, 1874-01-11

Notwithstanding these errors, it will probably
be source Of regret to many That they did not
improve their opportunities, as it was in the
case Of that Incompatible artist, Ristor1-
We turn now to that other branch OF Italian
art, the lyric drama. as it will be represented
during the ensuing two weeks by the StraEosch
troupe Whether this season iB doomed to the
same fete es that Of Salsini, remains to se seen.
In this connection, however, thero is one impor-
tant fact to be remembered. Max 6trakosch ia
tie only musical imprcsta,io who has heretofore
kept his faith with the public and never dlsap-
pointed it. Whatever lie hrs announced be has
performed, even when it has entailed upon hln
heavy losses, md this has been specially true IN
his Chicago Beasons. When, therefore, lie an
nounces that his present troupe is an excellent
one, TIC have every reason to believe such
is the case. In addition to his Own
assertions, We have the testimony Of the New
York, Boston, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, aud st.
Louis pape1s, in all Of which cities the troupe
has appeared, that it is not only very complete
aud effective one, but one Of the best WHICH has
ever appeared in the country. With Madamo
Nilsson -Rouzaud, Miss Cary, and Capoul, the
public is already familiar. They stantl in the
front rank OF their profession. To tho Others
Nile. Tor1iari, and Siguors Campaniai, Dol
Puentc, Nanuetti, Nara, and Scolara,-the pub
lie las yet to be introduced; but they
bring q drst~clnss reputation with them.
identified with those superb troupes which used
to visit US in our early days OF italian OPERA and,
during tie last few years which he has spent ~
Europe lie has boen intrusted By the comros-
ers. Verdi among them. with tho super1ntend-
ence of their new works. Such conductors rs
Muzio. who take a pride in their profession, and
hold their regulations deazer than all else, Will
not consent to have poor musicians under tLeir
batons. and We may therefore well believe what
has been said over aud over again
by the press OF other cities. that the
chorus and orchestra Of this troupe are ex-
ccptionally excellent. The repertoire Of tue
troupe for its season here is remarkably strong
also. It embraces ''Lucia," Martha, The
Huguenots," aGgnon," "Ernani," t'Faust,"
"Troratore," Don Giovanni" aud Ve1dis last
work, Aida" which will be given next week.
In this list there is not single opera which is
not an established faTorite, except 'Ada," '
which has yet to bo heard. With such troupe
and such q repertoire, the season should be u
success. One thing can be relied upon with
certainty,-Mr. Strakosch will keep his faith
with the public and will do all that
he promises. He is to be credited with
invtncible pluck in fighting against the hard
times and keeping lis troupe above water ut q
time when others have gone down. Although
his season has been conducted at q loss, he has
reduced Lis prices, ard has placed them At
reasonable rate at least. In 3 general sense,
also, there is another important fact to be re-
rembered Italian opera has seen it's best days,
and it's Seasons will soon be like angels visits.
The enormous expenses of taking troupe
through this country, especially at the present
time, leave too narrow 8 margin Of profit to
offer much inducement to managers in future
The Maretzek troupe went to pieces almost at
the very outset Of it's season, and it is I'D i'm
possibility that Mr. Strakosch can get through
except at q loss. His courage and good fuith,
however, under such trying circumstances, do
serve recognition. and, as it is not improbable
that this may be the last season Of Italian opera
Chicago may have for q long time to come, Mr.
Strakosch and his siDging-birds ought to have
hearty welcome.