Royal Albert Hall, 23 June 1873
The reception for the Shah of Persia was a magnificent, glorious occasion, with fine music and elegant decorations. Sadly, I must protest the use of the experimental electrical lighting, which is tasteless and ghastly. Electrical lighting lacks all the grace and charm of gas and limelight.
But enough of this unpleasantness. The music was sublime, of course. Abraham Lawson on the first violin brought the Shaw and the Royal majesties to tears.
I’m deeply grateful that I was able to attend this wonderful concert.