The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-03-19

OPERA AND FAsHIoN.-A movement for the re.
vival of the Italian Opera is breaking out in
fresh and new place. We see it announced that
the celebrated Borshese, with the exquisite tenor,
Baril, and the superior baritone, Taffanelll, and
others, will commence this evening at the Astor
Place Opera House. Preparations are also being
made, we understand, by Madame Laborde and
the troupe with which she has been associated, to
give some representations during the next few
weeks. We have in this neighborhood ne fewer
than four Italian troupes-the Borghese troupe, the
Laborde troupe, the Benedict and Truffi troupe,
and the troupe which has just arrived from Havana.
Never, in the history of the Italian Opera in the
United States, has there been so much talent of
this description in the country, there is at the
present. The inquiry is made, how will they sue.
ceed-what ID to be done with them all-what are
the sentiments of the opera-goers, and how will
they come out at the end of the short season which
they propose!
There is, undoubtedly, in this city, very wide
and extended taste, among the intelligent and
fashionable classes, for that refined amusement,
the Italian opera. Unfortunately, however, during
two or three years past since the erection Of the
Astor Place Opera House, there has been no oppor-
tnity to develope this popular taste in proper way
In consequence OF the bad policy and miserable man.
agement which have been attempted by the opera
arlstocracy, IN controlling the troupes with which
they have been connected. The first season, two
years ago, under the management of Sanqulreo
an Patti, in spite Of their practical knowledge of
their business fell through, in consequence of the
bad advice and worse influence Of those who call
themselves the exclusive" and who, while they
koy,f hahn Tho fo~,,
rico to bear the brunt of their bad management.
The consequence, in that case, was the breaking
up of the season before the termination of the
subscriptions, and the loss to the subscrl-
bers OF several thousand dellars, which al
most amounted to public robbery, for the
benefit of the exclusive and mackerel aris-
tocracy of New York. The last season, under the
management of Mr.. Fry, presented little variety
in the result, but nothing the spirit or character
of the whole operation. Poor Fry, under the same
bad advice, and under similar system of tactics
has been v1ctimized, according to his own state.
ment, out OF more than fourteen thousand dollars,
IN order to maintain exclusive opera circle
Zone half OF whom were ignorant pretenders,) at
the Astor Opera House In this city. The attempt
by the would-be exclusive portion of New York
society, to organize themselves into an exclusive
fashionable clique, has, therefore, failed on both
occasions for the great respectable community of
New York, each family of which Is Just as good
as any other. will never submit that any small,
empty.headed clique shall start up and consider
themselves better than the rest of the world. and
accordingly, have the best seats in the Opera House
The new attempt to give operate entertainments
on the old plan without any exclusive subscription
lists, although it is right and proper IN itself, may
suffer much from the strong rscollectons of repug
nance which have been entertained by all the re-
spectacle classes of society in this city, IN connec.
ton with the special and exclusive clique which
have heretofore controlled opera affairs.
The public may generously forget all those fee.
BILE and ridiculous attempts of the opera aris-
tocracy and, in their desire to enjoy the perform
ances OF the new artists, may crowd in respec
table numbers to the Opera House hereafter. Yet
1t is very uncertain how far those feelings can be
quickly wiped away, and the general feeling of
the community cenclated towards the Italian
Opera. This is the spring season. From all parts
OF the country visiters are crowding into New
York, TO the fashions, to amuse themselves for
a few weeks previous to the general scattering to
the springs and watering places, when the season
shall set In. Novelty may swell the boxes and |
par9uette, but yet there seems TO be very little
!,hcnnanon, among the respectable community, to |
forget the ridiculous abortion of the opera ar,s-
tocracy TO organize little exclusive CLIQUE of so
last two years. "'''u' '"' "A'
FROM SANTIAGO DE CuBA-We received fall