Queen Victoria. (1819–1901). Buckingham Palace Concert Programme - Queen Victoria's singing debut, 1840.
Rare original concert program from a Buckingham Palace performance on June 12, 1840, most unusually featuring two uncommon star performers that evening, namely a youthful Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The concert was given under Michael Costa's direction and with his accompaniment at the piano, and the Queen herself took part in no less than five numbers, singing in a duo with Prince Albert, and in a trio with Signors Rubini and Lablache, and in three choruses. Bifold program, 2 pp. printed on pink stock, a few creases, slightly soiled, overall fine. 5 x 8 inches; 13 x 20.5 cm.
Surprisingly the concert was played two days after an attempt on the Queen's life on June 2nd after "pot boy" Edward Oxford fired two shots at her from a pistol as she was driving through Green Park from Buckingham Palace.
Albert had been composing songs and choral pieces from a young age; if it weren’t for his duties as a member of royalty, composing might likely have been his calling. In turn, Victoria sang and played the piano with natural talent and skill. Married just four months earlier, during their marriage, Victoria and Albert played music together frequently; they especially enjoyed duets, or playing the piano while the other sang. The royal residences–Balmoral, Buckingham Palace, Osborne House, even the Royal Yacht–all had pianos, and Victoria and Albert packed ample sheet music whenever they traveled.
Queen Victoria. (1819–1901). Buckingham Palace Concert Programme - Queen Victoria's singing debut, 1840.
Rare original concert program from a Buckingham Palace performance on June 12, 1840, most unusually featuring two uncommon star performers that evening, namely a youthful Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The concert was given under Michael Costa's direction and with his accompaniment at the piano, and the Queen herself took part in no less than five numbers, singing in a duo with Prince Albert, and in a trio with Signors Rubini and Lablache, and in three choruses. Bifold program, 2 pp. printed on pink stock, a few creases, slightly soiled, overall fine. 5 x 8 inches; 13 x 20.5 cm.
Surprisingly the concert was played two days after an attempt on the Queen's life on June 2nd after "pot boy" Edward Oxford fired two shots at her from a pistol as she was driving through Green Park from Buckingham Palace.
Albert had been composing songs and choral pieces from a young age; if it weren’t for his duties as a member of royalty, composing might likely have been his calling. In turn, Victoria sang and played the piano with natural talent and skill. Married just four months earlier, during their marriage, Victoria and Albert played music together frequently; they especially enjoyed duets, or playing the piano while the other sang. The royal residences–Balmoral, Buckingham Palace, Osborne House, even the Royal Yacht–all had pianos, and Victoria and Albert packed ample sheet music whenever they traveled.