New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-08-19
THE METROFOLIT4N OPERA-HO USE.
FEATURES OF ITS INTERNAL DEcoRATIoNs-wHY
THE DooRwAYs WERE BUILT LOW.

FEATURES OF ITS INTERNAL DECORATiOS5-WHx
THE DooRwAYs WERE BUILT LOW.
Standing In the middle of what will eventu-
ally be the auditorium OF the new operahouse, one ~
enabled to partial idea Of the immense size Of the
future home of italian opera That the impression Of
yasness VIII be increased materially when what Is now
bare wooden stepped oorlugis covered with orchestra
chairs and rich carpets when the boxes which are now
simply indicated by partitions arc enriched Dy
the gorgeous hangngs which have already been specially
manufactured In England goes without the saying Tho
interior at last arrived at such stage that
possible to Judge Of the effect OF the decorations Tho
fronts OF the five tiers OF boxes and balconies treated
IN simple and almost severe style Of relief decoration
and the sweep huge horseshoe is unreliered BY
any sudden The relief work itself s kept
very low the projections and snkings apparently being
intended guide 10 the color decorator than for
the purpose OF producing light and shade effects This
treatment produces result In which simplicity and dig
nifty are marked Characterization The detail is carefully
designed In the style OF form OF early Italian
Renaissance, and has evidently been taken by tho
architect to avoid any pandertng to the Meeting
architectural fashions OF the hour The "royal touch"
OF Queen Anne OF late years painfully abused, 10 con-
spicuous by Its absence.
The color decorators already at work on the pro-
scenium arch and the portion Of their work already
completed tne effect the whole may be predicted The
keynote Of the color scheme Is yellow running nom
pale delicate primrose to rich, ruddy old god aud de-
De ndng In great the varied which are
given by the lavish Of gliding. The hangings Will
preserve the scheme and promise to light well
ana give q harmonious effect 10 a feature which too
often is distressing dlscord In the general color
effect
In conversation with ]. Cleveland Cady, the
architect q TRIBUNE reporter referred TO the
criticism which had been passed his work
concerning the Iowuess OF the principal entranGes;
varied aud irreconcdOe features an arcnect has 70
consider planning building OF this Importance they
would be ready with their structures iadmttue
doors rather lower than the size OF the elevation
seems demand But had other Things 70 consider.
An important element in the general plan Is large
ballroom which comes directly over the entrance ia
order TO yet THIS ca suite with the dining and reception
rooms had keep the heads OF the door afches ~
their present level Otherwise should have heo 20
break the connection and ruin OF my most st
tractivo points, and which will probably bring AZ
much money the Golfers Of the company as the theatre
itself. We have place In New: YORK where largo
public private ball can comfortably be gwen and thus
"Are You satisfied with the stage Of progress Of the
work !"
Thoroughly So have 40 doubt that by October the
building Will De ready for occupancy. BY the way therc
IL another point should Ike TO call your attention TO-
and that 10 the completely reproof character OF tho
whole building Even the auditorium door Is hard CON-
crete which the floor boards are lad 50 mat were
they to catch re they would simply smoulder ana neve
reach blaze All the stairs are OF ron so Is tns Eoo
and the corridors are all finished either IN concrete or
eucausc pavement. audience may enter tnat oui9r
ing and sit performance with sn aDsoiate o8n'
scIousness that no dre is possible