Event Comment: Mr Salomon having insinuated that he alone is in possession of a correct Score of this celebrated Oratorio, I feel compelled, in justice to myself, to state that
the Oratorio was published by subscription at
Vienna, and that
the printed Copy, from which I had
the Parts transcribed, was delivered by
Dr Haydn to a subscriber in Vienna, and brought from
thence expressly for me, and on which is
the Doctor's initials.
The accuracy with which it was performed, and
the enthusiasm with which it was received, are, I hope, convincing proofs that no o
ther directions are necessary to "produce
the effect required by
the Author." I should not thus have obtruded myself, but I conceived it requisite to justify myself from
the imputation of having attempted to impose a spurious production upon that public to whom I am under so many obligations. I am, with
the greatest respect and gratitude,
their most obedient servant,
John Ashley. March 29. [On 29 Mar.
the following card had appeared in most of
the daily
newspapers: Mr Salomon having received from Dr Haydn an early Copy of his
New Oratorio called
The Creation of the World, and having been favoured by him exclusively with particular directions on
the style and manner in which it must be executed, in order to produce
the effects required by
the Author, begs to acquaint
the Nobility and Gentry, that he means to perform it on Monday,
the 21st of April next, at
the King's Theatre.
The performance took place on that date in
the Ancient Music Room, i.e.
the large concert-room situated inside
the King's, on
the east side, level with
the first tier of
the boxes.
The reason for this change was, states
the playbill, "
the present Performances in
the Opera House not allowing sufficient time to erect an Orchestra on
the Stage."
The principal singers were
Mme Mara,
Mme Dussek,
Small,
Page,
Denman,
Bartleman.
Samuel Wesley presided at
the organ and at
the piano forte.