New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1854-10-06
THE CONSTRUCTION or THEArERs.


Ts A< rSifor Of IN n D Iribufe
SIR; Avery able article upon the New-York Acad.
snv OF Music appears IN TsE TRIBUNE OF Monday.
hut a. some Of your Arguments reflect unflvoraby
upon theatrical architecture in AmIca generally
and upon the new Boston Theiter in particular,
venture to add to your valuable remarks some dl'a
by which the public may, | think more fairly judge
the subject
You state truly II at the Academy Of Music in Paris
stsIts upon 81 800 square feet, while your new
Opera-House occupies only $4,000; but such IS tle
waste OF space in the French theater that gigantic
i, u.s. its auditorium wiz only accommodate l,sii per-
cons. Walacks Theaier in Now-York must contan
agreater number.
In the European opera-houses the tier Of the audi
forum arc entirely devoted 10 private boxes, the
divisions being parque;, private boxes and gallery
Coyent Garden Theater perhaps the largest auii'-
rum in Europe, which IN your statement occupies
H. 1925 square feet, muster 80 boxes, each cen
tanning average SIX persons that Is 200 persons
altogether out Of which most certainly 300 CANNOT
catch glimpse Of the stage. Thus the whole face
OF the house consisting Of six tiers Of boxes stretch
ing from the pit to the dome, affords room for go
persons who can see and 300 who cant. The Opera
Comique in Paris, small theater, but confessedly
the most comfortable and perfect in the city, is built
upon the American plan II will hold 1900 persons.
The above data msy be found in the AlmaRact des
Speetocles, a work compiled under tho direction Of
NJ. Palianti, published in Paris. possess copy, if
yerifcaton Of these details be required.
Finally, as respects the new Boston Theater. This
building is beyond question the fnes. theater in the
world as far ts auditorium is concerned. speak
from personal and professional experience. 1t seats
comfortably 5000 person. Of which 900 are provided
with cushioned stalls. When the house Is filled IN
every part perhaps fifty persons may be incoavo-
nienly placed 20 as to get insufficient view oil the
stage. lie acoustic qualities are even better adapted
for opera then for the drama. For internal decora-
ton the architect has boldly to the audience 70
furnish that. What ornaments can vie with the human
wreath Of beauty the varegat ID colors IN the ladies'
dresses the sparkling eyes and the evernovlng FANS
which constitute and distinguish the audience OF an
American theaierl
Do not use your influence to introduce here the
crushing ornamental decoration used in European
theaters where each little pigeonhole OF box is
separate stew pan. Preserve the COOL simple, airy,
comfortable disposition of the seats you have hitherto
adopted BY accommodating more people the price
of admission is reduced and by enabling the work.
ing.man to hear and enjoy the best composers and
the best singers you really constitute Academy of
Music where the taste Of the public is cultivated cor
rected and improved When such an object is in
view YOU will not surely, deny the right Of the New
York Opera House to entte itself an Academy OF
Music. am, Sir, your obedient servt D.B.
Revere House Boston. October