The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1885-04-19


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The presence Of grand opera In Chicago
during the past work has given us IN oppor-
tunlty tO note the progress OF musical criti-
cism In that town. too. II u Interesting TO
compare the achievements Of tho Chicago
critics with those Of their brethren In the
rival metropolis Of the Mississippi valley.
Tho difference Of tone. Of style. and Of
Technique Is striking. The two methods are
dramatically opposite. Tho Chicago critic
does not concern himself with the number Of
the BALMER family In the audience. nor with
PIERRE GARyEAU's Spartan demeanor when
confronted by the spectacle of the ballet. He
ignores altogether the realistic details which
are so conspicuous in the work OF tho st.
Louis men. and he scars on the pinions OF
cultured imagination into the Hottest re-
gions OF ethical and psthetcal gencraliza-
ton. Instead Of initiating the risky, fa-
miliar, even confidential style OF the St.
Louis school, he dsvotes his energies to the
construction OF sentences Johnsonian In
balls Of thought. Llston now to the Chicago
musical critic:
-This an occasion to Justify the most lavish use
OF descriptive supsrlatves for the briiianoy and Gle
gancs OF the imposin. assembly sQuailsd in every
spsct its exceptional numsric spsndor. The social
array was to conspicuous degree the most seductive
Of admirng regard of any that have hitherto given
grace to . local event. and Il WAS with undisguissd
pleasure that the people improved the opportunities
tween acts to rise and look about their RI sa aida
in making spectacle % brilliant The animated
muir OF conversation the exhilsatng confusion OF ray
and chatting people with difficulty passing from sest to
seat In an exchange OF greetings and the amenities Of
gossip. indicated the Informal disposition to enjoyment
that was determined In the enthusiastic and liberal
plauss By which the singers deserv
eddy honored - the opera progrsssed. There was
lack OF warmth such - tended to discourage
thy efforts of nights before Just opportunity the
expression OF approval being allowed to escaps the
service OF the felicated audience poetic fancy
might dwell upon like this with INFINITE
OF happy images and swell description OF into
full romance without exceeding the charm influencing
the material view Of standing with the full vision
stretching from stage to gallery height before him. The
nature dull or unideal to feel spring of inspiration
from such splendid evidence of culture refinement
taste. and devotion to the artistic, 10 At only for the
workaday drudgery of life the unshorn. uncleanly
condition Of the vertabe cync To characters OF high
est mould and purest senshites the occasion
for the expansion of soul and the elevation of mind
and tho qualification of exquisite int gencs the
impressive for the reasons that from tho
ditions generally though erroneously supposed to be
the least favorable to tho development Of the noblss
forms of art and least devoted the chisest excel
lences Of cultivated taste"
We cut short the Chicago critics descrip.
ton at this point The extract is long enough
to show the method Of his school. He pre-
sents In broad outlines and comprehensive
masses the pictorial and moral aspects OF q
scene wherein the first feature to catch the
st. Louis mans eye, perhaps, would have
been the shining bald spot on ALLAN PEN.
DLEToN's head.
Does 1t follow that because the st. Louis
and Chicago schools of musical criticism are
so distinct In their characteristics one Of
them Is necessarily superior to the other
Not at all. II the st. Louis critics keen in
telligence goes directly to those points
OF intimate personal gossip which he
knows will delight his readers. the Chicago
mans broad philosophy enwraps and ele-
Yates the subject, and tumefies 1t to an ex.
tent that would be remarkable even In Bos.
ton. II St. Louis criticism is the moro inter-
esting, Chicago criticism is the more phil.
osophical. II the literary style OF the st.
Louis critic suggests the agile. nervous
movement Of a risky kangaroo. the majestic
and sonorous periods OF the Chicago critic
move on like street procession OF stately
elephants. Talents differ.