The New York herald., 1868-04-19
PROSPECTS OF ITALIAN OPERA IN THE METROPOLIS.

The amusement public Of this city very peculiar
in their ideas OF musical and dramatic entertain
ments, and very different from the patrons OF
European theatres They are resolutely opposed to
having the same dish served up to them at all times
with slight variations, which managerial caterers
have often found out to their cost Constant novelty
and variety in opera, both as regards works and
artists must, therefore be the first care OF an inn
preso,o in this city, 1t will do to present season
after season the same unvarying round of operas
with the same unchanged cast. The adoption OF
this course was one OF the causes of the failure OF
Italian opera here this season. Whenever an at
tempt was made to introduce something besides
the everlasting "Don Giovanni" 'Trovatore," 'Tra
viata," EZRA Dlavao" and al Barbieren the new
conner was presented in such sorry guise that
failure the inevitable result. Take for instance,
the production Of "LAfricaIne" "Romeo and Juliet"
Robert lie Diabe," "Zampar and the 'IIuguenots"
within the past two years. The first representation
OF each created stir for the moment and attracted
large house, but the wretched and disgraceful mann
IN which these operas were paced on the stag. and
the inefficient cast assigned TO EACH hinned the
boxes ana stals leaving only the Improbable host
that ieay be constantly seen at the Academy. Then
the narrow minded selfshness, dictatorial annoy
ance, impertincnt interference with manager and
artists, ana monopoly of the best seats on the part
OF the one hundred and ninetynine and half stock
holders, siill further disgiisted the public Italian
opera driven from the Academy took refuge at Pixies,
and for some time ITS prospects very favorable.
The operas were produced in better style the artists
were IN and the entire auditorium was at
the service Of the public. The management, however,
committed the fatal error OF permitting Academy in
nuence To gain ground at the new opera house. II
Messrs PIKE and Harrison had cut loose entirely
from all association with the rival opera house and
its hundred and ninety mine and half operate
leeches assumed the sole control OF their own esab
lishment, suffering empoye to dictae
to them on their own business, and re.
lied more on the public, the success which
attended their efforts would have been still
greater The future prospects of Italian opera I'm
this city depend upon the advent OF thut rare curl
osity, an opera manager who knows his business
and has sufficient pluck tocarry that knowledge INTO
hcre-capital, intelligence, artists and an opera
house. There is mine OF artistic talent lying pcrdu
In the metropolis which keen iDlp1'esdr1o would
quickly bring to light. Let all who take an interest
in the lyric drama Keep sharp lookout for the com.
ing manager whenever the auspicious time Tor MS
reign arrives As II IL now, the elements OF Italian
opera here are In chaotic state and II would be
useless TO expect anything from them
The brilliant trimphS of American ARTISTS IN Eu,
rope form remarkable contrast to the disofganlzed
state of the opera here. Adena Patti the brightest
star in the artistic ornament OF Bagier or Gye Mrs.
Jenny van Iandt, Miss Kellogg ana uOlen Olner
artists are signal examples of American genius. MIS-
Van Zandt although young on the stage, mas areauy
sung in "La Scala" IN Milan and warsaw, ana Is en-
gagged for the present season as one OF the eauing
stars Mt Covent Garden, whence she VIII proceed 10
the Imperial Opera House. st. petersburg; Yer ths
IL an artist that the narrow minded selnshness OF
the Academy OF Music lords prevented from giving
her country the benefit of her talents. There are
many cases IN which American artists nave not been
able 10 nnd justice in this city and have been obliged
To seek IL In Europe, where IL was ungudgingy eN-
tended to them. IL is gratifying TO nd that L0ndon
Paris ~ Petersburg and Italy rcDuke the one nun
dred and ninei ynine aud hall General Bouins VINO
have heretofore frowned down native art. Let us
hope that their reign Is at an end,
MORE DRINKING FouNrAINs FOR THE CrrY.-An
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