A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Bristol Festival

by J. A. Fuller-Maitland

BRISTOL FESTIVAL. A festival, lasting four days, has been held triennially in the month of October, in the Colston Hall, Bristol, since 1873. On each occasion Mr. Charles Hallé has held the post of conductor, and 'The Messiah' and 'Elijah' have been given. Besides these the following works have been performed:—

1873. Oct. 21–24. 'The Creation,' Macfarren's 'John the Baptist' (written expressly for the occasion), and Rossini's 'Stabat Mater.'

1876. Oct. 17–20. Verdi's Requiem, 'Israel in Egypt,' Spohr's 'Fall of Babylon,' 'The Mount of Olives,' and 'The Hymn of Praise.'

1879. Oct. 14–17. 'Samson,' 'Walpurgis Night,' Brahms's 'Rinaldo,' Mozart's Requiem, Rossini's 'Stabat Mater,' and the Choral Symphony.

1882. Oct. 17–20. Beethoven's Mass in D, Gounod's 'Redemption,' 'Spring' from Haydn's 'Seasons,' Rossini's 'Moses in Egypt,' and Mackenzie's 'Jason' (written expressly for the festival, and conducted by the composer).

1885. Oct. 20–23. 'Belshazzar,' Brahms's 'Triumphlied,' Lloyd's 'Hero and Leander,' Berlioz' 'Faust.'

Concerts of miscellaneous music have been given on each occasion.

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