The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1909-05-09
and .Faust,. which Mr.. spetrino notori-

ously was not.
Again II b not too much to fancy that
this report might have q word or two
to say about tho ballet The Metro
Opera House last a ~rejoioed
IN the proud possession Of the worst
ballet ever seen upon It's stage. There
fore It would not be unnatural that a
report having some features Of a criti-
cal character might take up this topic
and suggest that instead OF regarding
Milan as the model Of a ballet training
school the managers should turn their
eyes toward the Imperial Opera Of Vienna,
which has the best ballet in Europe; but
here the insuperable objection would
arise that Mr.. Gatti-C asazza has per-
haps little sympathy with Vienna.
In q similar way difficulties would arise
in the consideration of the interests of
the company in that deleotable region
commonly called -theJ road One or
the other Of the two managers III act
under the immediate direction OF the
chairman Of the board shouiA have per-
sonal control Of the business Of 'the road,'
while the other should concentrate his
mind on the local house. OF course the
chairman himself could, not be expected
to take charge Of this matter. II the
general manager should undertake to
do it he would be greatly hampered by
his complete ignorance Of English, as
well al by his inoapacity to grasp the con-
ditions under which public performances
are given in this country. He might be
continually at sea On the other hand,
II this entire branch Of the company's
business were entrusted to the admins
tretive manager, who speaks filently
not only English but French, German and
Italian, and who is intimately acquainted
with all details Of road business even
down to the transportation OF baggage
and scenery, he would appear to the
press and public Of other cities to be dis
charging functions OF importance equal
to those of the general director.
More troublesome han this matter
Of -the road must surely be the musical
direction of the New Theatre. Messrs.
Ames, Shubert and Corbin are to be the
dauntless three In the direction OF the
drama In this institution; but their
functions are carefully defined. The
artistic management is in the hands OF
Mr.. Ames. 1t might be a subject OF dis
cussion in the report as to who would
have the artistic direction Of the operatio
performances. Here again troubles SINH
lar to those noted in the road branc
would arise.
The solution Of these difficulties could
well be found in placing the direction
OF the lyric performances at the New
Theatre In the joint care OF the general
and administrative managers Of the opera
house. In 90 far as it's musical activities
are concerned the New Theatre will be
a branch Of the Metropolitan n,
but as a whole it Is a project OF q kind
not familiar to Italy. but altogether COM
in Germany and Austria. The mould
ing Of a musical policy therefore might
perhars pe better in the hands Of an
Austrian han in those of an Italian, but
Of course here again rises he serious
objection that such an arrangement
would put the general manager in a
ridiculous position.
1t would be interesting to know what
the report has to say on this ground. 1t
WOuiU NOT ue at III dstoiiiShhib w iVoi''
that it recommended the appointment of
one member Of the present management
as director Of musical affairs at the New
Theatre. 1t would also not be at all
astonishing to learn that his recommen-
dation would not be carried out. How
ever, as the report remains a profound
secret, no one can say with certainty
what are it's findings on this important
point.
1t is unlikely that the report enters
into any discussion Of the engagement of
singers for the next 8 1t ia safe
to say that this matter is left entirely in
the hands Of the managers. When the
list of singers for the New Theatre is
published, however. it will be found that
Il is arranged alphabetically and that this
excellent plan causes the name Of Frances
Aida to head the list. II is pleasant to
be able to add that Nine. Aida, having
been received with the most sensational
enthusiasm by the public last season, an
enthusiasm which at times rose to breath
less silence. has been yeengaged at an in
creased salary and that while the number
Of appearances allotted TO her was not
specified in her old contract, it is 20 in
the new agreement, and that therefore
the public (perhaps that OF BOSTON, will
enjoy opportunities Of hearing her oftener
next winter than 1t did last,
or course Nine. Flahaut Is also re-
engaged. She did not sing as often last
season as Nine. Aida, but her success
was similar in character. Therefore it
almost logically followed that II the so
prano were reengaged the contralto
would have to be.
Nine. di Pasquali. whose enormous
success in the roles formerly sung by
the overpraised Sembrioh was so great
that there were no words in which to
record it, has also been reengaged at an
advanced salary and for a larger number
appearances. Mime. Rappold has not
been secured for next season. She Las
been transferred to Milan. whore she will
become q singer Of the first rank. Her
place viii be admirably filed next a
by Nine. Noria. who In private life is
tho wife Of Mr.. Gatti-Cas gas secretary,
the Count CeutAnini. and who was afore-
time Miss Jane Ludwig Of the Castle
Square Opera Company.
Tho immediate results Of Signor Gen.
explorations In darkest Paris
have not all been made public. but some
them have been unskilfully confused
with results achieved by his superiors.
The company win indeed be q large n
next season and its activities will be
armand over a largo territory,