Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-01-31
THE MOZART CENsURED.
DIR. sPRlecs PLAIN TALK.

ne "Sssshsru Charchman % the re-
ssss Prsssessss Of onvs,s al the Ma
SAN.
In the last number Of the Southern
CAsrcAmca the Rev. DR.. Sprigg gives
in IN editorial the following plain talk
about the Mozart:
We have in Richmond "Mozart
Hail." where for some years the best
musical talent that could be gotten gave
charming vocal and instrumental music
one evening Of every week, in summer
and wintei--nothing keeping back their
melody Of sweet sounds; an interesting
entertainment, which did good in giving
Richmond folk = pleasant evening every
week at moderate cost. = .
OF all the ugly buildings that panied
the eye Mozart Hall was the ugliest---
ueher than our City Hall. IL took no
enc by surprise, therefore, that its
managers were dissatisfied with it, and
every body was pleased when torn down
a few months ago and beautiful hall
erected in its place, and two weeks ago,
or three, il was opened to the public
for their accustomed musical treat.
Some persons, however, are not gratitied
with their new programme, which gives
one night for music and five nights Tor
thestre--Mozart being hired TO thea
tire manager for five nights in the
week, for which he pays $4,000 q year
to delight young men and maidens,
old men and children, with plays and
play actors, with operas and operettas.
We made bold to express our sorrow
TO a Mozart man that their theatre
business would trend downward and
appeal to low instincts and not to high
tastes. But he protested, "Never."
Had they not made written contract
with theatre manager? Did not con-
tract say, Nothing Objectionable;
nothing Mozart disapproved" should
be forthcoming on their boards? This
writer made bold to shake his head;
nav, said he, downward and downward
its trend. But he did not think it was
to be so soon he gave a year or two
be did not know it would come in
week or two. Yet, verify so.
Monday night, January 18th, was
music night, and music the people got,
but in the form of opera Olivette; all
Of which, as 1t is not this papers bust
ness, would have brought forth no word
Of comment from US. But one who was
there, not to speak Of others, did pro-
test disgust at the exhibition Of half
naked girls, who came out to sing and
dance before Christian men and women;
Presbyterian minister being present to
hear music, getting, however, more than
be bargained for. Now, against this
nakedness, we want, in the name of the
Christian church, to protest with all
the solemnity Of our nature. 1t is a
shame and disgraceful. If half-naked
houries can exhibit themselves before
Mozart people one night of the week,
what will q theatre manager have the
right to exhibit five nights of the week:
II these things be done in the green
tree Mozart, what in dry-tree theatre?
The tendencies are downward in
theatres-always have been, and always
will be. Theatres are always going to
be elevating; nor will we say some
plays are not elevating; but the trend |
is downward the drift is toward the |
pit.
Some men prefer their game high.
Men who spice their food want it spiced |
higher; men who drink one glass want |
two after awhile. AS we spice our |
food, so more spice. Plays that enter
tanned once grow dull after awhile;
must have spice in them, and more
spice, until women can be hired to ex-
hibit their persons before public,
who, wearied with the insipidness Of
ordinary plays, want them spiced, and
more and more highly spiced, that they
may peep and gaze, stare and leer,
gloat on and ogle at what ought to make
men ashamed-they being husbands of |
yirtuous wives and fathers Of modest |
maidens and brothers of pure sisters.
We make appeal to Mozart people. !
Can there not be one hall in Richmond |
for music and pleasant evening? Can
not Richmond afford to have building |
for music without hiring it out to thea
tire people? Cannot our sons go to Mo-
Fart without being treated to look at
the houries? Shall virtuous matron
and modes. maiden have to turn their
heads at Mozart's doings? We will
hope Mozart, having sinned so grievous-
ly, will sin no more. But if it con-
tinues to give such sights, Mozart will
come to grief, and decent people will
turn away from it.