Hearing the Music
of Early New South Wales
Concert Five
The fifth Sydney concert, for John Edwards’ benefit, was held on Wednesday the 23rd of August 1826, in the School Room of the Old Court House in Castlereagh Street, Sydney. Around 300 people reportedly attended, including the Lieutenant Governor, Colonel William Stewart. According to The Australian, all attendees were ‘lit up with smiles of satisfaction’, but felt that this concert suffered from a ‘paucity of instrumental pieces’.
Program
First Part
Overture
Song
Duetto
John Bernard SALE (1779-1856)
The Butterfly​
​
Performers: John Edwards (bass vocalist); Tempest Margaret Paul (soprano vocalist)
Glee
William REEVE (1757-1815)
It was a Friar of Orders Grey
​
Performers: Mr. Clarke (tenor vocalist); John Edwards (bass vocalist); Harriet Jones (soprano vocalist)
Comic Song
William SHIELD (1748-1829)
Caleb Quotem (I’m Parish Clerk and Sexton Here)
​
Performers: Arthur Hill (vocalist)
Song
Song
Henry Rowley BISHOP (1787-1855)
​
Performers: Tempest Margaret Paul (soprano vocalist, pianoforte)
Comic Song
Composer not identified.
Arthur O’Bradley
​
Performers: Mr. Mackie (vocalist)
Second Part
Overture
Gioacchino ROSSINI (1792-1868)
Italiana in Algieri
​
Performers: Likely all instrumental performers.
Song
Thomas ARNE (1710-1778)
The Soldier Tir’d
​
Performers: Tempest Margaret Paul (soprano vocalist, pianoforte)
Glee
Henry Rowley BISHOP (1787-1855)
The Chough and Crow (from Guy Mannering)
​
Performers: Likely the vocalists.
Comic Song
Song
Lyrics by Robert Burns (1759-1796), to the tune of Robin Adair
Had I a Cave on Some Wild Distant Shore
​
Performers: Harriet Jones (soprano vocalist)
Comic Song
Finale
God Save the King
​
Performers: Likely all performers.
Reviews
'MR. EDWARDS'S BENEFIT'
The Monitor, 25 August 1826, p. 5.
'But the most pathetic and delightful song produced in the course of the Evening was "Home, sweet Home." Every line of this charming composition found its way to the heart in a manner peculiarly interesting. The voice of the Songstress may be safely pronounced perfect melody.'
'SYDNEY AMATEUR CONCERT'
The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, 26 August 1826, p. 3.
'Arthur O'Bradley, which was sung by Mr. Mackie with real humour, was much applauded. The overture to Italiana in Algieri, was better suited to display the abilities of the performers, than to the taste of the audience, and Mr. Edwards' powers were brought into full play on the occasion.'
'THE CONCERT'
The Australian, 26 August 1826, p. 3.
'Mr. Levey's comic song was as usual, happy in its effect - the rapidity approaching to indistinctness, with which the words were gabbled, reflected more credit on the singer's memory than it gave information to his hearers - the concluding speaking part bordered on puerility; however, on the whole, the song was truly humorous.'