Introduction. By the Editor - Shakespeare's Method of Work. By GEORGE MILNER, M.A. Theatre Managers and Shakespeare. By JOHN FARRELL Shakespeare's Sense of Hearing and Use of Sound in Relation to Mental Emotions and Dramatic Incident. By ALBERT JARRETT Appreciation of the Poet in Germany. By Professor LOBEN- HOFFER The English Historical Plays. By JOHN H. NODAL Shakespeare as a Playwright. By WILLIAM WADE The Calvert Revivals at the Manchester Prince's Theatre. By 75 - 103 - 115 - 133 - 141 - 163 - 187 Montaigne and Shakespeare. By Sir WILLIAM BAILEY Shakespeare as he Finds Me. By WILLIAM HENRY COLLIER The Religion of Shakespeare. By Sir EDWARD Russell Shakespeare's London. By Lt.-Col. HENRY FISHWICK, F.S.A. 251 The Jew that Shakespeare Drew. By J. CUMING WALTERS Shakespeare and Puritanism. By Miss PHOEBE SHEAVYN, D.Lit. 387 Shakesperian Cantata IN 1879 a number of gentlemen formed themselves into a Provisional Committee with a view of establishing in Manchester a Bohemian Club, to facilitate the social intercourse of members of the various professionsliterary, dramatic, musical and artistic. This Committee consisted of Messrs. W. Lawton, J. H. Stephenson, J. H. Nodal, J. R. Mitchell, E. Edmonds, J. Crook and F. Stanislaus. Its first meeting was held at the Portland Hotel 17th June, 1879, when the following names were added to the Committee: W. G. Baxter, C. Estcourt, W. E. Hamer, A. O'Neil and G. E. Murray, who acted as temporary Secretary. At this meeting it was decided that the Club should be called "The Arts Club," and that suitable premises should be taken in Oxford Street (corner of Portland Street) and fitted up as a club-house as soon as one hundred members had joined. Candidates for election were to be prepared to show that they "had actually done some recognized literary, artistic or dramatic work." In July of the same year the list of members consisted of over 60 names, and on the 27th September following (1879) the Club was formally opened. The President, Mr. Samuel Barlow, J.P., of Stakehill, near Middleton, occupied the chair, and brief addresses were delivered by Messrs. Nodal, Charles Rowley, C. Estcourt, W. E. Hamer, Selim Rothwell and J. R. Mitchell. The Club was at this time of a distinctly Bohemian character, and amongst its members were many of the leading men of Manchester and the district who well represented art, music, science, literature and the theatrical world. The first Committee was selected to represent literature and journalism, art, the drama and music, and consisted of George Milner, J. R. Mitchell, John H. Nodal and Arthur O'Neill (literature and journalism), Alfred Darbyshire, Samuel Barlow, Herman Magnus, W. Rathjens (art), John Lawton, E. Edmonds, W. Bostock (drama), John Crook, Edward Henry (music), John Angell and Charles Estcourt (science). In September, 1883, the Club removed to Albert Square, where the more commodious premises enabled the Committee to give to the members concerts, lectures on literature and kindred subjects, and from time to time exhibitions of pictures; one of the most notable of these was a collection of engravings of English actors and actresses, lent by Mr. Harry Thornber. Hospitality to strangers visiting the city has been a marked characteristic of the Club. Amongst the guests entertained were Sir Henry Irving (for many years President), Mrs. Kendal, Miss Wallis, J. L. Toole, Wilson Barrett and Charles Dickens, the eldest son of the novelist, and Irving Bishop. From the early days of the Club, smoking concerts were frequently held and became a popular feature with the most clubbable members, who on these occasions introduced their friends, who added to the sociability of the gatherings. It was not, however, until some years had elapsed that any attempt was made to establish an annual Shakespeare commemoration night, the inception of which is fully detailed in Mr. Crosland's address (see p. 369). In 1886 it was arranged for an evening to be entirely devoted to Shakespeare, which was to consist of an address followed by a dramatic and musical entertainment suitable for the occasion. The Chairman was Mr. George Milner, who gave an eloquent address on "Shakespeare's method of work," which was followed by a presentation of scenes from As You Like It, the characters being taken by members of the Club. The musical portion was taken by Dr. Watson and his choir. Since this the Shakespeare night has become a recognized institution, and has each year been regularly observed on or near the poet's birthday. The addresses have mostly been given by members of the Club, and the musical portion (with one exception) have been under the able leadership of the late Dr. Watson, who in 1894 also gave the address, which was illustrated by the introduction of many musical instruments which were in common use in the days of Shakespeare, such as the lute, the cittern and virginals. The programme of the first Shakespeare night is of interest. It was illustrated by sketches by R. H. Whitehead which are well worthy of re-production. THE ARTS CLUB, MANCHESTER. SHAKESPEARE NIGHT. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21ST, 1886, In Anticipatory Commemoration of the Birthday of William Shakespeare, April 23rd, 1886, the Anniversary of which falls this year on a Good Friday. The Chair will be taken at Half-past Seven o'clock by Mr. GEORGE MILNER, and the Programme of the evening will include the following, the order being a matter for arrangement as circumstances permit : At Nine p.m. precisely will be given the first, third, and fifth scenes (in the Forest of Arden) from the Second Act of AS YOU LIKE IT. With the Incidental Music, Songs, and Glees. Amiens... ... Mr. J. F. L. Crosland. Duke (living in exile) Orlando... ... Mr. Sydney Johnson. The arrangements will be under the direction of Mr. HENRY WATSON, Mus. Bac., Mr. J. F. L. CROSLAND, and Mr. JOHN HARWOOD. Shakespearian Songs will be interspersed throughout the programme. ROBT. EDWD. JOHNSON, Secretary. |
