Part 19

"The Opera.--The Public are acquainted, that on Saturday se'nnight there was a violent disturbance at the Opera House, in consequence of the Subscribers shewing great dissatisfaction at the want of novelty in the Performances. The Manager, having understood that the greatest clamour came from the Boxes of the Countess Spencer, and Mr. Pole, Mr. Taylor (a few days since) sent a letter to her Ladyship, and Mr. Pole, saying, that as they were not satisfied with the Performances, he desired to return them their subscription money, which he did. The Subscribers have taken up this business, which they consider as a gross affront, and disrespect, and yesterday there was a meeting of them at the Thatched House Tavern, the result of which we have not learnt. We are sorry that there should be any misunderstanding respecting an Entertainment, where harmony only ought to prevail: and, we are equally concerned, that the Manager should, so indiscreetly, send such a letter to Lady Spencer, who is the last person in the world who would be suspected of any impropriety of behaviour, for, a Lady of greater accomplishments, and more unaffected manners, is not to be found in the whole circle of Nobility."[10]--(_Times, Febr. 20, 1795._)

[Footnote 10: _Feb. 29._--A long Advertisement appeared in the form of an apology from Mr. Taylor to the Duke of Leeds, who presided at the Meeting of the Subscribers at the Thatched House.]

* * * * *

"The excuse for the _rows_, in a certain box, at the Opera, is, that the Gentlemen come in tipsy. This is an excuse, (whether good, or bad, we will not determine) for the Gentlemen. But, as we take for granted the Ladies are not tipsy, pray what excuse is to be offered them?"--(_Times, Dec. 26, 1796._)

The Ballet does not receive so much attention in the public press, as the Opera--and, as far as I know, there are no means of getting at the biographies of the _premieres danseuses_.

The first of note during this period is Mdlle. _Guimard_, who was then playing in the ballet of "Ninette." It is _just possible_ that there may be a suspicion of caricature in the illustration.

The Ballet was a special feature at the Pantheon Theatre (the site of which is now occupied by Messrs. W. & A. Gilbey of Oxford Street), which was built as a counter attraction to Carlisle House, then popularly conducted by Madame Cornelys, of whom more anon.

"The _Pas Trois_, introduced into the Ballet at the Opera House on Tuesday night, for the first time, had a very pretty effect. It goes to the tune of 'God save the King,' and is intended as a compliment to his Majesty."--(_Times, Feb. 16, 1793._)

* * * * *

"Simonet, the dancer, and Grenier, who keeps the hotel in Jermyn Street, were, last week, ordered to depart the kingdom."[11]--(_Times, March 26, 1793._)

[Footnote 11: Probably for political reasons.]

The centre figure in this illustration is M. Didelot--and the danseuse on the left, is Miss Rose, an English-woman, who was not bewitchingly handsome, though a good ballerina. The lady on the right is probably Mdlle. Parisot.

"The OPERA.--The mania of expectation was, on Saturday night, at the very acme of curiosity. The Pit was so crowded even before the drawing up of the curtain, that it was not possible to edge another face into the area. Stars, garters, feathers, and turbans, were so jumbled, and intermixed, at the doors, that all sex and identity were indistinguishable. The stage itself was crammed on all sides, and in such a manner, as to render the shifting of the scenery 'a work of labour, and a service of danger.' So eager, indeed, was the desire of seeing Didelot and Rose, that the wings were crowded with Ladies. Amongst those Ladies who thus made their _first appearance_ on the stage, we heard some very respectable, and titled names.

"The new Ballet of _Les Trois Sultanes_ taken from _Marmontel Hillisberg_, is the '_Cock-nosed English-woman_,' yet while we remember _Abingdon_ and _Jordan_ in Roxalana, with all the roguishness of language, mere action must appear dull, and unentertaining. It were injustice, to be sure, to decide what effect the Ballet might have produced, could it have been fairly exhibited: but the stage was so very full, that figure dancers could scarce round a horse-shoe to trip in, and no performer could make an exit. _Didelot_ and _Rose_ appeared again in the Ballet, lugged in without character, merely to shew themselves. We hope that some Ballet will be got up wherein they may display the fulness of those powers, and talents, which the great world allow them to possess."--(_Times, Feb. 22, 1796._)

* * * * *

"The Stage at the Opera is so crowded, that Madame Rose, in throwing up her fine muscular arm into a graceful attitude, inadvertently levelled three men of the first quality at a stroke."--(_Times, May 9, 1796._)

Mdlle. Parisot.

The length of Mdlle. Parisot's skirts would have delighted the Bishop of Durham (Shute Barrington), who was much exercised in his mind, in 1798, as to the brevity of those worn by the ladies of the ballet. He seems to have entered into a crusade against the ballet, before he made his memorable speech in the House of Lords, on 2nd March, 1798--for the next illustration is dated January in that year.

It was, however, on the occasion of the second reading of Esten's divorce bill, that the wrath of the Right Reverend Father in God, fairly boiled over, and the _Times_ of 3rd March, reports him to have spoken thus. "He considered it a consequence of the gross immoralities, imported of late years, into this kingdom, from France; the Directory of which country, finding that they were not able to subdue us by their arms, appeared as if they were determined to gain their ends by destroying our morals. They had sent over persons to this country, who made the most indecent exhibitions on our Theatres; exhibitions which would not have been allowed even in France; and which, so far from being allowable in a Christian Country, would have disgraced the ancient Theatres of Athens and Rome.

"It was his intention to move, on some future day, that an Address be presented to his Majesty, beseeching him to order all such persons out of the Kingdom, as people who were likely to destroy our morality, and religion; and who were very probably, in the pay of France."

This tirade made him a fitting subject for the Caricaturists, and they did not forget him.

In a picture by Gillray, 14th Mar. 1798, "Operatical Reform, or La Danse à l'Evêque," we recognise Miss Rose, on the extreme right of the three ladies, who have little other covering for their bodies but the episcopal apron and lawn sleeves. At the foot, is this verse--

"'Tis hard for such new-fangled orthodox rules, That our Opera troupe should be blamed; Since, like our first Parents, they only (poor fools!) Danced naked, and were not ashamed."

And there was yet another amusing Caricature of the Prelate, in connection with this subject. In July 1798, Gillray published a picture of "More short Petticoats, or the Highland Association under Episcopal Examination." The Bishop is accompanied by Lord Salisbury, the then Lord Chamberlain, and inspects the Kilts of three Highlanders, who assure him "You'll find them exactly according to the rules of the Highland Association." But the Bishop's modesty is blushing violently, and he replies "Don't tell me of rules, I say it's abominable! It's about half a foot too short according to the opera Standard. Bring the large breeches directly; why, the _figurantes_ would be ashamed of it."

MASQUERADES, CONCERTS, &c.

Masquerades were introduced into England by Henry 8th, but, perhaps, at no time were they so fashionable, as during the latter half of the 18th Century, although they do not always seem to have been successful. The _Morning Post_, Feb. 6, 1788, speaks of a Masquerade at the Opera House, thus:--"The Supper and Wines were consistent with the well known parsimonious principle of the conductor, the provision being very unequal to the _appetite_, and _number_, of the guests. The music was very indifferent." Thus we see that these amusements were not of equal quality, and the Critics did not fear to say what they thought of them.

"Pantheon, Jan. 26, 1788. The Nobility and Gentry are respectfully acquainted that the First Masqued Ball, at this place, will be on Thursday next, the 31st Instant. There will be a Supper as usual, with Wines, &c. Tickets at One Guinea each may be had at the Office."--(_Morning Post, Jan. 26, 1788._)

This Masquerade seemed to be very popular.

"The Prince's visit to the Brandenburgh-house Masquerade was to have been in _female habiliments_; but the shortness of the notice did not allow time for preparing them, and neither the shoes, corsette, nor robe, of Mrs. Vanneck, for which his Royal Highness sent, could be made capacious enough for a momentary covering. The sailor's habit was, therefore, adopted without any preparation for the character. The Margravine's Masqued Ball produced many whimsical events, but none more than that from a character representing Acteon, who, in brandishing a huge pair of _antlers_, run full _butt_ against a French looking-glass of 300 guineas value, and smashed it to pieces. The Margrave being near, endeavoured to give the accident a pleasant turn, by remarking in German 'that there could be no jollity where they let the _glass stand_.'"--(_Times, March 1, 1794._)

* * * * *

"The MASQUERADE.

"The entertainment given by the Manager of the Opera House, on Monday night, was the best attended of any we have seen for many years, and fully answered the expectations that had been formed of it. The space allotted, however, large as it was, with the addition of the new room, and another above stairs, was by no means sufficient for so large a company: and the pressure of the crowd rendered the rooms insufferably hot, as well as prevented the masks from appearing to advantage. For so large an assembly, there were fewer masks than usual, but the hilarity of the company made amends for this deficiency. The Prince of Wales was in a black domino, arm-in-arm with Captain Churchill, and Lord George Conway; the Duke of Clarence was the whole evening with Mrs. _Jordan_ in a private box upstairs. _Michael Angelo Taylor_ was dressed in women's cloaths, but was less talkative than usual. The supper was extremely well conducted, and the provisions better than usual. The refreshments were also liberally supplied. There were about 2700 persons in the rooms, and among them some of the prettiest women in town."--(_Times, March 5, 1794._)

* * * * *

"MASQUERADE AT THE OPERA HOUSE.

"On Thursday night, for the first time this season, there was a grand masquerade at this House, which was very numerously attended, as every room was crowded, and the numbers computed at about 1600. A party of _Bon-vivans_, unmasked, came into the rooms about two o'clock, who had evidently made too free use of the juice of the grape. The primitive dress of one of them, who appeared to be a Quaker, did not quite accord with his manners, which were more prone to the flesh than the spirit. Although the new regulations in price is in favour of Masquerades, yet the freedom of conversation which is allowed in these motley meetings, became, on this occasion, indecent ribaldry, and licentiousness. The _lowness_ of the price of admission was in a great measure the cause of introducing many _low_ visitors, who made themselves obnoxious to delicacy, and good manners, by the coarsest language."--(_Times, Feb. 17, 1798._)

There is a paragraph in the _Times_ of August 23, 1797, whereby "hangs a tale"--

"The miserable death of Mrs. Cornelys, in the Fleet Prison, adds another melancholy instance to the catalogue of vicissitudes in what is generally termed _fashionable life_. She was formerly the law-giver of the circles of dissipation, and gaiety, yet closed her existence in the hospital room of the prison, in which she had obtained permission to reside, by the kindness of the Warden."

The history of Teresa Cornelys is very singular, showing how a nobody--for no one knows even from what part of Germany she came--could come here, and, by her business qualities, and tact, become a person absolutely indispensable to Society. All we know of her is that she was supposed to be a German, who had been a public singer, both in France, and Germany, and that she came over here about 1756 or 1757. Whether there was a Herr Cornelys alive, we have no knowledge--but she had a son, and daughter. That she was not bad looking, is evidenced by her portrait, which must have been taken in her declining years: that she must have been shrewd, business-like, and possessed of much _savoir faire_, is undeniable--for she held "Society" in her grasp, and, for a time, made it do just what she wanted.

What she did for the first five, or six years, after her coming to England is not known, but she must have been possessed of some Capital, or she could not have taken, as she did, Carlisle House--a mansion in Soho Square. Here she started a sort of fashionable Social Club, called "The Society," either in 1762, or 1763, and this was its programme. "The subscription is seven guineas for twelve nights, one ticket each, which introduces only one person, whether gentleman, or lady; but there are frequent subscriptions in the year, and two ladies may be admitted six nights on one subscription. No person can be admitted a Subscriber to this Society, but through the recommendation of a subscriber. Four ladies of quality, having each of them a book, have the joint management, direction, and choice, of the subscribers; every one's name must be entered in one of those ladies' books.

"A non-subscriber can only be admitted by a subscriber's ticket, writing his, or her name on the back; in consequence of which rule, and to avoid the possibility of improper company, their names are, immediately after the night is over, printed, and hung up in the outer room.

"The doors are opened, at 9 o'clock, of the lower rooms, which consist of six, each superior to the other; few people, however, assemble before 10, and those who profess themselves of the genteelest order, not till eleven, when they walk about, and amuse themselves with accosting their acquaintance, and forming themselves into select parties for the evening; then regaling with jellies, syllabubs, cakes, orgeat, lemonade, fruits, &c., prepared in a kind of arched shelving all round the hangings of the tea room.

"At ten, the upper flight of rooms open, which consist of two large rooms, besides a very large ball room, furnished, and hung, in the most superb taste, with an exceeding good band of music in an orchestra erected at the upper end, and rows of benches, down the sides, placed one above the other. In this room they dance country dances, but no minuets at all.

"At half-past eleven, the company in general repair to tea, and have small round tables for their separate parties.

"At twelve, the Cotillion gallery opens, with another range of seven rooms underground, which, from the vast variety of furniture and ornaments, the grandeur, and magnificence, of some, the elegant simplicity of others, together with the amazing beauty of the lights, one of the principal excellencies of the whole, form a view, on descending a perpendicular flight of stairs most sumptuously, and pleasingly, striking.

"In these lower range of rooms, the company finish the evening, the young in dancing cotillions, the others in looking on; for there are no cards, nor gaming, of any kind. At one, the company begin to separate, and continue going till four, but the major part break up about two."

By which set of rules we see that Madame Cornelys, started her establishment in the strictest propriety, whatever became of it afterwards; and these rules were strictly carried out. The rooms, on off nights, were used for other purposes; for instance, she, knowing the power of the class, gave a servants' ball; and the Old Westminster scholars held their Anniversary Meeting in her rooms.

Her prosperity excited envy, and many were the rumours set afloat, to her detriment. For instance, in 1766, it was said she owed her late cook £50, and that she had run away from her ruined creditors, to France, with many thousand pounds.

She had to contradict these reports, and said that she had, within thirteen months, spent £11,000, on the house, &c.

Concerts, both instrumental and vocal, were given at Carlisle House, and the tickets for them, which survive, are very beautiful, many of them being drawn by Cipriani, and engraved by Bartolozzi.

The Royal Family used to patronise her _soirées_, as did also the King of Denmark, when he visited England in 1768.

Early in 1770, she gave her first Masquerade, which immediately lowered the tone of her establishment, and was the precursor of her downfall. This was under the patronage of the "Tuesday Night's Club," and the Dukes of Gloucester, and Cumberland--besides numbers of the aristocracy of both sexes, were present, and it was a very brilliant affair.

She had another grand Masquerade on 6 February 1771, to which the price of admission was two and a half guineas. The same Royalty was present, and also the leading Nobility--Among the masques were five devils, a bear, and, worst of all bad taste, a shrouded corpse in a coffin, (said to be a brother of Colonel Luttrell), but he was, after a short time, ejected by some pseudo sailors.

From this time her fortunes declined--she was twice fined £50 for performing Operas, under the guise of harmonic meetings, and Guadagni, her principal vocalist, had been fined £50 for singing in the same, and these musical performances were put a stop to.

But, in spite of all her enemies could do to her, she still had some friends, if we can believe the _London Chronicle_, 19-21 February 1771.

"A certain D----s, who is a principal promoter of the New Opera House, declared, lately, she would persist in support of Mrs. C., whatever was the consequence, 'for,' said she, 'I hate the thoughts of mixing with any body merely because they have half a guinea in their pocket; and that such scums should sit on the same bench, and think themselves on a level with the first nobility!' 'I agree with you' (says Lady A----r), 'and am grieved to think that we are, one day or other to mix in heaven with the dregs of the people.' 'God forbid' (says the D----s), 'I should ever be in such company.'"

The Subscription balls, and Masquerades still went on--and she instituted a society called "the Coterie," which had not the reputation of insisting on the strictest morality on the part of its members.

This _coterie_ broke up. The Pantheon was built, and opened, in opposition to her. Perhaps she was extravagant, but, anyhow, from some cause or other, she became bankrupt, and was so gazetted on the 9th Nov. 1772, as a "chapwoman, and dealer in gloves." Her goods were sold in Dec. 1772, and it must have been a famous sale, as the Catalogues, to admit two, were five shillings each.

She, herself, was taken to a debtor's prison, where she could not have stopped very long, as there are advertisements of Masquerades conducted by her, at Carlisle House, in the spring and summer of 1773.

She was again a bankrupt in Dec. 1774, and Carlisle House was advertised to be sold. Still, somehow or other, she must have found friends, with money, to help her, for she issued an advertisement, 15 January 1776. "Mrs. Cornelys most respectfully takes the liberty to acquaint the nobility, and gentry, that, through the kind assistance of her friends, she is again reinstated in Carlisle House, on her own account."

But nothing could bring back her old patrons, and the social status of her masked balls got lower and lower. Worse than all, the refreshments were not so plentiful as of old, as we may see in the "Citizen's Complaint to the Priestess of Soho," which concludes thus--

"Yet fairy scenes and preparations, With all your novel decorations, Are diet fitter, let me tell ye, To feed the Fancy than the Belly."

In 1778, Carlisle House was again to be sold, but still Madame Cornelys, somehow, kept her clutches on it. She established an "Academy of Sciences and Belles Lettres"--a Library with Newspapers, &c.--and a debating society, open to both Sexes. This "School of Eloquence" collapsed in 1781. Scientific lectures, Joseph Borouwlaski, the Polish Dwarf, and some more Masquerades, were all tried, but without avail, to resuscitate her fallen fortunes. It was said that she gave four and a half Masquerades, the half being accounted for, by the fact that no license had been taken out, and the masquers were ejected.

After 1782 Carlisle House seems to have been shut up; on 28 June 1785, Christie sold the furniture, China, and other effects; and in 1788 the old Mansion was pulled down, and what was the grand Saloon has been altered into a Roman Catholic Chapel, St. Patrick's, Soho.

There is no record of Madame for some years, but we know from Newspaper notices, that in 1792 she took a large house and grounds in Knightsbridge Road, formerly occupied by a dealer in Asses milk, and converted it into a "female archery."

Luck was against her, this failed; she was very old, had fought her fight, and now the refuge for the remainder of her days was the Fleet Prison. There, however, she met with kindness from friends, and help from her daughter, who was very accomplished, and no more is heard of her, until the paragraph in the _Times_, which heads this memoir.

"Masquerade at Marlboro House.