New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-05-20
MUSIC.
M(ISIC IN BERLIN.

wAGNERs CONCERTs-PRO6PECTs OF THE BAY
REurH ENTERPRIsE- NEW OPERA.
lPROM THE REGULAR CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRiBUSE.l
BERLIN, April 29.-Richard Wagner has been
in Berlin, and has given two concerts IN the interest OF
his operate enterprise at Bayreuth lie reazed ABOUT
1000 thalers, about tho sum which was op'aihea NJ
Vienna II we suppose that he has realized IKE amount
Munich-a very liberal supposifion-he has through
his excrons. raised 10000 halers toward the ex
pense Of an enterprise that will cost hundreds OF thou
sands; the iDadequacy Of such capta must strike
every From whom or whence IL the rest 10 Gomez
asked musical friend, whose pen has done valuable
service OF the future why wagner dld not
give moro concerts through Germany. lie replied win
frankncss that deserves great praise ana degree OF
truth that is unimpeaohabe. that the German pubic
would pay the rates which alone would make concerts
by Wagner profitable Berlin Is great city, ana counts
many rich patrons of Wagners music ana the hrs even
ing the composer filed immense hall with an audience
a an average price of haers per ticket The second
concert however, only about onethird as DEAR but
there was no greater rush places The places for the
first concert had sold before the second concert was
announced all the anxious and curious concentrated
on that OCCASION That very few OF those cared even at
reduced prices, to go second time is very significant
fact.
You will inquire: But why docs not Wagner go to
America where he could fiji the largest halls in all the
cities at his own price Why does he not look for sup
port for the music Of the future in the land OF the furei
Ali At this point against one OF the avore ana
weakest prcudices of the great master wagner Is not
only a radical musican-he IL radical patriot lie Is
ono Of the most pronounced representatives OF that IN
tense narrow often udicrOus naonasm that has taken
possession of the German people. he represents I'D
music what David Strauss breaches in theology Strauss
said in his book that his religion, which had no Goa
but tho seasons too profound and lofty Tor any oner
nation than the German, and he Is true to TINS modest
theory throughout the work. Wagner il not so weak ~
this He Is willing that other people should enjoy MS
music their limited capacity PERMITS anu NJ 10
especally gratled at the favor that II has won IN the
United States but he regards his work. ne'er'hees' as
distinctly German-by German for the Germans
you are now prepared for the explanation Of the fact
that 80 little is done abroad. at least under wagner own
Inspiration for the forthcoming festival at BayIcuth
The determined nationalist means that 1t shall DE
national enterprise He and many Of his disciples would
regard IL "a national disgrace IL foreign assistance
houd be necessary the OF an affair which Is 80
pregnant with and glory for the Fatherand ana
while they will gladly accept whatever contrDutionsm may
be made they will do nothing that has The appearance OF
inviting outside aid This Is why the innds come III 80
slowly. Wagner knows as well as anybody 'ha' te Ger
man peope will never raise the necessary amount They
NAV no devoted champions of the music but they
wonld reyel in the conservative melodies of Mozart and
even endure the "Blue Danube" waltz for centuries,
before they would grant Wagner antef Substantial
cuniary aid The composer not only knows his nut nc
knows that America would furnish him unlimited sums,
and that as large share Of patronage next year
will come from Foreigners And this too in spite Of the
absence of ventilation which will doubtless characterize
the Bayreuth Theater. There s however, final resort
ON which Wagner knows that he may rely. The King CT
Bavaria may not be very intelligent but he Is certainly
q very enthusiastic friend OF Wagners schemes and IL IS
very well understood that at the last moment he VIII
come forward and out OF his own purse fill any ecnnary
gaps The concerts that Wagner gves.arc therefore in
ndadr tn civ
self so that in the end he ask the Kings help with
better grace.
Rubinsiein's opera " Die Maccnbcer," which has been
given three times, and il TO he Withdrawn for the
season. is a The Emperor hked and the house
was Loyalty enthusiastic. The Wagner people call
Rubinstcn Court composer--of course. with refer
cnce to the Court of Berlin. term Of dcrison since
the rough soldiers who make up that circle far better
Judges of the ballet than of music AZ strict classicis
IL Is OF not TO be expected that Rubnsein would
be admired by the wagnerites have never heard him
play anything hut the purcst classical music and his own
compositions modelled closely after Mozart and Beet
hoveu On one indeed, when present. he
did country striking honor. He played his own
"Variations on Yankee Doodle" Whether intended
insult to America not, do not know but II so. 1t was
little less insulting to the whole audience more pre-
poserous and silly performance il seldom heard Those
persons who not angry, were Disguised ana ped
the poor man. That Rubinsten has wonderful power OF
execution as pianist Of course beyond dispute and
suppose has educated musical taste; but he Is not
profound genius like Wagner To have his superficial
little opera patronzed by the Court and aristocIacy OF
Berlin while the Bayreuth enterprise goes begging for
support is for the friends Of Wagner melancholy and
dscredtable fact
The other evening the sngakademie was present Mt
the rendering of parts of opera. Der Wdrwof by u
noble amateur Of Berlin The composer indeed MEN,
Der of little circle OF wagncrites here but his opera
more in the style Of Mozart Weber Not that he neg
ected the dramatic element or even gave undue piom
nencc to the element OF melody There were pleasant
duets solos, and choice little melodies here and there
and little of the turbulent passion OF Wagners operas
The representation was thoroughly successful An audi
ence made up largely of critics. musicians and amateurs
agreed IN generous praise 1t will be successful here
perhaps because II is court production. but in Amer
ica where impartiaity in music prevails, it is worth
trial.