1823.J 
All we can add, either in description 
or criticism of the publication, is to 
say, that the assortment it contains 
displays as much taste as choice exer- 
cised upon such light matter may be 
said to admit; and that its claims to 
notice is at least upon a par with that 
of any other of the same kind. 
“ Beneath these rugged Elms ;” selected from 
Grey’s Poems, und composed, with Accom- 
paniments for the Piano-forte, by J. Bot- 
tomicy. 1s. 
Though Mr. Bottomley is by no 
means a composer devoid of taste or 
discernment, we do not think that, in 
the present instance, he has exactly 
eaught the spirit of his author. 
Neither the key he has preferred, nor 
the time or measure he has selected, is, 
in our judgment, that which would 
have been most eligible for the subject 
of the words. The scale of E flat, or 
of F natural, would have been more 
analogous to a strain depicting a 
country church-yard, the spot where 
“the rude forefathers of the hamlet 
sleep,” than that of A with three sharps; 
and common time, larghetto, would 
have afforded an opportunity for some 
of that pathos which the scene and 
sontiment demanded. 
“Oh, speed thee, dear Kinsman,” the cele- 
brated Harp Song ; composed and arranged 
by M. Corri. 18. 
This is an agreeable little air; and, 
in,its arrangement for the voice and 
piano-forte, Mr. Corri has given it all 
the advantage of which it was suscep- 
tible from such an adaptation. With 
respect to the melody itself, it is a 
pleasure to us to have to say, that it 
merits all the favourable notice with 
which it has been howoured by the 
public, and that it was politic to pub- 
lish a separate impression for general 
use.. 
THE DRAMA. 
Melpomene and Thalia are about to 
resume their ancient reigns in their 
old and united dominions, Drury Lane 
and Covent Garden, when free and 
ample scope will be afforded for our 
dramatic remarks. At present we are 
restricted to the observation that, 
abiding by its tedious repetition of 
“Sweethearts and Wives,” “ Matri- 
mony,” “the Heir at Law,” “the 
Beggar’s Opera,” (a story ten thou- 
New Music and the Drama. 
963: 
Lord of the 
exertions of 
sand times told,) ‘the 
Manor,” (in which the 
Madame Vestris, ‘Terry, and Harley, 
have been, received as they merit- 
ed,) and the production of a new 
farce, under the title of “the Great 
Unkuown,” weakly and ineffectually 
levelled at the concealed author of the 
numerous Scotch novels; the new 
house in the Haymarket has lately 
excited but little of that interest indis- 
pensable to the flourishing career of a 
metropolitan theatre. 
Ait Drury Lane considerable prepa~ 
rations are making for the further 
comfort and gratification of the audi- 
ence. Among these we have to notice 
the fresh colouring and gilding of the 
roof; the more convenient, as well as: 
more striking, disposition of the grand 
chandelier, and other imposing illumi-+ 
nations. The view from the upper 
gallery is improved, and additions are 
making to the boxes that will not fail 
to enhance the agscommodation of 
their visitors. These judicious alter- 
ations, the new facility given to the 
entrances of the pit, and the fresh de- 
corations of the saloon, together with: 
other less important but necessary 
improvements, while they evince the 
taste and spirit of the manager, wilt \ 
no doubt, ingratiate the public, and 
tend to sustain ¢lie honour of bis esta- 
blishment. 
At Covent Garden the lessees have 
not been idle. The safoons an& 
lobbies have been repainted and em- 
lished ; and the whole of the interior, 
especially the ceiling, wears a new 
and highly-ornamented face. The 
pigeon-holes have been fitted up by a 
haudsome curve of pannelling, by 
which the striking effect of the prosce- 
nium is considerably heightened. The 
fronts of the boxes have been newly 
ornamented, and now produce a light, 
rich, and varied effect. The spirit of 
personal indulgence, vying with that 
of ocular gratification, has added 
backs to the seats of the boxes, and 
also to the alternate seats of the pit; 
and the result of the tout-ensemble 
will not fail to please and surprise the 
numerous and splendid audiences. 
which we think the managers entitled 
to expect. 
Both houses will open on the same 
duy,—the Ist of October. 
NEW 
