No. 2 are the very pretty airs sung so often in public last season by Madlle. Pixis, and now very soberly arranged by the composer, making three remarkably pleasing divertimentos, not difficult, short, and sure to be admired by nearly every description of auditors. But the title is curious, considered as coming from the author himself. Few persons have the hardihood to speak of their own productions as ‘Gems;’ and that they are in the manner of, or à la, Pixis, cannot be denied, seeing that he composed them.
- A FIRST PASTICCIO, consisting of an Introduction and Airs, arranged by T. A. RAWLINGS. (Monro and May.)
- A Second, do. do. do.
- INTRODUCTION AND RONDO, on BISHOP’s Cavatina, ‘Fear, ne’er assail me,’ arranged by R. ANDREWS. (Goulding and D’Almaine).
No. 1 is composed of Shield’s beautiful air, ‘The Streamlet,’ the march in Mosé, ‘Il ne sont plus,’ and the Cobourg Waltz; No. 2, of three Swiss airs. These are formed into very easy divertimentos, extremely well adapted for young players; to be occasionally mixed, however, with music of a better description than the Swiss and Cobourg productions.
We are not acquainted with the air of No. 3 in its original state, but it makes a good rondo, and Mr. Andrews’ share in this entitles him to some praise.
- GRAND TRIUMPHAL MARCH, by J. D. ROHLFFS. Op. 1, No. 1. (Cramer and Co.)
- Polonaise, do. do. do. Op. 1, No. 2.
- TROIS BAGATELLES, composées par HENRY LEMOINE. Nos. 1, 2, and 3. (Wessel and Co.)
No. 1 is clever, without showing much invention. His enharmonic modulation is bold and effective.
No. 2 has cost a good deal of labour without making at all a proportionate return.