Turning from opera to the concert world of 1825, we learn that "The only regular subscription concerts now supported in London are the Ancient and the Philharmonic," though we find Mme. Catalani during May giving a series of four concerts at the Argyll Rooms, assisted by Mrs Salmon, Mr Sapio, and Signor Remorini.
In the way of private musical entertainments, the Duke of Devonshire gave a fashionable concert in May, with Pasta, Velluti, the last male soprano who ever trod the boards in opera in this country, Puzzi, and a pianist with the mellifluous cognomen "Szymanowska"; while on June 15, a state concert was given by his Majesty King George IV. at—Carlton Palace!
Among the artists taking part in the latter we find Signor and Mdlle. Garcia, Caradori, Begrez, di Begnis, Curioni, Remorini, Velluti, and Crivelli.
At the end of the season the elder Garcia, together with his wife, son, and daughter, sang at several provincial concerts, and their names appear in the programmes of two of the Gentlemen's Concerts at Manchester on August 15 and September 9.
Four members of the family appearing together was surely a remarkable event!
In the same month Maria was one of the soloists at the second York Festival.
The committee had tried to get Catalani, but, after pecuniary terms had been arranged, the treaty failed in consequence of a stipulation on her part that several songs should be transposed into a lower key to suit her voice.
"The committee had conceded," says the 'Harmonicon,' "to the condition with regard to detached airs, but refused for those which are connected with choruses. Then they tried to get Mme. Pasta, but this was refused, as they could not give her permission to come without materially compromising the interests of the Italian Theatre Royal. Thus disappointed, they entered into negotiations with Mr Braham and other eminent performers, and finally succeeded in obtaining the following assemblage of talent:—
| Mr Greatorex, Conductor. | |
| Dr Camidge, Assistant-Conductor. | |
| Principal Vocalists. | |
| Miss Stephens. | Mr Braham. |
| Miss Caradori. | Mr Vaughan. |
| Mdlle. Garcia. | Mr Sapio. |
| Miss Travis. | Mr Knyvett. |
| Miss Wilkinson. | Mr Terrail. |
| Miss Goodall | Mr Bellamy. |
| and | Mr Phillips. |
| Miss Farrar. | Signor di Begnis. |
| A Grand Chorus of 350 voices, and 248 Instrumentalists in the Orchestra." | |
A perusal of the programme brings home to us the change which has taken place in the last eighty years.