Part 2: Billy the man of culture - Concerts, concerts, concerts
Having seen by this morning’s paper there was to be rather a
good programme at Queen’s Hall Promenade Concert this evening,
decided to take a run up. Started shortly after 4 p.m. Rode as far
as Leatherhead with Miss Foster, Frank and Maggie
Cheeseman[1], the former being on her
way back to Bedfont. As we were a long time doing that bit and
owing to a rather heavy fog, thought it advisable to take train
when I got to Sutton and leave machine there. Did so and after the
usual tedious journey arrived at Victoria with hardly time to get
to the hall. Still just managed to get there in time for the start.
Soon found I was “one by myself” being in my working togs but got
over that and promenaded and smoked, enjoying my own company. Had a
most splendid programme which, owing to frequent encores was
prolonged till 11.30. During the interval saw some very fine
animated photographs in the Small Hall. The artists were the
Queen’s Hall Orchestra under H.J. Wood several members of which
gave solos, vocalists Miss Ellen Beach Yaw (an American soprano
making her first appearance in this country).
Ellen Beach Yaw as Sultanah Zubedyah
in The Rose of Persia, c.1899; Photo
Credit
Has a very fine voice but makes a speciality of “tricky” songs.
Very clever no doubt but not quite my ideal). Mr Penderel Price,
tenor (also very good but have heard better – Samuel Masters for
instance) and the Westminster Glee Singers. By invitation of the
management, the officers and men of the 3rd Battery of the Royal
Artillery (just returned from the Sudan) were present and got a
warm reception, to which the Colonel gracefully replied. Although
enjoying the music immensely, I got rather tired of standing before
it was over and when I came out found myself without a bed but
didn’t have much difficulty on that score. Got a 1/- doss at the
“Guardsman”. Buckingham Palace Road. Slept in a room with five
others but nonetheless sound for that.
Saturday 22nd October 1898
Alhambra Theatre, Leicester Square,
The Queen’s London, 1896, p.264
Came home from Capel by 12.30 and caught another train (2.37) for
Victoria (a cheap theatre train). Had a sharp run up. Having
nothing particular to do, had a wander round till time to take my
place to get in at the Alhambra. After a severe struggle, managed
to crush in, but really don’t think the sight was worth all the
trouble. Quite consider I wasted this evening. Shall not go to a
music hall again in a hurry.
Saturday 26th November 1898
I learn that yesterday the London County Council, in their
ponderous wisdom, practically put a stopper on the Sunday Concerts
at Queen’s Hall by deciding to grant the Licence only on condition
that Sunday entertainments were not run for a profit. I am very
sorry to think that such a pack of fools should have control over
what has become quite a recognised part of the London Sunday. Am
also astonished to find that among those who helped to make Dull
Sunday and deprive many of their only chance of hearing good music
were many so-called “Progressives” and Labour members. Don’t know
if there’s any means of getting the Council’s verdict upset. Hope
so.
Good Friday 31st March 1899
Suddenly decided this morning to have a day at Crystal Palace so
washed in time for 10.10 excursion train, arriving in time to hear
first programme by the Palace Orchestra. Very good, in fact enjoyed
it as well as any music I heard during the day. After that there
was a performance on the inside bandstand by the Crystal Palace
Military Band. By the time that was over people were crowding into
their seats for the Grand Concert. I left it too long for a good
seat but managed fairly well on the whole. I enjoyed it very much
but would like to have been facing the platform instead of behind
it. The soloists were Miss Marian McKenzie, Estar Pallisar (?),
Ella Russell and Clara Butt and Edward Lloyd and Santly.
Clara Butt (1872-1936 ), Reproduced
courtesy of Don Gillan (Copyright), Photo Credit
I think the best items were: first, “There is a green hill” by
Clara Butt, second, “Cujus Animam” (Stabat Mater) by Edward Lloyd;
third, “Inflamatus” (Stabat Mater) by Miss Ella Russell; fourth,
“Shepherds’ Cradle Song” Clara Butt; and fifth, Handel’s “Largo” by
the organ, harp and strings. Augst Manns conducted as usual. W.W.
Hadgecock (?) at organ. Although it was undoubtedly a very fine
concert, I think perhaps one would do better to go to a smaller
concert hall to get the full benefit of good music. Spent remainder
of day listening to bands of Scots Guards, Grenadier Guards and
Horse Guards. Meantime, had a walk round those “Courts” at the
North end of the building. I had missed them in my previous visits
to the Palace though they are very fine and worth inspection.
1st May 1899
Last Saturday, feeling rather lumpy, having had a roughish time of
it lately, suddenly decided to go to London for an hour or two. Had
a hurried clean up but just missed the 12.35. Still got up by the
1.35 in times to reach St. James Hall to hear first item of a Grand
Concert. The artists were Tivadar Nachez (whom I had heard at
Horsham), Ludwig Strakosch assisted by Miss Mary Owen and Miss
Sophie Herzberg (Piano). Didn’t think very much of the two latter
and should have enjoyed the splendid singing of Herr Strakosch had
he sang English instead of German. Should very much like to hear
him at a Ballard (?) Concert. To my mind the best items were the
violin soli of Nachez, they were simply grand and wonderful. The
Hall was quite full and a very appreciative audience it was
too.
- [1] These two girls
worked at the Kings Head Capel and Billy had met them while doing a
painting job there.
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