Event Comment: Benefit for Rauzzini

Event Comment: Half past 5 went to the 5s. Gallery at the Opera House to see the comic opera La Buona Figliola, altered from Goldoni. The Music by Sg Nic Piccini, a Neopolitan composer. The Marq by Sg Lovatini, Castina by Sga Zamporini, the German by Sg Marigi. These I believe are reckoned the best of the company. I can't say I was greatly entertained, tho the music is very pleasing. There is something very absurd and truly characteristic of the present age in supporting a set of people at an immense expense to perform plays in a language which very few here understand. We had dances after every act by Sg Adriani, Sga Radicati, &c. It is said the dances at the opera are better than those at the theatres, but I am no great judge either of music or dancing. The scenes, particularly that of the Garden with waterworks &c. are very fine. They who go into the Pit &c. must be in a vile French dress (Neville MS Diary)

Event Comment: By Command of their Majesties. [Sga Spagnolla had been ill and missed a number of performances. For singers and dancers see following letter.] Sir: I am one of those to whom an Oratorio or an Opera (whether Italian or English) gives exquisite delight; and am therefore glad that, as the town is now full, those entertainments will, very probably, be crowded; and thus amply repay the several managers, for the great risk they run, as to their property, as well as for the vast pains they take to amuse us; for the labour employed, on those occasions, is infinitely greater than is usually imagined. The Italian opera has suffered considerably, this season, by the inability of Sga Spagnoli to exert her musical talents, owing to a most severe cold; but as she has now recovered her voice, 'tis presumed that she will be a source of as great pleasure, among us, to persons of a musical ear, and who have a true taste for that species of dramas, as she was in her native country, where she was always heard with great applause. I myself find great charms in the entertainments, as now exhibiting at the King's Theatre: for, besides Sga Spagnoli's taste I do not perceive the least diminution in Sg Elisi's voice or action, both of which pleased us so much two or three years ago. Ciprandi appears to me a fine player as well as singer; and with regard to Sg Savoi, he is generally thought to have a pleasing voice. [Comments on competence of the Orchestra.] The principal dancers are likewise acknowledged to have considerable merit. The gracefulness and the ease of Sg Adriani are very pleasing, as is the elegant agility of Sga Fabris Monari....Sg Sodi has so often diverted us by his compositions as Ballet master that it were superfluous to bestow any encomiums on him in this place. [Long comment on agreeable performance of Sofonisba, Scenery, etc. A puff by Musidorus in Public Advertiser.

Event Comment: The proprietors of the Opera House think it is their duty to lay before the Nobility and Gentry to whose patronage they are highly endebted a list of the engagements made for the ensuing season. [No attention or expense spared to make the operas brilliant. Gordon spent two months in Italy, and made two trips to Paris to select the best singers and dancers.] The ill health of Sg Carabaldi having prevented his setting out in time and made it impossible for him to be here at the opening of the theatre. Sg Scheroli, the Tenor who has played the first Buffo with the greatest reputation in Italy, has kindly undertaken to play the part until his arrival. Company: Serious Opera-Millico, Mrs Davies, Scheroli (Tenor), Sga Galli, Sga Lodi. Comic Opera-Carabaldi, Scheroli, Sga Marchetti, Sga Galli, Fochetti, Sga Lodi, Sga Gardi. Poet-Sg Badini. Master of the Dances-Petro. Principal Dancers-Fierville, Pico, Vicenzo Lorenzo, Bocchini, Mariottini, Sga Mimi Faviere, Sga Mazzoni, Sga Nina Faviere, Colomba (from Milan), Mr Canter. Book-Boxkeeper-Yates. [Requests nobility and subscribers to pay up their subscriptions.

Event Comment: To the Author of the General Advertiser, Sir: I have frequently observ'd particular Notice has been taken in your paper of particular Merit, I hope therefore you'll allow room for this short Epistle--I am a great Lover of Public Diversions, especially such as can agreeably amuse, or afford the highest Mirth, without offense to Sense of Decency; Of this kind are the two new dances compos'd by Salomon, and perform'd by him, Mr Cook, Mr Muilment, Madem Violette, Sga Padouana, and the young little Salomon, and others. To say they are excellent in their way is barely doing 'em justice; but in these Dances they may be said to have excell'd themselves. The first, tho' a kind of Serious Pastoral Ballet afforded the Audience great Pleasure; and I believe never did three dancers in a Pas Trois, altogether equal the Execution of Sg Salomon, Madem Violette, and Mr Cook; there was an Elegance peculiar to herself that shone thro' her whole performance. The other Entertainment is the representation of a Fair, to which People of all degrees and nations are suppos'd to resort, it may not improperly be stil'd a very High Piece of Low Humour; and caused as much laughter and applause as the strongest Farce ever produc'd, without offending the Modesty of the Ladies. We have had many performers from abroad, but Sg Salamon and Violette so inimitably express their characters in this entertainment, that I think they excel what we have hitherto seen; and very much deserve the Encouragement of the Town, I am, &c

Event Comment: An Oratorio composed by Sg Gio. Adol. Hasse, With Additions by Sg Giardini. End of the first Act a Concerto on the Organ by Mr Burton, In Act the third a Hautboy Concerto by the two Signori Besozzi, lately come from abroad. Pit and boxes 10s. 6d. First Gallery 5s. Upper Gallery 3s. 6d. Tickets and Places to be had of Mr Varney, at the stage-door of the Theatre. The profits of this performance will be given to A Public Charity. [No receipts recorded by Cross.

Event Comment: A new serious Opera. Music by several celebrated Composers. New Cloaths, Decorations and three new Dances

Event Comment: Paid 3 days Salary List at #86 15s. 6d. per diem #260 6s. 6d.; Mr Bransby on note #20; Sg Como, Sga Crespi, and Sg Demaria 3 days each not on list, #4 3s. 3d.; Mr J. French on Act #20; 2 pair dancer's shoes 14s. 6d. (Treasurer's Book). Receipts: #267 18s. (Treasurer's Book)