But if the theatrical performances disappointed me, I received very high gratification from attending those of the Conservatorio dei Mendicanti, where, on the evenings of Sundays and holy-days, oratorios were performed in the chapel. Not only all the vocal, but the instrumental parts were executed by women, concealed from view in a grated gallery. Their performance was perfect, and some of the voices exquisitely beautiful, in every pitch of which the female organ is capable. The oratorio I heard was that of Sampson, in Latin, the composition of Bertoni, by whose favour a party of English was admitted into the interior, to a morning concert, when we had not only the pleasure of hearing a delightful selection of music, hut the almost incredible sight of an entire orchestra of female performers.