The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-05-31
Tn. Musical and Dramatic Season.

| 1919 ended formally on SATURDAY hShs WIN
the close of spring. 1t was certainly sue
cessful in New York and in many respects
brilliant The metropolitan stage was
adorned by the finest actors in the coun-
try and produced q number OF the best
modern and Classic dramas. II we should
seek to illustrate the novelties of this sea-
son we might cite the remarkable pros
perity of Wallacks, q theatre which
has long stood at the head OF the
American stage, and which never proved
its right to that honor moro empha1-
cally than In the last season. The production
of Mr.. Boucicaults "Shaughraun," which
reached more than its centennial perform
ance, was perhaps the eliminating point OF
the season; but before and after that admlra-
BILE play Mr. Wallack brought out a number
Of capital dramatic works, some OF which were
classic and others of which were new, which
kept his theatre where it deservedly stands,
in the van Of the profession. Mr. DAILY also
excited the town with his presentation OF the
sBig Bonanza" which seemed, like mirror,
to reflect the adventurous spirit of America.
Mr.. Raymond, at the Park Theatre, surprised
the public with his eccentric presentation OF
Colonel Sellers, a peculiar character IN
poor play, which only the humorous abilities
of Mark Twain and the talent of the actor re-
deemed from comparative failure. Still 1t
was a success, because it struck keynote OF
American society," At Booths Theatre we had
classic tragedy, as shown by Cushman and
others, and the finest of modern comedy, as
illustrated by Mr.. John S. Clarke superb serses
of standard characters from the classic English
drama, and the perennially popular Rip Van
Wrinkle of Mr.. jefferson. OF these two un-
equalled actors we can only say that we wish
Mr.. Clarke would appear oftener and that Mr.
jefferson would sometimes play something
different Years ago Mr.. Jefferson was cele-
brated for his versatility, but the very popu-
larity of Grip Van Winkle' has become dis
advantage to his actual power, and if he per-
mits it to absorb the rest Of his life it Will
take important elements from his reputation.
We admire Mr.. Jefferson's genius too much
to wish him to be like ''Single Speech Single
ton" who made one great speech IN Parlia-
ment and ever atterward was silent
The musical season in New York was unu-
sually interesting. Mr.. Thomas, Of course,
| led in the orchestral field of art, but we had
also many other points of value and interest
The italian opera was a comparative failure,
but the lively, brilliant delicious opera boufe
was q partial compensation. This fall the
tragic lyric drama will be recreated by the ap-
pearance Of Nine. Tietjens, who has in Europe
the reputation Of being unequalled in the
| great roles Of the romantic Italian school and
the classic German operas That the Ameri-
can public SO easily obtains the services of
singers like Tietjens is certainly evidence Of
our appreciation and support OF music.
| The immense strides made in musical art
in this country within few years have ex-
cited the attention and establishment of
European critics, who cannot yet understand
how any artistic good can come out Of
transatlantic Nazareth, and we have in conse-
auence risen considerably in their esteem.
Such festival as that which recently took
place in Cincinnati will favorably compare in
artistic merit with the very best and most
renowned nssenblages Of European musi-
Clans The chorus and orchestra might con-
fidently compete with any in England, Ger
many or France. The example Of Cincinnati
may be followed in the metropolis and other
communities with equally happy results.
Thus it will be seen that Americans are as
apt to learn and improve in art matters as in
any of those branches in which they have
long ago gained pre-eminence. There is every
reason to expect that music viii be one Of tho
most attractive features OF the Centennial
Celebration, as O movement is now on foot
throughout the country to organize centen-
NAL choral societies TO do honor to the great
event
The summer season, which has just com
menced. will be one Of the most enjoy
able and brilliant, as far as music IS
concerned, that New York has ever ex-
perienccd. Gilmore in his magnificent new
garden, Thomas at Central Park Garden
and Downing at Jones Wood Colosseum will
supply music enough to satisfy every one. The
long and mcritorous services of Theodore
Thomas 10 the cause Of orchestral music have
not been unfruitiul. lie has elevated the taste
Of the public wherever he has introduced his
matchless orchestra Gilmore created revo-
luton in military band music by bringing
over from Europe such renowned organiza-
tons a. Godfrey's Grenadier Guards Band,
the Garde R6publicaine Band Of Paris, and
the Royal Prussian Guards Band, and by es-
tablishing in this city a band founded on
those grand models. The fall will bring us q
host Of pianists, among whom are such artists
as Nine Arabella Goddard, Miss Julia Rive
and Herr Won Balow, 70 that in the absence
Of Italian opera we shall have concerts in
abundance. Carl Rosa, who has organized
in England an English opera troupe Of rare
ability will enter that lyric field in this
country against the company which, with
Miss Kellogg at its bead, has 50 long enjoyed
the favor Of the public. The outlook is very
- ~ G. 81 nh, rrrnh = .r-cnIAI. -