Musical Wonder [Michel Boai]
The Musical Wonder. The celebrated chin performance, of Michael Boai. MICHEL BOAI, respectfully announces that he proposes his wonderful talent, by performing some of the most favourite Airs,Waltzes... It will be varied & relieved by some popular German airs, which will be sung by MADAME BOAI, accompanied by herself and her husband on the guitar...
Bennett’s Hill, Barlow printer
Oct 1830
Single sheet 4to, annotated in ink “Birmingham institution rooms. October 11th 1830”.
221 by 135mm (8¾ by 5¼ inches).
The Tatler of April 11th 1831 writes: “We had been given to understand, that the sound which Michael produced resembled that of a musical-box. This is a libel on that fairy instrument; and we think there are few who have heard him but will agree with us in likening it to castanets; though we should say it beats them hollow. The power he possesses is absolutely extraordinary. The higher notes are, we think, the best; but he is never out of tune; and, when playing variations (as he did to “Nel corpiu non me sento”) though he flourishes about, at a most extraordinary height, he gradually descends, hitting the original note with wonderful accuracy. He was most applauded in the Overture to “Lodoiska, though that applause was not extravagant: not that his performance did not warrant it, but the fashionables seem to look upon gloves as so very expensive, that they are willing to get a reputation for economy by observing a judicious silence. Madame Boai, who really sings very prettily, got no applause to speak of: which, as Mr Pepys would say, “was displeasing to observe.” She and her husband seemed to entertain a mutual admiration of one another, which they occasionally testified by smiles, and other such evidences of a pleasing sympathy. Some of the songs which have his name to them in the bills are pretty, and he plays well on the guitar. Signor Engels, a sort of auxiliary to Boai, plays very creditably on the violin. The Trio, in their national dresses, cut a picturesque appearance, especially when contrasted with the anti-elegant habili ments and extraordinary head-dresses of their audience.”
£275
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