The San Francisco call., 1898-03-24

"Orestes," for which he himself has writ ten the libretto. His story is borrowed from the "Orestes' by Eschylus. It is feared that this cycle will be even more ponderous and monumental than the now famous Bungert odyssey" trilogy. Vein gartner will be succeeded by Felix Mottl as conductor of the Berlin Opera-house.
 Count A. D. Cheremetief, a member of a family whose wealth has passed into a proverb in Russia, has this winter or ganized popular concerts at extremely re- duced prices in order that the laboring classes may become acquainted with good music The orchestra is sometimes conducted by the Count in person, and sometimes by the popular Russian leader, Vladimirof, and a very judiciously chosen programme. is always exeellently rem dered The works of Russian composers are naturally favored. The first five con- certs have been so beSieged with appli- cants for admission that a very much larger building has had to be found. The Counts philanthropic departure might we'll find imitators in other coun- tries.
 News is sometimes garbled by the time it reaches Europe. For instance the French papers make the remarkable statement that ''the violinist, Henri Mar teau, whose success at the Colonne con- certs In Paris was SO great in the inter- pretation of Theodore Dubois concerto, is at present touring all over America with this remarkable composition, which is everywhere arousing enthusiasm with the assistance of the excellent Thomas orchestra" Marteau is very gifted young man, but he has not yet arrived at the stage of taking the Thomas or cheStra in tour with him.
 The Russian Government has just abol- f1an oin lov ffT1cr all theatrical performances during the Or thodox Lent. According to the new regu- lations operetta is still prohibited during Lent but lyric and dramatic per formances of a higher order are allowed, provided that the municipal council gives it's consent. St. Petersburg and Kief have already authorized opera dur ing the present Lent.
 Autographs of celebrated musicians are bringing to-day prices that twenty years ago would have seemed simply impossi- ble. Recently at a sale of autographs in Vienna two letters written by Beethoven to his famous nephew brought $160 each, two little letters written by Joseph Haydn brought over $40 each and two letters by Richard Wagner $S0 each. At. this sale miniature portrait of Robert Schu- mann, painted on ivory, only brought $160.
 Henry Albers, who will be remembered as the star of the French opera season at the California Theater, is now singing in Bordeaux. The other day he appeared for the first time in the role of Athanael in Massenets 'Thais" and seems to have made the hit of his career in the part. The Paris Figaro in commenting on his success says: He was always a re- markable singer and faultless actor"
 The De Reszke brothers and Mime. Lit vinne, who were the cause of so much jealousy and wrangling In New York last winter are now singing with remarkable success in German opera in St. Peters burg.
 The Haydn Society of Vienna, com- posed of amateurs, recently executed an unknown symphony Gin D Major) by Michel Haydn, brother of the composer of '"The Creation"
 It Is now formally announced that the