• ensemble of the Infantry Regiment of Baron Alemann: participating ensemble

Advertisements announcing the availablility of gentlemen’s admission cards to this event began to be published in parallel Czech- and German-language texts by Mercy’s Anzeiger 22/1/1857. The date of the ball was noted to be 4/2/1857. Cards could be obtained from the venue the ‘Blue Star [Blauer Stern]’, first floor, number 16, daily between 9am and 1pm. This advertisement was repeated in Mercy’s Anzeiger 29/1/1857, then daily from the 1st to 4th February in the newspaper printed only in German.

A detailed review of the event was published by Bohemia 9/2/1857. This text described in detail the decoration and arrangements in the hall, and reported that the event was numerously attended and was considered to be very successful. Of the musical content this source noted only that the music was played by the ensemble of the Baron von Alemann under the direction of Kapellmeister Čermák. Mercy’s Anzeiger 17/2/1857 reported that the event had raised circa 200fl for the good cause. Tagesbote aus Böhmen 22/2/1857 was a little more specific, relating: ‘The gentlemen of the Committee for the Law Students’ Ball have, following the deduction of expenses, dedicated rhe resulting surplus of 194fl 22 1/2kr to the fund for free meals for poor law students. This was established by Professor Jonak with great efficacy to run from semester to semester. If we are accurately informed, 18 students now enjoy free meals.’

Mercy’s Anzeiger 24/1/1857 reported that in the musical trial for the Law Students’ Ball a Galopp by Adalbert Preisler entitled Die hüpfenden Paragraphe had gained particular success and had been published by Christoph and Kuhé. This work was therefore presumably given in the programme of the ball itself.