, 1880-11-07

! less degree, upon musical culture and prog
ress in the city, besides supplying hand
some md convenient place for the presenta'
tion OF operas. The Importance OF such a
project may be realized by reference to the
past. The five best years Of music Chicago
has ever enioyed were from 1865 to 1870. and
they dated from the erection Of the Crosby
Opera-House, The building Of that elegant
house gave o healthy and solid impulse to
our musical growth. It was building Of
which the city was proud. It called here the
best artists In the world, and troupes toe
like Of which have not been seen
here since. It. made home tof
musicians, and artists as well. IL ga'e
the city a musical reputation abroad.
That Chicago has not recovered her former
nosftion il not remarkable. Since the fire
the energies Of our people have been devoted
to replacing homes and places Of business,
regstablishing industries, and restoring ma
tarial values, Music and art had to wait, be-
cause they were not necessities. That work,
however, has been substantially accom-
nllshed, and In an industrial and commercial
sense the city has never been more prosper
GUS than now. It Is, therefore, an opportune
time to canvass the erection Of an opera
house. People have time enough to devote
to its consideration, and money enough to
invest in 1t, if it is only presented to them in
such a way that they can be convinced
it is desirable Investment; and there
is little doubt that they will look
upon 1t favorably. The success Of the Cell
trail Music-Hall, not only as musical but
as business Investment, is an Illustration
of what the success Of the Opera-House
will be If it is erected on sound business
principles.
As to the details Of the construction, that
s matter for future consideration, and
they should not be hastily adopted. It Is
only necessary now to urge TINT money
should not be recklesly sQuandered upon
the exterior. Outward display Is not SO
essential as inward convenience, per-
feet safety, and the best possible ven
tilation and acoustic effects, so far
as the auditorium Is concerned. Mr..
McVicker, in the discussion of the sub
ject at the meeting referred to. threw out
an excellent suggestion, to the effect that the
only successful side Of art was the one on
which the dollar laid, and that the capital
should not be entirely exhausted In con-
structing the house, but that there should be
an equal amount held rs reserve fund for
emergencies, and for encouraging the study
of music and art As New York is to have
new ope7a-house Immediately, the plans of
that company deserve consideration. The
Secretary, in recent interview, stated their
general ideas as follows:
The wish Of the Directors was to have build
ing which should be tn every way perfect. 1t
was not intended to bQ as to It's external appear
attention was accordingly to DO given to the In
terror. The abomtnnuon OF prU8cenium- boxes
was to bc abolished. They Interfere with al
artistic effect within the house. and lead to no
end Ut Wranyes Us for precedence among stock
holders. The house was to be Us large Us it is
and seeing qualities preserved 1t WIS to be
tire-proof in every possible respect 1t was to
be well equipped with roomy stage and ample
dressing and property rooms The foyers, CRUSH
rooms, hnt and retiring rooms were to be sui
ticient In number and convenience to meet the
demands Of the crowds at Il popular bali.
Recognizing the importance of the subject,
and the great influence which the new house
will have upon musical culture in OUR midst,
it should favorably commend itself to our
wealthy citizens and to all who are interested
In the growth Of music and art In our midst.
It is not creditable to us that Chicago alone,
of all the important cities in this country, has
neither an opera-house nor an artrgallery.