The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1868-09-21
Why the Opera BOuffe was a Success.

A dramatic critic who Is obliged to notice ali
the operas, plays, spectacles, and other amuse.
ments that are brought out In the course OF q
season, will, If he Is possessed OF the neces
sary qualifications for his duties-education'
cultivated taste, and real ref1nement-fre.
quenty find himself in opposition to the
popular fancy of the moment. If he is sure
of the ground upon which he stands. 1t is an
objectionable weakness to yield to the ruling
passion of the hour, and to allow himself to be
carried away by II SO as to give expression TO
opinions which are not in accordance with
good taste or high-toned morality. AT the
same time there is nothing more silly than to
condemn play or opera-or any style Of art,
in fact-merely because IL is popular. This
assum ption Of a superior morality and a supe-
rior knowledge will not impose upon many;
and unless the critic is able to advance sound
substantial reasons for his censures, which will
bear the test OF examination, he will only ge.
81 edit for an affectation OF singularity and an
attempt to air his superior knowledge by differ
Ing with the common heId We make these
statements 10 show that our partiality for the
Opera Bouffe and the music OF Ofenbach is due
to deliberately formed opinion, and that we
are not influenced by the fact that our ideas
are in accordance with those Of the maj jority
We candidly think. however, that when q
critic can conscienuously coincide with
the popular fancy, 1t Is for the best
interests OF art that he should do so. and he will
exert more influence for good when that infiu-
ence is most needed than If he perches himself
upon the pinnacle OF high art. and persistently
scorns everything and everybody beneath him.
We have no fault to find with those who differ
with us about the merits of Ohenbach's music,
for that may be pretty much a matter of lndi'
vidual TASTE about which every man is entitled
to have and TO express his own opinion, but we
do object decidedly to the misrepresentation
which have been made in regard to the Opera
Bouffe, and to the charges of indecency. which
we believe to have no substantial foundation
1t is worth while. therefore, to inquire why the
Opera Bouffe was a success.
The primary object of all theatrical enter
tainments is the amusement of the audience;
and that popular amusements are necessary In
wellordered community. we do not suppose
that any but a few thick headed bigots will
presume to deny. To make these amusements
subservient to the cause OF good morals and
true cultivation Is one OF the functions OF criti-
cism, and IL is unfortunate that 30 few critics
have any adequate idea OF the important and
responsible office which they hold. The highest
class OF entertainments are those which appeal
to tie intellect and the more people that can
be induced TO attend them and enjoy them the
better 1t will be.
Others, again, are almost purely sensuous-
mind, we do not say sensual-and one need not
interfere with the other; ON the contrary, both
can be enjoyed equally by the same persons,
for the mind of man has natural craving for
variety which IL is perfectly prop or and right to