The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1876-05-28
now SIZE WOW.
How wnencr's Taunhauser was Performed
In Paris.


The Princess Metternich was always n
great admircr Of Wagner. and the composer,
nnding ali the usual ways blocked foe the intro
duction OF his operas IN France, bethought him
self Of the spOrtive and popular Princess, and
wrote her letter, under cover ui one FROM King
Louis Of Bavaria, ash ing her influence to secure
him Pafisan recognition.
A in everything else she undertook, Princess
Mettcruich set herself to work energetically, de-
termined not to fail. she sent for the director
Of the opera, but, to her Ch0grin, h0 was As Inn
permeable to her entreaties az n flint. IL was
out of the question. he said, to nut " Tho lann-
hauser" on the boards, as the singers refused 70
perform Wagners execrablo music: but II
the Emperor should command 1t p asked the
Princess. "Of course" answered the direc,
tor; his MaJesty's orders should he ooeyed.
10 the Emperor, then. the Princess went, and
Yet with Napoleon ill her smiles and prayers
were In vain. 81 cannot command the opera
arr, :" said the Emperor, and in hi4 quiet, h III
sleepy way, the refusal was as nnal rs words
could make It. just then Monsieur Fleury, the
entered thu chamber. "Ah, Monsieur fleury,
my dear Excellency," exclaimed Princess Meter.
mich. please help me To- persuade his Majesty to
direct Richard Wagner's rannhauser' to be
performed at the Grand Opera" fleury as an
experienced diplomatist, made some Ialnt ex-
cuses and turned the conversation into another
channel 10y telling Of remarkable arrest made
the preceding evening at tue Jardin Mabille.
There" he said, "sUme noted females were
dancing the can-can In such outrageous fashion
that the sergeant of police, who was present,
Thought II necessary to stop them. But tho
displayed such wondrous dexterty and agility
OF limbs that she actually danced on the ser
geants hat from his head 10y kicking 1t away
with the tips Of Der toes
"Impossible," said the Emperor that can
not bc donri' "Qulte possible. your Majesty
| reioined Princess Metternich; II can do II my
self" Il should ike to see your II ghness do
it," answered Napoleon with smile. "Very
WELL" replied the Princess, quite resolutey
"if your Majesty Will play the can,can on the
plano, shall dance or Minister fleury's hat,
but only on condition that II | do It. your
Majesty will order the 'Tannhauser ~ be
| sung at the Grand opera"
| "I accept the condition. said Napoleon. and
! the three retired to an adjoining paflOr, where
! the Emperor seated himself by piano and be-
gan 70 play the cau-can. Flsury stood In the
middle Of tho room with his hat on, ana tho
| Princess, siusing the melody and gathering her
| long. trailing skirts, opened the dance. She
| threw her legs Ia the air with amaziu. rapidity
and suddenly one Of her feet swung gracefully
over the head OF Minister Fleury, aud Lis hat
| rolled upon the . rpet "BravOW shouted n A.
| pOleun. "lour Ilighnoss has won the bet" IN,
! order WAS issued 10 the director Of the Grand
! Opera On the same day. Tue "Tannhauscr
was performed, AM Rchard Wagner owed hi.
! Introduction to Partisan audience TO the OK
| pert can. C.n daucihg " the Austrian Princes;
/ Mptterultl.