The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-12-27

NuucAL CzxSn1sms-NuacAL PHESonzNA
--SM0uIAR RnguIs on RBoEsr OPERArIc SPsc-
During the past ak months we have
been called upon to record the arrival Of three
musical expeditions from Europe. The first
was the italian opera company, with Gsisi aud
Mario, under Mr.. Hsckett; the second was the
Pyne and Harrison English opera company
under Mr.. Barry, and the last was sort Of An
glo-F French troupe, under Mr. Niblo.
We have no doubt that each Of these parties
expected to reach the same pitch of success as
that achieved by Jenny Lind, whose path from
city to city, and from town to town, was paved
with gold. But things have changed since Jen-
ny Linds time. Those halcyon days will come
no more There has been q revulsion Of popa-
lar feeling in musical as well as other matters.
In fact, in this country, we are always
going through some sort of revolution
in politics, society, business, music, fashion,
and everything else. The times have become
very hard lately, and there is not so much Of
rush for seats at the opera, kid gloves, bou-
quets, and attendant luxuries.
The probable results of the late musical spe-
culations will be extremely curious, and win
60 fer to show the European artists what they
must expect in America. The first of these
results is the entire and complete failure Of
Grisi and Aario-,hose great artists whom all
Europe was delighted to honor. We under
stand that Grisi and Mario are very much dis
gusted with this glorious country and with tn.
Indifference that is manifested by the people,
who should, as they think rally to their sup.
port They are desolate-nobody comes to
hear them-nobody cares anything about them
and they are preparing to leave the country,
in which they have failed to make profitable
sensation. The barbarians Of the Fifth avenue
viii not pay for Crisis notes; and even Mario's
title Of Marquis Of something or other fails to
bring out the Mrs. Poiphars in sufficient num-
bers to pay the Academy's expenses. The en-
chanting Miss Coutts alone sticks to him.
In this respect it must be acknowledged that
our musical people-our first circles, or our cod
fish aristocracy, are utterly destitute Of taste,
and Grisi and Mario will 60 back to Europe
circulating the utter ignorance of the higher
classes Of this country, and thus put an end to
the contemplate cant which we have heard Of
the appreciation Of high art by the wealthy
parvenues of New York.
Another singular result of the musical season
companies the English opera troupe-known
as the Pyne and Harrison troupe-is
the only one that has the remotest chance
Of making any money. This company
came here entirely unheralded-their prin
cipal singers had never been heard of on
this side Of the Atlantic, aud although they
have been for the last three or four years at
the head Of their profession in England, they
were altogether unknown to the New York
public. They never had lawsuit, as Jenny
Lind did-they never ran away, breaking an
engagement and making tremendous excite
ment-they never committed faur pas, the
delicate details Of which were eagerly snapped
up by voracious penny -a-liners, and duly digest
ed as portion Of the dear public's breakfast
OF course they were never heard Of
Notwithstanding all these drawbacks, we
find that the Pyne aud Harrison troupe have
thus far, in New York, Philadelphia, and
Boston, achieved degree of success unprece-
denied since the furore created by the Woods.
The music of their English operas goes direct
to the heart and brings out the people
Of the great middle class who do not aHec.
to be pleased with that which they cannot I'M
derstand, and who are always ready to pay
Tor that which pleases, excites, refnes and
amuses them. This is the true secret Of the
success Of the Pyne and Harrison troupe
success which is owing to the merit Of the prin-
cipal singers, and the popular character Of the
music which they give.
But let all the European artists who intend
coming here with the expectation Of receiving
the applause, the support and the dollars of the
Goldfish aristocracy take due notice Of this fact.
No matter how great they may be in their par
ticular role, they cannot hope to be successful
unless they are notorious for some little faur
pas-some elopement-some passage-atarms
with manager-some great sensation created
by them outside Of professional triumphs. The
single exception Of the Pyne and Harrison
troupe owes its existence to circumstances
which will not probably occur again, and all
great eccentric artists despise the people and
devote their talents to the amusement ofsthe
aristocracy. Now our aristocracy pays for mo-
toriety-not talent and managers know very
well that the article Of modest merit is not one
of those commodities which are precious on
account of their rarity.
The European artists have now the benefit of
our experience, gratis. Let them beware how
they neglect such good counsel.
Four INCHES OF MUD IN BRoADwAY.-The
principal thoroughfare of the city has not often
been so dirty as it is now. 1t sadly needs q
dose Of hoes and brooms. From the Battery
TO Union place the pavement is covered with
an ocean of filth. The matter has been men,
toned several times at the City Hall, but we