Event Comment: By Command of
Their Majesties. Tickets and places to be taken of
Mr Johnston at
the Stage Door of
the Theatre at Half a Guinea. Pit 5s. First Gallery 3s. 6d. Second Gallery 2s. Doors to be opened at Five o'clock. To begin at Half past Six.
Theatrical Review (
London, 1772), appendix, pp. 207-8:
The Oratorios performed at this House were conducted by Messrs. Stanley and Smith, for
their own emolument;
the Managers of
the theatre having had no Share of
the profit arising from
these performances, nor any advantage, except a premium for
the use of
the house. Mr Stanley's musical abilities are well known.
Mr Smith, was, if we are not mistaken, a pupil of
the celebrated Mr Handel's; and, we believe, that Gentleman left Mr Smith
the greatest part of his music, if not his whole library; so that Mr Smith may with great propriety claim
the right of succeeding
Mr Handel in
the exhibition and conduct of his Oratorios, which he has undertaken (in conjunction with
Mr Stanley) every since Mr Handel's death.
Their band was composed of some of
the most capital performers in this kingdom, and was led by
Mr Ximenes.
The vocal performers (exclusive of Chorus singers) were
Mr Norris, well known to all lovers of Music, for his taste and delicacy of execution.
Mr Parry (a Bass voice) from
the Cathedral Church of Salisbury. This gentleman, though very young, has an extensive compass, and a great power of voice, and acquits himself with considerable reputation.
Mrs Weichsel and
Mrs Scott, of whom it would be superfluous and unnecessary to say anything, since
their abilities are generally known. And lastly
Signora Grassi, a performer of great merit.
Theatrical Review, 6 March: This is
Mr Dryden's celebrated
Ode on St Cecelia's Day, and not an Oratorio, but performed as such...It contains many beauties and such as are worthy of Mr Handel's genius...Being much shorter than
the usual length of oratorios, Mr Handel's celebrated
Coronation Anthems were added in order to make
the evening's entertainment of a proper length. Also a Solo on
the Violincello by
Mr Janson...lately arrived from
Paris, said to have been a pupil of
Mr Duport's but, though his taste and excution is very astonishing, we cannot give him
the preference of his master. [See 13 April 1773.Charge seems to have been #28 per night plus expenses for oil, candles &c.