322 PROCKEDINGS OF PROVINCIAL SOCIETIES. 



and the performance upon the point of going to pieces. What our 

 opinion may he when we become as acquainted with the author's 

 design and treatment as the hand ought to be, we pretend not to 

 say ; but upon this, a second hearing, we hesitate not to avow that 

 the excessive wire-drawing of his subjects fairly wearied us out. 

 The other novelties in the concert were, a fantasia on the contra- 

 basso, by a Sig. Miiller, and a concertante for flute and oboe, by 

 Ribas and his brother, a young lad. The music of Mr. Miiller was 

 positive trash, his performance more than respectable, and his tone 

 feeble. In style and finish, Ribas is a delightful flutist, and his 

 brother will be a most eminent player. In his present state of ad- 

 vance to perfection we have never heard him exceeded for steadiness 

 of time, beauty of tone, and precise with neat execution. In feel- 

 ing and delivering his phrases he reminded us of the exquisite can- 

 tabile of Willman. Having noticed the most creditable vocal per- 

 formance of the season, we are in dutv bound to signalize the reverse 

 specimen, as much from its being a curiosity in its way, as to convey 

 a censure upon the directors in allowing such an exhibition to pass, 

 having heard it at rehearsal. The " Soave sia il uento" was sung 

 by a Mad. Shrickel, Miss Hawes, and Mr. Phillips, and on the 

 part of the soprano was so ingeniously spoiled, from the second bar 

 to the close of the piece, both in time and tune, that the audience in 

 all directions testified their sense of the insult The last concert of 

 the season had not taken place when our number went to press. 

 Want of space also prevents due notice of the other metropolitan 

 i-oncerts, which shall be supplied in the October number. 



PROCEEDINGS OF PROVINCIAL SOCIETIES. 



BIRMINGHAM LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY. 



At the commencement of the fifth session of this Institution, on 

 the 7th of May, 1838, William Wills, Esq., the President, delivered 

 an eloquent and instructive Address, of which the following is an 

 abstract. 



Gentlemen, — I request the favour of your indulgence for a few 

 moments, while, pursuant to our usage, I take a brief review of the 



