The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1867-12-29

hhe orchestra is department Of vital import
ance in a theatre, but one which is very gene
rally neglected by the metropolitan managers.
No. only does it occupy prominent place in
the opera, where, Of course, ii is all essential,
but in the drama it should receive the same
attention as the cast, mounting and mise en-
scene. In this particular our managers are far
behind the European theatres It is almost
worth journey to London to hear Costa's
magn fcent orchestra in the Royal Italian
Opera or the accomplished bands over which
manager will sometimes bring out an opera,
spectacle, drama or burlesque in lavish man
ner, ~ far as the artistes and scenery are con-
cerncd but his last consideration is the orches-
ira. An incompetent fiddler is often placed in
the leaders chair, and, as a natural conse-
qucncc, the different instruments under his
baton are in state Of perpetual anarchy.
When really efficient conductor Is placed in
charge, the manager tries to economic, ex-
penses by giving him insufficient funds to pro-
cure complete orchestra Unreliable musicians
The great defect in most OF our orchestras is in
the want Of proper balance for the string, reed,
brass and percussion instruments, 80 that the
most essential part often becomes the weakest
Then we have the pernicious custom Of allow
ing the regular members Of the orchestra to 60
off 10 ball or o concert for . faw dollars
more on any night they please, leaving
miserable substitutes in their place. There are
many theatres in this city where one-third Of
the orchestra every night consists of substi-
tutes. Another defect in this importan. ad-
during the enr'actes. If the play be "Hamlet,"
Midsummer Nights Dream" clear" or
"Othello," we are sure to have TRIPPING polka,
with mocklng bird accompaniment negro
Hey or set of quadrilles, mono Of which is
certainly in keeping with the subject Of the
drama Thcn we have heard q plaintivc
ballad, a funeral march, or other lugubrious
piece given as a cheerful setting to comedy
or buriesque. Leaders of orch estras are also
too much in the habit of innicting upon the
audience their own compositions, which are, az
general rule. the vcriest trash that ever fiddler
bowed or hornblowcr footed. The managers
also must needs step within The charmed circle OF
composers and place themselves beside Auber,
Rcssini, Gounod and Flotow, with the title
sylss." attached to their names. Imagine the
titles "Ovcrture to Massaniello, Auber,v and
..Thc Swallow Tail Schottische, -, Esq.
manager" placed side by side on a pro
| grammel Conceit and assurance can 20 NO
further. A thorough reformation OF our
theatrical orchestras is sadly needed. In the
concert hall we have the Philharmonic and
| Thomas orcheslras, which cannot be excelled
in any city in Europe but the orchesiras Of
the theatres are a disgrace to music and
the drama. Al one time 1t Is an incompcsen,
| tyro who vainly endeavors, baton In hand "a
cduce order out Of the chaos of sounds thai
rise on all sides of him and who seems to be
In the same pleasant position in the conduc
tors chair that St Lawrence was on the
| gridiron. Again, we have a thorough
| painstaking musician as leader. who vainly
scowls at the reckless "subs," over whom
control is out Of the question, and who Is con-
stantly hampered into inefhciency BY the
parsimony and interference Of the manager
The result is that the fiddles, clsrionets, horns
and even the kettle drums are always on bad
terms or seem to be anxious to outstrip eacl
other in the race for the double barred :
goal. The remedy for this glaring defect II
our theatres Is very simple. Let the manager
be very particular In his selection Of thor
oughly competent leader, who must devote al
his energies and skill 70 fulnl the duties Of bill
position, and let him then grant oil reasonable
demands in regard 70 sufficient quantity and
quality Of Instruments and performers, appro
pirate music for each play that 10 produced
adequate compensation for extra services and
comfortable quarters for the musicians. MANI
OF our orchestras are constructed with III
same views in regard TO comfort a. the Bacl
Hole Of Calcutta was. and the poor nddlsrs ofss'
undergo slow process " being steamed \