Chapter VI

Summary

The most interesting period had now arrived, namely, the first exhibition of the talents of the pupils.

SIR JOHN MURRAY TO LORD BURGHERSH.

“June 10, 1823.

“My dear Lord Burghersh,

“Although I wrote to you by the last post, I cannot help writing again, to say, that on the 7th we had an examination, to which were invited some of the musical world, in all about thirty or forty. You will be pleased to hear the performance of the children was far, very far indeed, beyond our most sanguine expectations. Every body was delighted, not only as the performance of children, but really as most beautiful music. Lady C. W., who had denied the possibility of success, told me, yesterday, that she thought and spoke of nothing else. Lady S. (another unbeliever) went straight to the secretary's room and subscribed: both requested they might have notice when any similar examination should take place. Upon this success, we have decided to have an exhibition, for all the subscribers, in about three weeks, in the Hanover-square Rooms, if we can get them. The concert to be composed entirely of the children; and after the concert, prizes, previously allotted, will be given. All our professors, having never heard any of the students except their own pupils, were as much surprised as the rest of the audience. The first act consisted of pieces played by the boys, finishing with a quartett,–violin, tenor, hautboy, and bass.