The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-02-03
NEWS OF THE BOOK WORLD
A Presbyterian Preachers Views Of "Par-
slfaP' as Presented In New York-Two
opinions Showing Extremes Of sentl-
ment Toward the Work-one Calls It
Great Parable" and the Other an
Outrage"

"A parable Of the hurt and healing Of
humanity;" Vanity! Vanity! Vanity!''
In those few words may be found the
extremes Of views Of Richard Wagner $
Parsifal' as presented at the Metropol-
ltan opera-house in New York The vol
ume Of criticism of the composers great
work since the presentation has been
enormous and has represented all shades
OF opinion between the extremes given
above.
The first of these opinions comes from a
clergyman, Rev. DR.. Howard Duffield, pas
tor OF the Old First Presbyterian church.
New York. and is published in The Crter-
lon for February; the latter is by Eleanor
Franklin in Leslie's Weekly for Jan. 2s
referring to the commotion created by
the production in New York, Dr.. Duffield
! says:
This universal hubbub simply proves that the
scope Of 'Parsifal' is encyclopedia; that it runs
the gamut OF experience; that it sweeps q
circle Of influence vast as the horizon Of thought
The core OF every error is a truth. Beneath all
surface differences there is a stratum of common
agreement. The vehement and insistent fash,
ion in which all sorts and conditions Off mel
Keep finding In this notable work something that
lmplnges upon their special way Of looking al
things. makes it clear as daylight that the ideas
embodied in "Parsifal' move along this centra
plane OF. being 1t carries the mind down to tina,
basal point where all experiences of life overlap
1t wakens those chords of emotion which vibrate
ness.
After giving an Illuminating review O.
the scenes and crucial moments of "Par
slfal.' DR.. Duffield says of the ''episodt
of the temptation" that fear lest the Sc
/ ductlveness Of evil should be accentuatet
and its essential hideousness be left hid
den is groundless. He then adds:
The yulnerability Of evil is emphasized because
1t Is accorded all its OF internal seduc
tiveness. The innate horror of it becomes tn.
more irresistibly startling because none of its
pertc1al charm is conceded. The scene puts be
fore the eyes veritabe apple of Sodom at til,
surface rich with every alluring grace, and sud
denly the heart Of it is revealed, bitter witt
"ormwood and black with the dust of death.
The world is waiting for revivifying Of TIN
life force of the Christ; bringing Of eth
incarnation dawn to date; and it's translation
from theologic dogma into daily life. Thel
snail the stricken race be healed Then shall
the stained heart be cleansed. Then shall tn
paint OF the world woe be transposed into
psalm Of rejoicing. The Pilgrims Progress o
John Bunyan was the allegory of the redemption
OF the individual. The "Parsifal' of Richar,
| Wagner is parable Of the hurt and healing o
| humanity.
Eleanor Franklin's objection to "Par
sifaf' seems to be summed up In this:
Parsifal, in all it's wonderful poetry
its divine melody and sublime purity Q
purpose, can hardly be called profanity
but the production of it in the Metropoli
tan opera-house in New York city at
cost OF $4,000, the peace Of the widow c
It's great composer and the dignity of tn
American public, is profanity, sacrilege
blasphemy and a gigantic outrage
All things considered one would be In
clined to accept DR.. Duffield's estimat
"a Their than the other.