The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-08-26

X ehca rsinn the Nibclungen-Dr. Damroschs
Estin,ate Of Nagner's Great Work.

X chen rsinn the NibciunRcn-Dr. DamrOschs
Estimate Of " agner's Great Work.
BAYREuTH, Aug. 0-Gcneral rchearsals
have begun, opening on the 9th Of this month
with "RheinCod," while to-day they are play
ingthe "G6ttcrdammcrung." Having missed the
first rehearsals u Rheineold," actually the
prologue was forced TO hear 1t afterward when
nlcd with the majestic effect OF the entire
drama. Yet II was to me the most I'm pressve
OF all. Spite Of the strict AMI sharp sequence
OF tle action, II breathes an ideal calm and
checrfulness, which send the auditor away In
state Of beatiac intoxicaton. The scenic ap-
purtenauccs, the plastic movements OF the
sportive Rhinemadens, and the admirable
Transformation scene at the appearance Of the
Nibcungen dwarfs, the perfect harmony and
unity between word. tone, and pantomme-all
irrosistibly seize the Imagination Of the auditor.
ANYTHING like minute criticism Of the poetry
and composition OF " Rheingold would be i'm
possible here, not TO say out Of place. Wag-
ners Nibelungen work IL one Of such colossal
dimensions, and must be studied from such
widely different and manifold sides, that It's
heights and depths can only gradually, perhaps
In tho course Of generations, be thoroughly cstt-
mated and comprehended. AZ with Shakespeare
and Goethe so with Wagner. now epochs will
always discover new phases In MS creations; as,
indeed, even now. repeated attendance at the
representations opens up continually new ways
to the Intelligence.
1t is beyond peradventure that Wagner will
have effected n complete revolution In the
methods OF dramatico- musical representation.
! In correspondence with the enhanced value OF
| poetry In the musical drama the Word will come
into. as yet, uneXampled prominence. The
| singer will have to be distinct In enunciation,
and the auditor no longer be allowed to leave
] ..t.r a. AlN to hn
mere satisfaction Of the ear Tho singer. moro
over. will have, along with his own part. to give
| especial study to the orchestral accompaniment,
| because in II Il contained everything which can
| beat lead MIN M TO- and quality nun for' the
| finest shading In the expression ana action or
| his role. From this time on, therefore, the
singer will have to be good musician. ana this,
| aid this only, will lend him the stamp OF the
| true artist. ON the other hand, the pertorm-
hnce of the orchestral player Will have to UNDER
90 modification In Wagner's comp stttons
| there is not single element OF the action with
which the orchestra 4 not forced TO he 10 closest
| svmr athy. The electric stream passes from the
| stage TO the orchestra and So back again, IN
! endless mteracton No longer. "a formerly,
| Will ali i'm portance be laid "A mere unsteady
good execution Of the melody; but the must
clan who wishes to do justice TO wagner must
| Il every instant be in fun consciousness Of the
dramatic action on the stage; aud In the on
larged responsibility thus acquired, must recog,
nize the duty OF stalking ms whole lnteiiectuaai
self on the success Of the grand but difflcult
problem.
can only be satisfied nrder unusual circum-
stances even here In Bavreuth wheto everv-
thing u studied and executed under Wagner
| immediate inspiration, the perfection OF the
representation ia only conditional and compare
tive. No wonder when we reflect that WAGNER
stxle Of execution necessary Tor his works.
Suiice II. that by the life-liNe repesentatln OF
cedent which must infalliOly have its enect on
all future epochs. Perfection must be lett Tor
| the future 10 work out. Even as 4 IL, many OF
The indiyidual perfornances witnessed now and
icre are simply admirable. All bring their best
efforts 10 the work, and the result in ensemble
as IN detaii. IA OF unprecedented excellence. II
must he considered, too, that all whicn mas
come hitherto Is nothing out rehe,rsai. Sunas;
the 18th inst, Il tue nomentous uaS "nlcn II 70
give the nrst performance TO the ewes OF the
world, and a. m American. am proud that IN,
adoptcd country will he both In quantity and
quality SO well represented among tho audience
A few DAYS AGO arrived Louis H., King Of ia
varia, to attend the general rehearsal-. ana then
departed before the arrival Of the other rOya
auditors. After listening TO kheineold,' how
ever. he changed his mind. Contrary TO hi'
. usual shy habits. he will stay through the whole
affair TO be present ct all three performnnces
, ! who W expected nj every moment. lht King
, | presence MS horne some agreeable fruit
mass Of musicians and connOisseurs who hac
| hurried hitler In hopes OF being admittei &
the last rchears1ls, were dismaNcd to learn thai
during the Kings presence only a favored lev
could enjoy this privilege. and great wes the 70
| joicng when II was ammo inced that iull nous
would In no sense disturb the roys, pleasure
/, | To the general rehearsal Of the Waikyfe,'
Wagner allowed entrance gratis; the rehearsa
1 | ticket for "Sieefried" costs twenty marks. o
about 81 and the opportunity l. eagerly seize,
by huDdre Is 81 enthusiasts. lue crush u ar
rivals T. simply immense; all quarters ot th
! glohe have their representatives. brchestr.
leaders are as thick a. ~ ckhcrtie@, nnd the sal
. utati0ns ana iutrlductions 70 on without eud
The BiNreuth PEI PIE ATE amazed M the sur II
their generally quiet town, hu, e1sily get used &
the novelty. In ;his they nave good eA
hmple IN 'heir Mayor. the banker leustel.
Thoroughly good fellow, efficient, selt-sacrinc
( iug. always GENIAL spite ofthe heavy care, lac ma
3 taken On his shoulders. and qaick and heart
iu his sympathy wiih the 'r'u nrlsuc enter
Prise now IN progress, LIZ 1rpLp DANhOsCh'