New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-04-21
THE RECORD.

This accounts for the large number Of times that
Mascagni's "Cavalleria" and "Leoncavallos "Pagl-
acct" were given, the latter being also helped in
the record by the fact that it twice bracketed
with Massenet's ''Navarraise.' On three occasions
the regular procedure interrupted for the sake
Of matters Of temporary and special interest.
Thus March 2 there miscellaneous bill,
made up OF an act of "Dinorah,'' one of Faust"
and all OF 'Cavaleria Rusticana''; on April 10 the
performance little else than a concert at which
fragments Of six operas of which were not
in the repertory, sung: while on Good Friday
Verdis Reqieum Mass. composed In honor of Man
zoni. took the place of opera and was sung to
popular prices. though it was on a regular opera
night The subscription small that it
seemed unnecessary 20 difentiate in the table be-
tween regular and extra performances. OF the
latter there were twenty on Saturday nights at
popular prices. besides others given on holidays
and for benefits. Though it IS 10 be noted as a
matter OF history that the competition OF the Man
haitian Opera House did not appreciably affect the
subscription OF the Metropolitan. it is also to be
noted that rule the, attendance on the Satur-
day night popular performances was larger at the
new house AS compared with the Metropolitan
Opera House. the record Of the season stands as
follows:
R6lRs ':: ::::::::: e 'ls
A few Of the incidents OF the season deserve TO
be passed in review. OF the singers whose pres
ence in Mr.. Hammersteins company lent dstinc-
night in II Puritani." The opera failed 10 awaken
interest, but Bonci caught the popular fancy and
held ii TO the end. Toward the acoEe of February
however, ii was announced that he had made a
contract with Mr. Conried to sing at the Metro
politan Opera House next season. Mr. Hammer
stein first met the move Of his rival by announce
ing the engagement OF SIgnor Zenatello but after
ward began legal proceedings prevent Signor
Bonci from fulfilling his contract with the man.
ager OF the house in upper Broadway. n.
Renaud, the great French barytoHe. effected his
entrance in 'RiSoletto,' but he not his best
voice and condition. and only later conquered rec
ognition for his fine talents. The opera, however
took its place the popular list. since il en-
ployed, at different times. the finest talent at the
command Of the management The first large and
complete triumph by opera De-
cenber u by Carmen" in which Nine. Bresser-
GianoH appeared the heroine. She enacted the
part fifteen times before Nine. Calve came 10 take
back the territory which had long belonged to
her. A second success followed hard on the heels
OF Carmen" This was Aida" the triumph Of
which was of ensemble. in which the chorus
under Sgnor Campanini, played small part
Nine. Melba's coming, January 2, the sig
nal for the awakening Of societys interest in Mr.
Hammersteins enterprise She remained until
March 3. when she said farewell i'm performance
OF Puccini's "Boheme" the production of which
by Mr. Hammerstein in defiance Of the rights OF
Mr.. Conried according TO the allegations OF the
publishers. RicordD and the legal proceedings end
Ing with the granting Of injunction against Mr.
Hammerstein at the end Of his season.
OF the diverting incidents OF the merry operate
war. Nine Melba sang three times in la Travi-
alta five times in "Rigoetto." twice in Lucia di
LammermOor.' once in Faust" and four times in
La Boheme'
The Bonc incident and the interest created in
Mr.. Hammersteins enterprise by Nine Nelba's
popularity stimulated interest in the offerings for
a second season. which the manager answered by
announcing the engagement, besides Zeaatello of
Nordica and Schumann- Heink, and the re-engage-
ment Of Renaud Bressler- GianOli Sammarco, Gill
10 a bie Gttf,c.
tion for next season March l9, and announced
the day after that he had received subscriptions
amounting to 100000 OF which $4,000 had come
from the four principal ticket spectators IN the
city. Nine. Calve. who was engaged to give
ecat TO the conclusion of the season, effected her
entrance on March q and sang nine times-four in
Carmen three in "Cayalleria Rusticana' and
two I'm La Navarraise." II. L. *.