From the Archives: Tommaso Ernestus Gaetano Rovedino
(1789-1860)
A Descriptive Cantata, for seven voices, Expressly written for the Anniversary Dinner or The Royal Society of Musicians, March 13th. 1835. Published for the exclusive benefit of that Institution, And by permission Humbly Dedicated To His most Gracious Majesty William the Fourth, the Patron of the Society. The Words by C. H….t Esqre. The Music by Tommaso Rovedino, Member of The Royal Society of Musicians.
London: Published by R. Mills, 140, New Bond Street, and to be had of Mr. J.A. Wood Secretary to the Royal Society of Musicians, 20 Charlotte Strt. Rathbone Place, of all the principal Music Sellers & of Sigr. Rovedino, 11, Manchester Street, Manchester Square, [1835]. Price to: Subscribers 6s.; Non Subscribers 8s.
Rovedino composed this cantata which he also had printed and sold for the benefit of RSM. It is curious that the ‘Concert Committee’ decided not to have this work at the composer’s intended performance, however, it seems that Rovedino, an active RSM Member, was not upset as it was printed again in 1837 with the addition “And first performed, with marked Success, on Friday April the 14th. 1837”.
The first printing lists 181 subscribers for 205 copies. RSM holds three copies, and other libraries (British Library, RCM, Glasgow, and Pittsburgh) hold a score each. This appears to reveal a paucity of surviving copies for so many initial copies.
The text reflects the impetus and workings of RSM, with the bass recitative even referencing the ballot box.
The RSM ballot box
Sung text
Chorus (ATTB or ATBB)
Fill, fill the goblet, fill, fill it up,
Circulate the joyous cup.
Its rich contents in bumpers drain,
And then as merrily fill again.
Round (3 voices)
This table is our dial The circling hours are we; Our bottle’s the hand, And if we let it stand; Our clock of life needs winding; And a bumper’s the only key.
Recit. (ATTB or ATBB)
Who knocks? What interrupts our Glee, In moments giv’n to harmony.
Trio (soprani “1st orphan, 2d orphan, widow”)
The piteous accents, the accents of distress,
From Children poor, And Fatherless.
Recit. (basso)
Shall we admit them Brothers say?
Shall we admit them aye or nay?
Chorus (ATTB or ATBB)
Fill, fill the goblet, fill, fill the cup, Brothers say?, Shall
And then as merrily fill fill again.
Recit. (basso)
Nay, nay, think ere you would drive them hence,
We have Heav’n’s bounty to dispense.
Trio (soprani “1st orphan, 2d orphan, widow”)
The Widow’s tear the Orphan’s woe, In pray’r to Heav’n ascend
Who mourn the loss by death’s fell blow, Of Husband, Father, Friend.
Solo (orphan, continues soprani “1st orphan, 2d orphan, widow”)
He was your Brother, Oft he sang with you the festive lay,
Oft your Brother, oft he sang with you the festive lay;
His Voice is hush’d his lute unstrung,
Lies mould’ring in his clay.
[continues] Pity, pity our had and bitter fate,
Protect the poor, and desolate.
Septetto (SSAATTB, or SSAATBB)
Bless’d charity will freely shower, On you [us]* her gifts today;~
Honors and Titles, Wealth and power
The Sacred call obey.
* The upper voices sing the text “us” while the ‘men’s’ voices sing “you”.
Recit. (basso)
Mean time with genial hearts prepare,
Our social mirth and joy to share.
Chorus (SSSATTB, or SSSATBB) [as in the first chorus but with all, beneficiaries, now included in celebration]
Fill, fill the goblet, fill, fill it up,
Circulate the joyous cup.
Its rich contents in bumpers drain,
And then as merrily fill again.
Then fill a bumper to Beauty bright! / All unite to Beauty bright!
Fill we a bumper! Homage due and Welcome free
To Honours, Titles, Wealth and Pow’r,
To all that here endear the hour!
Fill, fill a bumper, To Charity, Bless’d Charity.
Fill, fill; and then as merrily fill, fill again.
Hip hip hurrah!
