sive voice; but his manner is pure, his execution neat, and his general style pleasing. His compass is rather confined in the range of his natural voice, but he adds a note or two of falsetto without any very disagreeable effects arising from the junction. His person is fine and manly; and, though not equal in science to Crivelli or Garcia, he is a singer of unquestionable ability. Signor Ronzi di Begni is a Buffo Caricato, and has a free full toned voice, and a good manner. He is a far better singer than Ambrogetti; but though a good and promising actor, is below that admirable performer in genuine play of fancy and comic expression. Madame Ronzi de Begni has been a great favourite at Paris; but she appears to fail here for want of the volume, compass, and force, necessary to fill so large a theatre. The general quality of her tone seems therefore thin; and it varies, particularly in the higher parts of the scale, sufficiently to indicate an imperfect method both of forming and producing it. Her execution is neat, rather than brilliant, and her power of invention, as to ornament, we should expect to be limited. As a whole, she is below the first rank; and though Il Turco in Italia cannot be said to allow any extraordinary room for display; yet, as the debutante has the liberty of choosing in the Opera in which she first appears, it must be presumed, that Madame Ronzi considers Fiorilla to be the best, or amongst the best of her cha racters. Thus, novelty and variety have been found, rather than very superior excellence, particularly in the females hitherto produced; and as a singer none of them approach Miss Corri, whose exclusion, it is whispered, arises from a determination formed in the interior cabinet, to entertain no talent of English birth or growth. The justice of the principle, as it applies to this establishment, cannot perhaps, be questioned; but where a discretion can so easily be exercised, the public will probably lament that it has not been exerted in behalf of superior and acknowledged ability. The benefit Concerts have been this month particularly numerous, but they have hitherto presented nothing out of the common course. The long promised number, (the eighth) of the Irish Melodies, is at length come forth; and whatever may have been the cause, neither the interest nor the fire is weakened by the delay. It is by far the best of all the numbers. The more we see of Mr. Moore's song-writing, the more impressed we are with the amazing concentration of force and tenderness. His soul is flame, he stirs the spirits like a trumpet, or subdues them, like the swell of that wild music which melts the heart, when zephyrs breathe their softest sighs over the responsive chords of the harp of the winds. This number contains twelve songs, and four of them are moreover adapted in several parts. There is such a singular felicity, both in the poetry and the music, that those which should seem from their subjects to be fitted only to particular moments, or as ministering to time, place, and circumstance, are yet superior to them all, for the simple reason, that they have our affections at command. The airs are all singular and striking; and whether the words suggested their selection, or the peculiar character of the music gave birth to the poetry, it is impossible for expression to be more quaintly complete. Mr. T. Rovedino has composed "a dramatic fairy scene,” which is sent forth with the general elegance of the publications that issue from Mr. Power's house. As a first work it is very creditable, and is light, agreeable, and effective. The subject is, the presentation of his destined bride to an eastern prince by Genii in a dream, and her removal. The fairies who perform this feat relate it to their master. The scene commences with a fairy march, a pretty little variation upon a wellknown theme; but whether consciously or unconsciously adopted, we have no means of discovering. The rest is divided into recitative, song, and trio, for two sopranos and a bass. The first glee, Hitker flock the elves of night, is airy and elegant, and the polacca is of the same character. Indeed, the whole is capable of effect; and if it does not rise eminently high in the scale of com 3 position, it is yet very pleasing as a cantata, and we may commend it, as a novel, and by no means inelegant, bagatelle, pour le concert de famille. Mr. Wesley Doyle's second volume of ballads has also appeared. This amateur has a natural taste for the species of simple and pensive melody, that affects a mixed audience. He bestows capability upon his songs, and he brings their compass within the powers of almost any singer. His model is quite obvious, for he draws from his own particular objects and attainments. While we praise his music, we cannot help pitying this gentleman for having fallen so frequently amongst poets, who are decidedly "persons of quality." Mr. Horn's Polacca, introduced by Miss Wilson, into Love in a Village, "O listen to your lover," is so like all other airs of this character, (particularly Storace's No more my fears alarming,) that a critic, who doats upon detecting similitudes, might be pardoned for saying they are all variations of one subject. Mr. Horn's, however, has the recommendation of being very showy, without laying much difficulty upon a singer whose compass is tolerably extensive. Mr. Sola has an agreeable ballad, "The nightingale." Light as the shadows of evening descend," by Sir J. Stevenson, is also pretty, but by no means in his best manner. "The Invitation," by Mr. Turnbull, upon words from Shakspeare, is by far the best of this month's collection, which, though numerous, hardly presents another worthy of notice. Mr. J. B. Cramer's thirteenth divertimento commences with an introduction elegantly fancied, particularly in the cadenza, but the rest of the lesson bears few of the marks of his style: there is little of graceful flow; and though there is that various progression, which characterizes his productions, yet in this instance it lacks the charm of melody, which is so peculiarly the property of his writings. The allegro also wants diversity. It is rather easy of exe cution, yet it demands expressive performance to render it at all effective. Mr. Meves has composed a divertimento, upon the double themes of "Gente e qui l'Uccellatore;" and the march in "Il flauto magico." The subjects are happily announced in the introduction; and, perhaps, like Mr. Cramer's, this may be esteemed the best part of the lesson. From the beauty of the airs (particularly the march), the whole is, however, much more attractive; and the last movement, though a little too much broken, is still capable of brilliant effect. Mr. Logier, in his controversial writings, taunted Mr. Neate with having given the world but one composition. Opera 2, has, however, now appeared, and it is A Grand Sonata, a regular, elaborate, singular, and original work. It is written in three movements, and the subjects are very peculiar. They are also learnedly treated, and the entire performance shows the command of his instrument which Mr. Neate possesses. But we think the whole is rather fanciful than pleasing, on account of its characteristic want of melody. It is very long and somewhat difficult. No. 5, of the Quadrille Randos, by Peile, is one of the best of the set. It is very elegant and melodious. The Wild Rose of Dijon, with variations by Klose, and a Venetian air, by Hummel, are of the easiest de scription of lessons for the Piano Forte and Harp. Heroic Fantasia for the Harp, on Rule Britannia, by Bochsa. Mr. Bochsa's introduction is richly interspersed with casual gleams of the air, and this is by far the most imaginative, and best part of the composition; for the variations have too little resemblance to the subject. No. 5 is an exception; for here again Mr. Bochsa's fancy has been felicitously applied. The last, too, is well worked up, and the lesson concludes brilliantly. NECROLOGICAL TABLE OF LITERARY AND EMINENT PUBLIC CHARACTERS, FOR 1820. [SOON after the close of each year, it is our intention to take a retrospective glance at the losses sustained by literature and science during the course of that which has preceded; and to present our readers with a List of Names appearing worthy of record, in this collective form; which is more convenient for future reference than the columns of our monthly obituary. The present is but a brief Catalogue Raisonné, without any pretensions to memoir; for had this been adopted, our Table would have been expanded to a biographical volume, instead of being, as at present, the mere skeleton of one. It will, however, we trust, be found useful in exhibiting the names of those who, if not all pre-eminent for their genius or talents Quique sui memores alios facere merendo have at least enjoyed a certain temporary and popular reputation, and are so far worthy of being distinguished from the crowd of those whose celebrity rests solely upon their rank in society.] AIKIN, EDMUND, architect, son of Dr. John Aikin, and brother to Arthur Aikin, Esq., and Miss Aikin, author of the Memoirs of Queen Elizabeth. This gentleman has written some professional works. Died at Stoke Newington, March 13. BALZAC, M. architect, and Member of the Institute of Egypt. This artist produced many exquisite drawings of Egyptian antiquities, which have been engraved for that magnificent work on Egypt, published by the French Government. He was not only a zealous cultivator of his own art, but likewise of poetry, of which he published a volume in 1819. Died at Paris, March 23. BANKS, THE RIGHT HON. SIR JOSEPH, Bart. GCB. Such a distinguished name, known wherever civilization has extended itself, speaks more than any record that we could introduce within the limits assigned to the present catalogue, which do not admit of biographical memoir. His time, his fortune, his talents, his labours, and his influence, were all devoted to the extension and cultivation of science, particularly natural history. Died, June 19. BEAUVOIS, BARON DE, Member of the Royal Institute, and a celebrated botanist, who explored the country of Oware, in Africa,-a tract whose frightful climate had deterred all preceding travellers from investigating it. Of this he published a Flora. His Agrostologie is a valuable work, of great utility to those who wish to obtain a complete knowledge of grasses. Died at Paris, aged 67. BELL, JOHN, the celebrated anatomist, and one of the most eminent surgeons of his day. He was the well known author of a number of professional works of established reputation. Died at Rome, April 15. BENNET, THE RIGHT REV. W., DD. Bishop of Cloyne. This learned antiquary and exemplary prelate was the school-fellow of Dr. Parr and Sir William Jones and the correspondent of those celebrated archæologists, Richard Gough, Esq. and the Rev. William Cole. Died, July 16, aged 67. BOULAGE, THOMAS PASCAL, author of various literary productions, especially of one on the antiquities of Roman law, entitled, Conclusion sur la Loi des Douze Tables. He has also left behind him a work, published since his death, Les Mystères d'Isis, of which a high opinion is entertained. BOWLES, JOHN, author of various political pamphlets; likewise of Reflections on the State of Morals at the Beginning of the Fifteenth Century, and Reflections on Modern Female Manners. Aged 67. BROWN, THOMAS, MD. Professor of Moral Philosophy at Edinburgh. He was a celebrated metaphysician, and hardly less distinguished poet; author of the Paradise of Coquettes, a production of particular fancy, elegance, and poetical taste; and of some other poems-The Bower of Spring, Agnes, &c. He published likewise Observations on Darwin's Zoonomia, 8vo. 1798; and two volumes of Poems, 12mo. 1804. BRUARD, ANNE JOSEPH, known by several archeological treatises, and by his Essais sur les Effets de la Musique chez les Anciens et chez les Modernes, 8vo, Tours, 1815. In his 33d year. BURKE, EDMUND, DD. This amiable and valuable character, who was a native of the County of Kilda, in Ireland, went in 1780 to Quebec, where he officiated as a clergyman, and gave lectures on the higher branches of mathematics and philosophy, having been celebrated in the University of Paris for his attainments in those studies. Here he continued, till appointed by Lord Dorchester to conciliate to the British Government the many powerful tribes of Indians about Lake Superior, the back part of the Ohio, and Louisiana. During the seven years that he spent among these savages, under the greatest privations, he was indefatigable in converting, instructing, and attaching them. These services procured him a pension; nor was he unrewarded for his advice and council during the American war, for the ministry used their influence with the See of Rome, which appointed him Bishop of Sion, and Vicar Apostolic in Nova Scotia. Dr. Burke enjoyed the friendship of the late Duke of Kent,-also of all the naval and military officers in British America. Died at Halifax, November 9, in his 78th year. CALDWELL, ADMIRAL SIR BENJAMIN. This commander, who was educated in the Royal Naval Academy at Portsmouth, fought under Boscawen, Hawke, Rodney, and Howe. During the armaments of 1787 and 1790, he commanded the Alcide and Berwick, 74 gun ships; and in 1794, contributed greatly towards gaining the memorable action of the first of June, under Earl Howe. In 1795, he was superseded in the West Indies by Sir John Laforey,-since which time he never solicited further employment. Died at his son's house near Basingstoke, in the 83d year of his age. CLERISSEAU, CHARLES LOUIS. This distinguished artist was member of several academies, and had been architect to the Empress Catharine II. His Antiquités de France is a truly magnificent work, well known to the admirers of Roman magnificence and of graphic splendour. Died, January 20. COLIN-DE-BAR, M. author of Histoire de l'Inde Ancienne et Moderne, a work containing a history of Indostan, and treating on its antiquities, geography, political revolutions and institutions, manners, &c. &c. COLQUHOUN, PATRICK, LLD. As a magistrate this gentleman was particularly assiduous and active, while as an author he is well known by many treatiscs, pamphlets, &c. relative to the police, which have procured for him a considerable reputation. His last work was a Treatise on the Wealth, Power, and Resources of the British Empire in every Quarter of the World, including the East Indies, 4to. second edition improved, 1815. Died, April 25, aged 76. DAMBECK, DR. J. H., professor of aesthetics at Prague. He is known by his translation of Pope's Essay on Criticism, and was latterly employed on a German version of Shakspeare's Venus and Adonis, Tarquin and Lucretia, and Sonnets. DEBURE, GUILLAUME, a distinguished bibliographist, born at Paris in 1734, and cousin to the celebrated author of Bibliographie Instructive. Among his own works may be mentioned, Le Catalogue des Livres rares et precieux du Duc de la Valliere, 3 tom. 8vo. Paris, 1783; also, Le Catalogue des Livres rares et precieux de M*** (Camus de Limare). M. Debure has left two sons, worthy successors to his indefatigable labours, and Librarians in the Royal Library at Paris. DE COETLEGON, REV. CHARLES EDWARD, MA. rector of Godstone, and magistrate for the County of Surrey. He was the author of a variety of theological tracts and sermons, and is also reported to have contributed many of the classical citations to the Pursuits of Literature. DES CARRIERES, J. T. H., author of several publications, and elementary works relative to the French language; also, of a History of France, in 2 volumes. Died at Croydon, aged 78. DOLLOND, PETER, son of the late celebrated John Dollond, inventor of the Achromatic Refracting Telescope. This gentleman was himself distinguished as a scientific optician, and author of several letters and papers communicated to the Royal Society. Died, July 2. FLAXMAN, ANN, wife of the celebrated Sculptor. This lady was an excellent Greek scholar, and it is supposed that the Professor has been indebted to her classical taste for the beauty of many of his groupes, and for that pure simple spirit by which they are characterized. Died, February 6. GIBBS, SIR VICARY. This eminent lawyer was made a Baron of the Exchequer in 1813, and soon after Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, in which Died, dignity he succeeded Sir James Mansfield; this office he resigned in 1818. Feb. 9, aged 68. GMELIN, FREDERICK, a celebrated engraver, who has been called the German Woollett; born at Badenweiler, near Basle; well known abroad by his beautiful landscapes, and by the fine plates that illustrate the late splendid edition of Annibal Caro's translation of the Eneid, undertaken at the expense of her Grace the Duchess of Devonshire. Died at Rome, September 22. GRATTAN, RIGHT HON. HENRY, MP. This illustrious statesman and orator was born in Dublin, where his father was an eminent barrister. He was educated to the same profession-but becoming disgusted with it, retired from its avocations; and in 1775 entered the Irish House of Commons: here he soon distinguished himself, both by his superior talents and by his zealous patriotism. Throughout his whole parliamentary career, he was assiduous in labouring to obtain an entire abolition of all the penal laws against the Catholics,—and in this cause he at last expired. The remains of this eminent patriot are deposited in Westminster Abbey, not far from those of the illustrious Pitt and Fox. Died, June 4, in Baker-street, Portman-square, in the 74th year of his age. GRIVAUD-DE-LA-VINCELLE, M., the author of several archæological works of considerable repute:-1. Antiquités Gauloises et Romaines; 2. Recueil des Monumens Antiques Inedits, Paris, 1817; 3. Arts et Metiers des Anciens. This last work, which was intended to be published in monthly numbers, and to be illustrated with 130 folio plates, commenced in March, 1819. Died at Paris, aged 75. HENKE, THADDEUS. This distinguished German botanist, a pupil of Jacquin, died in Peru, when on the point of returning to Europe, for the purpose of republishing his Flore des Alpes. In him Science has sustained a very material loss, being deprived by his death of a number of curious observations on the life of plants, and the internal action of nature;-also, of the fruits of his researches made during a residence of fifteen years, in the province of Cochabamba, one of the finest and most fertile countries in the world. Hager, Joseph VON, Professor of the Oriental Languages at Pavia. He is known by his discovery of a curious literary fraud some years ago, and by his writings on Chinese literature and language. Died at Milan, June 27. HAYLEY, WILLIAM. This elegant writer and veteran poet will long be remembered as the biographer of Milton, Cowper, and Romney. As a poet his reputation seems latterly to have been on the decline. With the exception of his Triumphs of Temper, none of his poetical productions were calculated for popularity,-yet his Essays contain some very splendid, energetic, and nervous passages,—and the notes appended to them are replete with entertainment and literary information. Died at Felpham, near Chichester, November 12, aged 75. HILL, HENRY DAVID, DD., Professor of Greek in the University of St. Andrews, author of Essays on the Government, &c. of the States of Ancient Greece. Died, February 14. KNIGHT, THOMAS, one of the managers of the Liverpool Theatre, and formerly a comedian at Covent-Garden: he was originally educated for the bar, but his taste for dramatic entertainments led him to prefer the stage as a profession. This gentleman was the author of several theatrical pieces, of which the most popular is the Turnpike Gate. Died suddenly, February 4. KOSTER, HENRY, author of Travels in Brazil. Died at Pernambuco, in the 27th year of his age. LACHABEAUSSIERE, M., a French writer of some repute, and author of several dramatic productions, among which is the Opera of Azemia. M'LEOD, JOHN, MD., a native of Bunhill, in Dumbartonshire, author of A Voyage to Africa, and The Voyage of the Alceste,-two works of considerable popularity and interest. Died, November 9, aged 38. MANGNALL, MISS RICHMAL, a lady who has written some very useful educational works; among these is Miscellaneous Questions, a very popular school-book. She also published a volume of poetry, entitled Leisure Hours. Died, May 1. MALMSBURY, JAMES HARRIS, EARL OF. His Lordship was the son of the celebrated author of Hermes, and the Three Treatises. He had been ambassador at several foreign courts; was created Baron Malmsbury in 1788, and raised to an Earldom in 1800. His literary works are, An Introduction to the History of the Dutch Republic for the last ten Years, 8vo. 1788; The Works of James Harris, Esq. with an Account of his Life and Character, by his Son, 2 vols. 4to. 1801. Born, April 9, 1746. Died in Hill-street, Berkeley-square, November 21. |