New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-09-21

There is much speculation among Mr. Wilson's
friends a. tho which the venture will have
in London. 1t must be remembered that as the
Merry Monarch. Mr.. Wilson ha, exceptional OpPor
tmnitles TO display his genius comedian. The
IDretto written especially 10 suit his pecnliariur,
Jic j. the sta:e almost constantly. and the opera
naturally from first to last. centres its interest on
hin.. Ills friends. while applaudng the idea OF the
opera making European success, are wondering
where there is An English funny man that will
a., the part Of the Merry Monarch justice. However.
Mr.. Wilson is a careful sagsciOus business man. as
we'll as good actor, and his friends feel confident
that he saw his way clear before he determined 10
seek success and fame where so many have failed.
Among the most important persons in connection
win q comic opera, and one who attracts the least
attention with the audience is the musical director.
II he is neglected by tho audience. however, he is
not by the people on the stage for every song and
every chorus follow the dictatOn OF his baton.
Two Of the most popular musical directors In this
country are SignOr DE Noveis and Gustavc Kerkcr
Signor Antonio DE Novells. Francis Wilson's m'si-
cal director was born In Salerno. Italy. He studied
for the priesthood under the monks IN the Trinita
della Cava Monastery. near Ss1erno. aud when the
revolution In Italy broke out he Joined the ranks.
After the war was over he gave up all idea Of be-
coming a priest, and began to study for the operate
stage To become An impressaiiO was his ambition.
That place j. considered much more important III
Italy than IL is here There the maestro IS lord and
master and every thing must give way 70 his baton.
In this country the stage manager has more author
ity and the music is secondary consideration. so 10
speak.
After hard and a>,duois study Signor De Novel
lis received the offer Of the place Of maestro In
The Theatre Communae. in HalernO lie was highly
surcessfl and WAS the high road ~ fame when
romantic attachment brought him to this country.
In New-Iork he landed stranger III strange land.
unable to sp.ak a word Of English. lie had however.
letters Of INTRODUCTION % number OF prominent poo
pie, one Of whom Max StrakOsch, Of grand 1tal-
Ian opera fame.
II is said that first Impressions lasting. II such
was the with signor De Novcls he would have
repacked his trunk and taken the next steamer back
to his native shores.
Ills first offer an engagement To play at con-
tcrts given AZ Coney Island At that time the resort
vas In It's infancy. He accepted the engagement and
started one bright. sunny day to fulfil 1t. with full
directions Of how to reach the place. lie took the boat
a. directed which was old ono. In due time he
reached the slip. Owing to bad steering the boat
crashed into the pier number Of times with terrific
force and the last bump too much for the old
craft. The panks parted company and the signOr.
who waiting with the rest Of tle passengers to
land, waa suddenly hurled into tho water Hero was
pretty kettle Of fish. lie kept himself aAoat ~
he could and tried N attract te attention Of the peO
pc on Shore In the noise and confusion his cries
werc not heard. Ito was almost exhausted from cold
and exposure when u large spar dOated by him. which
= ching to with all his remaining strength. Ills
dangerous position was ut last discovered by some
Zen on the shore. who went to his A long aud
were Illness the result Of the signOrs first visit
- C,oDey Island.
His first Important engagement was that of chorus
master in tin, Grand Italian Opera Company. under
Max arakosch. After serving IN that capacity for q
long time lie accepted the leadership Of the Gerster
Opera Company alternate nights lie also served
in q like capacity with Clara Louise Kellogg for
number OF seasons. His first comic opera attempt
vas with tho &. d. Hess Comic opera Company IN
tic comic opera "Oli, ettc.' and lie at once
became a essfuI leader, although ut fret II
was not ~ his liking The difference was TOO great
and 1t was diftcuIt to got used to the change
Next he engaged with Colonel John a. Mcoanh'
Old Dynamite. as he IS famlarly called. ana e'gnor
De NovcIls was his leader in all OF Colonel McCahis
great succe,se, such as "Faika," Bcegar STUDENT
Black Hussar- etc When fae " MlkaiO' was to be
produced in Philadelphia by the McCauil opera Com
psny Sir Arthur sullivan who was on Visit 10 ois
sontz5. invited BY Colonel AcCaan 70 sHepo tie