Cleveland daily leader. [volume] ([Cleveland, Ohio]) 1865-1873, 1865-11-04

WASHINGTON IRVING ON 0PERA.-That the
opera possesses in On eminent degree7the
power to improve, elevate and edify those
who are capable of approaching it even in
the least, is illustrated well by the example
of Irving. In his Life and Letbsrs" we
learn that when he first attended an Italian
opera, he was inclined to think the frantic
braves and bravisimos with which the
Italians gave vent to their feelings "a ride
ulous affectati0u." "I allowed the Italians"
he says, "the highest musical disposition,
but. thought they carried their applause be-
You'd their real, appreciation. In a little
wilde, however, by frequenting the operas
and sccustoming myself to the novelty of
their music, I began to find a fondness fori
stealing on myself, and I now hurry to an
opera with os much Hagerness as an Italian"
The passion thus acquired lasted throughout
his whole life. In his sjxty-fourth year he
wrote from New York with respect to the
opera: al have not missed a single per
formanoe since I have been in town" And
again: One meets all ones acquaintance
at the opsra, and there is much visiting from
box to box, and pleasant conversation be-
tween the acts. The opera house is in fact
the great feature in polite society in New
York, and l believe it is the great attraction
that keeps me in town. Music is to me the
great sweetener of existence and I never en-
joyed it more abundaHtly than at present"
Words Of SO deep meaning from q man who,
above all, possessed a love for the beautiful
in art, show in what high estimation Operat-
icperformance is worthy of being held.
AcApEMY OF MUs1c.-The "Hidden Hand
was presented last evening to the largest
audience of the past two weeks, and in
quite unobjectionable style. Miss De Bars
8 Capitola Black" was a very spirited rem
diion of the character, and was received
with marked approval. The other eharae-
tiers were cast in good hands, and were we'll
given.
This evening Mr.. Joseph E. Nagle, the
"leading man. of the Academy of Music
company, receives a benefit, and will ap-
pear in the thrilling tragedy of "Jack Cade,"
written by Judge Conrad for the distin-
guished tragedian Edwin Forrest and
made celebrated throughout the country by
that great actor. We need hardly say a
single word in behalf of Mr.. Nagls in this
connection. An actor of sterling merit,
looking always to excellence in
his profession, and withsl a thor
rough gentleman, he has made a repu-
tation and acquired a position in thin city
that has been rarely equalled and never
exceeded by any one in the profession, and
every new part in which he appears is a
new triumph, whether in genteel comedy,
the ordinary drama, or the higher order of
tragedy. Butsin the, latter is his greatest
/ merit, and in selecting the tragedy he has
for this cvening-full of power, force and
vigorous, unceasing action-an entertain
ment of q very rare character is offered.
We feel assured that the benefit of Mr..
Nagle this evening will be what it should
be-a complete . success. And we feel
equally well satisfied that in his hands the
character of sJaek Gade" will receive a
most thorough representation. The per-
Torrance will conclude with the farce of
"Jones' Baby"