THE MUSICIAN ABOUT TOWN. 497 
Miss Hawes and Mr. Manvers (an industrious and promising 
young singer) sang a duett for counter tenor and tenor, from the 
new psalm by Spohr, “God, thou art great.” The subject of the 
duett is sweet, but we think too often repeated, and the whole com- 
position too long. In this same work there is a remarkably fine 
movement, and very original in character, commencing with the 
altos and basses, ‘‘ Walk ye in love and truth.” The step of the 
subject is both stately and impressive. 
A MLS. overture, entitled “ Parisina,” from the pen of our ad- 
mired young countryman, Sterndale Bennett, concluded the first 
act. It is of a somewhat unusual construction, commencing in B 
minor, and ending inc. From a single hearing, it appeared to us 
to exhibit considerable talent, but not a sufficiently varied manner. 
Two excellent judges, however, near us, who had also heard it at 
the previous rehearsal on Saturday, agreed that it improved upon 
acquaintance. This overture is one of Mr. Bennett’s earliest pro- 
ductions. 
After the noble song from the “Alexander’s Feast” (‘‘ Revenge”) 
and delivered with triumphant expression by Mr. H. Phillips, Mr. 
Richardson, formerly a pupil of the Academy, and of the late Mr. 
Nicholson, performed a fantasia on the flute. The composition was 
by his master, and in all probability performed by him at one of his 
annual benefit concerts. We have little to say in commendation of 
that, but could say much of the pupil he has formed to succeed him. 
Judging by Mr. Richardson’s performance upon this occasion, and 
by the effect it had upon the whole room, we have no hesitation in 
saying that he has a fortune within his grasp. His tone is pure 
and very sweet, more, perhaps, calculated for solo than orchestral 
performance ; his expression is tasteful and delicate ; and his exe- 
cution exact and brilliant. The effect he produced in the room was 
the more certain and remarkable from the unbroken attention which 
followed what, even under favourable circumstances, was a long 
performance ; and under less prosperous ones would have been most 
injudicious. The pretty quartett from Dr. Crotch’s ‘‘ Palestine,” 
“Lo! star-led chiefs,” followed ; and Romberg’s noble overture in 
p concluded a fine musical concert. Mr. Mori led, and Sir G. 
Smart conducted. The band have received a few important addi- 
tions: among them, Baumann the bassoon, and Flower, the double 
bass. 
Mori and Lindley’s classical quartett concerts have this season 
increased in attraction. Last year they were held in Willis’s rooms, 
which became more and more crowded as the series proceeded. This 
VOL. IX., NO. XXVII. 63 
