THE MUSICIAN ABOUT TOWN. 501 
society ought to have a new organist. From his manner of accom- 
pavying the chorusses in the Paul the other evening, it was quite 
evident that Mr. Miller was not equal to the task he had under- 
taken: it was like the playing at a Methodist chapel. The society 
should engage the services of such young performers as Messrs. 
Pittman, or Brown, Smith, or Miss Stirling: all of whom are ex- 
cellent pedalists. They ought also to insist upon having the instru- 
ment tuned to concert pitch. This, we know, is a work of labour to 
accomplish with any organ builder ; but the low pitch of the in- 
strument, upon each occasion that we have heard it of late, has pre- 
judiced the whole orchestra, which, of course, was obliged to be all 
tuned down, thereby extracting from its vivacity of tone. Lastly, 
having eugaged such first-rate players as Lindley, and Willman, 
and Harper, they ought not to remain satisfied without adding the 
services of Dragonetti, whose influence in music of the character 
which forms the staple of their performances, would be invaluable. 
There is no instrument like his (in Ais hand) for steadying or direct- 
ing the march of a chorus. The report lately published of the pro- 
ceedings of the society is very gratifying and encouraging. Esto 
juncta—esta perpetua: the one will be the result of the other. 
The Italian Opera opened for the season on Saturday, the 9th of 
March, with the “ Belisario,’ and a new soprano of the name of 
Monaui, and an English lady of the name of Croft. The male 
singers are Tati, the tenor of last year, A. Giubilei, and F. La- 
blache. With the exception of the last named, the present compa- 
ny may range under the denomination of the curiously disagreeable. 
The music to the new ballet of “* Robert le Diable” has been cleverly 
selected and arranged from Meyerbeer’s opera, by Mons. Nadau, 
the leader of the band for the ballets, and who is distinguished by 
his admirable tact in accompanying the dancers. The orchestra is, 
as usual, magnificent. 
The first Ancient Concert took place on the 13th of Macch. The 
only change to be perceived in these heretofore scrupulously select 
performances is, that they are being converted into a school of prac- 
tice for the Academy pupils. The time was, when an engagement 
at the Ancient Concerts was sufficient to secure to the performer a 
passport through the kingdom. That circumstance alone stamped 
him a first-rate artist. So desirable a distinction no longer exists. 
Persons who can, and persons who cannot, sing the compositions of 
the sterling old writers, are now brought into mischievous collision. 
We have, however, heard with pleasure that Lord Burghersh con- 
templates an important change in the programmes of the concerts, 
