The New York herald., 1870-06-09
The BEETHOVEN CENTENNIAL.
THE MUSICAL JUBILEE OF 1870,
The Coliseum and It's Interior Fittings and Ar.
rangements- Extensive Preparations for the
Great Musical Fsstival-ls, 900 Per-
sons to be Accommodated Bril-
liant Display Anticipated.


liant Display Anticipated.
The astonishing rapidly with which the arrange.
ments tor the approaching great musical festival are
being completed is worthy Of notice. An entire trans
formation has within the shortest possible time taken
place in ts interior OF the Coliseum, and although
the workmen are stll busiy engaged, it has now
assumed quite di1erent appearance to that which
1t recently presented. Indeed, the great energy,
taste and spirit displayed In the magnificent and ap-
propriate fittings clearly indicate that brilliant
exhibition is at hand. NO expense appears to have
been spared in the way Of commodious accommoda-
tion comfort and elegance, and WHILE Of course, the
alterations are only OF temporary character,
strength ease and costiness throughout apparent
Amore suitable site than the Empire Rink could not
have been obtained In the city. 1t possesses all the
features that could possibly contribute to the sue
cess Of the festival, among the most prominent Deing
It's splendid acoustic properties. 1t Is now grand
colossal THEATRE handsome In Its structure, bright
and airy and easy OF both entrance and exit 1t is
particularly well ventilated, refreshing current
all the while running through the building. Had
the structure been expressly erected for the enter
tanment It could not have been more suitable. So
far therefore, as the interior arrangements are con-
cerned the enterprisng managers have certainly left
nothing undone and confidently anticipate their final
completion by Saturday.
THE STAGE
is admirably constructed. Past experience has
shown that che close budding together OF many
choristers is invariably attended by much confusion
to say nothing OF the great inconvenience endured
by the performers. The stage at the Coliseum Is
perfect In every point and so beautifully situated
that not single voice Will be lost. 1t measures l16
QYt od ia
three feet in height and gradually slopes up. Tho
organ being erected in the centre at the back but
owing to Its altitude considerable way beneath had
to be made for its location II is OF black walnut
forty feet high, twenty-five feet wide and fifteen feet
deep. 1t has two sets of keys, with two and
a half octaves of pedals, thirty-0ne stops and
1900 pipes Last evening the workmen had almost
completed Its erection On either side OF the organ
will be the main entrances to the stage for the SOLO
lists and principal artists To the extreme right there
will be four stairways for the chorus leading down
to dressing and ante rooms below. The centre Of
the stage will be occupied by the orchestra,
ing 40 by l2O feet aud seats will be arranged for
about 500 performers, extending to the right and
left The arrangements for the chorus especially
well designed, and easy accommodation will be
afforded for over 5000 voices. The hearty and eaI
nest manner, however, In which the vari-
Massac nusetts ana other States have responded to
the call OF the managers has necesSttated the erec
ton Of other seats adjacent to the stage, and one
for. The stage decoration and ornamentatiOn will
include appropriate banners and flags. Life figures
placed on both sides OF the organ, and busts OF
Mendelssohn, Haydn, Handel, Won Weber and others
will add to the display Altogether the STAGE for the
purposes intended, Is perfection itself.
THE AUDITORIUM.
1t should be mentioned that about halfway down
the auditorium from the stage the aisles IN close
proximity to the walls Will De elaboratey arranged
with sofas, lounges and chairs to be reserved for
the season ticket nolders and the remainder Of the
aisles towards the entrance doors will be clear
and unObstructed for prOmenading. The auditorium
Itself is about 430 feet IN length ana has width Of
200 feet. The sight and hearing are not In the
slightest degree interfered with by pillars The roof
forms clear span from wall to wall, and is sup
join together at height Of 100 feet from the ground
The building itself Is OF corrugated IRON, and pos
da:nr from 1900 to $1,000. The seats In the au.
dtorium are very handsomely arranged and are
porary use. During the evening performance the
methods Of lighting will be by gas and large calcium
lights, rendering the Interior as bright as IN day.
decorations, while appropriate viii not be very ex-
tensive, as 1t was clearly shown at the Boston Ju-
blee that the numerous nags and banners
waving In the air materially marred the per-
lection Of the harmony. In connection with the
auditorium II should be mentioned tnat In order TO
exact location of every seat in the building so that
ushers win have but little trouble In escortng visi
THE BALCONY.
This is an entirely new and much desired struc-
ture. and WIN doubtless be much sought aler It's
and Is situated over the main entrance. AT least
1000 people can easily be seated and perhaps the
two best features which mark 1t are great strength
and splendid view. Indeed the fixtures through
out the building are OF the most substantial charac
L is a as at the ON W peaps BE-
the most attractive place in the building on &C
Count OF the admirable features which surround It:
n why 10 inlu md Nnln saol
characteristics Of the building can only be properly
appreciated from 1t.
as Will be seen. is OF q mammoth character and
deserves the highest commendation for the Judicous
selections which have been made. BY permission of
the Mayor the cannon to be used In the interprea-
tiOn OF the "Star Spangled Banner" Will be dis
charged In vacant lot at the northeast corner Of
choral societies from several States at procams
the great interest taken in the festival. But the
names Of Parepa Rosa Kellogg, Brignoli, Lefranc,
Isabella MCCulOch and q congregation or other
brilliant artists cannot fail to bring together the
largest assemblage ever seen at any musical festival
In New York. As previously announced the Open
ing day will be Monday next, when some of the
goms Of the greatest composers will be performed.
and little need be said in reference to it, except that
1t cannot fail to receive the cordial endorsement Of
THE DISTINGUISHED VISITORS
Will In all probability include President Grant and
other military cheftalns, together with several
members OF the Cabinet, while the Governors Of
several States have already notified the mana
gers OF their acceptance OF the invitation
to be present. Beautifully constructed balconies for
the reception OF distinguished guests are now In q
fair way towards completion and Will assuredly en-
hance the present aspect OF the building 1t is un
dations to be afforded will largely increase the
tendance. In the city arrangements have been
made for suitable connection with most Of the
with the Belt Railroad. so that no inconve-
nience be suffered by those residing at any great
distance from the Coliseum
THE FESTIVAL
WILL 1t is confidently anticipated be great success.
On the merits OF the performance there as yet,
OF course, be judgment passed, but It is safe 10
predict tDat every timing indicates a great musical
triumph for the city. In the experienced hands Of
Mr.. p. s. Gilmore and the other eminent conductors
including Carl Bergman, DR.. James Pech, Carl
Zerrahn and Carl Rosa, failure Is next to impossl-
BILE. Altogether great musical event Is at hand,
and II carried out in the spirit the managers intend
permanent foundation will De laid Tor such great
festivals tn time to come.