The same paper (15 Ap. 1788) in its Notice "to Correspondents" rather injures him with its forbearance. "The various articles sent to this paper against Mr. Gallini, previous to his Benefit, we have uniformly refused to insert, being unwilling to injure a POOR MAN, at so important a period."
"How we are ruined! Bruni, the new singer, has 1400 guineas, Mara 1000, and a benefit, and Millerd, 1000 for the present Opera season."—(Times, Febr. 16, 1793.)
"Haymarket Opera. Almost all the subscribers, in Town, graced the Boxes, with the Prince of Wales, and Duke of Clarence, at the head of the list. The Pit had some pretty, as well as well dressed, women; but we were sorry to observe several of the gentlemen in round hats, and many of them slovenly to a degree, descending even to boots. This ought not to be permitted."—(Times, Jan. 13, 1794.)
OPERA.
"Il Capriccio Dramatico, considerably curtailed, on Saturday, again introduced Signora Negri, and her reception was again most flatteringly favorable. The Burletta has to boast some very beautiful music, and the Finale in particular is much indebted to the exertions of the performers. So far, all was peace, and harmony. Would we could say the same of Don Giovanni, whose reception was, throughout, disapproved. So determined an opposition to this kind of entertainment we have never witnessed: and, indeed, some of the occurrences were so peculiarly striking, as to baffle all description. Several blows passed in the pit; and one gentleman, who was remarkably forward in having a slap at Don Juan, got a slap in the face from an enraged amateur, who, perhaps, would have been better employed in beating time. In short, till the fall of the curtain, Morelli's pretty Venetian Ballad, excepted, which gained an encore, all was noise and uproar; and the scene of Hell, magnificent, and terrific, as it was, had so far the characteristic accompanyment of groans, not of the damned, but of those troubled spirits who wished to torment the Manager.
"The Procession was totally omitted, and several other judicious alterations made, but, as the sense of the subscribers, as well as the public, seems decidedly against a repetition of this Opera, we have no doubt but the Manager will submit, respectfully, to their fiat—comforting himself with the reflection, that his liberal exertions deserve—though it is not always in the power of mortals to command—success.
"The Opposition to the new Opera of Don Giovanni, on Saturday night, is said to have been preconcerted: and it was known in the morning of that day that there was to be a riot. In one part of the Pit, the disturbance became so serious, that two Gentlemen called each other out, and agreed to meet, as yesterday morning. Sir W. H. was at the head of the opposition party. In justice to the Manager of the Opera, it should be recollected by those who are dissatisfied with the present company of performers, that the same unprecedented circumstances which prevented several Dancers from leaving France, also deterred several singers from coming from Italy, as they must pass through a part of France. This inconvenience is only of a temporary nature, and cannot be prevented. In the meantime, the subscribers, and the public, have the most magnificent, as well as the most commodious, theatre in Europe to resort to."—(Times, Mar. 10, 1794.)
"Tweedle dum, and Tweedle twee—the Soprano, and Tenor, of the Italian Opera are objects equally important, no doubt, in the eye of the public. Instead of high notes they have gone to high words. Signor Tenor, not having taken the precaution to soap his nose,—Signor Soprano got fast hold, and gave it a musical shake, not perfectly in unison with the feelings of the tenor, who, now, if he wishes to sleep in a whole skin, will, no doubt, alter the tenor of his conduct!!"—(Times, Jan. 14, 1795.)
"The Opera.—The Public are acquainted, that on Saturday se'nnight there was a violent disturbance at the Opera House, in consequence of the Subscribers shewing great dissatisfaction at the want of novelty in the Performances. The Manager, having understood that the greatest clamour came from the Boxes of the Countess Spencer, and Mr. Pole, Mr. Taylor (a few days since) sent a letter to her Ladyship, and Mr. Pole, saying, that as they were not satisfied with the Performances, he desired to return them their subscription money, which he did. The Subscribers have taken up this business, which they consider as a gross affront, and disrespect, and yesterday there was a meeting of them at the Thatched House Tavern, the result of which we have not learnt. We are sorry that there should be any misunderstanding respecting an Entertainment, where harmony only ought to prevail: and, we are equally concerned, that the Manager should, so indiscreetly, send such a letter to Lady Spencer, who is the last person in the world who would be suspected of any impropriety of behaviour, for, a Lady of greater accomplishments, and more unaffected manners, is not to be found in the whole circle of Nobility."[10]—(Times, Febr. 20, 1795.)
"The excuse for the rows, in a certain box, at the Opera, is, that the Gentlemen come in tipsy. This is an excuse, (whether good, or bad, we will not determine) for the Gentlemen. But, as we take for granted the Ladies are not tipsy, pray what excuse is to be offered them?"—(Times, Dec. 26, 1796.)