Note 19 — FOREIGN MUSICAL REPORT.

Balfe is of Irish birth, and his history somewhat romantic. While yet a boy he played a violin concerto at a theatrical benefit in London, but without any marked success. To sing, however, was always the object of his ambition; and, not having the means of achieving his purpose in any other way, he actually walked to Italy, that he might have an opportunity of hearing and imitating the great singers of that country. A few years ago he returned, for a short time, to London, when we had an opportunity of hearing him in the great Scena of Assur, from Semiramide, as well as in a rondeau of his own composition, and some other pieces. His voice was then a bass of two octaves compass, from F to F, combining great power, and very considerable facility of execution. If his subsequent improvement has been in equal ratio to the advances he had made when we heard him; if he has realized the prospects which his voice and style then held out,—the United Kingdom may, at no distant period, claim the first bass singer of the day, as she can already boast of having produced the greatest soprano and tenor of their times.