Dr. Arne and Rule, BritanniaCummings, William Hayman
History
Dr. Arne and Rule, Britannia
Cummings, William Hayman
Arne, Thomas Augustine, 1710-1778
The Air "Gentle swain," sung by Mrs. Arne, in which Cervetto
accompanied, is very melodious vocally and instrumentally: it was
followed by a Trio for three soprano voices, sung by Mrs. Arne, Mrs.
Clive, and Miss Edwards, representing Venus, Pallas, and Juno. The
music is admirable, in spite of the words, which cannot be described as
poetry. After an invitation from each of the three divinities:
Hither turn thee gentle swain,
Hither turn to me again:
She will deceive thee,
I'll never leave thee--
Paris, represented by Mr. Beard, replied:
Apart let me view then each heav'nly fair,
For three at a time no mortal can bear;
And since a gay robe an ill shape may disguise,
When each is undrest
I'll judge of the best,
For 'tis not a face that must carry the prize.
We have no record how they managed the stage business at Clieveden,
but it must have presented some difficulty. A Recitative for Pallas
is remarkable for the vigour of the instrumental accompaniment, and
the Air "The glorious voice it was" is very spiritedly supported by
strings, oboes, trumpets and drums. A fine Recitative, "Stay, lovely
youth," sung by Mrs. Arne is also worthy of mention. At the close
of the year 1740, on the 20th of December, Shakespeare's "As you
like it" was played at Drury Lane Theatre, the first time for forty
years. Great interest was excited by the revival, more especially on
account of the fact that Arne had prepared new music for the songs.
These included "When daisies pied," sung by Kitty Clive, "Under the
greenwood tree" and "Blow, thou winter wind," sung by Mr. Thomas Lowe.
They all captivated the public taste, who found Shakespeare's poetry
admirably framed in Arne's melodies. The immediate popularity of the
music attracted the attention of several unscrupulous publishers of
the day. To protect himself against their nefarious depredations,
Arne obtained a Royal license, dated 29th of January, 1741. "George,
the Second, by the Grace of God, King of _Great Britain_, France, and
Ireland, Defender of the Faith, etc. To all to whom these Presents
shall come, Greeting. Whereas _Thomas Augustine Arne_, of _Craven
Buildings_, near Drury Lane, in our County of _Middlesex_, Gent. Hath
humbly represented unto US, That he hath with great Study, Labour and
Expence, composed several works, consisting of Vocal and Instrumental
Musick, in order to be printed and published; and hath Therefore
humbly besought US to grant him Our Royal Privilege and License, for
the sole printing and publishing thereof, for the term of Fourteen
Years. We being willing to give all due Encouragement to works of this
Nature, are graciously pleased to condescend to his Request: and We do
therefore, by these Presents, so far as may be agreeable to the Statute
in that behalf made and provided, grant unto the said _Thomas Augustine
Arne_, his Executors, Administrators and Assigns, Our License for the
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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