New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-03-16
MUSIC AND THE DRAMA.
STRAUSS NEW OPERETTA.


A tardy beginning On the part of the per-
formers and exuberant enthusiasm the part of the
audience which compelled the repetition of the
music and the appearance several times of principals,
conductors and managers, drew out Strauss :" The
Merry War;, produced for the first time in this country
at the ITALIA Theatre to uncomfortable length last
night. 1t was within fifteen minutes of II before the
curtain fell for the last Time and the fascna
ton Of the Dance Kings piquant rhythms
and catching" tunes had spent
its force-a telling tribute to the excellence
of the music Of the opereta The audience crowded
the theatre the scenery and costumes wto brilliant and
the performance nearly all first representations
this theatre heretofore moved with more
than ordinary smOothness and ease. The plot
OF the operctta, though Offering convenient
vehicle for music of varied phases within circle
in this respect model for Opereta wTierslacks the
ingenuity of plot aud cOunterplot which have ad-
mired in some Of the other productions of zel and
Genee, but mhagging interest IN il is maintained
by the insinuating elegance and gracefuness OF the
music. The play turns the rivalry between Genoa
and MassaCarrara for the possession Of dcklc dancer
who has made contracts with the theatres OF both
towns The outcome is a ia the Of
which the forces Of Genoa beleaguer the fortress Of
NASSAU aTTara, which is defended by in uniform.
Only haud-grenade day is exchanged by the com
batants ana the develops into picture of stlfe
which is only interrupted by the appearance In the
GenOese camp OF the pretty Countess Vioieia, who in
disguise attempts make her way within the lines of
the beleagueTed city, in order to take command Of
the fortress. The GeDOese Colonel UnJcrtO falls
victim to the deception and grants
her permission TO pass thron n the lines, but
decides to take revenge by marrying her Having heard
that she Is about TO marry the Duke dc Lttbuyg by
proxy device convenient the purposes of the
pperetta II is unlikely he arranges represent
Duke, and Is safely married the lovely Tioleta without
exciting her suspicion to his real Identity
He is assisted in this by GrootS Dutch dealer In
tulD he hay
him spy and who willingly personaes the absent
Duke Complications In the awkward matrimonial
arrangement because OF the presence Of
her Jealousy. the antipahy of voted toward her sup
posed husband, ami her affection for Umbero. all Of
which are resolved 10y subsequent explanation and
treaty OF peace between the mltants receipt of the
Intelligence that the OF the had
taken French leave of both theatres.
The music Of the operetta is in Strass's happest vein
He oanno and does not free himself from his natural
OF that unique skill which he has en-
plOyed heretofore TO make his watzes and
polkas reflect the genu'nr ngh ,heartcdnes merr
with a charm which captIvates the senses and
maddest and merriest nonsense Of the play
Besides this predomin element there Is rot wanting
IN Of the music delicate pahos and poeca senti
ment which ordinarily not look for III dance OpeT
etta music. Bat Strauss Is gifted musician; |
his dance compositions have told that |
and harmony writing In " The Merry War confirm IT,
The performance at the ITALIA captay. thanks to
cage Of the musical director who from Vienna
20 Introduce this new piece