New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1864-05-06
MUSICAL FESTIVAL IN PHILA-
DEEP9fkA.
TER. Fry's New Opera, "NOsre Dnmc of
Pnri..v

rEr. Fry's New Opera, "NOire Dnmc OF
Pnri..v
From Our Special Correspondents.
PHILADELPHIA May 8 l5Ci.
The musical festival in aid Of the Sanitary
Commission was on Wednesday evening inaugurated
II the production Of MIR William II. Fry's opera
Notre Dame Of Paris il IS q remarkable fact that
fhe greatest public interest and expectation in regard
e. this event were exhibited not here in Philadelphia
LIT in other and distant cities In New-York and else
Nhote it had for many days been prominent popular
topic the importance Of which recognized by the
most generous announcements that journalism could
lestow. The occasion was moreover distinguished by
,bc specii pilgrimage hitler Of numerous representa-
fyes Of metropolitan art and teratuTe-a circumstance
1y no means insignificant when the physical ana siT
itual agonies Of railway passage through NewJersey
are considered. Why Philadelphia should have re-
snained comparatively indifferent TO an event oil slcn
,,cplior import TO itself It is difficult TO understand
Twenty years ago when the first Of American operas
nv the sane author was produced at the Chestnutstree
lbeatcr there was no limit to the eagerness WIZ
which its performances we're welcomed and the
brilliant success Of the young composer was net by
Gle proud congratulations Of the eniife oommn
rity Does the new generation account itself
suDcrior 20 the consideration Of musical advancement
aud DEVELOPMENT 1t was certainly serious dsappon
mont for visitors 10 discover little domestic concern
anon matter which every where else held IL high
anticipation The fact probably is that Philadephians
are not generally aware OF tie artistic Importance
which belongs 10 the production Of work Ike MORE
Dame of Paris" Operas requiring equal magnitude OF
rrcparation are rarely attempted even in Europe
Excepting MeyeTbeor composer Of the present day
has power to procure the execution Of similar work.
The ordinary resources Of the best foreign thcaers
would be inadequate 10 its representation according 10
The composers intentions. And this, have cause 10
believe is the principal reason why 'Notre Dame has
not before now been produced IN London or IN Fars
Miss Adens Patti know was ready TO undertake
fe princjpal role Mr. Strakosch urged it, acceptance
BY the managers Of operehouses IN London fHrs ana
Madrid. But when the exhausting conditions Of its
proper representation were understood these gentlemen
were unwilling to consider the subject further The
iueyilabe prospect Of heavy expenses Destroyed Its
chances. 1 remember indeed, that Mr. Bagicr OF the
Italiens went far 10 say tint ii Rossini himself
were write opera, involving large OUTLAWS fo1
scenic orchestral and choral preparation he would not
seIture TO produce it, Excepting at the Imperial Acad
envy there could have been opportunity for an opera
like this Of Mr.. Fry; and the doors of the Academy
doubelocked and barricaded against all composers
whose universal fame does not guarantee the sure
success Of their works.
That "Notre Dame should, then, be undertaken in
American city and undertaken in o spirit Of liberal
enterprise wholly consistent with its vast requirements
IS circumstance which ought TO have engaged the ut
most public attention and the heaites public support
set aside consideration Of the patriotic purpose
OF its performance and Of the personal claim which the
composer al6e supposed to have upon tie citizens o.
philadelphia. The production Of the opera was d
itself an event worthy TO be celebIoted. For the first
time in America, orchestra equal in numbers The
ost massive Of European operahouses contributed IL
effect. (The orchestra Of the Imperial Academy is not
large and that of COyent Garden not so large The
chorus was unquestionaby superior 10 the average
fle best foreign theaters. The miseen-seene would
have been surpassed In Paris or Berlin. These are
very striking facts On the other hand. there were
certsin defects such would not be likely Occur
broad but tbese OF minor importance and due Il
tie hurried conditions Of the first performance The
general character Of the preparations was certainly
precedented In America. Mr.. UInann's best achieve
ments have not approached IT, And il will probably be
many years before another lyric production will be ad
yentured on so munitcent q scale.
TIE representation on Wednesday evening at the
Academy of Music witnessed by large, though
not an overlooking audience. The success Of the opera