The above was in verity Hallet’s last appearance but one at the “Old Woman’s Oratory.” He must have been at that time nearly eleven—possibly more, for the published age of a prodigy is always of doubtful verity—and was beginning to assume proportions quite unfitted to the character of Cupid, so the management were compelled to find a new protégé. The last appearance of little Hallet on any concert platform is to be found in The Public Advertiser for Monday, 12th November 1753, at an entertainment given at “The Five Balls,” New Church in the Strand.
For the Benefit of a Gentleman who has
wrote for the Stage.
To-morrow, the 13th of November, will be a
Concert of Vocal and Instrumental
MUSICK.In Act I. an overture of Mr Handel’s accompanied with French Horns. A concerto of Geminani’s on the violin. God gave great George our King, by Signor Bascado Squeekerini. The act will conclude with a grand Piece of Musick. In Act II. a trio on the Viol d’Amore by Mr Grosman. A Solo on the little Flute by Master Hallet. Would you take the Moon-tide Air, by Signor Bascado Squeekerini. A Concerto on the French Horn will conclude the Act. Between Act I. and II. will be hum’d a Humerous Fisk. In Act III. a Concerto on the Bassoon by Mr Baumgarten. The Sweet Rosy Morning peeps over the Hills, etc. by Signor Bascado Squeekerini. The March in Judas Maccabeus, accompanied by the Side-Drum, concluded with a Preamble on the Kettle-Drums.
This is the last time Benjamin Hallet is advertised to play either the flute or the violoncello in that year, and many years to follow. As far as we have been able to discover, this appearance marked the end of the career of this first violoncello prodigy.
His activity extended only over five years, beginning at Drury Lane Theatre where he played the flute, and ending with the above concert where he again reverted to the first instrument of his adoption.
THE RIVERSIDE PRESS LIMITED, EDINBURGH.
A Complete
Catalogue
of the
Publications
of
T. Werner Laurie
