conductor, and harpsichord player; we now find an interesting notice of
his first essay, and probably his last, as an actor. The _Journal_ of
Jan. 24-28 announced, "By the real and absolute Command of their Graces
the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, for the benefit of Mrs. Arne, at
the Theatre-royal in Aungier-street, on Saturday, the 28th Instant,
will be performed the Second Part of Henry IV. With the Humours of Sir
John Falstaff. The Part of Henry Prince of Wales by Mr. Arne, being his
First attempt of that Kind." The Shakespeare play was followed by some
vocal music by Mrs. Arne and Mr. Lowe, and the whole concluded with
Lampe's "Dragon of Wantley."
We now come to an important event, the performance of the Oratorio,
"The Death of Abel," which was first produced in Dublin, and not in
London, as is generally stated. The following curious advertisement
appeared in the _Journal,_ Feb. 11-14, 1744: "By subscription. At the
Theatre-royal in Smock Alley, on Saturday next, being the 18th of
this Inst. Feb. will be performed A new Oratorio, called _The Death
of Abel_. Set to music by Mr. Arne. The Principal Characters to be
performed by Mr. Lowe, Mrs. Arne, and Mademoiselle Chateauneuf. The
stage will be disposed in the same manner as at Mr. Handel's Oratorios
in London. As but 12 more subscribers can be admitted, such gentlemen
and ladies as intend to honour Mr. Arne by subscribing, are greatly
desired immediately to send their names to his house in Aungier-street.
where tickets are ready to deliver to the subscribers. N.B. Attendance
will be given at the Theatre on each Day of Performance, when
Subscribers, on sending their Subscription Tickets, will have three
delivered on each of the four Nights of Performance. Pit, Boxes, and
Lattices, Half a Guinea. First Gallery, 2s. 8d. halfp. Upper Gallery,
2s. 2d. Ladies are requested to sit in the Pit, as well as Boxes, as
is the Custom at the Operas and Oratorios in London, for which purpose
the Pit seats will be made thoroughly clean. To begin exactly half
an Hour after Six. The Printer made a mistake in the last bills; but
the Subscribers may depend that (according to Mr. Arne's proposal)
no Person (except Subscribers) will be admitted into Pit, Boxes, or
Lattices under Half a Guinea. Mr. Arne begs Leave to acquaint the
Public, that he has been credibly inform'd by several worthy Families
that the Gentlewomen who keep the Saturday Nights Assembly, or some one
concern'd with, or commission'd by them, have made it their business
to complain of his performing the Subscription Oratorios on that
Night, alledging that it was done on purpose to prejudice them. Now,
so far was that from being thought of, much less intended, that the
Gentlemen Proprietors of the Theatre, as well as Mr. Arne, endeavoured
their utmost to fix another Night, but could not, for the following
Reasons; The Mondays and Thursdays are taken up with Benefits for six
Weeks. On Tuesdays are Vicars-street Consort, and the Bear on College
green, which take up all the best Hands. On Wednesday are the Phil
Harmonic Society, and Crow-street, where they are likewise engaged. And
on Friday is Fishamble Consort, where they are obliged to perform."
"The Death of Abel" was repeated on the 25th of February. This early
oratorio of Arne's was never published, and no manuscript copy of it
is known to exist. One song, however, became very popular, and was in
great request--"The Hymn of Eve":
How cheerful along the gay mead,
The daisy and cowslip appear,
The Flocks as they carelessly feed,
Rejoice in the Spring of the year.
The Myrtles that shade the gay bow'rs,
The Herbage that springs from the Sod;
Trees, plants, cooling fruits, and sweet flow'rs
All rise to the praise of my God.
The music, very simple and melodious, but without striking evidence of
genius, has been frequently reprinted, and arranged in various forms.
A comedy, "The Rehearsal," with Arne's music, was played on the 1st
of March, at the Theatre in Aungier Street, for the benefit of Mr.
Basdin; the singing parts were performed by Mr. Lowe and Mr. Worsdale.
The _Journal_, Feb. 28-March 3, 1744, contained the advertisement
announcing the first public performance of "Alfred," and the "Judgment
of Paris," which took place on the 10th of March; and on the 29th
of the same month "Comus" was again performed, for the last time in
the season, Mrs. Arne, as a matter of course, representing Sabrina
and the Pastoral Nymph, and singing the song "Sweet Echo." Lowe was
the Bacchanal and Attendant Spirit; and Miss Davis, Euphrosyne. This
performance was given at the Theatre in Aungier Street, and shortly
afterwards "Rosamond" was revived at the Theatre Royal in Smock Alley.
It must have been well received, as there were five performances, on
the 2nd, 5th, 9th, 10th, and 19th of April. Mrs. Arne represented Queen
Eleanor; Lowe, King Henry; Layfield, Sir Trusty; Miss Davis, Grideline;
Madame Chateauneuf, Rosamond. On the 2nd "The Merchant of Venice" was
also performed "with the songs proper to the Character," sung by Mr.
Lowe. _Faulkner's Journal_, 7-10 April, contained a Song, "The Scene a
Bower," addressed to Mrs. Arne, which may be taken as evidence of her
popularity. There are nine verses, commencing:
From yonder Bow'r, where blowing sweets
Perfume the vernal Air,
I hear the music of a voice
Peculiar to the tuneful Fair.
On the 26th of April a performance was given of the tragedy "Theodosius,
or the Force of Love." This play, written by Lee, was printed in
1680 with five songs and two choruses composed by Henry Purcell. The
libretto was revised for the Dublin performance. The announcement ran,
"At the particular Desire of several Persons of Quality, for the
Benefit of Mr. Barry, at the Theatre-royal in Smock-alley on Thursday
the 26th Inst. will be acted a Tragedy called Theodosius or the Force
of Love. The Part of Varanes to be performed by Mr. Barry, being the
first Time of his appearing in that Character. Tickets to be had at
Mr. Barry's in Skinner-Row.--As the original Songs, and Chorus's of
the Play were never performed in this Kingdom, for want of Musick and
Performances equal to such an Undertaking; Mr. Arne has been prevailed
upon to set the same to new Musick." Purcell's music was published in
1680; copies of it are now very rare. It consisted of five songs and
two choruses. Arne's music was never printed, and only one manuscript
score of it is known.[12] An examination of that copy shows that Arne
wrote music for nine pieces--four airs and five choruses, very short
movements. The words are not those set by Purcell, excepting one air
and one chorus. The solos are written for soprano and contralto voices;
the orchestration for strings, two oboes, and two horns.
The last appearance of Mr. and Mrs. Arne in Dublin, during the year
1744, was at the Great Room in Fishamble Street on Wednesday, the
30th of May, when "The Judgment of Paris" and "Alfred" were performed
for their joint benefits. Particulars respecting this event will be
found on page 124. The season being ended, Arne and his wife returned
to England, by way of Parkgate and Chester. During their stay in the
last named city the youth Charles Burney was introduced to Arne, and
having exhibited his skill as a performer on the harpsichord became
an articled pupil of the popular composer, with whom he journeyed to
London. Upon his arrival in the Metropolis, Arne resumed his connection
with Drury Lane Theatre as composer, and obtained an engagement there
for his wife as "Serious Singer." The year 1745 was a prosperous one
for both Arne and his wife--they were in constant employ at the Theatre
and in concerts.
On the 20th of March, Mrs. Arne had a benefit at Drury Lane Theatre,
when "Alfred" was performed for the first time in London. The details
of this interesting and memorable occasion will be given in connection
with "Rule, Britannia."
On the death of Gordon, the leader of the orchestra at Drury Lane, Arne
accepted the appointment which was virtually that of conductor. This
was a welcome addition to his importance and income.
A letter written by Mrs. Cibber to Garrick, dated the 1st of May, 1745,
gives interesting evidence of the amicable relations between Arne and
Garrick at that time: "I am very glad to hear you are better, and if
you dare venture out, shall be glad of your company at dinner. As you
are an invalid, pray send me word what you can eat, and at what hour
you will dine. I shall send _Tom_ [Arne] to meet you, and am Sir David,
Your most faithful friend and servant, to command till death."
On Saturday, the 28th of September, 1745, occurred a memorable scene
in the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. The _Daily Advertiser_ published on
the Monday following describes it thus: "On Saturday night last, the
audience of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, were agreeably surprised by
the Gentlemen belonging to that House performing the Anthem of God
save our noble King. The universal Applause it met with, being encored
with repeated Huzzas, sufficiently denoted in how just an Abhorrence
they hold the arbitrary Schemes of our insidious Enemies, and detest
the despotick Attempts of Papal power." The Anthem was repeated nightly
till nearly the end of November, and the managers of Covent Garden
Theatre followed suit. The arrangement of the Anthem for Drury Lane was
made by Arne, who had for principal singers Mrs. Cibber, Mr. Beard, and
Mr. Reinhold. Mrs. Cibber being a contralto, the music had to be sung
in a low key. Arne's autograph manuscript written for the occasion is
in the British Museum: it will be interesting to see the melody of "God
save the King" as then sung:
[Music]
Arne's pupil Burney made the arrangement of "God save the King" for
Covent Garden Theatre; the enthusiasm excited at that theatre fully
equalled that of Drury Lane. Benjamin Victor, in a letter he wrote
to Garrick on the 10th of October, 1745, said "the stage, at both
houses, is the most _pious_, as well as the most _loyal_ place in the
three kingdoms. Twenty men appear at the end of every play; and one,
stepping forward from the rest, with uplifted hands and eyes, begins
singing, to an old anthem tune, the following words--God save the King."
In this year, 1745, Arne was appointed composer to Vauxhall Gardens,
for which fashionable place of amusement he wrote a considerable number
of songs, ballads, and a dialogue "Colin and Phoebe," which was
sung every evening throughout the season by Mrs. Arne and Mr. Lowe.
Engagements of a similar character at Marylebone Gardens and Ranelagh
gave great scope for his talents, and must have kept him fully occupied.
In 1746, on the 17th of January, a farce, "Miss in her Teens," written
by Garrick, with music by Arne, was produced at Covent Garden Theatre.
On the 31st of January Shakespeare's "Tempest" was revived at Drury
Lane Theatre. The _General Advertiser_ announced the performances,
"Drury Lane. Never Acted there before. By His Majesty's Company of
Comedians. At the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, this Day will be presented
a Play call'd The Tempest, as written by Shakespeare: with the original
Decorations, particularly the Grand Masque, new set to music by Mr.
Arne. The Part of Ariel (with the proper songs) by Mrs. Clive." This
was the birthday of the beautiful melody, "Where the bee sucks," a
song whose freshness and charm never tire, and a tuneful combination
of poetry and music destined to endure so long as the concord of sweet
sounds has the power of touching human hearts.
Another interesting letter from Mrs. Cibber to Garrick, dated 8th of
April, 1746, contains several references to her brother:--"My brother
is to thank you for my playing for him.... Tom Arne sends his service:
he is forced to put his pit and boxes together, which I reckon will
be no advantage to him, ladies' hoops taking up more room than the
difference of price."
In 1748, Mrs. Arne left Drury Lane Theatre, and went to Dublin with her
sister, Mrs. Lampe, a singer of repute and wife of the composer of "The
Dragon of Wantley." Previous reference has been made to Mrs. Arne's
frequent attacks of illness; one of these prevented her undertaking
work in the early part of the Dublin season; and it was not before
the 11th of November that she was able to sing in public. On that day
she took part in Handel's "Esther," "being recovered from her late
illness." She next sang the part of Galatea in Handel's "Acis" on the
18th, and at a repetition performance on the 25th. _Faulkner's Journal_
of Nov. 19-22, reported that "Mrs. Arne (tho' but just recovered
out of a violent Fever) gave entire satisfaction." In the following
December (on the 16th) she sang in Handel's "Solomon"; and on the 7th
of February, 1749, had a benefit concert at the Fishamble Street Music
Hall, when she took the part of Galatea in Handel's "Acis," and she
with her sister, Mrs. Lampe, "introduced several favourite Songs and
Duets."
Arne had a son, born in 1740 or 1741 (Dr. Burney says, he was a
"natural son"), who inherited some of his father's gifts for music.
These were encouraged and developed, and we find, amongst Arne's
compositions, songs composed for the youth, who was introduced to
the public by his father at Marylebone Gardens. Two excellent printed
examples are "Ianthe and Iphis, sung by Master Arne, at Marybon
Gardens"--and "An thou wert mine own Thing, sung by Master Arne at
Marybon Gardens." The youth became well known as a composer and
performer in London and Dublin. One of his songs, popular to-day, "The
lass with a delicate air," is sometimes ascribed in error to his father.
In 1752 Arne composed music for "Harlequin Sorcerer," an old
pantomime in which Rich had many years before made a great success.
The performance took place at Covent Garden Theatre on the 11th of
February, and there was an overwhelming demand for seats; the doors
were therefore opened at three o'clock in the afternoon. The performers
included Mrs. Arne, Mrs. Lampe, Mr. Lowe, Mr. Legge, and a Chorus.
The music was published by Walsh, who appears to have had a business
contract with the composer. The following letter, by Arne, addressed to
William Shenstone, the poet, throws light on the subject: "Nov. ye 30,
1754. SIR--By the hands of Mr. Dodsley, I receiv'd your very obliging
letter, and wou'd for my own Pleasure comply with your Request; but
Mr. Dodsley's interest in this Particular interferes with mine; for if
he prints my Music in his Publication, I shall lose the sale of it to
Mr. Walsh [the King's Music-Printer] who gives me 20 guineas for every
Collection I compose--consisting of eight or nine Songs, and who wou'd
not give a shilling for any Thing that another had first publish'd.
Of this I acquainted Mr. Dodsley, who did not seem inclin'd to make
any Gratuity for the Loss. Any Song, Cantata, or Dramatic Piece from
so delicate a Pen, whereby I should not considerably lose to promote
another's Gain, wou'd be the most welcome present I cou'd receive,
stamp an additional Reputation on my Music, and highly oblige. Sr. your
most obedt. servt. Thos. Augne. Arne, Charles Street, Covent Garden."
That Arne's music had obtained repute in Edinburgh, is shown by an
advertisement in the _Caledonian Mercury_ of the 6th of March, 1752:
"New Musick. Now in the press and will be ready by the beginning of
April next, and delivered to subscribers. All the Songs, Duettos, and
Trios in the Masque of Comus composed by Thomas Augustine Arne, as
adapted to the Harpsichord and Voice, and all the Songs, Duettos and
Trios in the Burlesque Opera, called the Dragon of Wantley composed by
the great John Frederick Lampe, likewise adapted to the Harpsichord and
Voice. The above words may occasionally be accompanied with Violin or
German Flute and Violoncello. This manner of reducting them to avoid
the Perplexity of the different parts in a score which confound young
practitioners was finished by Mr. Lampe in his lifetime,[13] and the
proofs of the Plates have been revised and corrected by Mr. Arne."
In May, 1754, Arne went to Edinburgh, possibly on business in
connection with the publications announced in the above advertisement.
Be that as it may, the _Caledonian Mercury_ of the 23rd of May
contained the following notice:--"For the benefit of Mr. Arne. At
the Assembly Hall on Monday, 27th May, A Concert of Vocal and
Instrumental Musick. The Vocal part to be performed by Miss Rodburn,
and the Instrumental by Mr. Pasquali, Mr. Arne and others. To begin
Precisely at 6. Tickets, 2/6. To be had at Mr. Arne's Lodgings, at
Mr. Johnston's, Wigmaker, head of Chalmer's Close, and at the Old and
John's Coffee houses."
In the autumn of 1755, Arne and his wife again visited Dublin. They
were accompanied by a number of capable vocalists, Miss Young, Mrs.
Arne's sister, her six-year-old niece Miss Polly Young,[14] and Miss
Charlotte Brent; they resided together in Fishamble Street, at the
Passage Door next the Golden Scales. Arne advertised in _Faulkner's
Journal_, Oct. 4-7: "To the Public. Mr. Arne, who is arrived in this
Kingdom, with several Vocal Performers, having agreed with Managers of
the Theatre Royal, Proposes, by Subscription, to entertain the Town Ten
Nights, with Three Operas in the English Language, (viz.): A new Opera
call'd Eliza, An Opera call'd Alfred, and, an Opera call'd the Fairies.
The Subscription is, this Day, opened at the Office of the Theatre in
Smock Alley, where Attendance will be given every Day from Twelve to
Three. Ten Box Tickets for the ten Performances will be delivered to
each Subscriber for two Guineas.--The first Performance will be in
the Beginning of November. N.B. The Orchestra will be considerably
enlarged, an Additional Number of the best Instrumental Performers
engag'd, and Mr. Arne will accompany the Operas on the Harpsichord."
This advertisement was repeated several times, with the additional
information that there would be "A fine Organ put up" and that "Places
for the Boxes for the said Nights of Performance, to be taken at the
Office of the Theatre from 12 to 3, or of Mr. Neil, at his House
in Abbey-street." In consequence of the illness of Mrs. Arne, the
_Journal_ of 8-11 Nov. stated:--"The Opera of Eliza is obliged to be
deferred to the 27th, on Account of the Indisposition of a principal
Performer." The opera was again postponed to the 29th, when it was
given "By Command of his Excellency the Marquis of Hartington," and
the "whole House was illuminated with Wax Lights." Printed books of
the opera were "published and sold by Mr. Hoey, at the _Mercury_ in
Skinner-Row, and at the Theatre, at a British Sixpence each." The
_Journal_ gave a report of the performance: "On Saturday last, at
the Theatre-Royal in Smock-Alley, was perform'd Mr. Arne's new Opera
call'd Eliza: The noble and splendid Appearance, and the great and just
Applause throughout the whole Performance, were strong Indications
of the good Taste reigning in this Kingdom, and a generous, though
proper Compliment to that great Master of his Science, Mr. Arne,--Mrs.
Arne, whose Excellence is well known, had the Misfortune of a violent
Hoarseness, and rose from her Bed in a Fever to perform; Mr. Sadler
and Miss Brent, were greatly approv'd; but Miss Polly Young, a Child
of six Years of Age, pleased and astonished the whole Company, having
a sweet melodious voice, accenting her Words with great Propriety,
and Singing perfectly in Time and Tune. The Poem is, by all judges
of good Writing, thought excellent; the Orchestra was full, and
perform'd without a Fault; but the Judgement, Taste, Expression, and
Variety of the Music would be injur'd in an Attempt to commend it." The
performance was repeated on Thursday the 4th, and Saturday the 20th of
December. Arne's opera "Rosamond" was played on the 31st, with Mrs.
Arne as Queen Eleanor; Miss Brent, Rosamond; Grideline, Miss Young;
Page, Miss Polly Young; King Henry, Mr. Sadler. Mr. Arne conducted. The
opera was repeated with the same cast on the 9th of January, 1756; and
on the 21st and 26th of the same month "Comus" was performed under the
composer's conductorship by Mrs. Arne, Miss Brent, Miss Spencer, Mr.
Sadler and Mr. Corry. _Faulkner's Journal_, 20-24 Jan., 1756, contained
an "Ode to Apollo," without author's name. The following verses, if
written by one of the public, show that Arne and his wife were held in
the highest estimation by music-lovers:
Hark! hark! what notes enchant my Ears,
Sweet as the musick of the Spheres?
'Tis ARNE--the Gods' Vicegerent comes,
Now vanish Rackets, Routs, and Drums;
And with him come the Muses Hand in Hand,
To see fulfilled Apollo's great command.
See Taste with Joy its Head uprears,
Rais'd by Arne's heav'nly Airs;
Skill'd with equal Pow'r t'inspire
Irene's youth with martial Fire,
And lull to Rest, with Soul-delighting Sounds,
The Pains of Grief, and heal Love's bleeding Wounds.
Not he that charm'd the Thracians' Plains,
E'er tun'd his Lyre to softer strains;
Nor does the warbling Bird of Night
More than his sweet-song'd Spouse delight.
O say! what Price or Gifts can both engage
Here to remain, to save a sinking age?
In the following February (24-28) the _Journal_ announced: "The Play
called the Tempest, or the Inchanted Island (with all the original
Musick) is now in Rehearsal at the Theatre Royal, and will be performed
next Week. The Part of Ariel by Miss Brent, being her first Appearance
in that Character, Neptune by Mr. Sadler, Amphitrite by Miss Spencer,
and Mr. Arne will accompany the Musick on the Harpischord." Mrs. Arne,
Miss Brent and Miss Spencer sang at a concert given on the 17th March,
in aid of the Meath Hospital, and three days later, the 20th, were
engaged in a performance of "Comus" for the benefit of Mr. Arne; the
"Masque of Comus" was followed by "a Farce (never acted before) called,
The Pincushion: Being a Manuscript of the celebrated Mr. Gay's, Author
of the Beggar's Opera. The Songs adapted to favourite Ballad Airs of
Mr. Arne's. The Characters by Mr. Sadler, Mrs. Pye, Miss E. Young,
and Miss Brent." The _Journal_ informed the public "that the Masque
of Comus will be performed in a most elegant Manner on Mr. Arne's
Benefit night next Saturday, that two Rows of the Pit will be taken
in to inlarge the Orchestra, and Mr. Arne will accompany the musical
Part. We are further assured that the new pastoral ballad Farce called
The Pincushion, which will likewise then be performed, is a real
Manuscript of that celebrated Poet Mr. Gay, Author of the Beggar's
Opera, and that Songs are adapted by Mr. Arne. several of which are
New."