The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-07-22


Seventeen years ago the present dingy old
structure on the Battery, then the finest opera
house in America, was crowded with the Elite
of the metropolis, and the vast assemblage was
held spellbound by the magic Of voice such
as was never heard before or since In this city.
Who among the listeners on that memorable
occasion can forget the tidal wave of enthu-
siasm than shook the building when Mario APP
peared as Gennaro and his queenly wife came
forward as the guilty Duchess Of Borgia
The exciting auction sale Of seats and even
the infatuated English lady who followed the
handsome tenor like his shadow will be re-
membered by the old ha1itufs of the opera.
On Tuesday night last Mario bade final fare
well to the stage at the scene Of his greatest
triumphs, Covent Garden, and received an
ovation such as rarely falls to the lot Of any
artist. 1t was brilliant and fitting close to
thirty-thres years of faithful service in the
canse nf art But these 'farewells" Of artists
are not to be interpreted according to the
strict sense of the word, and particularly In
the case of Mario, who announced farewell per-
try. All theare-goers in this country have
been accustomed for many years to the
''farewells" of Forrest, and still theveteran
dons the Gladiators tunic and the royal
robes Of Lear. It is hard struggle for the
sovereigns of the footlights to relinquish the
sceptre and step aside for younger aspirants.
Therefore we shall not be astonished il the
favorite sexagenarian Of the Italian opera
should take it In his head to commence another
series Of 'farewells." He has an excellent op-
portunity now to do so by revisiting our shores,
where he once received such hearty welcome.
Here Is q chance for the management of the
Nilsson troupe 10 become famous and earn
the gratitude and the dollars Of the New York
public. Nilsson and Mario-the rising and
the setting sun-would create together such q
Juror % would even wake up the operate
fossils around Irving place. The natural re-
greet of all lovers Of music to bid o farewell to
this brightest ornament Of Italian opera Is
heightened by the fact that he leaves no sue
cessor worthy Of him. Tenors Of even respect
able calibre are scarcer now than ever, and
there is not one capable of filling Marios place.,
It Is an unwelcome but yet undeniable fact,
that as far as voices are concerned the
Italian opera stage has refrigerated sadly.
Mario, Grisi, Tamburini and Lablache
formed quartet which we cannot
hope to hear in these days; and yet
they were but the successors of still
greater artists. The next season Of music in
this city promises we'll, and il tho managers
fulfil but half Of their bounteous promises We
need not look with envy and regret at the
prospectuses Of the capitals Of Europe What
with Parepa-Rosa and her complete English
opera company, Rullman and the Vienna
Lady Orchestra, and tho Nilsson troupe, we
shall have enough music 10 satisfy even the
most exactlng theatre-goer. 1t will not be the
fault this time Of the directors of the Academy
of Music If the opera be not successful In the
fall. They are making many important and
much-needed changes In the interior arrange
ments Of the building, not the least of which
IL complete alteration of the plan Of the
dress circle, which ID to be modelled after the
most fashionable Of the London theatres.
Steinway Hall is also to be fitted up in grand
style for the reception of the Lady Orchestra.
We trust that this season will be the COM
mencement Of long and brilliant term of first
class musical entertainments, and that the
latent talent Of America may have chance at
last to assert its rights.
OFFICER LOGAN, who interfered with another
officer against orders on the day of the riot,
was dismissed the force yesterday. His action
consisted in trying to save sickly fellow from
q clubbing during the melee on Twelfth street,