Music;

tore , " the character of Leonora being , according to the opinion of many , her best . The cast of all these operas , sustained as they are by singers like Mario , Ronconi , Formes , Gardoni , and Graziani , would insure success even were the prima donna less effective ; but the queen of song , Grisi , has shown herself potent as ever , and when she is silent , the no less rich and mellow voice of Madame Bosio leaves nothing for the most fastidious to desire , while her rapid improvement as an

actress bids fair to place her on a level with any of those whose dramatic power has induced us involuntarily , for a time , to make their singing of secondary importance . In the ballet department , Madame Cerito has continued to delight our organs of vision , by her spirited impersonation of Eva , in the ballet of that name ; and while crowded houses are drawn , there is no occasion for change in the bill of fare . As to the inimitable conduct of M . Costa , we say , alas ! that it

should be apparently inimitable , for in no other house , and under no other leader , can we witness such comprehensive skill as to the great character of any music , with the most delicate manipulation of its finest details . There is no chance of M . Costa ' s head being found somewhere behind the scenes , or his arms up in the chandelier , from boldness of gesticulation , nor is there the least shade of discrepancy between his own mind and that of his composer or his band . All is regular , vivid , tasteful , and artistic , and we find music has a soul in the Lyceum .

THE CRYSTAL PALACE

The stated number of concerts draws to a close , to the great regret of the visitors to the fragrant grounds and fashionahly-patronized concert-room of Sydenham , and the cry upon all sides is for Mr . Gye to give the public a few more such treats , in which we heartily join . The railway terminus on Fridays affords a most interesting scene , and one very illustrative of the popularity of these musical moments of refreshment , from biased Mayfair or shilling-seeking Cheapside . Moreover , we are glad to find that , at last , the Committee of Management at the Palace has issued instructions that seats may not be kept which have never

been occupied . It will scarcely be credited that , hitherto , umbrellas , books , and other articles have been converted into , in many cases , the not inappropriate representatives of corresponding but animated dummies , to retain places for the latter , who have never made their appearance until almost the close of the concert . Of course , hats far preponderate over bonnets , even amongst those who gain sittings ; but this is only the courtesy of English company , wherein places are regulated by detur fortiori , not pulchriori . As to the company and Mr . Gye , they are entitled to the public thanks for a far higher matter than providing

popular amusement merely . So splendidly accurate have the musical performances been , so exquisitely finished the artistic vocalization , that the public ear has been instructed in the truth of tone and melody , and hence can not only better appreciate good , but learn to discountenance inferior music . The artists are , it is needless to say , unapproachable . No court , no crowned head , can at present command such minstrelsy ; and when architecture and the mimetic poetry of painting and sculpture combine to irradiate the glorious precincts in which such harmony is delivered , the mind is entranced by the witchery of the

multitudinous spells cast around it , and the visitor finds his every sense appealed to , not by one muse , but by the entire association of Apollo . Of all singers , perhaps , Madame Bosio is the favourite here ; her "Ah I chc assorta" never passing without an encore . Madame Grisi , too , is anything but " on the wane , ' ^ as some questionably "kind friends" would have her . Mario saves himself now and then , but comes out ever and anon gloriously . Gardoni sings better here than in the theatre , where his acting spoils him . We must not omit speaking

highly of the madrigals by the chorus ; they are always excellent , and rapturously encored . We wish that some lessdmown " arias" wore substituted for the very great number of old pieces given ; but , somehow , the singing is so exquisite , every one is pleased with everything . As to the orchestra , it is as near perfection as such a splendid band can render it , under the eminent taste and skill of such a conductor as Bro . Costa ; the recent performance of " LaGazza Ladra " was the finest piece of instrumental music heard for years , as to artistic execution .