Part 3
The Duke and Duchess of Devonshire commanded a performance of "The Beggar's Opera" on December the 8th, at the Theatre Royal in Aungier Street, when Arne presided at the harpsichord, and also at seven representations which followed. At a benefit given for Mr. Lowe on the 17th, "Comus" was performed, with Mrs. Arne in the parts of the Pastoral Nymph and Sabrina, singing also, as usual, the Lady's song, "Sweet Echo." She again appeared with Mr. Arne at a benefit concert given for Signor Barbatielli, who had broken his leg. The advertisement announced, "Mr. Dubourg, is so kind as to perform, and will conduct the whole, assisted by Mr. Arne and Mr. Pasqualino, the Vocal Parts by Mrs. Arne, Mrs. Storer, Mr. Lowe, and Mr. Colgan. Tickets to be had at Mr. Barbatielli's Lodgings in George's Lane, opposite to Fade-street, and at the Musick hall, at 5s. 5d.--N.B. It is hoped that the Gentlemen and Ladies will be so good as to excuse Mr. Barbatielli's personal Attendance, he lying under the Misfortune of a broken Leg. Ladies are requested to order their Coaches down Fishamble-street, for the more easy going in, as at Mr. Handell's."
Arne's "Comus" was again performed on the 22nd of December. In 1744, on the 2nd of January, at the Theatre Royal after "Amphitryon," with singing and dancing between the acts, the farce "Miss Lucy in Town" with Arne's music was performed. Special attention was directed to Mr. Lowe's singing of "the Part of Cantileno" [a Burlesque upon the Italian Singers]. On the 12th of January Mrs. Arne made her first appearance in Lampe's burlesque Opera "The Dragon of Wantley." The advertisement runs, "The Part of Moor-Hall to be performed by Mr. Lowe. The Part of Margery to be performed by Mrs. Arne, being her first Appearance in any comic Character; and the Part of Mauxalinda to be performed by Madam Chateauneuf; Gubbins by Mr. Worsdale; the Dragon by Mr. Layfield." Mr. Arne presided at the harpsichord.
We have become familiar with Arne's skill as composer, violinist, conductor, and harpsichord player; we now find an interesting notice of his first essay, and probably his last, as an actor. The _Journal_ of Jan. 24-28 announced, "By the real and absolute Command of their Graces the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, for the benefit of Mrs. Arne, at the Theatre-royal in Aungier-street, on Saturday, the 28th Instant, will be performed the Second Part of Henry IV. With the Humours of Sir John Falstaff. The Part of Henry Prince of Wales by Mr. Arne, being his First attempt of that Kind." The Shakespeare play was followed by some vocal music by Mrs. Arne and Mr. Lowe, and the whole concluded with Lampe's "Dragon of Wantley."
We now come to an important event, the performance of the Oratorio, "The Death of Abel," which was first produced in Dublin, and not in London, as is generally stated. The following curious advertisement appeared in the _Journal,_ Feb. 11-14, 1744: "By subscription. At the Theatre-royal in Smock Alley, on Saturday next, being the 18th of this Inst. Feb. will be performed A new Oratorio, called _The Death of Abel_. Set to music by Mr. Arne. The Principal Characters to be performed by Mr. Lowe, Mrs. Arne, and Mademoiselle Chateauneuf. The stage will be disposed in the same manner as at Mr. Handel's Oratorios in London. As but 12 more subscribers can be admitted, such gentlemen and ladies as intend to honour Mr. Arne by subscribing, are greatly desired immediately to send their names to his house in Aungier-street. where tickets are ready to deliver to the subscribers. N.B. Attendance will be given at the Theatre on each Day of Performance, when Subscribers, on sending their Subscription Tickets, will have three delivered on each of the four Nights of Performance. Pit, Boxes, and Lattices, Half a Guinea. First Gallery, 2s. 8d. halfp. Upper Gallery, 2s. 2d. Ladies are requested to sit in the Pit, as well as Boxes, as is the Custom at the Operas and Oratorios in London, for which purpose the Pit seats will be made thoroughly clean. To begin exactly half an Hour after Six. The Printer made a mistake in the last bills; but the Subscribers may depend that (according to Mr. Arne's proposal) no Person (except Subscribers) will be admitted into Pit, Boxes, or Lattices under Half a Guinea. Mr. Arne begs Leave to acquaint the Public, that he has been credibly inform'd by several worthy Families that the Gentlewomen who keep the Saturday Nights Assembly, or some one concern'd with, or commission'd by them, have made it their business to complain of his performing the Subscription Oratorios on that Night, alledging that it was done on purpose to prejudice them. Now, so far was that from being thought of, much less intended, that the Gentlemen Proprietors of the Theatre, as well as Mr. Arne, endeavoured their utmost to fix another Night, but could not, for the following Reasons; The Mondays and Thursdays are taken up with Benefits for six Weeks. On Tuesdays are Vicars-street Consort, and the Bear on College green, which take up all the best Hands. On Wednesday are the Phil Harmonic Society, and Crow-street, where they are likewise engaged. And on Friday is Fishamble Consort, where they are obliged to perform." "The Death of Abel" was repeated on the 25th of February. This early oratorio of Arne's was never published, and no manuscript copy of it is known to exist. One song, however, became very popular, and was in great request--"The Hymn of Eve":
How cheerful along the gay mead, The daisy and cowslip appear, The Flocks as they carelessly feed, Rejoice in the Spring of the year. The Myrtles that shade the gay bow'rs, The Herbage that springs from the Sod; Trees, plants, cooling fruits, and sweet flow'rs All rise to the praise of my God.
The music, very simple and melodious, but without striking evidence of genius, has been frequently reprinted, and arranged in various forms.
A comedy, "The Rehearsal," with Arne's music, was played on the 1st of March, at the Theatre in Aungier Street, for the benefit of Mr. Basdin; the singing parts were performed by Mr. Lowe and Mr. Worsdale. The _Journal_, Feb. 28-March 3, 1744, contained the advertisement announcing the first public performance of "Alfred," and the "Judgment of Paris," which took place on the 10th of March; and on the 29th of the same month "Comus" was again performed, for the last time in the season, Mrs. Arne, as a matter of course, representing Sabrina and the Pastoral Nymph, and singing the song "Sweet Echo." Lowe was the Bacchanal and Attendant Spirit; and Miss Davis, Euphrosyne. This performance was given at the Theatre in Aungier Street, and shortly afterwards "Rosamond" was revived at the Theatre Royal in Smock Alley. It must have been well received, as there were five performances, on the 2nd, 5th, 9th, 10th, and 19th of April. Mrs. Arne represented Queen Eleanor; Lowe, King Henry; Layfield, Sir Trusty; Miss Davis, Grideline; Madame Chateauneuf, Rosamond. On the 2nd "The Merchant of Venice" was also performed "with the songs proper to the Character," sung by Mr. Lowe. _Faulkner's Journal_, 7-10 April, contained a Song, "The Scene a Bower," addressed to Mrs. Arne, which may be taken as evidence of her popularity. There are nine verses, commencing:
From yonder Bow'r, where blowing sweets Perfume the vernal Air, I hear the music of a voice Peculiar to the tuneful Fair.
On the 26th of April a performance was given of the tragedy "Theodosius, or the Force of Love." This play, written by Lee, was printed in 1680 with five songs and two choruses composed by Henry Purcell. The libretto was revised for the Dublin performance. The announcement ran, "At the particular Desire of several Persons of Quality, for the Benefit of Mr. Barry, at the Theatre-royal in Smock-alley on Thursday the 26th Inst. will be acted a Tragedy called Theodosius or the Force of Love. The Part of Varanes to be performed by Mr. Barry, being the first Time of his appearing in that Character. Tickets to be had at Mr. Barry's in Skinner-Row.--As the original Songs, and Chorus's of the Play were never performed in this Kingdom, for want of Musick and Performances equal to such an Undertaking; Mr. Arne has been prevailed upon to set the same to new Musick." Purcell's music was published in 1680; copies of it are now very rare. It consisted of five songs and two choruses. Arne's music was never printed, and only one manuscript score of it is known.[12] An examination of that copy shows that Arne wrote music for nine pieces--four airs and five choruses, very short movements. The words are not those set by Purcell, excepting one air and one chorus. The solos are written for soprano and contralto voices; the orchestration for strings, two oboes, and two horns.
The last appearance of Mr. and Mrs. Arne in Dublin, during the year 1744, was at the Great Room in Fishamble Street on Wednesday, the 30th of May, when "The Judgment of Paris" and "Alfred" were performed for their joint benefits. Particulars respecting this event will be found on page 124. The season being ended, Arne and his wife returned to England, by way of Parkgate and Chester. During their stay in the last named city the youth Charles Burney was introduced to Arne, and having exhibited his skill as a performer on the harpsichord became an articled pupil of the popular composer, with whom he journeyed to London. Upon his arrival in the Metropolis, Arne resumed his connection with Drury Lane Theatre as composer, and obtained an engagement there for his wife as "Serious Singer." The year 1745 was a prosperous one for both Arne and his wife--they were in constant employ at the Theatre and in concerts.
On the 20th of March, Mrs. Arne had a benefit at Drury Lane Theatre, when "Alfred" was performed for the first time in London. The details of this interesting and memorable occasion will be given in connection with "Rule, Britannia."
On the death of Gordon, the leader of the orchestra at Drury Lane, Arne accepted the appointment which was virtually that of conductor. This was a welcome addition to his importance and income.
A letter written by Mrs. Cibber to Garrick, dated the 1st of May, 1745, gives interesting evidence of the amicable relations between Arne and Garrick at that time: "I am very glad to hear you are better, and if you dare venture out, shall be glad of your company at dinner. As you are an invalid, pray send me word what you can eat, and at what hour you will dine. I shall send _Tom_ [Arne] to meet you, and am Sir David, Your most faithful friend and servant, to command till death."
On Saturday, the 28th of September, 1745, occurred a memorable scene in the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. The _Daily Advertiser_ published on the Monday following describes it thus: "On Saturday night last, the audience of the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, were agreeably surprised by the Gentlemen belonging to that House performing the Anthem of God save our noble King. The universal Applause it met with, being encored with repeated Huzzas, sufficiently denoted in how just an Abhorrence they hold the arbitrary Schemes of our insidious Enemies, and detest the despotick Attempts of Papal power." The Anthem was repeated nightly till nearly the end of November, and the managers of Covent Garden Theatre followed suit. The arrangement of the Anthem for Drury Lane was made by Arne, who had for principal singers Mrs. Cibber, Mr. Beard, and Mr. Reinhold. Mrs. Cibber being a contralto, the music had to be sung in a low key. Arne's autograph manuscript written for the occasion is in the British Museum: it will be interesting to see the melody of "God save the King" as then sung:
[Music]
Arne's pupil Burney made the arrangement of "God save the King" for Covent Garden Theatre; the enthusiasm excited at that theatre fully equalled that of Drury Lane. Benjamin Victor, in a letter he wrote to Garrick on the 10th of October, 1745, said "the stage, at both houses, is the most _pious_, as well as the most _loyal_ place in the three kingdoms. Twenty men appear at the end of every play; and one, stepping forward from the rest, with uplifted hands and eyes, begins singing, to an old anthem tune, the following words--God save the King."
In this year, 1745, Arne was appointed composer to Vauxhall Gardens, for which fashionable place of amusement he wrote a considerable number of songs, ballads, and a dialogue "Colin and Phoebe," which was sung every evening throughout the season by Mrs. Arne and Mr. Lowe. Engagements of a similar character at Marylebone Gardens and Ranelagh gave great scope for his talents, and must have kept him fully occupied.
In 1746, on the 17th of January, a farce, "Miss in her Teens," written by Garrick, with music by Arne, was produced at Covent Garden Theatre. On the 31st of January Shakespeare's "Tempest" was revived at Drury Lane Theatre. The _General Advertiser_ announced the performances, "Drury Lane. Never Acted there before. By His Majesty's Company of Comedians. At the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, this Day will be presented a Play call'd The Tempest, as written by Shakespeare: with the original Decorations, particularly the Grand Masque, new set to music by Mr. Arne. The Part of Ariel (with the proper songs) by Mrs. Clive." This was the birthday of the beautiful melody, "Where the bee sucks," a song whose freshness and charm never tire, and a tuneful combination of poetry and music destined to endure so long as the concord of sweet sounds has the power of touching human hearts.
Another interesting letter from Mrs. Cibber to Garrick, dated 8th of April, 1746, contains several references to her brother:--"My brother is to thank you for my playing for him.... Tom Arne sends his service: he is forced to put his pit and boxes together, which I reckon will be no advantage to him, ladies' hoops taking up more room than the difference of price."
In 1748, Mrs. Arne left Drury Lane Theatre, and went to Dublin with her sister, Mrs. Lampe, a singer of repute and wife of the composer of "The Dragon of Wantley." Previous reference has been made to Mrs. Arne's frequent attacks of illness; one of these prevented her undertaking work in the early part of the Dublin season; and it was not before the 11th of November that she was able to sing in public. On that day she took part in Handel's "Esther," "being recovered from her late illness." She next sang the part of Galatea in Handel's "Acis" on the 18th, and at a repetition performance on the 25th. _Faulkner's Journal_ of Nov. 19-22, reported that "Mrs. Arne (tho' but just recovered out of a violent Fever) gave entire satisfaction." In the following December (on the 16th) she sang in Handel's "Solomon"; and on the 7th of February, 1749, had a benefit concert at the Fishamble Street Music Hall, when she took the part of Galatea in Handel's "Acis," and she with her sister, Mrs. Lampe, "introduced several favourite Songs and Duets."
Arne had a son, born in 1740 or 1741 (Dr. Burney says, he was a "natural son"), who inherited some of his father's gifts for music. These were encouraged and developed, and we find, amongst Arne's compositions, songs composed for the youth, who was introduced to the public by his father at Marylebone Gardens. Two excellent printed examples are "Ianthe and Iphis, sung by Master Arne, at Marybon Gardens"--and "An thou wert mine own Thing, sung by Master Arne at Marybon Gardens." The youth became well known as a composer and performer in London and Dublin. One of his songs, popular to-day, "The lass with a delicate air," is sometimes ascribed in error to his father.
In 1752 Arne composed music for "Harlequin Sorcerer," an old pantomime in which Rich had many years before made a great success. The performance took place at Covent Garden Theatre on the 11th of February, and there was an overwhelming demand for seats; the doors were therefore opened at three o'clock in the afternoon. The performers included Mrs. Arne, Mrs. Lampe, Mr. Lowe, Mr. Legge, and a Chorus. The music was published by Walsh, who appears to have had a business contract with the composer. The following letter, by Arne, addressed to William Shenstone, the poet, throws light on the subject: "Nov. ye 30, 1754. SIR--By the hands of Mr. Dodsley, I receiv'd your very obliging letter, and wou'd for my own Pleasure comply with your Request; but Mr. Dodsley's interest in this Particular interferes with mine; for if he prints my Music in his Publication, I shall lose the sale of it to Mr. Walsh [the King's Music-Printer] who gives me 20 guineas for every Collection I compose--consisting of eight or nine Songs, and who wou'd not give a shilling for any Thing that another had first publish'd. Of this I acquainted Mr. Dodsley, who did not seem inclin'd to make any Gratuity for the Loss. Any Song, Cantata, or Dramatic Piece from so delicate a Pen, whereby I should not considerably lose to promote another's Gain, wou'd be the most welcome present I cou'd receive, stamp an additional Reputation on my Music, and highly oblige. Sr. your most obedt. servt. Thos. Augne. Arne, Charles Street, Covent Garden."
That Arne's music had obtained repute in Edinburgh, is shown by an advertisement in the _Caledonian Mercury_ of the 6th of March, 1752: "New Musick. Now in the press and will be ready by the beginning of April next, and delivered to subscribers. All the Songs, Duettos, and Trios in the Masque of Comus composed by Thomas Augustine Arne, as adapted to the Harpsichord and Voice, and all the Songs, Duettos and Trios in the Burlesque Opera, called the Dragon of Wantley composed by the great John Frederick Lampe, likewise adapted to the Harpsichord and Voice. The above words may occasionally be accompanied with Violin or German Flute and Violoncello. This manner of reducting them to avoid the Perplexity of the different parts in a score which confound young practitioners was finished by Mr. Lampe in his lifetime,[13] and the proofs of the Plates have been revised and corrected by Mr. Arne."
In May, 1754, Arne went to Edinburgh, possibly on business in connection with the publications announced in the above advertisement. Be that as it may, the _Caledonian Mercury_ of the 23rd of May contained the following notice:--"For the benefit of Mr. Arne. At the Assembly Hall on Monday, 27th May, A Concert of Vocal and Instrumental Musick. The Vocal part to be performed by Miss Rodburn, and the Instrumental by Mr. Pasquali, Mr. Arne and others. To begin Precisely at 6. Tickets, 2/6. To be had at Mr. Arne's Lodgings, at Mr. Johnston's, Wigmaker, head of Chalmer's Close, and at the Old and John's Coffee houses."
In the autumn of 1755, Arne and his wife again visited Dublin. They were accompanied by a number of capable vocalists, Miss Young, Mrs. Arne's sister, her six-year-old niece Miss Polly Young,[14] and Miss Charlotte Brent; they resided together in Fishamble Street, at the Passage Door next the Golden Scales. Arne advertised in _Faulkner's Journal_, Oct. 4-7: "To the Public. Mr. Arne, who is arrived in this Kingdom, with several Vocal Performers, having agreed with Managers of the Theatre Royal, Proposes, by Subscription, to entertain the Town Ten Nights, with Three Operas in the English Language, (viz.): A new Opera call'd Eliza, An Opera call'd Alfred, and, an Opera call'd the Fairies. The Subscription is, this Day, opened at the Office of the Theatre in Smock Alley, where Attendance will be given every Day from Twelve to Three. Ten Box Tickets for the ten Performances will be delivered to each Subscriber for two Guineas.--The first Performance will be in the Beginning of November. N.B. The Orchestra will be considerably enlarged, an Additional Number of the best Instrumental Performers engag'd, and Mr. Arne will accompany the Operas on the Harpsichord."
This advertisement was repeated several times, with the additional information that there would be "A fine Organ put up" and that "Places for the Boxes for the said Nights of Performance, to be taken at the Office of the Theatre from 12 to 3, or of Mr. Neil, at his House in Abbey-street." In consequence of the illness of Mrs. Arne, the _Journal_ of 8-11 Nov. stated:--"The Opera of Eliza is obliged to be deferred to the 27th, on Account of the Indisposition of a principal Performer." The opera was again postponed to the 29th, when it was given "By Command of his Excellency the Marquis of Hartington," and the "whole House was illuminated with Wax Lights." Printed books of the opera were "published and sold by Mr. Hoey, at the _Mercury_ in Skinner-Row, and at the Theatre, at a British Sixpence each." The _Journal_ gave a report of the performance: "On Saturday last, at the Theatre-Royal in Smock-Alley, was perform'd Mr. Arne's new Opera call'd Eliza: The noble and splendid Appearance, and the great and just Applause throughout the whole Performance, were strong Indications of the good Taste reigning in this Kingdom, and a generous, though proper Compliment to that great Master of his Science, Mr. Arne,--Mrs. Arne, whose Excellence is well known, had the Misfortune of a violent Hoarseness, and rose from her Bed in a Fever to perform; Mr. Sadler and Miss Brent, were greatly approv'd; but Miss Polly Young, a Child of six Years of Age, pleased and astonished the whole Company, having a sweet melodious voice, accenting her Words with great Propriety, and Singing perfectly in Time and Tune. The Poem is, by all judges of good Writing, thought excellent; the Orchestra was full, and perform'd without a Fault; but the Judgement, Taste, Expression, and Variety of the Music would be injur'd in an Attempt to commend it." The performance was repeated on Thursday the 4th, and Saturday the 20th of December. Arne's opera "Rosamond" was played on the 31st, with Mrs. Arne as Queen Eleanor; Miss Brent, Rosamond; Grideline, Miss Young; Page, Miss Polly Young; King Henry, Mr. Sadler. Mr. Arne conducted. The opera was repeated with the same cast on the 9th of January, 1756; and on the 21st and 26th of the same month "Comus" was performed under the composer's conductorship by Mrs. Arne, Miss Brent, Miss Spencer, Mr. Sadler and Mr. Corry. _Faulkner's Journal_, 20-24 Jan., 1756, contained an "Ode to Apollo," without author's name. The following verses, if written by one of the public, show that Arne and his wife were held in the highest estimation by music-lovers:
Hark! hark! what notes enchant my Ears, Sweet as the musick of the Spheres? 'Tis ARNE--the Gods' Vicegerent comes, Now vanish Rackets, Routs, and Drums; And with him come the Muses Hand in Hand, To see fulfilled Apollo's great command.
See Taste with Joy its Head uprears, Rais'd by Arne's heav'nly Airs; Skill'd with equal Pow'r t'inspire Irene's youth with martial Fire, And lull to Rest, with Soul-delighting Sounds, The Pains of Grief, and heal Love's bleeding Wounds.
Not he that charm'd the Thracians' Plains, E'er tun'd his Lyre to softer strains; Nor does the warbling Bird of Night More than his sweet-song'd Spouse delight. O say! what Price or Gifts can both engage Here to remain, to save a sinking age?