Event Comment: Afterpiece [1st time; MD 2, by
William Pearce.
The Masque was produced in honor of
the marriage of
the Prince of Wales and
Princess Caroline of Brunswick, 8 April 1795]:
The Overture composed expressly for
the Occasion by
Haydn, as is
the rest of
the Music by
Salomon [and see 9 Apr.].
The Scenery, Machinery, Decorations and Dresses are entirely New, and Designed by
Noverre, except
St. George's Hall, painted by
the late
Signor Cipriani.
The Scenery executed by
Hodgins,
Walmsley,
Phillips,
Lupino,
Hollogan, and many Assistants.
The Machinery and Decorations by
Sloper.
Goosetree and
Martinelli.
The Dresses by Lupino,
Dick and
Mrs Egan. Books of
the Songs to be had at
the Theatre. "On
the 10th [of April] I was at
the Covent Garden Theatre-to see
the big Spectacul [sic]-
Windsor Castle,
the music by Salomon quite passable.
The decorations-costumes-scenery, and
the enormous amount of people on
the stage are exaggerated. All
the Gods of Heaven and Hell, and everything that lives on
the earth are in
the piece" (
Haydn, 299).
Morning Chronicle, 7 May 1795: This Day is published Windsor Castle (1s. 6d.). Receipts: #266 8s. 6d. (250.12.6; 15.16.0)
Performances
Mainpiece Title: The Rage
Afterpiece Title: Windsor Castle 1
Afterpiece Title: Windsor Castle 2
Performance Comment: A Grand Masque, invented and prepared undyr the Immediate Direction of Noverre, representing the Marriage of Peleus and Thetis-; [The Story from the Greek Writers. Peleus-Farley; Ganymede-Byrn; Proteus-Holland; Hymen-Mrs Martyr; Hebe-Mme Rossi; Minerva-Mrs Follett; Thetis-Mme Prevost (1st appearance); Cupid-Mrs Clendining; Terpsichore-Mlle St.Amand; Discord-Mlle Droma (1st appearance.); [The Masque commences with the View of A Grove-;[, sacred to Cupid and Hymen . Woods, Rocks, and Waterfalls form the Borders of the Sea, which terminates by the Horizon; the Genii of the Morn-; [are seen, preceded by Aurora-; [Fame sounding her Trumpet, proclaims to Mortals the Arrival of Thetis ; several splendid Barges appear, from the last of which Thetis disembarks, attended by Hymen, the Graces-; Groups of Cupids-; Zephyrs-; [Peleus enters, accompanied by Cupid and Minerva with her Suite; Thetis resigns herself to the Protection of Minerva, and perceiving Peleus, is struck with Admiration, but not knowing him, is informed by Cupid, he is her intended Husband-Peleus approaching, offers her his hand, which she respectfully accepts-the Characters retire, and the Clouds gradually dispersing, discover Mount Olympus-; [with the Gods and Goddesses assembled to behold the Nuptials; the Temple of Jupiter- [is seen on one side, that of Cupid on the other; Jupiter-[seated, accompanied by; Juno-; Mars-; Hercules-; Apollo-; Bacchus-; Mercury-; Saturn-; Diana-; Venus-; Ceres-; Victory-; Cybelle-; the Destinies-; Neptune-; [and Amphitrite-; [arise from the Sea in their Watry Car Pluto-; [and Proserpine-; [ascend, together with Rhadamanthus-; Minos-; [and Eacus-; [this is succeeded by A Magnificent Entree, in the following order: Sylvan Dancers-; Instrumental Performers-; Vocal Performers-; Rural Nymphs-; a Magnificent Column- [Richly Decorated, bearing the Emblematical Trophies ff War, Love, the Fine Arts; Rural Swains-; Virgins bearing Baskets of Flowers-; [The Goddess Hebe, attended by Cupids collected in a Picturesque Corbeille de Treillage ; Nymphs and Swains-[, attendants upon Thetis; Terpsichore; Ganymede; Proteus; Minerva borne by Warriors on a Military Trophy; Peleus and Thetis in a Splendid Chariot, drawn by Cupids, and attended by Hymen, Zephyrus : The High Priest; Priests bearing the Altar of Hymen; Tripods with Incense burning, followed by the Virtues, Truth, Justice, Benevolence, Clemency, Glory, Strength and Generosity. After the Procession, Thetis and Peleus being led to the Altar by the High Priest, just as they are receiving the Conjugal Cup, the Goddess Discord appears, enraged at not being invited to the sacred Festival-She attempts, in vain, to spread Confusion by throwing an Apple on the stage, inscribed "For the Fairest"-Cupid presents it to the Dieties, who adjudge it to Thetis-Pluto enraged by the menaces of Discord directs her to be bound in Chains, and forced away, after which the Ceremony is concluded; Peleus and Thetis are placed on a Magnificent Throne, attended by Hymen, Cupid, and the Grace3; variety of Dances are performed; and Peleus and Thetis are crowned with Wreaths. The Appearance of the Stage then changes to another Emblematical Spectacle. Festoons of Flowers descend-Cupids ascend supporting a Medallion and the Letters G. C. [i.e. George Caroline]-the Side Scenes draw off and discover Pyramids formed of Variegated Colours, bearing the Order of the Garter, and the Piece is concluded with a; Grand Chorus-; Dance-Ganymede, Proteus, Hebe, Terpsichore; accompanied on the Harp-Weippert.Cast
Role: representing the Marriage of Peleus and Thetis Actor: Role: Thetis Actor: Mme PrevostRole: The Masque commences with the View of A Grove Actor: Role: the Genii of the Morn Actor: Role: the Graces Actor: Role: he is her intended Husband Actor: Peleus approaching, offers her his hand, which she respectfully accepts-the Characters retire, and the Clouds gradually dispersing, discover Mount Olympus-Role: which she respectfully accepts Actor: the Characters retire, and the Clouds gradually dispersing, discover Mount Olympus-Role: the Temple of Jupiter Actor: Role: the Destinies Actor: Role: arise from the Sea in their Watry Car Pluto Actor: Role: together with Rhadamanthus Actor: Role: enraged at not being invited to the sacred Festiva Actor: She attempts, in vain, to spread Confusion by throwing an Apple on the stage, inscribed "For the Fairest"-Cupid presents it to the Dieties, who adjudge it to Thetis-Pluto enraged by the menaces of Discord directs her to be bound in Chains, and forced away, after which the Ceremony is concludedRole: For the Fairest" Actor: Cupid presents it to the Dieties, who adjudge it to Thetis-Pluto enraged by the menaces of Discord directs her to be bound in Chains, and forced away, after which the Ceremony is concludedRole: who adjudge it to Thetis Actor: Pluto enraged by the menaces of Discord directs her to be bound in Chains, and forced away, after which the Ceremony is concludedRole: Festoons of Flowers descend Actor: Cupids ascend supporting a Medallion and the Letters G. C.Role: ] Actor: the Side Scenes draw off and discover Pyramids formed of Variegated Colours, bearing the Order of the Garter, and the Piece is concluded with aRole: accompanied on the Harp Actor: Weippert.Song: Part I: concludes with ancient British Airs-; Chorus of Bards-, accompanied on the Harp by Jones