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Evening Star, Issue 7161, 15 March 1887, Page 3

Mr Simonson’s friends presented him with purse of sovereigns and an address in recognition of his attempt to re-establish Italian operas in the colonies. He admitted that the financial results of tho past season had far exceeded his expectations. The company do not return to Melbourne till just before the Cup time. The well-known musical critic of Chicago, George P. Upton, has written a book entitled ‘The Standard Oratorios,’ which is intended as a companion to his recent and popular work ‘The Standard Operas.’ It is a description of thirty-eight of the. best oratorios, with biographical sketches of their composers. The principal, numbers of each oratorio aro given, and the book is as worthy of a place in tho library of anyone fond of music as was its predecessor. The author devotes a closing chapter to sacred music in America.

A Glasgow newspaper In a review of the trade of the west of Scotland, states that the results generally are more satisfactory than were anticipated a few months ago. The prospects for next year in several depart ments are hopeful.