Very fine performance by Royal Choral Society, at my little place in
Kensington, on Wednesday evening, Dec. 10th, of MACKENZIE's "_Rose of
Sharon_." Everything _couleur de Rose_, except the atmosphere, which
was _couleur de pea-soup_. Weather responsible for a certain number
of empty stalls in my hall. Madame ALBANI in excellent voice--sang
throughout gloriously. E.L., the Squire of Hall Barn, says that,
when the eminent soprano sings at his place, he shall announce her as
Madame HALLBARNI. HILDA WILSON first-rate in "_Lo! the King!_" LLOYD
as good as ever; can't say more. The duets between him and ALBANI,
perfection. WATKIN MILLS, an impressive _Solomon_, sang the difficult
music of that character artistically. The Chorus superb in one of
finest choruses, written by an English composer, "_Make a joyful
Noise_"--very joyful noise they made, and a considerable one. I
consider the "_Rose of Sharon_" a masterpiece, and the greatest work
of any Englishman--and, now I come to think of it, MACKENZIE's a
Scotchman. Yours truly, ALBERT HALL.
* * * * *
PARS ABOUT PICTURES.--On to DOWDESWELL's--Pictures by the Newlyn
School. Interesting show this--especially good in landscapes.
Disappointed there is no picture of the town of Par, whence the O.P.'s
ancestors came. However, let that pass. Ladies, first,--there is
excellent work by Mrs. STANHOPE FORBES, Mrs. GOTCH, Miss HAYES, Miss
FORD, and Miss BIRD; and, be it said with all politeness, equally
excellent work by Messrs. STANHOPE FORBES, TITCOMBE, A.C. TAYLER, and
others. A good many of the tin mines of Cornwall are said to be worked
out, but I think not a few of our young artists have found a mine of
tin in this picturesque country, which they are working both to their
own advantage, and that of the Art-loving public. In the same gallery
may be found a small collection of pastels by Mr. JAMES GUTHRIE. This
artist seems to thoroughly understand the scope of pastel--and has
walked his chalks about Scotland to considerable purpose. OLD PAR.
* * * * *
"AWAY WITH MELANCHOLY."--Nothing in Nature and Art combined is so sad
as the effect of a Street Minstrel playing something with flourishes
on a clarinet under the windows of your study during a yellow London
fog. "This way madness lies."
* * * * *
"BOXING-DAY" will, of course, be kept with great festivity at the
Pelican Club. The contests will be of the friendliest character, and
will be genially announced as "Kiss-in-the-Ring."
* * * * *
[Illustration: HIS FIRST BIRD.
"WELL, I DIDN'T MISS _THAT_ ONE, AT ALL EVENTS!"
"NO, SIR. THEY _WILL_ FLY INTO IT, SOMETIMES!"]
* * * * *