The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1891-09-13
WAGNER MUSIC In PARIS.
HATRED OF GERMANY PREVENTS THE
PERFORMANCE OF "LOHENGRIN."

The Great Composer's Experience In the
French Capital with "Tann user"-
Almost Msbbed by the Young Bloods.
Tie cable news from Paris announcing tho
Indefinite postponement OF the performance Of
Lohengrin at the Grand Opera House. was
received with some surprise BY persons inter-
ssfed In musical matters in New York. but
only because it disclosed . curious state Of
affairs political and social. in the French cap
ltal. In the eyes Of mon that have watched
the course OF events during the last twenty
years. The pressure Of the Chauvin newspapers
and OF the mob that has resulted thus far in
Inc exclusion OF WaCners works from tho
fanslan lyric stage has teen quito discon-
nee'ed from music and musicians. II one
thousand French singers. virtuosos. orchestral
performers and music teachers wore asked
Today to vote upon tho production OF the
herman reformer's repertoire at the Grand
opera. not atty ballots would be cast against
me undertaking. The accusations OF anti
patriotism and tho threats OF violence have
come almost exclusively from fanatics or
pollea aGltators. who may have heard Of
balts Bleue" but who know nothing of
Lobelerln." Tho sensible French musician
anu music lover will no doubt find in this some
consolation for a condition OF things that from
'ue SandI ONT OF art. would be humiliatlng
and saddsning.
wagner himself is but An excuse for the
demonstration that has proved alarming
a'usn 10 cause the management OF the Opera
mouse 10 completely change its plans. The
.o1p'eer OF Nnnhauser"-as he 10 best
snoWn IN France-has always been an excel
WI He oe trc as the French put It aud whom
"sr french wrath and muscle have needed
% .uen exercise AZ punching block affords.
"aRnsr has offered a lEe field for the
seu'ty required 10 work Off their fury and
supernuous strength. This was the case long
wore The Franco-German war, though 1t is
.'e 10 say that the then hostility 10 tho musi-
sAa was based upon ITofessio ion al and perso
mou'es Wagnsrs experience OF Paris was
pse'acted and painful. and after his genius
s~teeoenized by Germany. it's conservation
w. " 'ns french capital. to which Hugos term
I .s.e was then more applicable than 1t
w. oeen OF late years.was denied him. Persons
~. ~ search OF enlightenment. with dstails. on
.us mead will discover itin WaRner's published
hs M.s mat tell Of his early struggles, Of tho
MlnElng forth OF "TsnnhAussr" By order OF
"S ~ emperor Napoleon ILL.,. and OF it's failure.
"u''n catastrophe was evidently tho out
come Of q well-organized conspiracy. The
- authorities were not to blame
Inc matter. After tho Emperor had
MADE known his wishes every effort
va. Wv made to meet the numerous and not
.rsSs reasonable demands OF tho composer.
isnnhauser" WAS translated into French,
M. Wagners request Albert Nlemann.
Ws NJ ~ DIS best March. 1861. Marie Sax.
s ~'ssll. and Nine. Tedeseo wore iptrustsd
T Tha Tho leading roles in the opera.
r.I'ts wore lG4 rshearsala Of which
sS,, were with the piano. As with the
. ..oius' and q with tho principals 4 we're
h. .nio rehearsals. and IA full-dress 70.
., As with scenery and costumes. In spite
sn, careful Preparation. "Tsnnhauser" was un-
IN. .'esslui. although the overture. the septet.
h.,. march and the baritone's romance were
~ 'A r appiauded From the latter number
on. Io closing measures OF the score the
msnt was roundly Missed. many prominent
no,.H OF tho Paris Jockey Club heading q
var, silque. and well-knowu and
Send sI'e but much prsjudiced critic.
in uo bY nsme. who subsequently died
con- iunatIc asylum. rendering himself
,ds, ,,Nus among tine anti wagnsrites. Two
s .,. representations Of Tannhauser'
,h., !. gwen and then Wagner himself asked
DO Withdrawn. His wish was sccsdsd
>aa 10 soon aiterward lett Paris with