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


hhe orchestra is department of vital import
ance in 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 1t should receive the same
attention as the cast, mounting and mise en-
scene. In this particular our managers are far
behind the European theatres. 1t is almost
worth journey to London to hear Costa's
magn fcent orchestra in the Royal Italian
Opera or the accomplished bands over which
Arditi and Manns WELD their batons Here
manager will sometimes bring out an opera,
spectacle, drama or burlesque in lavish man
ner, as 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 q 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 Of reliable musicians.
The great defect in most OF our orchestras is in
the want of proper balance for the string, reed,
brass and percussion Instruments, so that the
most essential part often becomes the weakest
Then we have the pcrncious custom Of allow
ing the regular members Of the orchestra to 60
of 10 ball or o concert Tor f,w dollars
more on any night they please, leaving
many theatres in this city where one-third Of
the orchestra every night consists of substi-
tutes. Another defect in this important. ad-
junct of theatre is in the selections played
during the car'actes. If the play be "Hamlet,"
Midsummer Nights Dream" clear" or
"Oshello," we are sure to have q TRIPPING polka,
with hooking bird accompaniment, negro
me Hey or set OF quadrilles, none of which is
certainly in keeping with the subject Of the
drama Then we have heard a plaintive
ballad. a funeral march, or other lugubrious
piece given as a cheerful setting to a comedy
or burlesque. Leaders of orch .siras are also
too much in the habit of inAicting upon the
audience their own compositions, which ore, as
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,
Rossini Gounod and Flotow, with the title
"llsq.r attached to their names. Imagine the
titles "Ovcrture to Massanicllo, Auber," and
| 1.-THE Swallow Tail Schottische, -, ESQ.,,
manager placed side by side on pro :
gramme 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 orchcsras Of
the theatres are disgrace to music and
the drama. Al one time 1t Is an Incompetent
tyro who vainly endcavors, baton in hand, TO
educe order out Of the chaos of sounds that
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 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 inefficiency by the
parsimony and interference Of the manager
The result is that the fddles, clarionets, horns
and even the kettle drums are always on bad
terms or seem to be anxious to outstrip each
other in the race for tho double barred y
goal. The remedy for this glazing defect In
our theatres Is very simple. Let the manager
be very particular In his selection Of thor.
oughly competent leader, who must devote ali
his energies and skill TO fulfil the duties OF his
position, and lot 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. Many
OF our orchestras are constructed with the
same views in regard to comfort As the Blacl
Hole Of Calcutta was. and The poor nddlsn ofssr
undergo slow process u being steamed Il