CHAP. II - TRACES OF BACH
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 29 August 2010
Summary
In describing the admirable features of the Leipsic Concerts, I must not forget the chorus. This, indeed, tells as significant a story to the speculative traveller as the drop-curtain of L'Académie Royale, or the Caryatides of the Berlin Opera House.
On my first visit to the Gewand-haus, being obligingly admitted to a rehearsal, I was struck by the sight of half a dozen eager-looking intelligent lads, listening to every note of the orchestra with true German enthusiasm. At the concert, again, in the evening, when compelled, as I have said, to take shelter from the crowd behind the violins and double-basses, I was nearly thrust upon the demolition of a drum by the same troop. These were the boys of the Thomas-Schule, who are there educated to take part in all the religious musical services of the town, and afford, too, their assistance to its secular entertainments; having the privilege, in return, of being present on all occasions when public music is going on. I was sorry to hear (the case demands the reproof of commemoration) that the only instance of this privilege being rescinded was at the benefit concert of a young English songstress, who had made her foreign reputation by a winter's appearances at Leipsic.
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- Music and Manners in France and GermanyA Series of Travelling Sketches of Art and Society, pp. 109 - 128Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2009