which entirely meets with our approbation, in order to furnish our readers who have not had the opportunity of hearing him, with the best possible notion regarding his abilities. "It very rarely happens that when great hopes have been excited, the reality comes up to expectation. This is among the reasons why new performers of merit, whose appearance has been preceded by high encomiums, have so frequently failed, the point of excellence to which the indiscreet paragraphs of their ill-judging friends teach the public to look up, proving far beyond their attainment. The same observation applies to new dramas, operas, &c. The phrase, 'green-room report speaks in the highest terms,' has brought many a piece to an untimely end; for it is naturally supposed that that must possess extraordinary qualities which has been so commended, and as few things eventually deserve very high praise, disappointment is likely to follow with all its consequences. The long, laboured, reiterated articles relative to Paganini, in all the foreign journals for years past, have spoken of his powers as so astonishing, that we were quite prepared to find them fall far short of report; but his performance at his first concert, on the Sd of last month, convinced us that it is possible to exceed the most sanguine expectation, and to surpass what the most eulogistic writers have asserted. We speak, however, let it be understood, in reference to his powers of execution solely. These are little less than marvellous, and such as we could only have believed on the evidence of our own senses they imply a strong natural propensity to music, with an industry, a perseverance, a devotedness, and also a skill in inventing means, without any parallel in the history of his instru ment. "The first wonder that struck us in the performance of Signor Paganini was, his simultaneous production of bowed and pizzicato notes. While the air employs his bow on the first string, he adds an accompaniment, in harmony of two and sometimes three notes, on the others, with such fingers and thumb as are not engaged in the legato passage. "His harmonics are the next source of surprise. Besides the ordinary mode of producing them, he obtains a new series in an instant, by one single, sudden, dexterous turn of a peg, thus giving a different tension to his string. But this is not all; by making an artificial nut on any part of a string, which he does with apparent ease, he obtains a new generator, thus being enabled to command harmonics in every scale, and almost unlimited in number; and these he plays in double notes-in thirds certainly, as also in sixths and octaves, if we are not mistaken. Double shakes he likewise executes in the harmonics. "His performance on the fourth string, though by no means so astonishing, in our opinion, as what we have mentioned, is, nevertheless, a remarkable effort. "The staccato of Paganini is more distinct, more crisp, than any we ever heard. It has in The Times' been thus described: -'He strikes the bow once on the string, and it seems to run by a tremulous motion over as many notes as he chooses to include in the staccato passage.' The bow acts, we will add, with the elasticity of a spring fixed at one end, and made to vibrate. "All these are peculiar to himself; but in playing double notes of every kind, rapid arpeggios, chords, and whatever in the shape of difficult execution other per formers have triumphed over, he is equally ready and perfect. His intonation, too, whether in double stops, high shifts, or harmonics, is unfailingly true. From all that we have said, therefore, it will be obvious that we think Paganini the most astonishing violinist that ever appeared. But whether we consider him the best is another matter, and a question to be entered into in our next, by which time the present rage will be a little abated, and the voice of calm enquiry may perhaps be listened to with patience and candour. Paganini's compositions, forming our judgment on those he has brought forward here, show him to be a good musician and a man of genius. They exhibit great boldness in search of effect, and many original traits; but these are more observable in the novel use he makes of his own and other instruments, than in his melodies, which though pleasing, are not remarkable for their newness, or in his harmonies, which bear little appearance of study, and indicate no great exertion of the inventive faculty." The rest of the papers display the usual judgment and ability. The music consists of some spirited variations on "Sul Margine d'un rio," by Chaulieu; a Pot-pourri, on two favourite airs, in a new Opera, by Bellini; an andante movement, by A. F. Wustrow; a song" Forget thee my Susie," composed for the "Harmonicon," by Mrs. Millard (composer of " Alice Gray"), which is very tasteful and pretty; a beautiful ballad taken from the musical illustrations of the Waverley Novels, composed by Eliza Flower, and another by Mr. Haite, which is entitled to great praise. Signor Lanza has been giving a series of subscription concerts at the New London Hotel, Bridge Street. Blackfriars, under the patronage of the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor. The third took place on Monday evening the 11th of July, and was numerously attended. The female vocalists, with the exception of Madame Stockhausen and Miss Bruce, consisted principally of Lanza's pupils. Madame Stockhausen gave one or two Swiss airs with her accustomed sweetness, accompanied on the harp by her husband; and Miss Bruce sang a MS. manuscript, composed by Lanza, with much KING'S THEATRE. taste. A duet, on two harps, by Miss Bruguier and Mr. Lentz, was well received; likewise a capriuco on the piano-forte, by Mr. W. Holmes, and some brilliant variations on the violin, by Master Cooper. The little Regondi delighted the company by his execution on the guitar, upon a theme from Cenerentola; but the great treat of the evening was Mr. Purday's execution of Mr. Haynes Bayly's elegant ballad "He Passed!" which was rapturously encored, a compliment which the feeling and taste which he displayed fully entitled him to. The company was numerous and select. The Drama. SINCE our last, Potier has taken his farewell benefit, and Madame Pasta has made her appearance in comedy. This last farce is an era in the history of the drama; and those who have fancied that one mighty genius could not bind in its wizard fetters the laughing muse of Comedy with her more mournful sister-those, in short, who have seen the proud, powerful, passionate Pasta in the midst of her soul's energy amid scenes of sorrow-and have thought it impossible that the same being could put on the laughing look, and rich humour, and racy playfulness of comedy, have now been agreeably disappointed, and are ready to confess, with ourselves, that our favourite Pasta is as genuine and effective in the one as she is heart-stirring and majestic in the other. The piece performed was the Centenaire; and Potier was as exquisite and irresistible as we ever remem. ber to have seen him. Lablache, Curioni, and Santini, were very effective in their performances. The opera of Anna Boleyn has also been performed at this theatre with complete success. We cannot say that we think much of it ourselves, but it is supported with some very excellent music, and, with the assistance of Pasta and Rubini, the latter of whom has great opportunities of displaying his fine tenor voice to advantage, in the part of Lord Percy, will doubtless run to the close of the season. Laporte took his benefit in a series of per formances which afforded us a fine treat, as, in addition to the performers whom we have named above, he was backed by the talents of Potier, the Taglioni, and Lablache. HAYMARKET. A new comedy, The School for Coquettes, was produced at this theatre on Thursday, the 14th ult. with complete success. It is the work of Mrs. Gore, a lady whose literary talents are, we trust, placed beyond the power of doubt. Her comedy possesses great merit, considered in a relative point of view. As far as the dialogue, good writing, and some genuine touches of observation and delicacy are concerned, we have no fault to find. But the drama is defective as an acting play-there is no novelty either in character or incident; the action, which flags at the beginning, is hurried over in the last act, and there is little skill in the conduct of the plot. However, it is a very creditable production, especially in this age of French translations. The public papers have praised the acting, especially that of Brindal, in Lord Potter; but with all due deference both to these papers and the actor, we will say that there was never a caricature among lords such as Lord Potter is represented; and those who have seen Abbott act a similar part in the comedy of the Exquisites, will perceive a material difference in favour of that gentleman's conception of a real aristocratic dandy. Farren, Miss Taylor, and Mrs. Glover performed in their usual style of excellence. The epilogue, by Mr. Bulwer, was smart, sometimes witty, and was extremely well delivered by the heroine of the comedy. An attempt has lately been made by Miss Taylor to assume the character of Juliet, but she was quite unequal to the task. The tragedy, indeed, was altogether a failure; with the exception of Vining as Mercutio, and Mrs. Glover in the part of the Nurse, (who were all that could be desired,) the whole cast was wretched. A more unlover-like Romeo than Cooper can scarcely be conceived. We had hoped, ere this, that he would have had the good sense to give the part up, since he has received abundant notice of his total unfitness for it. ENGLISH OPERA HOUSE-ADELPHI. No man connected with the stage deserves more of public patronage than Mr. Arnold-no man has studied more to afford them pleasant pastime for their summer evenings and no man has been more successful in his endeavours, or more unfortunate in his own speculations. We, therefore, cannot help regretting that he should be put to the inconvenience of a theatre Jike the Adelphi, which is manifestly too small for his benefit; but, while we hope to see him established in a more lordly domain of his own, we cannot help giving him our highest approbation for the very spirited manner in which he struggles against difficulty, and essays, with a good company, to counterbalance the defects of a small house. All the novelties of the present season have not been so successful as we could have wished; indeed, the Feudal Lady, though containing some beautiful writing, may be considered a failure; and we conceive that the Haunted Hulk is chiefly indebted for its support to the good acting of Smith and Reeves. It contains, however, some very effective scenery. Old and Young has been revived at this theatre with complete success, and little Miss Poole acts the part of many nephews with charming naivéte. But the most pleasing performance at the English Opera, and that which, we are happy to say, went off with immense eclat, is Mr. Bernard's new operetta, entitled Old Regimentals. In this piece Mr. Perkins acts the part of Charles Asmadeus in a manner most creditable to his talents, and we are led to believe, from his past performances and future promise, that we shall yet see him a leading scion of the histrionic art. We have no room to detail the plot of this very deserving and successful operetta, but we may say that it reflects credit on Mr. Bernard, and is rendered extremely interesting by the good acting of Reeves, Bartley, O. Smith, and Harriet Cawse, "Who sings as fairies do beneath the moon." We believe Mr. Arnold has other novelties in preparation, from the pens of Peake, Trueba, the talented author of the Exquisites, and other dramatists of note. sincerely wish him every success. THE SURREY. We Little did we think when we were last month praising the performances of Mr. Elliston, that we should so soon have the melancholy task to record his decease. This gentleman was for many years one of the most distinguished ornaments of the stage, and our reminiscences of him only increase the sorrow we feel, in common, wa are sure, with a large portion of the public, in the reflection that the talents which have so often delighted us, in moments of relaxation, will, in future, exist only in the memory of his admirers, and in the imperfect description of the pen. Mr. Elliston expired at half-past six on Friday morning, July 7, after a short, but severe, illness. It is stated that he was in his 58th year, but we have reason to think he was older. Every one acquainted with the stage for the last thirty years, a period during which it has boasted many splendid actors and actresses-among them John Kemble, John Bannister, Munden, Lewis Quick, George Frederick Cooke, Mrs. Siddons, &c. all of whom, with many others, are now gathered to their fathers-will rank Mr. Elliston as an actor worthy of a niche in the same temple in which the most famous of his contemporaries have obtained a place. To enumerate the characters in which his performances have set criticism at defiance, and in several of which he had no equal, would exceed our present time and limits. But we may mention a few of his principal parts. He was particularly eminent in Ranger, Rover, the Three Singles, Vapid, Young Rapid, Doricourt, Walter, (in the Children in the Wood,) Young Wilding, Duke Aranza, Octavian, Colonel Feignwell, Sheva, &c. &c. After the failure of Mr. John Kemble in the Iron Chest, the piece was revived for the purpose of giving Mr. Elliston an opportunity of trying his powers in the principal character, Sir Edward Mortimer. His success in the experiment was complete, and the play has remained a stock one ever since. On the opening of the present Drury Lane Theatre, after the late building was destroyed by fire, be appeared on the first night as Hamlet; but in this part he was less perfect than in many others. His versatility of talent was great, as must be evident from the list we have given, and which might be greatly lengthened, but to which we will add only two more characters, quite different from each other-those of Sir John Falstaff and Macheath, in the former of which he was admirable, and in the latter, though not much of a vocalist, the attempt was by no means discreditable to his reputation. Mr. Elliston's musical taste was excellent, his ear very correct, and at the rehearsal of any new musical composition, exhibited considerable knowledge of the science. Mr. Elliston, previous to his appearance in the metropolis, was one of the greatest favourites that ever, perhaps, graced the Bath stage, when that city was decidedly the focus of all the rank, fashion, taste, and elegance in the kingdom. He was educated at St. Paul's School, and was intended for holy orders, but an early propensity for the drama changed his destiny. We have spoken of him as an actor; he also for some time officiated as manager of Drury Lane, (of which he was lessee ;) and of late years at the Surrey, of which he became proprietor. At the former, it will be remembered, he was unsuccessful; but in the latter arena his efforts were attended with abundant recompense, and he certain ly gave universal satisfaction. Those who had the pleasure of his acquaintance, knew that his private habits were social, convivial, and friendly. In the early part of his life his conversation was at all times an exquisite treat, and even till within a short period of his death he was frequently animated, sparkling, and full of anecdote. At these times it was impossible to be in his company and not regret the moment of separation. And the writer of this article has frequently borne witness to his great kindness and urbanity. But we are obliged to conclude this hasty and brief sketch of a man who will always be reckoned one of the best actors of lively and genteel comedy that ever appeared on the British boards. The theatre is continued on by Mr. Elliston, jun.; and as we hope, so do we believe that his endeavours to please will be attended with success. Mr. Horn has lately appeared here in several popular operas, and the singing of himself and Miss Somerville has rendered them extremely effective. We are happy to see our little friend Williams has not gone over to the Haymarket this summer. His acting is of the most sterling descrip tion, and we know of no performer in the present day who can at all equal him in many parts he is in the habit of sustaining. A Mr. Elton, who has just been engaged here, is an extremely clever actor, and has lately appeared, together with Mr. Osbaldeston, in many excellent tragedies. THE COBOURG. Mr. Davidge has of late contrived, most successfully, to rescue the Cobourg from the disrepute into which it was once properly held in the estimation of the public, by the most praiseworthy exertions in producing a constant succession of interesting and cleverly-written novelties, and the engagement of actors of real talent. Mr. Kean's performances were productive of the most plenteous returns to the treasury, and the audiences have been extremely select. Since Mr. Kean's secession a variety of entertaining new pieces have been produced, several of which have been extremely successful. In addition to these, we have been presented with the revival of several old deservedly-popular favourites, and amongst others, The Field of the Cloth of Gold has been much applauded. The actors of this establishment are many of them far above mediocrity, and the worthy manager, and Messrs. Searle, Cobham, Gray, and others, really worthy of appearing before the most critical audience in the kingdom. We are informed that further engagements are in contemplation, and a constant succession of clever pieces in active preparation. If an ardent desire to please, and a liberal expenditure, entitle a manager to success, then assuredly Mr. Davidge deserves, and, we trust, will continue to experience it. FASHIONABLE INTELLIGENCE, CHITCHAT, &c. We are happy to continue our usual report of their Majesties' health, which was never better. The 1st instant has been fixed on for the opening of the new London Bridge, which ceremony will be honoured by the presence of the King and Queen. Their Majesties will embark at Whitehall in the royal barge, meet the procession at the foot of the bridge, and immediately on the termination of the ceremony, partake of a cold collation, and return in the same manner, and by the same route. The citizens, however, who always like to "make the most of a good thing," purpose concluding the day's entertainment with a grand ball, under an awning on the bridge, to which most of the nobility and gentry have been invited. The proceedings in Parliament have all turned on one point-the Reform question -a subject of which we are growing absolutely sick-it is discussed bit by bit, and both parties display a vigilance and determination which render it probable that some time will yet elapse before the question is disposed of even in the Commons. The ministerial force in the Upper House is, it is said, about to be augmented by the creation of thirty new Peers. The coronation is fixed to take place on the 8th of next month-a great portion of the ceremony is to be dispensed with--the proceedings will merely consist of the usual coronation service in Westminster Abbey ; the splendid festival and brilliant entertainments which delighted the metropoli 96 FASHIONABLE INTELLIGENCE, CHITCHAT, &c. tans in 1821, are still fresh in our memory, and we deeply regret that (in our opinion) a mistaken idea of economy should have induced his Majesty's ministers to dispense with them on the present occasion. Two persons of some note have this month paid the debt of nature, Mr. Thos. Roscoe, the elegant and accomplished poet, and that far-famed comedian, R. W. Elliston. The King of the French has opened the Chambers with a long speech, by which it seems that the murderous slaughter of the gallant Poles is likely to be shortly stayed. All classes unite in sincere wishes that these brave fellows may free themselves from the iron yoke of Russia-they had reason to complain, and their conduct proves them to be worthy of liberty. Leopold (now king of Belgium) has in part resigned his 50,000l. per annum during his sovereignty-the property at Clare mont is to be kept in order, the pensioners of the late lamented Charlotte and himself are to receive their allowances as usual, and the balance of his annuity is then to be paid into the Treasury. The session of Parliament has extended to such an immoderate length this year, that many of the fashionables have determined on sojourning in London until the ensuing season. The Duke of Sussex has directed that all dogs seen wandering about Hyde Park shall be killed. The order at first excited among the exquisites the greatest possible alarm-but application having been made on the subject by Lords Harborough and Ellenborough, it was stated in reply that the order did not extend to puppies. The second number of the New Sporting Magazine," (a pleasant, spirited periodical, devoted to the cause of horse, borseman, and dog,) is gemmed with a matchless connubial advertisement. The insertion has been evidently paid for; but a shilling or two more ought to have been added by the tender Tally-ho, as a fee to the editor for a supervise of the sportsman's love-style. The innamorato is flushed with ardour and woodcocks, but is not grammatical. From the postscript, we should guess him to be the author of "the Exclusives." A forhunter to object to red hair is wrong. We only hope the advertisement will meet the eye of some good honest grizzly negrowoman, who, having "good humour, a small (black) foot, and an easy set on horseback," would be qualified either to render the Cupid in yellow leathers happy, or to bring her action for breach of promise, in case of his raising any new cause of objection, or refusing a "real application" under any colour or pretence. The following is the delectable morceau of the middle-aged Adonis of "sportsman-like manners," who is desponding in "one of the principal hunting countries." We trust the ladies will at once send in their tenders, and not linger in doubtful love till they will be only "in at the death!" It is a splendid burst! Hark to Jowler! MATRIMONY. A gentleman residing in one of the principal hunting countries, of middle age, and sportsman like manners, is desirous of uniting himself to a lady possessing a passion for field sports. Fortune or beauty are not the object of the advertiser-the former, if any, may be settled upon the lady, and as to the latter, though not an objection, it nevertheless is not a primary object. Good humour, a small foot, and an easy set on horseback, are the principal qualifications required. As this is the advertisement of a fox, and not a fortune, hunter, it is hoped that no one will answer it out of idle curiosity. Every respect will be paid to real applications, addressed to X. Y. Z., 47, Paternoster-row, London, and the utmost secrecy may be relied upon. P.S. None with red hair need apply. THE MIRROR OF FASHION. CARRIAGE DRESS. A WHITE muslin dress, the corsage made low, but not extremely so, and square behind; there is a double front, one high and square, the other in crossed drapery; both are embroidered at the edge. The sleeves are à la Marie. A fall of richly embroidered muslin, which forms jockeys on the shoulders, goes round the back of the bust. The skirt is finished with a deep embroidery round the border. Hat of white moire, trimmed on the inside of the brim next the face with very broad white gauze riband, disposed in deep flutings. Knots of gauze riband, edged with blond lace, ornament the crown. Blue gauze scarf. Ceinture and bracelets of blue moire. WALKING DRESS. A printed muslin dress; a white ground with perpendicular wreaths of foliage, interspersed with bouquets of violets. Plain corsage, and sleeves of the peignoir form. The canezou is of jaconot muslin; it is made à draperies, with rounded ends, descending about half a quarter below the waist, and a standing collar, which, as well as the draperies and ends, is richly embroidered. There is also a single detached bouquet, |