[19] Balfe is of Irish birth, and his history somewhat romantic. While yet a boy he played a violin concerto at a theatrical benefit in London, but without any marked success. To sing, however, was always the object of his ambition; and, not having the means of achieving his purpose in any other way, he actually walked to Italy, that he might have an opportunity of hearing and imitating the great singers of that country. A few years ago he returned, for a short time, to London, when we had an opportunity of hearing him in the great Scena of Assur, from Semiramide, as well as in a rondeau of his own composition, and some other pieces. His voice was then a bass of two octaves compass, from F to F, combining great power, and very considerable facility of execution. If his subsequent improvement has been in equal ratio to the advances he had made when we heard him; if he has realized the prospects which his voice and style then held out,—the United Kingdom may, at no distant period, claim the first bass singer of the day, as she can already boast of having produced the greatest soprano and tenor of their times.
[20] This opera, our readers are well aware, entirely failed in London; it was hissed off the stage! (Editor.)
[21] This was printed some time ago in our work, by consent of the author, who would not allow any other part of the sonata to be republished, fearing that the sale of his Opera VII. would be injured! We give it again, that the sonata may appear in an entire state.
[22] Account of the Commemoration of Handel, page 61.
[23] Ibid.
[24] Present State of Music in Germany, vol. i. p. 346. (1773.)
[25] Ibid.
[26] It was with great difficulty, and only through the most resolute perseverance, that a director of the Philharmonic Society, who had early obtained a copy of this symphony, succeeded in getting it performed at the Philharmonic Concerts.—Editor.
[27] From his Studien in Generalbasse Contrapuncte, &c. See p. 6 of our number for January last.
[28] Those, says the learned Albrechtsberger, who would dive deep into such subtleties, which, he remarks, are now little valued, may consult the second part of the Traité de la Fugue, &c. of Marpurg.