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ments. They were placed in a long oc-
casional gallery, totally covered with gold
and silver gilding; but though the band
seemed to be a very good one, and the
leader was very careful and attentive, yet
the distance of some of the performers
from the others, rendered it almost im-
possible that the time should be always
exactly kept.
The composition was by Signor Gen-
naro Manni, and in many movements
admirable; he attended himself in order
to beat the time. The opening was in a
rough stile; after which this species of
overture was made an accompaniment to
a chorus, which was well written. Seve-
ral airs and a duet succeeded, which
pleased me extremely; there was fancy
and contrivance; light and shade; and
though the singing was not of the first
class, yet there was a counter-tenor and
a base which I liked very much.
The counter-tenor had one of the most
powerful voices I ever heard; he made
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