204 NOTES OF THE MONTH. 



SOCIETY OF BRITISH MUSICIANS. Some years ago a few indivi- 

 duals, perceiving that native talent was much neglected in this 

 country, in order to give it something like encouragement, projected 

 the Philharmonic Society, for the express purpose of encouraging it ; 

 but it unfortunately happens, that the Philharmonic Society have 

 been always opposed to the interests of the English musician. Did 

 this conduct proceed from any want of talent on the part of English 

 composers? They would not trouble themselves to learn, for when 

 any works were sent for approval by Englishmen, they were in- 

 variably returned unlooked at unopened. Therefore, in self-de- 

 fence, a society has been established actually for the encouragement 

 of native talent, under the name of " The Society of British Mu- 

 sicians." 



The intention of this meeting is to perform the works of English- 

 men exclusively ; for this purpose, all those who are members 

 register the works they wish to have performed, and certain days are 

 set apart for the purpose of the Committee passing their fiat upon 

 them. These are termed " trial days." One day is set apart for the 

 trial of vocal music ; another for that of instrumental. The works 

 thus registered have all the advantages of being performed by a full 

 band, and sung by principal singers ; they are, consequently, heard 

 in a perfect state, and the Committee are thus enabled to exercise 

 their judgment in the selection of pieces to be performed at the 

 concert. 



The Society is supported by subscriptions of one guinea each 

 subscriber, which entitles the subscribers to admission to the con- 

 certs (six in number.) This sum serves merely to defray the various 

 expenses of rooms, lighting, printing, c. &c., the band and singers 

 performing gratuitously. 



This Society must tend to raise the character of English music ; it 

 may well be called the cradle of genius inexperienced, though gifted 

 men, will have an opportunity of attaining perfection in the various 

 requisites of their art. The composers will have the advantage of 

 hearing their works performed with care and precision. Thus they 

 have ample opportunities of study, and will receive the encourage- 

 ment that genius merits. 



Five concerts have already taken place, and have been attended 

 with great success ; various pieces of instrumental and vocal music 

 of great merit have been introduced by the following persons, some 

 of whom were hitherto unknown to us : Lucas, Macfarren, Tinny, 

 Griesbach, Colkin, Tutton, Bennett, Horsley, Attwood, Barnett, 

 &c., &c. 



We strongly and earnestly recommend this Society to the warm 

 support and encouragement of the English public. 



