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pearance. Miss Woodfall's person and countenance are very pleasing; her voice is not powerful, but the tones are clear and interesting, and seem to be guided by a correct ear. In the scene with the Countess, and in the dying scene, she displayed a degree of judgment and sensibility from which every thing may in time be expected. This theatre is much in want, at present, of a young actress, qualified like Miss Woodfall; and it will be the interest of the managers to , bring her forward very frequently. The tragedy has great merit in point of composition, but is too outrageous and horrible in its plan to remain in much favour with the public, without the most superlative acting, such as we have seen from Kemble and Mrs. Siddons, in the Count and Countess; but the performers on this evening were not without considerable merit, Barrymore was skilful and animated in the laborious part of the Count, and Austin was very characteristically dressed and feelingly acted by Mr. Raymond. C. Kemble is a Theodore to whom neither Horace Walpole, nor Jephson, could make the slightest objection, and Mrs. Powell's Hortensia was dignified and impressive.

17.-Richard III.-Mr. Fearon, son of the late actor, and commander of an East-India man, attempted the part of Gloster, and "sailed before the wind" in a very capital style. He dexterously avoided the rocks upon which many of his predecessors have split, and bore his vessel triumphantly into port, amid the shouts of hundreds of his brother sailors, who attended to congratulate him on the success of his voyage. In plain English, Mr. Fearon has great requisites for the stage-a fine manly person, though rather too heavy; a voice equal to the utmost degree of exertion, freedom of deportment, confidence, feeling, and unabating spirit. He was applauded to the very echo, which applauded again; and certainly, if ever the audience were taken by storm, it was upon this occasion. In the latter acts, his bustle and spirit bear him along surprisingly, and in many passages, where these are not required, he has considerable merit; but in the more important qualities of Richard, his hypocrisy, subtilty, sternness, gloomy perturbation, &c. he is far from successful, He shews often a great want of discrimination, particularly in the soliloquies, and hurries over many of the most significant passages as if he were ignorant of their meaning. He appears, throughqut, to be running a race with the character, and frequently gets the start of it. But there is much genius, notwithstanding these blemishes, and if he means to pursue the stage as a profession, there is very little doubt of his obtaining a respectable and lucrative situation on the Drury-Lane boards.

19.-Orphan. Mr. Barrymore was taken so suddenly ill, at the end of the first act, that he was unable to proceed with the part of Polydore. Mr. Bartley, the gentleman who appeared in Orlando, read the remainder of the character. We are sorry to learn that Mr. Barrymore continues much indisposed, and that symptoms have manifested themselves of a paralytic nature.

COVENT-GARDEN.

DEC. 18.-Family Quarrels.-A new comic opera, by Mr. T. Dibdin. The public are quite aware of the difficulties which attend this species of composition pn the modern stage, where simplicity of fable, and simplicity of music, are no

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longer sufficient to excite attention. All an author can do now, is to furnish a vehicle for the airs, duets, trios, &c. and to contrive suitable situations, in which the performers may introduce their songs. For these he must necessarily sacrifice his plot, and do frequent violence to his own judgment. If at last he succeed in creating a kind of bustling interest, and combining his materials so as to produce a light and amusing whole, his purpose is answered, and the people are satisfied. Such is the case with the opera of Family Quarrels.

The first scene presents a romantic view of a village, in which the adjacent mansions of the two families, whose quarrels give a title to the piece, are beautifully pourtrayed; in the foreground is a rustic bridge, and a cascade in motion. The piece opens with an assemblage of sportsmen, anglers, and huntsmen, one of whom (Squire Foxglove) (a) relates that Sir Peppercorn Crabstick(b) has broken off a match between his daughter Caroline, (c) and Charles, (d) the sou of Mr.(e) and Mrs.(f) Supplejack, because the latter, proud of her own honourable origin, has looked down upon the newly acquired title and fortune of Sir Peppercorn, whose greatest pride is to own his obligations to trade, and the successful efforts of his own indefatigable industry.-In their mutual anger, the heads of the two families introduce new plans of marriage for their respective offspring. Lady Selina Sugarcane, (g) the chattering widow of a West India nabob, is brought from town as a match for Charles, and Miss Caroline is destined by her father to meet the addresses of Matthew Mushroom, Esq. a rich Yorkshire clothier,(h) who is preferred by Sir Peppercorn for his great fortune, and for the obscurity of the family he springs from. Charles, however, by the assistance of his friend Foxglove, procures an interview by moonlight with Caroline, which is discovered by the vigilance of Argus, (i) a trusty servant of Sir Peppercorn's, who suddenly catches the lovers together, and forbids her admirer and his friend ever to approach his house in future.-After a variety of schemes, contrived chiefly by the ingenuity of Proteus,(k) in the interest of Charles, and Susan,(1) Caroline's attendant, the lovers are brought together, and, through the mediation of Foxglove, the two families agree to put an end to their quarrels, and consent to the union which they had taken so much pains to prevent.

In our last number we noticed the violent opposition of the Jews to this piece, for two or three nights, in consequence of a song introduced by Proteus, in the habit of a Jew pedlar, which, however, contained nothing that ought to have been construed into an offence. After a few unsuccessful efforts to condemn the piece, on this account, they withdrew their opposition, and the opera has since proceeded with no other interruption than that of applause. If there is nothing very striking in the design, or original in the characters and incidents of this opera, the effect, altogether, is very pleasant; some of the incidents are extremely diverting; the dialogue is smart, and enlivened with humourous allusions and neat repartee: the songs are in general well written. Munden's "Gaffer Grist,

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Gaffer's son, and bis little Jack-ass," is a whimsical versification of the fable of the "old miller, his son, and the ass," and produces great effect.

The composers are in number five, and the same as in the Cabinet; viz. Messrs. Reeve, Moorehead, Davy, Corri, and Braham. The music is not, upon the whole, so attractive as in the former instance; but some of the pieces are very beautiful, and will add considerably to the reputation of their respective authors. We shall perhaps be more particular on the subject of the music in a future number.

23.Cato Mr Cooke's Cato has been one of his most successful performances. The Roman Patriot might have a more majestic representative, but certainly not one who could give more weight and dignity to the sentiments, or meet so well, in every respect, the ideas which we have been taught to entertain of this illustrious character. In the burst on being told of the heroic conduct of his son Marcus, "Thanks to the Gods, my boy has done his duty," he was Impressive in the highest degree, and in the whole of the speech over the dead body; but his great excellence consisted in his manner of uttering the celebrated soliloquy on suicide. It is one of the most exquisite morceaus, in point of judgment, thought, solemnity, and strictly characteristic expression, which live in our stage recollection. Often as we have admired Mr. Cooke, we do not think he ever before excited in us so high a notion of his great talents.

The tragedy itself is so ruined by the ridiculous love-plot, that, now that party spirit no longer exists to support it, its revival can never last more than a few nights. On this occasion it received ample justice from the several perfor mers: Mr. Siddons (Portius), Mr. H. Johnson (Marcus), Mr. Brunton (Juba), Mr. Murray (Sypbax), Mr. Cory (Sempronius), Miss Marriot (Lucia), and Mrs. Litchfeld (Marcia),

Mr. Cooke, and consequently the rest of the performers, pronounced Cato with the open a, Caato. See some remarks on this point in the Stage department of the present number.

21.-Harlequin's Habeas.-The new Christmas pantomime is the invention of the indefatigable T. Dibdin. It abounds with the usual tricks and transfor mations. The changes are rapid, numerous, and striking, and some of the inci dents are irresistibly ludicrous. The mistaking a man's wooden leg, which is seen projecting from the foot of a bed, for a warming pan, and thus pulling away the unfortunate stump, afforded infinite merriment. Mr. Harris has been at immense expence for scenery, which chiefly represents some of the most striking objects on the road to Paris :-the gates of Calais, Quillacque's hotel there, the Pont au Change, Conciergerie, Pont Neuf, &c. and St. Dennis's gate at Paris. There is also a most delightful view of Rochester Bridge, with the Castle and Cathedral, by RICHARDS. Phillips has distinguished himself very much on this occasion, having painted no less than six of the scenes. The Bolognas, King, Klanert, Dubois, Master Manage, and the elegant Wybrow, appear to advantage in the principal pantomimical characters. The music is well adapted. Moorehead has furnished an excellent overture, and two charming glees.

We shall notice the new Othello, at Covent Garden, who is announced also for Jaffier, in our next number.

KING'S THEATRE.

Two new operas have been produced wich tolerable success-I due Baroni, and Il matrimonio secreto. Signora Gerbini, the new singer, has a most excellent voice, modulated with consummate taste, and her execution is delightful. Mrs. Billington excites the same admiration and applause, with which she was honoured on the English boards last season. Nothing very striking has yet been attempted in the ballet way, owing, no doubt, in some degree, to the indisposition of Parisot and Madame Coralli. Mr. Taylor has disposed of his share in the property to an Irish gentleman of fortune of the name of Gould, who proposes soon to visit the continent, with an intention of making some new engagements.

Mrs. Billington 'had entered into an agreement to sing at Messrs. Harrison and Knyvett's Concerts; but it appears, from a clause in the trust deed, that she has no power to form such an engagement, and the proprietors, it is said, mean to oppose it. This report, however, has been contradicted; and it is alledged that there is an express stipulation in her article that she shall perform "at any two concerts she pleases," in consequence of which she chose the Ancient Concert and Mr. Harrison's.

THEATRICAL CHIT-CHAT.

Mr. Richardson, one of the proprietors of Drury Lane, has been dangerously indisposed for some time. Kemble is at present at Madrid, where he is honoured with the most flattering attentions. Mrs. Siddons has had a grand rout and supper at her house in Dublin. All the fashionables in the city were present, amounting to upwards of a hundred, among whom were the Lord Lieute nant and family. The supper was a Pic Nic. At three o'clock the party broke up. One hundred carriages were in waiting, a sight seldom seen at a private door in Dublin. The ladies were dressed very splendidly, with a profusion of diamonds. The comedy of Hear both Parties, announced at Drury Lane, is from the pen of Mr. Holcroft. A new drama, expected at the same theatre, called the Hero of the North, is founded on the history of Gustavus Vasa, and borrowed, probably, not a little from Kotzebue's play upon that subject. Mr. Colman's comedy has been read in the Covent Garden green-room, and is said to be his chef d'œuvre. There is a character in it for Mr. Cooke, expressly adapted for his great and peculiar powers. The other reported novelties are Mrs. Inchbald's translation of the Judgment of Solomon; a musical entertainment by Miss Porter, a sister of the ingenious artist; and an opera by Mrs. Plowden. Captain Caulfield, of the Guards, the hero of the Pic Nic theatre, is the gentleman announced for Hamlet. The Haymarket theatre will open with a prelude by Mr. Colman. Mr. Elliston is certainly to be the acting manager; and it is said that Blisset and Quick are engaged. A Mr. Byrne, is to be the vocal hero. Miss De Camp, whose disorder is reported to be the consequence of a broken bloodvessel, resides within a few miles of Paris. Her return to this country is not Speedily expected; but the last accounts were of a favourable nature.

H-VOL. XV.

MEMORANDA MUSICA.

Mr. Winter, from GERMANY, is arrived, to fill his situation as a composer to the ITALIAN Opera. It is remarkable, at this place of fashionable resort, and elegant entertainment, that principal situations are ably sustained by English performers. Mrs. Billington, First Singer; her brother, Weichsel, Leader; Kelly, (a West Briton) director of the Chorus; Lindley, first Violoncelle; Mr. Condell, Piano-forte; Harrington, Hautboy; Mahon, Clarionett; Holmes, Bassoon, &c. &c. The Petrides, two French Horn players of extraordinary talents, have succeeded the Leanders.

An elegant and correct SCORE Edition of the works of HAYDN have been Jately published at the Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris. To students in music this is a desirable acquisition.

The Amateurs of the German Flute welcome the return of the celebrated Mr. ASHE, who has left Bath to settle in the capital. Some years have elapsed since we were gratified with Mr. A.'s performance at Hanover-square Rooms. Dr. Haydn presided, at the time alluded to, as Composer to the Concerts under the able direction of Salomon. The venerable Haydn particularly noticed Ashe, and wrote those admired Obligati Flute parts in his Hanover-square Symphonies, expressly for this performer. Mr. A. devotes his time chiefly to Teaching the Accompaniment of the Piano-forte. We understand his "Flute Treatise" is in forwardness. Mrs. Ashe gave ample proofs of superior talent as a singer in the late Dr. Arnold's Oratorio, Haymarket Theatre.

Mr. Mazzinghi's trip to Paris deprives the town of an able Composer, and an excellent Master. Mr. M.'s labours have been equally successful in English, as well as Italian composition. Witness his Paul and Virginia, English Opera; and Paul and Virginia, Ballet ; Turnpike Gate; Ramah Droog, &c. various Italian Operas, Ballets, Canzonetts, and Piano-forte Lessons.

Mr. Mountain, we are informed, is engaged as Leader of the Band, and Kelly as Composer, for Mr. Colman's Theatre.

Mr. Ashley has engaged Mrs. Billington and Miss Parke for his Lent Oratorios, to lead on alternate nights. General Ashley is, of course, Leader of the Band, except on Mrs. Billington's nights, when Mr. Weichsel will preside.

Review of New Musical Publications, continued.

"The Lord's Prayer." Set to Music by John Watlen, Professor of the Piano. forte.

A seasonable present to youth of either sex. Mr. Watlen has been a Lieutenant in the Navy, and is now settled in London respectably as a Composer and Teacher of Music. We have observed various Rondos, founded on Scattish Airs, of this Gentleman's composition, lively and playful, though not very profound. By saying so, we do not mean to depreciate. In light com-3 positions, consistency and facility may be preferable to laboured and extraneous modulation.

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