New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-01-21
HHALL HE HIVE OPRRIf

On all VE H6fE OTEhif
There seems TO be some danger lest through
a combination Of causes, some real but many
only fancicd, The stockholders of the Metropol-
itan Opera House should seriously consider the
advisaoility of closing that magnificent institu-
ton next year. The directors two weeks ago
decided that opera should be given next year,
but it is said that the reports or discomfort
which have been circulated by silly persons
who prefer to be concerned with the affairs of
others rather than their own threaten to bring
about a reconsideration OF that action and
submission Of the question to the stockholders.
We do not apprehend that thorough can
yass of the situation would result in anything
else than unanimous and hearty approval of
the determination Of the directors. Any other
course would not only be fatal TO the business
enterprise embodied in the Metropolitan build
ing, but also injurious to the cause Of musical
culture in America. The stockholders are ex-
pcrienced business men. and though they may
have taken little pains TO gain knowledge
of that peculiar game of chance involved in
catering to the amusement Of the public. they
must have learned from the downfall Of tho
Academy Of Music and the rise of the Metropol-
itan Opera House that the maintenance of
business is contingent on the maintenance of
prestige. According to reports In the news
papers, the increase in rentals this year will
nearly cover the decrease in receipts from the
opera. This increase is due to the fact that
the opera has brought artistic prestige and the
approval Of fashion to the Metropolitan Opera
House. Let the house be closed, and at once
a dozen projects that have frequently been
mooted. looking toward the construction Of a
building especially adapted to concerts and
balls. will take life. They are lying dormant
now only because Of the public favor which the
Metropolitan Opera House has secured This
is the business side of the question the artistic
has greater significance.
We consider the success Of German opera at
the Metropolitan Opera House phenomenon
full of promise to music in the United States
The very fact that the public patronage is
smaller this season than last is an evidence Of
good accomplished. An increase over last
season proportonate to the increase of that
season over its predecessor would have been
abnormal and unhealthy. II could only have
been brought about through sensational means
such as are injurious to good art. The audi
ences have been as numerous as could be ex-
pected in any city in the world where opera is
an established institution Of culture and not the
fashionable fad Of week. They have like
wise been iudicious. They have not applaudcd
acrobatic fcatS in vOcalization. or every garlsh
display of stage furniture. but they have been
quick and hearty in their approving response
to every bit Of finely dramatic singing, and
have patronized the best works most gcner-
ously The stockholders are fortunate in bav-
ing such a public. and the merit is theirs OF
having provided the means which educated 1t.
They may rest assured that it is only question
Of time when they will reap the advantages
which stable taste and sincere love for the
lyric drama bring. On the other hand ON
public is blessed over that Of every other CITY
in the world in having an operate institution OF
the highest dignity which is not dependent
upon the whms of royalty or the tricky skill
Of speculative manager, but is supported by
the cultured wealth Of the community
Let the reciprocal duties of stockholders and
public be understood, let both factors work
tremendously to praisewOrthy end. and the
results of the cooperation cannot fail to be
mutually advantageous and helpful to art