New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-02-10
AIR FULL OF GERMAN OPERA.
ANTON SEIDL ENGAGED BY Mr.. GRAZ.
IT is LIKELY TO BE GIVEN FOR THE REST OF
THE METROPOLITAN SEASON.

IT IS LIKELY TO BE GIVEN FOR THE REST OF
THE METROPOLITAN SEASON.
Since the publication in The Tribune ten DAYS ago
Of the first announcement OF the probability Of re
turn to German opera at the Metropolitan Opera
House next season. there have been all sorts OF
rumOrs with more or less foundation about German
opera and italian opera and neither and both for
next season. and who wanted to give the one and who
wanted 10 give the other, and who did not want 10
give either. and who could not give either IL they
wanted to- The one point definitely settled seemed
to be that there would probably be something. ana
that somebody would probably undertake TO manage
it. But an interest of n more immediate sort T.,
awakened by the latest news which Is that Abbey 4
Grau have engaged Anton seidl for the present sea
son.
ANY one who has watched the at the opera
house can form his own conclusion to the meaning
of this Next week "The Mastersncers7 and The
Flying Dutchman" 10 be sung under his direction.
These performances will be experimental. If the
results are satisfactory, the rest Of the will
lie devoted to operas Of the German school, and
chiefly to those Of Wagner. probably including The
Nibeung's Ring" with Herr Seid to conduct all Of
them The Masersngcrs7 announced at the
beginning OF the season for possible production, but
no, The FLYING Duchman.'
Maurice Grau said yesterday that 1t true that
ne had made an engagement with Herr sedl. and that
the two German operas named would be given next
week lie said that he did not regard it as unusual
10 engage a third conductor in the middle OF the
season, and mentioned that Sir Augustus Harris had
recently done the thing The question naturally
suggested itself IL Abbey IL Grau give half
season OF German opera now, why should they not
give whole one next year. with better preparation
and naturally with better results. II it seems to DO
demonstrated that the public will NOR steadily
to hear German than Italian worls 1t Is understood
that Mr. GTau would like to retain control Of the
opera house for another season and that he
would be by no means averse to giving German
operas on half the nights and Italian
on the other half. 1t would be quite possible to
select company which could do this and do 1t we'll
several Of the artists of the present company would
be available for this purpose. and q good herman
chorus be had any moment that IL IS "aU'el.
Alternate performances In the Two languages wouiu
be quite practicable and II the newly proposed eN-
pertinent is success they not unlikely 10 occur
1t is not to be supposed that Abbey Grau thus
bring forward the standard German works with any
reluctance They wish to give the public Whatever
Il likes best as far rs 1t in their power ana wheh
il is demonstrated beyond doubt Just what Is "a'eu
Abbey & Grau will most gladly put 1t on the stage
and ill the seats Of the opera house: dramas vet
given this season has been "Lohengrin' ana II was
lot presented in such way as to attract T 1c r SD
have the title part he has. SUNG, in German
before and the expectation or me or p''i ,hnn
reasonable Edouard de Rcszhe has sung the part OF
Hans sachs in rv Hn pI4 sers6 eiemanC,
of IL should he expected OF him. More IMAM Ws,
Jean dc Rcszke is enthusiastic in his regard i9r I'm.
ncra and is most anxious sing the part or wafer
in H. He said only few days ago that he regarne'
The Mastersinger' as not only me gTeesI ' a lew
hind This is large statement 10 be mahe by coul
fryman OF Moere IN regard to the work OF Il German