The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1845-06-24


4notaer Speech BY The Talented Fry pEmenfa,y BE-
nefa to the author Of Lsonora-End of the N,c Musies
keroiition Tribute TO Genius Serenrdes Suppers &C.
DEAR BENNETT =
After the overwhelming applause which greeted the
concluding sentences othe happy Grafton Of Fry on the
night the first production of Leonora- every body
but the critics settled down into the opinion that is the
greatest opera what never was It's popularity is most
unboundei;everybody asks everybody else isn't Zine
production and upon receiving affirmative answer i'm.
medatey launches out into encomums in its praise end
ing with the assertion that every says that il 10
great" and what every body says must be truer A
striking proof that it is universally liked to be found
il the fact that you don't hear it whisted or hammed
about the streets. We all know how unsuferable was
the bore that used to be inflicted the community on the
next day after the production Of a new opera-yusar
chimney sweeps would proclaim their arrival at the ton
Of fue by roaring out solo aeuoso from Norma com
bum bafs would start out on their tour Of duty
whistling some favore catch omnibus cads jumping
"a their boxes would accompany their cry now right
of Tor Paramount" with finely executed gem from the
Postillion" cracked of with coach whip wharf rats
sen to Noyamensing" for thirty days" would depart
in the ,sas tine.
ender he exposed his breed OF young dogs for sale on
ne custom house steps, would accompany his mute an
zeal to the curious spectator of his wares with
Take them, implore thee take them
Guard, protect, and ne'er forsake them"
such happily is not the with this beautiful produc.
genius TO put American melody par with the musical
Dalderdash Of Beni Rossin Donizett, and such like
bloody foreigners No a Quaker opera should be
received in Quaker styleas has been-and until the
spirit moves" (Which will not be SOON need not ex.
pect that opera shall be profaned by being whsted
by common cabmen, and sentimental wood-sawyers. A
slight attempt was made the day after its production
By few enthusiastic young to make notorious in
oystercears by cndeavours to execute I'LL up, fill up
tie vine wreathed cup but they found impossible 10
recollect more than few notes, and the attempt was
irowned down successfully, that is unfashion.
able TO remember bar and upon enquiry Of the ollie.
tgntt will be discovered that not hundred has
heen able to catch a single air.
The OF the production has been and a.
mark OF respect for the talented composer several
other distinguished men and myself determined to get
him mp complimentary benefit This sort of thing Won
know is the most genteel way Of getting people to pay
four times much for performances they are
worth for would refuse pay two dollars to 90
% complimentary benefit" and hear the very same
songs executed by the very artists in the very
style which other occasions cost but fifty cens
and the proper way to estimate It, IL fifty music
"A dollar and half for genty. Accordingly, we man
aged the matter in the usual way in which things
greement in an oysercear elected ourselves officers
: the caucus and then called tho affair public
R Having settled this preliminary, We then resolved
Ant our young genius should have benefit, by which
course, meant that the public pocket should pay
being sufficient glory for them to follow where the
elect few should lead In order that the arrangements
hould be unique were taken to regeneiae tho
IL by putting backs" to the seats, and covering them
With muslin and proper ventilation arranged
that the chorsers should not be prevented from hay
lng complete blow OUT Every thing was most az.
nccntly DONE the performers volunteered their ser
vices most literally and the audience charged two
dollars per head" for admission in the liberal style