The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-10-21
ORCHESTRAL TROUBLES AT TIE ACADEMY.


COLONEL MApLEsoN sAYs-HE PROPOSES TO
ABIDE BY HIS CONTRACTS.
Not little excitement prevalent yesterday in
the neighborhood of the Academy of Music. result
ing from a misunderstanding between Colonel Ma
pleson and the members of his orchestra who be-
long to the Musical Mutual Protective Union. AT
first it was believed that they would not appear
during the evenings performance of 'Traviata. but
eventually, obeying good counsel the several artists
met in rehearsal, all difficulties amicably adj
justed and the understanding reached that they
would play throughout the season. The immediate
of the difficulty appears to have been the
Of the following Giro ular:-
MUSICAL MUTUAL PROTECTIVE UNIoNl
New YORK, Oct. II, 1879.
SrR--At the meeting Of the Board OF Directors, Mr..
F. y. Diler, president pro tem., in the CHAIR pres
ent. Messrs. 4. H. Goepel. G. Conner. J. W. Beard
Grippe. J. Rockefeller. j. Eller. D. Schaad and l..
ORelly the following resolution was carried unan-
imously:-
If they play the stipulated price of the Musral Mu
Protective Union the Board Of Directors will vgor
Uusly enforce the law.
By order of the Board d. SCHAAD.
The above resolution applied to a large number of
the musical employees OF Colonel Mapleson. and
having signed contract with him in April and
May last prior to his departure from America.
ne NATURALLY eApeCteu tuelr prompt dtteuuauCe Ut
his preparatory rehearsals and performances. 1t
was not without surprise, therefore. that
he found himself waited upon by committee
who announced that the members of their organiza-
ton would not play unless he acceded to their de-
mands. From this point Colonel Mapleson can best
tell his side of the story which he did at the request
Of reporter Of the HERALD who yesterday after
noon found him in his office in the Academy Of
Music.
IMPREsARIo VS.. ORCHESTRA.
You will remember" said Colonel Mapleson,
''that before left New York it published in
HERALD interview that had made arrangements
with my orchestra for the present season. The
members then signed a contract agreeing to play
with me for the Of 1872 $780, 1884, 1882 and
1885, with the privilege Of renewal. the basis Of
six performances per week. at salary of $50
and $50. In the event Of performances
being given the price to be increased pro
ratd and versa. that the arrangement
was thoroughly equitable for both sides.
It was understood and agreed. however. that the
contract did apply to the Philharmonic. oratorio
and symphony concerts given on Saturday evenings
any other engagements they might have. In
fact they were left Tree on Saturdays.
..When did you receive the first notification Of
trouble?"
everything was quiet until Friday last when
meeting Il ~ called, and notified that q change
was demanded"
what are your salariesY'
1.-THE principal instruments are paid S35 per week
and the secondary instruments $50 per week. But
let me go on. A resolution was passed under which
certain members Of the orchestra waited on mo to
say that their families being dependent on them
they would be compelled by outside pressure either
to dissolve their contract or be driven to the wall.
because the union would hunt them down If they
adhered to its terms.
'.who seem to be at the bottom of the troube?'
"a few of the disappointed people who did not
obtain an engagement and who are indictments in
every society in which they are members"
Last year when yon paid $50 and ssS week.
was there any troubleY
None whatever. During the first two weeks I
only played three times. but nevertheless paid for
the whole six nights. didn't know any better"
''Who are the malcontents?"
''well believe, If you will examine the orchestra
you will find none. The fight is apparently con-
fined to some of the ambitious managers of the so
ciety."
"what is the price that the union demands?"
"Seven dollars day for single performance"
THE OPERA NOT TO BE STOPPED.
'Do you teel perfectly assured that there is
legal barrier that be interposcd prevent the
appearance of these gentlemen who compose your
orchestral
None whatever. My counsel assure that the
contracts made in the early part of the year
binding in law, and members of the union will be
protected by them from any interference by their
association In tact, regard these artists much
pal singers and must confess my surprise that
here in America, just preceding performance, such
difficulty should be sprung upon me. 1t certainly
reflects no credit people who value the influence
OF their signatures"
'Have you any objection to the publication of the
Interested
..Nonc Here it Isl" And Colonel Mapleson pro-
duced the following blank form:-
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES OF nUsic-sRAsoN 1879
MExonASpux or ENcAGExESr BETWEEN JAMES HENRY
MAPLEsoS AND -
the Of Hcr Mss Opera either operas or
place professional services may be BY
the for the time being Of the said theatre at
Henry Mapleson TO wseky Each week not to
SIX THO sxrs sas ss T
paid for by the said James Henry Mapleson extra in
further agreed that prSpGrSnats REDUCTION from
Mapicson all performances concerts given in any
week less than six in number
and perform at the sh,, may ma, be by
the e
the conditions of this enrsgemcnt Il snail DO lawful for
music to discharge him forthwith.
Th d which and ~Gs to S
II be lawful for the said TO refuse his services in
the orchestra Her Mestys Opera wherever else tho
IL is understood and agreed that this clause does
concerts given Saturday evenings during the season
1t agreed that in of interruption in the per-
ormances taking place in CONSEQUENCE OF ire public ca
salary shall be suspended until the eopenins OF tho
theatre. .
has tho right - renew this engagement Tor the season
Is> also the ISL also for the season 1884,
on the aud conditions.
Dated this - day OF - 1870
els it true that gentleman by the name of M. X.
Bottsford. representing the Musical Union has de-
manded u commission from musicians In order to
secure their employment herey
81 nave never heard OF it, III so he and would
quickly part company. 1 employ artists on their
merits alone aud pay thom the amount stated in
their contract"
"Do understand you that you regard this inter-
ference with your business at this peculiar june
ture as species blackmail the part OF certain
musicians for the purpose of extracting more
money from your pockety
'.You put the question too broadly. Musicians as
a rule are generous They depend from night to
night and week to week upon their earnings.
Manager and musician depend on each other. and,
under ordinary conditions cannot afford to quarrel.
Henca, it would be rash to say that there is any
thing like backmail contemplated In this matter.
Nevertheless, il the men were left alone believe
they would keep their contracts undsturbed."
Judging from your conversations with them,
what Impressions have they left on your mind?''
IL have one this afternoon, because every
thing il ut fever heat, but yesterday population of