal, no. 266, Thursday 30 January 1735, [2].
[6] The Grub-street Journal, no. 266, Thursday 30 January 1735, [2].
[7] The London Daily Post, and General Advertiser, no. 79, Monday 3 February 173[5], [2].
* The unborn Poet, who translates Mynheer Handel’s Operas.
[8] The London Magazine: Or, Gentleman’s Monthly Intelligencer 4 (1735), 35; repr. The Weekly Amusement: Or, Universal Magazine, no. 1 (Dublin: James Hoey, 1735), 17-18; Chrissochoidis, 715.
[9] The London Daily Post, and General Advertiser, no. 79, Monday 3 February 173[5], [2].
[10] The London Evening-Post, no. 1127, Thursday 6 – Saturday 8 February 1735, [2].
[11] The London Daily Post, and General Advertiser, no. 88, Thursday 13 February 173[5], [2]; Chrissochoidis, 715.
[12] The London Daily Post, and General Advertiser, no. 88, Thursday 13 February 173[5], [2].
[13] The London Daily Post and General Advertiser, Friday 14 February 173[5], [2]; repr., The General Evening Post, no. 215, Thursday 13 – Saturday 15 February, [1]; ; repr. (LDP), Chrissochoidis, 715.
[14] The London Evening-Post, no. 1130, Thursday 13 – Saturday 15 February 1735, [1].
[15] The Grub-street Journal, no. 269, Thursday 20 February 1735, [2].
[16] The London Daily Post, and General Advertiser, no. 95, Friday 21 February 173[5], [2]; Chrissochoidis, 715-16.
[17] The London Daily Post, and General Advertiser, Monday 24 February 173[5], [1]; Chrissochoidis, 716.
[18] The London Daily Post, and General Advertiser, no. 97, Monday 24 February 1734[-5], [1]; repr., Chrissochoidis, 711.
[19] Manuscripts of the Earl of Egmont: Diary of the First Earl of Egmont (Viscount Percival). Vol. II. 1734-1738 (London: His Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1923), 155.
[20] Manuscripts of the Earl of Egmont: Diary of the First Earl of Egmont (Viscount Percival). Vol. II. 1734-1738 (London: His Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1923), 156.
[21] The London Daily Post, and General Advertiser, no. 104, Tuesday 4 March 1734[-5], [2]; repr., Donald Burrows, “Carestini and the Italian Movements in Handel’s English Oratorios,” The Handel Institute Newsletter 14/1 (Spring 2003), no pagination.
[22] The Grub-street Journal, no. 271, Thursday 6 March 1735, [2].
[23] Manuscripts of the Earl of Egmont: Diary of the First Earl of Egmont (Viscount Percival). Vol. II. 1734-1738 (London: His Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1923), 160.
[24] Read’s Weekly Journal, Or, British-Gazetteer, no. 519, Saturday 15 March 1735, [3]; repr., The Bee: Or, Universal Weekly Pamphlet 9 (1735), 69; repr. (Bee), HH, 251.
[25] Read’s Weekly Journal, Or, British-Gazetteer, no. 519, Saturday 15 March 1735, [3].
[26] The General Evening Post, no. 228, Saturday 15 – Tuesday 18 March 1735, [2].
[27] The Autobiography and Correspondence of Mary Granville, Mrs. Delany, ed. Lady Llanover, 3 vols. (London: Richard Bentley, 1861), 1:530, 532.
[28] The Grub-street Journal, no. 273, Thursday 20 March 1735, [2].
[29] Manuscripts of the Earl of Egmont: Diary of the First Earl of Egmont (Viscount Percival). Vol. II. 1734-1738 (London: His Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1923), 161.
[30] The Grub-street Journal, no. 273, Thursday 20 March 1735, [2].
[31] The Old Whig: Or, The Consistent Protestant, no. 2, Thursday 20 March 1734-5, [2].
[32]
Foundling Museum, Gerald Coke Handel Collection, accession no. 2702, “Jennens
Holdsworth Letters 1,” item 22, f. 1; 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: 95.
[33] The Weekly Miscellany, no. CXX, Saturday 29 March 1735, [3].
[34] The Old Whig: Or, The Consistent Protestant, no. 4, Thursday 3 April 1735, [4].
[35] The Autobiography and Correspondence of Mary Granville, Mrs. Delany, ed. Lady Llanover, 3 vols. (London: Richard Bentley, 1861), 1:533-34.
[36]
The Old Whig: Or, The Consistent Protestant, no. 6, Thursday 17 April
1735, [2]; also, The
Grub-street Journal,
no. 277, Thursday 17 April 1735), [2] (quoting the Daily Journal).
[37]
Foundling Museum, Gerald Coke Handel Collection, accession no. 2702, “Jennens
Holdsworth Letters 1,” item 23, f. 1v; 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: 95; Händel Handbuch, 253.
[38] The Old Whig: Or, The Consistent Protestant, no. 8, Thursday 1 May 1735, [3]; previously printed in The Weekly Oracle: Or, Universal Library, no. 21, Saturday 26 April 1735, [2-3] [last page corrupted].
* According to Mr. Locke[,] who won’t allow innate Ideas.
[39] The London Magazine: Or, Gentleman’s Monthly Intelligencer 4 (1735), 211; repr., Elizabeth Thomas, The Metamorphoses of the Town: Or, A View of the Present Fashions, 4th edition (London: J. Wilford, 1743), 52-53; Chrissochoidis, 716-17.
[40] Manuscripts of the Earl of Egmont: Diary of the First Earl of Egmont (Viscount Percival). Vol. II. 1734-1738 (London: His Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1923), 174.
[41] Carlo Broschi Farinelli, La solitudine amica: Lettere al conte Sicinio Pepoli, ed. Carlo Vitali (Palermo: Sellerio, 2000), 135.
[42] Translated by Eleanor Selfridge-Field, 26 August 2009.
[43] The Grub-street Journal, no. 280, Thursday 8 May 1735, [1]; repr., Deutsch, .
[44] Manuscripts of the Earl of Egmont: Diary of the First Earl of Egmont (Viscount Percival). Vol. II. 1734-1738 (London: His Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1923), 178.
[45] The Autobiography and Correspondence of Mary Granville, Mrs. Delany, ed. Lady Llanover, 3 vols. (London: Richard Bentley, 1861), 1:540.
[46] The General Evening Post, no. 255, Saturday 17 – Tuesday 20 May 1735, [1]; repr., The Old Whig: Or, The Consistent Protestant, no. 11, Thursday 22 May 1735, [4].
[47] The Grub-street Journal, no. 284, Thursday 5 June 1735, [2].
[48] The London Daily Post, and General Advertiser, no.395, Friday 6 February 1736, [2].
[49] The Grub-street Journal, no. 285, Thursday 12 June 1735, [3]; repr., The Weekly Oracle: Or, Universal Library, no. 28, Saturday 14 June 1735, [2].
[50] The Grub-street Journal, no. 286, Thursday 19 June 1735, [3].
[51] The London Daily Post, and General Advertiser, no. 208, Thursday 3 July 173[5], [1]; Chrissochoidis, 717.
[52] The Grub-street Journal, no. 288, Thursday 3 July 1735, [2].
[53] The Grub-street Journal, no. 289, Thursday 10 July 1735, [2].
[54] The Old Whig: Or, The Consistent Protestant, no. 19, Thursday 17 July 1735, [2].
[55] Autograph Letters of George Frideric Handel and Charles Jennens (auction catalog, Christie, Manson & Woods, July 4, 1973), 9.
[56] Manuscripts of the Earl of Egmont: Diary of the First Earl of Egmont (Viscount Percival). Vol. II. 1734-1738 (London: His Majesty’s Stationery Office, 1923), 190.
[57] 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 (163).
[58] British Library, Add. Ms. 27738, f. 141r; partly repr. Carole Mia Taylor, “Italian Operagoing in London, 1700-1745” (Ph.D. dissertation, Syracuse University, 1991), 217.
[59] The Grub-street Journal, no. 293, Thursday 7 August 1735, [2-3].
[60] The General Evening Post, no. 303, Saturday 6 –Tuesday 9 September 1735, [2].
[61] The Grub-street Journal, no. 298, Thursday 11 September 1735, [2].
[62] The Grub-street Journal, no. 298, Thursday 11 September 1735, [2].
[63] The Grub-street Journal, no. 299, Thursday 18 September 1735, [3].
[64] The General Evening Post, no. 319, Tuesday 14 – Thursday 16 October 1735, [2]; The Weekly Oracle: Or, Universal Library, no. 46, Saturday 18 October 1735, [4]; The Old Whig: Or, The Consistent Protestant, no. 33, Thursday 23 October 1735, [3].
[65] Read’s Weekly Journal, Or, British-Gazetteer, no. 550, Saturday 18 March 1735, [3].
[66] The Old Whig: Or, The Consistent Protestant, no. 34, Thursday 30 October 1735, [3].
[67] The Weekly Oracle: Or, Universal Library, no. 47, Saturday 25 October 1735, [1].
[68] The Old Whig: Or, The Consistent Protestant, no. 35, Thursday 6 November 1735, [3].
[69] The Daily Advertiser, no. 1507, Wednesday 26 November 1735: cited in John Walter Hill, The Life and Works of Francesco Maria Veracini (Ann Arbor: UMI Research Press, 1979), 38.
[70] Carole Mia Taylor, “Italian Operagoing in London, 1700-1745” (doctoral dissertation, Syracuse University, 1991), 279, n60.
[71]
Foundling Museum, Gerald Coke Handel Collection, accession no. 2702, “Jennens
Holdsworth Letters 1,” item 28, f. 1; 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: 95–96; Händel Handbuch, 258.
[72] The Grub-street Journal, no. 311, Thursday 11 December 1735, [3].
[73] British Library, Add. Ms. 27738, f. 163r; repr. Carole Mia Taylor, “Italian Operagoing in London, 1700-1745” (Ph.D. dissertation, Syracuse University, 1991), 220.
[74]
Foundling Museum, Gerald Coke Handel Collection, accession no. 2702, “Jennens
Holdsworth Letters 1,” item 29, f. 1v; 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: 96.
[75] The Daily Advertiser, no. 1523, Monday 15 December 1735, cited in John Walter Hill, The Life and Works of Francesco Maria Veracini (Ann Arbor: UMI Research Press, 1979), 40.
[76] British Library, Add. Ms. 27738, f.232; repr. Carole Mia Taylor, “Italian Operagoing in London, 1700-1745” (Ph.D. dissertation, Syracuse University, 1991), 213; Thomas McGeary, “Farinelli in Madrid: Opera, Politics, and the War of Jenkins’ Ear,” The Musical Quarterly 82 (1998), 383-421: 386, who reads “bugle” instead of “gergle.”
[77] Mr. Pope’s Literary Correspondence (London: E. Curll, 1735), 2:160; Chrissochoidis, 717-18.
[78] William Somervile, The Chace. A Poem (London: G. Hawkins, 1735), no pagination; Chrissochoidis, 718.
[79] John Chamberlayne, Magnae Britannia Notitia: Or, the Present State of Great Britain (London: D. Midwinter, J. Tonson et al., 1735), 123; repr., London: D. Midwinter, B. Motte and C. Bathurat et al, 1736, 245; Chrissochoidis, 718.
[80] Betty Matthews, “Handel and the Corfes,” The Musical Times 112 ([no. 1537, March] 1971), 231-32: 231.