New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-10-13
MUSIC.
OPERATE PROMISES.

Whatever may be the financial outcome otthe APP
preaching season of Italian opera IN this city, there
can hardly be any question that 1t will have social
and artistic features OF great splendor. Inc ons
phase has been assured by the warmth of interest
shown by stock and box holders in the new house,
and by the fidelity Of Mr.. Mapleson's
hackers and patrons at the Academy. For
the other phase have, II is true, only the printed
pledges of the rival managers and long years OF eH-
perience have proved that impressrios promises
lack tho tabled singularity of the laws OF the Modes
and Persians. In the pamphlets of Messrs Abbey
and Mapleson there are many phrases of an ancient
and familiar sound but there is that in the turn Of
Affairs caused By tho building of the Metro
politan Opera House which bids us
| to hope with more confidence than
ever we had before for fufiment Of the promises
thew contain There is nothing like competition to
quicken the mana gera conscience and with Italian
opera OF the Academy of Music and Italian opera at
the new opera house. opening simultaneously and
continuing on the same mig hts throughout the sea-
SON. the competitive spur will be kept sharply
pointed and actively employed. With new
party-plaiptih the old cause Of eye against
Mapeson" has been transferred from tho
public court of London to the public
court of New-York. 1t may turn out to DO
an expensive litigation to the parties in action. lt
witnesses.
1t is needless to deny that the underground IS
now held by Mr. Abbey The new opera house is
veritable fortress for him. 1t the fruit Of cid
longing and its first night will mark the realization
of social aspirations that have long been cher
ished In fashionable society. The cecbra-
ton under such circumstances must bo
brilliant, and a successful opening will 20
far toward iusuring successful season. The rich
ivory tint and red ana old gold of the walls and
ceiling the slken draperies OF unique design and
color in which cunning craftsmen have succeeded
in reproducing the lustre that cOnnoisSeurs admire
in old Spanish silks, and the picturesque arrange
ment of the architectural FORMS Will unite In giving
becoming setting to an audience OF brilliant list
eners; aud society will not be tardy in approaching
this addition TO It's sources OF pleasure Around
the Academy of Music however, reno
waited and Frightened for the season. will
remain the charm of social traditions and social
| conserV tsm. The character of its general audi
ences will probably undergo a slight change, but
in the boxes will yet be found the forms and faces
that have graCed them on many brilliant occasions
| in tie past.
Two clements unite to compel less confident
strain In the effort 10 cast the musical horoscope OF
the season They are that prOVerbal grain OF salt
with which the statements Of opera managers must
| always be taken, and disappointment which
comes from recognition OF the fact that in al tic
| planning of the last year both managers have re-
fused to look beyond the horizon OF a system that
| is happily Ia its dsCad euce. At their best, tho
accomplishments of the two houses will b. only a
Qualification Of the star system, with its inlqu'I-
Gus consequences and of style OF musical con'
| position which has long ago been passed IN thi
progressive march of art Few glimpses are prom'
issd at the real musical DRAMA and tie bH'-
den at the Metropolitan Opera House, rs wen
| rs at the Academy of Music, will be tbs
| old italian barrel-organ repertory mo
causes Of gratitude beyond the tact that We have
opsra ut all are restricted to a few positive ana
comparative novelties and the galaxy Of prlncipa'
| singers that has been gathered together. In tho
two consultations there are stars OF great relu'-
| gence. Nine PATTI, 10 so far she Is au eIponeu'
of the art of beautiful singing. is without an equal
She lives to keep aIiVe tho traditions oil tue oiu
Italian stage At her side stands Nine GeFsIer'
with voice that is fresh and llmpid and won.
drously flexible and style that is still Hpen'hg 40
Nine. Nelson's has already ripensdi so lnaO
she will soon compass all the requirement,
of the Italian stage. from the lyric ssntlhen'H,
characters IN which she won bar first phenonohAA