|
Sellé in concert a Musical Mélange |
This is the text of part of a cutting from a Richmond newspaper, probably the Richmond and Twickenham Times, probably autumn 1907 (Henry Sellé died in June of that year). It seems likely that the cutting is part of a feature about Mr James Etherington; it seems to focus warmly on Master Etheringon. It mentions William Christian Sellé without saying what he did here: perhaps he was the overall conductor?
This came from Richmond Library, as did
two handwritten letters to Mr Albert A Barkas: their contents suggest that he was the author of this newspaper article, and that there were those who liked the Etheringtons as much as they disliked SelléThere does not appear to be in existence an account of the opening ceremony, if any, but the following programme of a concert, given at that time, is interesting. Mr E D Etherington's father made his first appearance in public on this occasion, his grandfather being conductor. W C Selle, who not long after the date of this concert received the degree of Doctor of Music, was perhaps one of the best known of our older residents. He was, indeed, one of our Richmond characters. He always took an active part in local affairs, and in the Richmond Select Vestry was one of the most prominent workers. He died suddenly in Richmond on Tuesday, 8th November, 1898, at the ripe old age of 86. His brother, H Selle, was organist at Kew Church from 1845 to 1884. His death occurred quite recently.
Programme
of the
Musical melange,
which will be performed after
an address,
to be delivered by C J Selwyn, Esq.,
at the
opening of the new building
of the
Richmond Mechanics' Institution,
On Monday, 11th December, 1843.
Part one
Overture Samson (Handel)
Air and chorus Great God! What do I see and hear? (Martin Luther) Mr Field (of the London and Bath concerts)
Recit. Oh worse than death indeed, air Angels ever bright and fair (Handel) Miss Keene
[illegible] Comfort ye my people, air Every Valley, (Handel) Mr Field
Recit. And God said (Haydn) Miss Keene
Air With verdure clad (Haydn) Miss Keene
Soli and chorus Sound the loud timbrel (Sir J W Stephenson) Miss Keene and Messrs Field and Hall
Part II
Overture Guy Mannering (Sir H Bishop)
Glee and chorus The Chough and the Crow Sir H Bishop
Song The Death of Nelson (Braham) Mr Field
Glee The Red Cross Knight Miss Keene and Messrs Field and Hall
Concerto (pianoforte), (Rawlings) Master J W Etherington (his first appearance)
Web-page created 23 October 2001