3-052-664 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Romberg's Toy Symphony: performance at St. James's Hall, [London], 1880. Concert '...for the benefit of the Children's Hospital in Great Ormond-street,...executed by some of our most accomplished musicians with the simplest instruments, different kinds of pipes and whistles being used to imitate the voices of birds, rather as a musical joke than as an exhibition of fine art. Our page of Illustrations shows the appearance of these distinguished performers while engaged in manipulating such unwonted instruments on the platform, very much to the amusement of a crowded and fashionable audience, among whom were the Prince and Princess of Wales. The gentlemen so engaged were Messrs. Arthur Sullivan (cuckoo), Charles Hallé (quail), Joseph Barnby (nightingale), Arthur Chappell (woodpecker), A. Randegger (drum), Blumenthal (rattle), Dr. Stainer and Mr. Kuhe (trumpets), Mr. Engel (triangle), Mr. Manns and Mr. Cusins (first violins), Mr. Carl Rosa and Mr. Santley (second violins), Mr. Ganz (viola), Mr. Daubert (violoncello), Mr. Progatzky (double bass), Messrs. Cowen and J. E. Barnett (pianoforte). Sir Julius Benedict officiated as bellringer, and Mr. Henry Leslie was the conductor. The effect of the performance may be easily imagined'. From "Illustrated London News", 1880.