Event Comment: In
the Gazetteer 25 Feb. appeared a long editorial by "
Rectus": "Though
the performing oratorios in
the time of Lent,is highly censured by many, yet I must own that I think
the far greater part of
them become enemies to those solemn performances, ra
ther because
their ears are more unfit for music than
their minds are for
the pretended immorality that attends such exhibitions." [
The writer wishes not to cry down every entertainment he cannot relish himself and adds], "I have long endeavoured to find out
the reason why plays should not be performed on Wednesdays and Fridays in Lent as well as on those days all through
the rest of
the season. I have never yet been able to find out that Lent makes
the least difference in people's way of living." [He wonders, however, why
the non-sacred oratorios such as
Acis and Galatea and
Alexander's Feast have been allowed performance. He
then registers a mild complaint about
the management of
the Oratorios because
they do not include sufficient solo instrumental entertainment between
the parts.] "This custom was wholly dropped last year, and I complained greatly of it in a letter which you did me
the favour to insert. I was greatly surprised to find
Mr Pinto, who
then led
the band, was ei
ther not permitted or not paid to play a solo, as well as
Mr Hay, who played one every night
the preceding season.
Mr Stanley's illness not permitting him
then to play, that omission was overlooked, though it might have been supplied by a performer on some o
ther instrument. This season
the managers have thought proper to treat
their audience with one solo or concerto every night, but why not have two?" [He liked
Barthelemon's solos, but lamented that Stanley sat idle, and he offered final advice that
the managers should alternate
the solo instruments for "pleasing variety."
The admission price demands it.