3-021-524 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Handel Festival at the Crystal Palace [in London]: the Royal Box, 1868. 'The aspect of the great central transept, which had been inclosed on each side to form a vast concert-hall, the glass arched roof being also screened by external coverings from the glare of the sun, was a novelty to the eye. The Royal boxes and adjoining raised seats on the stage were so placed as not to interfere with the general effect...The finest solos and choruses were performed with a smoothness and effect which left the most fastidious listeners nothing to desire, while they had the satisfaction of hearing many of the greatest pieces selected for the festival. On this day, too, the great question, as to which much anxiety prevailed - the acoustical improvements of the palace - was solved to the satisfaction of the public. It was proved that the music was clearly and distinctly audible, from the thunder of the whole orchestra to the softest tones of every single voice or instrument...the opera concert...programme included a work of Handel probably unknown to the audience - his "Firework Music," composed in 1749, in celebration of the Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle'. From "Illustrated London News", 1868.