But for this Society, the Madrigal, when by fashion—which always thirsts for change, and is generally tasteless—banished from every other musical circle, would, most probably, have been utterly unknown and lost to our generation. And even this very Society, the only place of refuge that was left for so masterly, so beautiful a species of composition, was, not long ago, in imminent danger of speedy dissolution; when its extinction was not only averted by the accession of the President who now sways the sceptre, but its means were extended, and its importance increased, by the addition of members in whom taste and rank are united, and it received a new impetus, which has given it a high place among the most distinguished musical associations in Europe, and ensures its stability and prosperity so long as its present course is pursued.
Of the dinner, though the best of its kind, and of the wine, which is equally good, being chosen for and reserved for this Society, we will not speak,—though far from holding the reasonable pleasures of the table in contempt,—because music is here the grand, the almost sole object. Instead, then, of laying before our readers the number and nature of the various dishes and wines, we will present them with a list of the musical pieces performed, the intellectual treat, after the cloth was removed—
I will sing of thy power
5
voices.
DR. GREENE.
At sound of her sweet voice
5
„
QUINTIANI.