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Leader (1850-1860), 26th February 1859, Edition 1 of 2, Page 278, Untitled Article

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      Untitled Article

      with the Maestro Giorgio , whose works are at present invaluable ; and , after a few : words in praise of this ware , which he regretted to Observe was hardly appreciated at its full worth by the . public , the lecturer concluded his pleasant discourse amid much applause . The attendance was numerous , and comprised a number of ladies ,, but , we should say , very few fine art workmen . ; The Old Water-Colour Society , who had three vacancies in their body to fill up , have , it is understood , blackballed all candidates . There are some

      who think that Mr . Stnallfield , Vh . ose water-colour studies of heads are well known for their beauty of colour , and Birkefc Foster , the popular wood draughtsman , might both have been acquisitions ; but the wary old society has , on dit , the idea , that while the productions of its present members sell so well , it has no occasion to acquire new blood , or surrender a foot of linear space on the walls and screens . Such on dits are perhaps ill-natured , but also possibly true . If the latter , the body should take the style and title of " The Old Water-Colour Academy . " _ . __ ¦ ¦¦

      There is every probability that Mr . Holman Hunt ' s picture of Christ disputing with the Doctors , will be exhibited in May . It is much talked of by many who have not seen it j the few who have are not the loudest , but speak of it in high terms . English art should be highly flattered by the hnpressement with which M . Theophile Silvestre , the fine art delegate of the French Government , has courted the countenance of her professors and admirers . Each week brings us some authentic communication in type , with reference to that gentleman ' s movements . The week before last we might have inserted , had we so pleased ^ ungracious remarks sent us with regard to his mission ; then he was ignored in his public capacity by an illinformed party ; then he was honoured by a vote

      of confidence from the illuminati . Matters have how gone to such a length , that we have been invited to print a letter , not by M . Silvestre , but to that gentleman , signed by fourteen academicians and a host of Mi minor ' es , of which the gist is a request that hs will get M . Ernest Gambart made agent for the reception of the works of English artists . M . Gambart ' s shop is a very [ excellent place for the purpose . No better person than M . Gambart could perhaps be found to act as international agent- But if it be worth while to move such machinery as the academy , the associates , the aspirants , the delegate , ' the Fx * ench Ministerof State , and the whole metropolitan press , to put the business ¦ into his handsi there must be some greater profit hanging to it than his Excellency , the French Minister of State , or the British artists have any present notion of .

      The subscription of the Crystal Palace Art Union is , we are pleased to saj ' , filling rapidly . The Coun cil have added several new articles of fine art manufacture to the list , from which subscribers may select the prizes which all obtain in addition to the chances of the July lottery . Among them are an Etruscan urn of much beauty , made by Messrs , Battam and Son ; a vase , called "the Ariosto ; " and a tazza supported by swans , both by Messrs . Kerr and Binns ; a cruche , ornamented with enamel and gilding ; and a beautiful ceramic vase , a foot high * All of the above are added to the list of articles from which guinea shareholders may choose , and , if they ploase , at once take away , their " certainty

      prizes . " For the two-guinea ticket holders there is an electro bronze tazza— " the Seasons "— -by Elkington and Co ., $ a ceramo-graphio vase , copied from a Greek one in . the British Museum -and the " Veru .-lam , " a vase in Parian , nine inches high , and decorated with Italian arabesque , enamelled cameos , and chased gold enrichments . The scheme appears to give great satisfaction to the general public , though it is , of course , unlikely to captivate curiosity •¦ mongers a . nd those pretended virtuosi whose admiration of beautiful things begins and ends with their rarity . Such persons do , and will for ever , unfortunately , prevail ; and , wp need hardly say , they have a holy horror of popularising taste

      for the jlno nrts , and regard such schemes ' as this as absurd , if not wrong . It avails not to toll them that the objects of their worship- — the pretended antiques -r-orq mado in modern Florentine and Parisian gnrrets-i-nuy » oven in JLondon and Birmingham- —by the score : they must have the name , if not the reality ; and without the mintroark of Wardour-street or Hanway-yard they will not bo comforted . Such are the decriora of tlmfc excellent scheme , tlio Crystal 3 ? alaco Art Union ; but , fortunately , the masses aro of another opinion ) and in a year or two we shall see thus created a greater knowledge of , and desire for , flno art nianu . aoturas , and , a far more extensive encouragement of the trade than has been dreamed of ovon at Marlborougli House or Kensington .

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      IMPROVED ELECTRICAIi CABLE , Ox Tuesday evening , the Rev . Walter Mitchell , M . A ., delivered a lecture " On the Atlantic Telegraphy and Electric Telegraphs in general , " at the Russell Institution ; The most novel feature of the lecture , and one . which elicited great interest , was the description of some very interesting experiments by Professor Hughes . A copper wire insulated in the ordinary manner was placed in a bath of salt and water . An electrical circuit was made , interrupted only by the water . The complete insulation of the copper wire was indicated by the needle of one of Mr . Henley ' s most delicate galvanometers connected with , the interrupted current standing at zero . A hole of considerable size was then made through the gutta-percha , allowing the salt . ' water to reach the wire ; The electrical circuit was then immediately completed by the water , the deflection of the needle , and its permanent position at 90 dog ., markin

      ing what is technically called " dead earth , " or other words the complete escape of the electric force through the opening into the surrounding ' water . A minute hole was then made , when the following curious phenomena presented themselves . The needle of the galvanometer was deflected about 70 deg ., but instead of remaining stationary at that point , kept vibrating irregularly through arcs of two or three degrees on each side of 70 deg . The perplexing vibrations of the galvanometers applied to the Atlantic cable were thus exemplified . It is probable that the vibrations supposed to be produced by earth currents are nothing more than an indication of the minute mature of the flaw in the gutta-percha , which has destroyed the conducting power of the present cable . To remedy such defects for the future , Mr . Hughes has devised a form of cubic as simple as it seenis to bo effectual . Gutta percliu is porous . Minute flaws may exist which may not show themselves until some time after the immersion of a cable .

      To meet these defects , to fill up any minute pores m the gutta percha , and also to cure any ¦ accidental fracture or punqture of it , Professor Hughes introduces a viscid semi-fluid substance , of a non-conducting character , between the conducting wire ana the gutta-percha . The gutta-percha covering- <» the wire is drawn out into a tube a littio larger in bore than the wire , the space between thorn Doing filled with the viscid fluid . As soon as any puncture is made through the gutta-percha covering , the Hum it hardens as

      oozes out , and is of that naturo that soon as it comes in contact with tho surrounding water . A puncture was mado in a pieco ot tins prepared cable whiloin the bath . Tho nuudlo ot tno galvanometer instantly showed tho injury row ) veil ; but immediately the fluid began to oo / o out unit repair the injury . In about half a minute , the return of tho neqOlo to zero indicated the complete . restor ation oi tho covering of tho cable . It wuh stiiteu that thoro wore no meohanioal dilUcuHicH in tho w « y of the manufacture of such aeablo , ami that it vouiu not bo more oxponsivo tluuithoso now miulo . — -mwn JYews .

      Untitled Article

      Russian and Austuian GoMausncu .-r-Tho ContinentW journals state'Dipt the . negotiations "j commercial treaty between Russia and Austria i ( " « been hitherto unsuccessful . It is reported i " while Austria is willing to mako ovary oonoowwn Russia refusoa to Jowov tho duty on some ol uw most important articles ,

      Untitled Article

      .- ~~ - v THE MUSICAL SOCIETY OI" tOTSiDON . —ST . JAMES ' S HALL . - The second concert of the Musical Society of London , given at St . James ' s Hall on Wednesday , was fully up to the high ' -standard of excellence established by their first . This body—comprising-, as it does , among its members and committee an immense strength of professional and amateur talent , and without , as far as present appearances g-o , any affectation of aristocracy or eliqueismbids fair to ta " ke the lead among the musical bodies of the metropolis . But , without instituting comparisons , which would be invidious , especially as the Society itself disclaims broadly all idea of rivalry , we may content ourselves with recording that never have the Ancient or Philharmonic concerts been graced by more numerous or highly cultivated audiences , or dismissed them fuller of charming recollections , than have the first two

      performances of the Musical Society . The fust part ot last Wednesday ' s performance was opened by a somewhat dull " Highland Overture , " by Niels Gade , a Danish composer ; and this may be at once dismissed as the least effective item of the programme . Next , Purcell ' s fine scena from The Indian Qzieen—" ¦ Ye twice ten hundred deities "—was classically sung by Mr . Santley , who was followed by Miss Dolby , as popular as ever , in the beautiful refrain in Mr . Henry Smart ' s " Medora . " The first part was concluded by a delicious "duet for pianoforte and orchestra , " by Mr . E . Silas—a composition abounding in dainty conceits ; and most ably performed , the composer himself taking the piano . The grand feature of the evening was , of course , Spohr ' s magnificent" Programme Symphony , " " Die Wethe der Tone , " which is interpreted " the power sOf sound . " This glorious

      composition , in which the illustrious German has . grappled successfully with the highest difficulties of expression , and through which he has prodigally scattered the marvellous difficulties of musical engineering in which he revels— -was interpreted and played co ? i amove by the gifted conductor , Mr . Alfred Mellon , arid the admirable array of . talent , whose presence in any orchestra may always be taken as an indication of intention to succeed , and as presage of success . This monster symphony , which , from its very length , defies newspaper criticism , comprehends three movements or eight sections , illustrative of the birth and progress of sound , as Well as of that absolute Nothing , the silence of Nature before the former event : The andantino , the " Cradle Song , " which

      opens the second movement , _ and the superb March , with the latter , of which the public are more familiar than with any other part of the work , are its most fascinating portions , ana-served to desennuyer that portion of the audience—and of sucli there were of course a few —who were not prepared to take in and appreciate the entire symphony . An old-fashioned bass aria , disentombed by Miss Dolby from Francisco Rossi ' s " 3 fitrane , " composed in 1686 , was next excellently given by the fair antiquarian . Mr . Santley gave a classic scena by John Barnett , in which occur several phrases of power and exquisite beauty ; and the ZaUberflote overture brought the long and charming concert to a close .

      PALACE OF THE PEOPLE , MUSWELL HILL . The scheme for the erection of a People ' s Palace at Muswell Hill is tieing quietly matured , and its publication may be expected shortly . A board of direction is in course of formation , and will comprise persons of recognised position and means ; and the list of honorary patrons , which we Lave seen , is a strong one . ' An interesting feature of the plan is the proposed appropriation of thirty acres of land to benevolent institutions connected with art , science , literature , music , the drama , horticulture ., and tlie railway interest . Committees are at work in each department , making . the necessary arrangements for the erection and endowment of the different colleges , the designs for which are all to be

      submitted to juie-approval of Mr . Owen Jones . At the outset of its career , therefore , this undertaking 1 bids high for the sympathy and support of those arts and professions upon which it must mainly rely for success . The idea is a good ami politic one , and will probably prove as beneficial to the company ns to the recipients of tho gilt s . The vnluepf the remaining land will be ' enliancedL y tho erection of public buildings in a superior style of architecture , and the proposal to place such asylums under the shadow of an establishment rich in tho attractions of art aclenco ,, and horticulture ,.. and within a few minii tes railway vide ofLondon , strikes us as more eligible than either ot those supported by the parties to ' the Dramatic College strife . ' ,

      VOOAL ASSOCIATION , ST . JAMES ' S HALL . The Becond undress concort of this progressive society took plnee on Tuus'lay evening 1 , and was woil attended . Tho opening madrigal , " Lady , see on every side , " a well-known composition pf Mnrenssio , was followed by several promising ; polos by members . Miss M . Goujden gave Sir H . Bishop ' s ¦ " Peace inviting ; " Mr . Radcliffo Abbott , the celebrated " Scones of my Youth , " from M . . Benedict ' s Gipsy ' s Warning ; Miss F . Halftone . Henry Farmer ' s " X'fl follow Tlieo >' and MissCnroline St . Clali ^ Meyerbger ' s " Voillesuv oux , " IVom his , JSltoUa du Nord . Miss Blnokcs pliiyod very neatly a simple nnd cliaractoristio caprlcqio by Mondulasohn , diatlnguished for simplicity ot theme and elegance of om broidery . Tho poriormanoo , by tliu whole choir , unacopmpaniod , of Otto Goldsohmidt ' s tmrt-song , ?« Come when tho » Dawn , " n llKht and sparlUniB melody , with a delicious cadence , was admirably . Mr . Ramudon next gave M , Benedict ' s beautl ul ballad , "I ' ve no soft Words . I ' ve no fond Sighs . " in a , creditable manner . A little more spirit might Imvo been admissible ; but , if the vocalist erred

      it was on the side of , discretion . The pleasing sentiment conveyed in the words , at all events , procured him so me hearty applause * Mr . Morgan , who has a rich voice took a popular romance from Weber ' s JEuryanthe , and Mdlle . Emilie Lends was encored in a brilliant specimen of rapidity called "A Spanish National Air ; " bv Yrardier . The choi-al gems of the evening were Franz Abt ' s part-song " The Night is peaceful , " portions of Barnett ' s " Magic-wove Scarf , " and a liig'hly dramatic accompanied motett by Diabelli . Tlie star artiste of the evening was Madame Poma , who sang an ill-selected morceau of Rossini ' s in her best manner , and only missed an encore through the anxiety of the company to get to the favourite trio chorus from the Mountain Syljilu and the

      end of the entertainment . On Wednesday evening next the Association will essay a liio-her flight . They propose to undertake Mendelssohn ' s "Lorelei , " with the addition of bis "Ave Maria , " a work written for soprano and chorus , and not yet performed here in public . Madame Catherine Hayes will sing the soprano solos . The Society will , on the same evening , give Sterndale Bennett ' s beautiful " May Queen , " with Miss Stabbach , Mr . Santley , Miss Lascelles , and Mr . Wilbye Cooper , in the parts in which they have already distinguished themselves . We understand the powerful band and clidrus have spared no paiiis in assisting Mr . Benedict to produce these works in such a manner as to enhance their reputation .

      MDLLE . VICTOraE BALFE . We have great pleasure in announcing , on the authority of our contemporary The Musical Worldf that on Thursday evening last Mdlle . Balfe made her appearance at the Teatro Regio , as Amina , iu the Sonruimbuia , with tlie most brilliant success , and was called enthusiastically before the curtain at the end of each act .

      Untitled Article

      Clerical .--The Rev . Pr . Hook , Vicar of Leeds , lias hud the deanery of Chiohoster oilbred him by the GovGrnmont , and has accepted tho ofifcr .

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      Untitled Article

      27 $ THE LEAD EB . [ No . 466 , February 26 , 1859 .

  • Citation
    • Leader (1850-1860), Feb. 26, 1859, page 278, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2283/page/22/