Mr. Hullah's series of monthly concerts in St. Martin's Hall
began on Wednesday evening. The concert consisted of Beethoven's Mass in C, Handel's First Grand Concerto for two violins and violoncello with the full orchestra of stringed instruments, and the first part of .L'Allegro ed s7 Pensieroso.
The solo parts of -the mess were sung by Miss Birch, Mrs. Noble, Mr. Luckey, and -Mr. Bodda ; who gave the fine quartetts, particularly the " Benedictw3," very beautifully. The choruses were sung with care, and precision ; but there was still a good deal to desire in the gradations .of tone from forte to piano,—a defect which we ascribe to the strength of the orchestral accompaniments ; for it is impossible for voices to achieve great softness without corresponding delicacy on the part of the instru- ments.
Handel's concerto, a class of music which preceded the modern sym- phony, showed what orchestral writing was before it began to be deve- loped by the genius of Haydn; but it showed, too, what great things a great man can do with limited means. Its graceful melody, nice com- binations of the solo parts, and strong contrasts between them and the whole strength of the stringed orchestra, proved a delightful treat. The Allegro and Pensieroso has frequently been performed at Mr. Hul- lab's.concerts. On this occasion, Miss Kearns, daughter of the late emi- nent professor, made her debeit as a concert singer, and created .a very favourable 'impression. Several of the most arduous recitatives and airs were allotted to her ; and though her voice was rather severely tried by the high pitch of some of them, she successfully overcame every difficulty ; showing a 'very pure and plea sing soprano voice, , much intelligence and feeling, and a cultivated style. 'The only other notable occurrence was the substitutionof Bodda for Phillips in the.famous laughing.song, "Haste thee, nymph " ; which Bodda sang with remarkablweffect.
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