The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-05-23

The Opera-Novsltiss That Might ~ In.
ciudsd In the new Programmes.
We are glad to 6nd that tho suggestion that
We threw out few days since a. to the prolon-
cation Of the Opera season until after
the visit Of the japanese to our city
is about being acted upon. Although
the Ullmanl and Stakosch troupe have
been compelled by their engagements to
leave for Boston and Philadelphia, Madame
Cortesi, with the new tenor, Musiani, and an
excellent company, will keep the Academy
open for some weeks longer, thus anording, by
the substitution, the novelty which 10 the life of
operate enterprise. Madame Cortesi is an
artist Of fine powers, and, during the brief
period that she sang here In the fall, gained
rapidly in the favor Of our New York au-
diences OF Musiani report speaks highly, his
voice being, it is said, exceedingly pure in
quality, and his method admirable In Hgnor
Susini these artists will have powerful support
lie is one Of the best, If not the very best,
basso on the italian stage, and In dramatic
force is not to be surpassed. Thus it will be
seen the new company is exceedingly strong,
and will be able to undertake the supplemental
season without the aid of any additional novel
ties.
Maretzek, whose qualities as manager are
best developed when he has to encounter oppo-
sition, has wisely determined to postpone, foI
the present, his departure for Philadelphia!
1t was supposed that he had played out all his
h,,x xLo 5xw;Sb sra
haustible bottle, be comes out with string of
fresh announcements, which show that he lie
far from being at the end of them. Three new
prime dome, a couple Of new tenors, a new
baritone, and a new basso, at the fag-end of the
season, are cards that few managers can afford
to produce. 1t was to be expected that after
the severe competition to which he has been
exposed for so many weeks, his strength would
be well nigh used up. He issues from the con-
teet, on the contrary, fresher and more vigorous
than ever, and establishes, beyond all cavil,
his pretensions to the title of I" the indomi
table,
Notwithstanding, however, his long ex
perience of our New York audi
ences, Maretzek, like other tacticians,
sometimes falls into errors. He committed
in our opinion, a grave mistake in playing
Italian Opera on the Academy nights. The
prestige Of fashionable house. the local habi
tation, besides, Of the Italian lyrical drama, is
difficult thing to break down, and the Winter
Garden, Notwithstanding Its admittedly power
full attractions, could not hope to draw of any
considerable portion Of its habituts. He
had, therefore, to rely principally on floating
audiences composed mostly Of country
people, who, asa general thing, prefer comedy
or melodrama to the Opera. 1t would have
been different had he played italian Opera on
the of nights Of the Academy, for he would
then have drawn a large proportion Of the
regular frequenters Of the latter house. On
the other nights he could have given German
Opera, which, by-the-by, paid the best of any
of the representations that be has given during
the season. As he will have the same compe-
tition to encounter as soon a. the Cortesi
troupe commence at the Academy, we would
again recommend to him this alteration in his
arrangements. Tie excitement that will be
created by the visit Of the japanese to New
York viii bring o rich harvest into the
treasury of both houses. In order that they
may profit fully by it, 1t would be advisable
for them not to clash by playing on the same
nights. By their taking the alternate evenings
they will each manage TO bring in the crowds
of strangers who will be attracted to the city
by the presence Of the Japanese. As the latter
viii certainly take more pleasure in theatrical
representations than in any other novelties
that can be exhibited TO them, the directors of
both houses win find II TO their account to come
to harmonious understanding upon the sub
ject- the Academy is strong in respect to its
fashionable prestige the Winter Garden holds
out attractions that will suit the peculiar tastes
of our visiters. No one understands better
how to get up spectacular opera than
Maretzek; and this will. no doubt, be most in
demand during the stay Of the japanese.
We do not see why a departure from
operate unities, IL we may use the express
sion, might not be probably resorted
TO, on an exceptionable occasion of
this kind. Our Asiatic visiters will be
most gratifed by the representation of
incidents with which they are familiar under
other FORMS and which appeal directly to their
tastes. Thus, pageants, equestrian professions
combats on grand scale, and scenic illusions,
might all be introduced in pieces from which
the severe taste OF the llbrettist has omitted
them. We are not sure but that the induce
ments held out by these innovations would
prove as great for our country visitors
as fosa the japanese. A few thousand
dollars thns expended would, we believe,
bring in large returns. The taste for barbaric
splendor is no. confined to the Asiatics, and il
is probable that just now grand show, with
plenty Of action in it, would be more produc.
tive to the operate treasures than the sweetest
notes that siren ever sung.
Tue MassAcRE on rHE lSSocENrs AT Cur
caGo.-The inside history Of the slaughter of
Master Seward and other great lights Of the
hiaol rop,hl;oan marty M Chicaoo In oxoood-