The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-01-27

SYMPTOMS OF AN OPERA ExCITENENT.-The
| coup de theatre of Mr. Strakosch in cenfning his
advertisements to the three or four daily news
papers having the largest circulation and widest
| influence, has created tremendous hubbub
among the small fry journals, which now bids fair
to create as great disturbance az the far famed
tempest in teapot" The newspapers which
| have not received the official announcements of
the Opera, have teemed with attacks upon the
manager and the artists and it appears to be q
| settled fact that man may not select the
journals in which he chooses to advertise his
business without being subjected to the most
gross personal attacks Mr.. Srakosch is the
first manager who has had independence enough
to adhere to a resolution not to throw away
his money foolishly, and the impotent rage Of all
the little ours of the press is amusing to see.
The emmessar,o, however, is not to be crushed
The season has, go far, progressed in satisfac-
tory manner, and the attacks upon the director,
founded upon statements known to be false. will
undoubtedly have beneficial effect They at
least help to create an excitement and to make
the public remember the Opera. The public,
aware that the manager is upjustly attacked, will
give him their sympathies, and thus the artillery
of the journalists will recoil upon themselves.
M. Strakosch takes advantage of this excite
ment to increase the public interest in his season
Like a skiliul magician he waves his wand and
forth comes debsaante-a deJsaante with three of
heavens best gifts-youth, beauty and genius
Added to these, the Lucia of tomorow-Ma-
dame de Wilhorst-has energy, will, perseverance
and cultivation. She has also that distrust of
MES true merit, and she appeals to the public in
the following letter.
NEW YORK, Jan. 20, 1857.
DEAR sIR-Please accept my heartfelt thanks for the
nnd nSss SsswsS On me ~ tno S o.
had reached mo Of yeur unfren dimes.
The cali made on tho public, however, to witness my
oebia on Wednesday next In " Lucia" fills ne win
aIar,n which VIII sndesvor 10 explain. II ID only afew
months siDo that, competed By stern necessity, vas
forced 20 employ mi musioa education ~ Q means OF
Iiyeilhood though me ant only o. an accomplishment
Ny appearance IN the concert room hailed with
Ola demonsuaiions Of - mpsshy and from hal hour my
resolution took devote my energies 70 profession
that might Afford me decent subsistence and that could
wac lower In the ,stscm Of tho world. A. tho
cose OF my engagement with Mr. Thslbers my intention
Italy, and give myself up TO assduous
stuoy Of ars "a Uncover every day more and more
an en- sasement a The Academy Of Music. with The
tempting remuneration Of 81, 900 . month I rccotled
from The proposition, - ] had never appeared on any
stage my liie-had studied the any r6
and had more idea Of lyric acting IN OF algebra
sYakosch nsiated and guaranteed the ind 1gence Of
the public but considered my appearance In opera 70
tally upprepered, act Of foo hardness that would
xpose not only to iidi:ulc bet ruin ali my chances
Of success hereafter, when fortified BY study and
practice.
Reiterated solicitations, together with the certainty Of
Increasing my means for Earopeau discipline, over
came, ~ iepg,n my scfupies, and ! cons med
70 undertake the srduous part Of "Laca, .,
etsse such ismeny hes beon kcown and tor this
Aione II will be emembered. 6ti1 ihiak due 20
self 10 state circumstances which Lave urged Inc
this folly, and equally due 70 Me paoic 20 apologize In
sorked day and night almost 10 master the
Of my part; but - 10 acaps must trust entirely 70
spiration.
May beg Of you Mr. Bennett, ana Of The press eeae
rally, 10 regard my advent 81 the Academy we3ues
day next In tne light OF an amateur, commanding
pubic favor, but struggling rather 10 honest
man and TO spare therefore, the cruel
Of Just though crushing criticism Yours respeo.
fully, CORA De wlLaossT.
II does not appear clear to us that Madame dc
wilhorst win need that indulgence which she 30
delicately and feelingly asks Madame de vii
horst is one Of the few American singers who car
claim first place in the world of art. She Is,
moreover, native New Yorker, born and bred
among us, and deserves for many reasons fair
hearing and proper consideration. We oannol
but rejoice at the circumstances which gave to
the public lady who bids fair to stand among
the great lyric artists Of the world