A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Promenade Concerts

PROMENADE CONCERTS. Although the concerts given at Vauxhall, Ranelagh, Marylebone, and other public gardens, might be placed under this head, the class of entertainment now so well known in this country under the name was introduced into London from Paris. In 1838 some of the leading London instrumentalists gave concerts at the English Opera House (Lyceum) under the title of 'Promenade Concerts à la Musard.' The pit was boarded over and an orchestra erected upon the stage in the manner now familiar to all, though then so strange. The band consisted of 60 performers, including many of the most eminent professors; Mr. J. T. Willy was the leader, and Signor Negri the conductor; the programmes were composed exclusively of instrumental music, each consisting of 4 overtures, 4 quadrilles (principally by Musard), 4 waltzes (by Strauss and Lanner), and a solo, usually for a wind instrument. The first of the concerts was given on Dec. 12, and they were continued, with great success, during the winter. Early in 1839 the band of Valentino, the rival of Musard, came to London, and gave concerts at the Crown and Anchor Tavern; the programmes being composed of music of a higher class, the first part usually including a symphony; but they met with little support. In Oct. 1839 the original speculators resumed operations at the Lyceum. On June 8, 1840, 'Concerts d'Eté' were commenced at Drury Lane under the conductorship of Eliason, the violinist, with Jullien as his assistant, and a band of nearly 100, and a small chorus. Some dissensions among the original managers led to concerts of the same class being given by Mr. Willy in the autumn and winter at the Princess's Theatre, the majority of the band however still performing at the Lyceum. About the same period promenade concerts were given at Drury Lane, and Musard was brought over to conduct them. In Jan. 1841 'Concerts d'Hiver' were given in the same house by Jullien, who soon firmly established himself in public favour and continued to give this class of concerts until 1859. [See Jullien.] In 1851 [App. p.752 "1850"] promenade concerts conducted by Balfe were given at Her Majesty's Theatre under the title of 'National Concerts'; a large band and chorus and some eminent principal singers were engaged, but the speculation proved unsuccessful. Since Jullien's retirement, promenade concerts have been annually given in the autumn at Covent Garden, with Alfred Mellon conductor until 1866, and afterwards under various conductors, Signor Arditi, M. Hervé, Mr. Arthur Sullivan, M. Riviere, etc.

[ W. H. H. ]