Immediately the exercises commenced with the performance, by the orchestra, of the Jubilee Overture of Von Weber, which terminates in the national anthem, "God Save the Queen." During the performance of this last, the whole audience rose to their feet, and the voices of the vast choir of children joined in singing it in unison to the words of the following INTERNATIONAL ODE. OUR FATHERS' LAND. BY OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES. God bless our Fathers' Land! From all her foes defend, FATHER, with loving care Guard Thou her kingdom's Heir, Guide all his ways: Thine arm his shelter be, From him by land and sea Bid storm and danger flee, LORD, let War's tempest cease, Make all Thy Nations one, Great King of Kings! Following this came the celebrated choral from the Oratorio of St. Paul, by Mendelssohn, sung by the children with accompaniment of orchestra and organ. Next, the Gloria in Excelsis, from Mozart's Twelfth Mass, arranged by Mr. Zerrahn in three parts, (first and second soprano and alto,) was performed with beauty and imposing effect. The choral performances were interspersed with orchestral interludes from the Symphonies of Beethoven; and the programme ended with the singing of the Old Hundredth Psalm, in which au dience, choir, and orchestra joined. Just one hour was occupied in the performance of these exercises, - the recollection of which, it is believed, will not soon fade from the memory of the listeners, whether sovereigns or subjects. |