The New York Herald Newspaper, August 14, 1876, Page 2

(4 3 WAG ER. ENR “Rheingold” Presented Before the Celebrities of Europe. ROYALTY PAYING HOMAGE 10 GENIUS. First Performance of the Great Music-Drama at Baireuth. GRAND SCENIC EFFECTS. Silence and Darkness Among the Audience and Light and Music on the Stage. IN OPERA. A REVOLUTION The “Ring of the Nibelungen” an Assured Success, [SPECIAL DESPATCH TO THE HYRALD BY CABLE. ) BaikevtH, Bavaria, August 13, 1876. The 18th of August, 1876, will form an epoch in the history of music second to none in importance. ‘The Jong dream of Richard Wagner's life has been realized, and his unquestionable genius, unbending will, Indomitabie perseverance and a rooted belief not only in the heavy task he imposed on himself, but in his absolute power to accomplish it successfully, have brought forth the desired fruit. When, thirty Years ago, his opera of “Rienzi”? was produced at Dresden it was but the reflection of the style of his early friend, Meyerbeer. Since that time his artistic nature has cast oif all fetters of servile imitation, fnd the culmination of the labors of a lifetime is found in the great music drama which commenced to-day in this town of Baireuth. THE PERFORMANCE OF “RHEINGOLD,” which is the introductory music drama to the “Ring of the Nibelungen,” commenced at seven o’clock this tvening and lasted three hours. Long before the prescribed hour for the opening of the festal theatre all Baireyth was excited, and the vast concourse of visitors was out of doors, eagerly awaiting the mo- ment when they could enter the temple of musie, the Walhalla of the lyric art. ROYAL VISITORS. The Emperor of Germany, the Emperor and Em- press of Brazil, the King of Bavaria,.Prince George of Prussia, the Prince of Hohenzollern, Prince Wilhelm of Hesse, Grand Duke Vladimir of Russia, the Grand Duke of Mecklenberg, the Duke of Anbalt- Dessau and a large number of other titled magnates occupied seats in the Princes’ Gallery. About sixty Americans attended the performance. The scene in the auditorium of the theatre before the commencement of the music drama was an ex- ceedingly brilliant one. Looking up from a seat in the amphitheatre toward the Princes’ Gallery, the eye was dazzled with the splendor of the uniforms or the suites of the various royal personages, forming & bright background to the large assemblage of ors that filled the 1,300 seats of the amphitheatre. ABOVE THE ROYAL GALLERY Was a second one, in which a large number of the citizens of Batreuth were seated. An unusual fea- ture for a German opera house was the prevalence of full evening dress, which lent an additional at- traction to the body of the theatre, THE WARNING FANPARE, At seven o'clock eight trumpeters, stationed in ‘he opening or front of the theatre over the amphi- eheatre, gave the sigi for the commencement of the work, and the echoes of the long trumpet call had scarcely died away toward the distant Fichtel- gebirge and Kulons when from the “MYSTIC Al yr the opening strains of the invisible orchestra of Hans Richter floated through the house. To those accustomed to the brilliantly lighted effect of the great opera houses of Europe the appearance of the Wagner theatre was very singular. THE AUDITORIUM WAS QUITE DARK, light there being considered by the composer as cal- culated to distract the attention of his hearers. An- other strange feature was the suppression of all out- ward applause, which is also regarded by Wagner as annoying and destructive to that continuity of thought necessary for the full appreciation ana en- jJoyment of his great work. When the curtain rose on THE FIRST SCENE, ‘the bed of the Rhine, the effect was so life-like that it was difficult for the audience to restrain delight. The three Rhine nymphs or nixies, Wog- linde, Wellgunde and Fiosshilde, appeared, gliding about, singing and = chasing among tue rocks. “water Which accompanies this scene is of that flowing, undulating character that fits the dreamy sougs of the nymphs and is full of charm. Woglinde sings the opening measures with the strange words, “Weia! waga! Woge, du Welle!” The voice of Mme. Lillie Lehmann blended admirably with the orchestral accompaniment. Leh- their each other The music” Marie 1 1 mann and Minna Lammert, who represented the | other two nymphs, were no less effective. The ap- pearance of the dwarf, Alvericl, and his seizure of the magic “Rheingoli” formed the next feature in the opening scene. THE HOME OF THE GODS. From the waters of the Rhine to the mountain tops, on which the slumbering, was a noiseless gods were discovered change. Here occurred a long duet between Wotan (Odin), the sun god, and Fricka, his wile, followed by some characteristic music for the giants, Faifer and Fuasolt, As the scene progressed Freia, the goddess of Love and Spring; Froh, her brother, Donner (Thor), Loge, the fire god, and Erda (Earth) were heard, each hav- ing some peculiar instrumental mots vy which he or she might be recognized. This phrase, although generally short, partook much of the character of | the personage it represented. NIBELUEIM. From the mountains to Nibelheim, the dark abode of Alverich and his dwarfs, was a sombre change. The repulsive Alberich monopolizes the greater por- Yon of the music of this scene, and it was a severe test for the baritone voice of Car! Hill, one in which, however, ie was entirely successful. The scene ended with the capture of whe dwarf king by the sun god and fire god. Back to the mountains again, an agreeable change, especially as in the Nibelheim scene every bart of the theatre was in gloom. The gods dragged and remarkable | RHEINGOLD. Selections from the No. 2, Flosshilde; Rutz Nruru, No. 1. me N NEW YORK HERALD, MONDAY, AUGUST Introduction to Wragner’s 3, Finale—Woglinde, No. “Ring of the 14, 1876.-WITH SUPPLEMENT. Nibelungen”—No. 1, Woglinde:;| Flosshilde and Wrellgunde. gat (a Wo-ge, du Wel - le, wal -le zur Wie - ge wag-a - la wel - a, wa - la- la, wei - la -la, Was zanket du, ¥ Alp? Du fret ~- FS =o: die Drit test um zwei, as sen Trost, Sang, singt zu mir Lele dialled LL! = Jeuch-te-te noch........ in der Tie-fe dein laut? - a te - te noch in der st t= in their unwilling prisoner and forced him to give up the ring and ail his other treasures. THE CURSE OF THE RING. ‘The curse which Alberich hurls after the ring is a grand piece of musical declamation, and Herr Hill delivered it with rare offect and emphasis. Erda’s prophecy of the sad “twilight of the gods” is one of the features of the work and {t received due justice from Mile. Luise Laide. The appearance of Erda, as she rose up in the midst of the gods, was very picturesque. ‘The last scene represented the gods crossiug over by what was designed to represent a rainbow bridge into TUK PALACE OF WALHALLA, rejoicing at the recovery of their goddess Freia, While from the depths below rose the sweet voices of the Rhine daughters, apostrophising the magic “Rheingold” of which they had been robbed. The concluding trio of the ninges was very beautiful. THE SCENIC EFFECTS were grand beyond description. There waa no noise or delay in the changes of scene; everything worked like acharm. The lighting arrangements of the stage were perfect. The curtain fell on the last scene at ten o'clock. ‘The artists, one and all, acquitted themselves to the satisfaction of the maestro hunself, and Hans Richter deserves all praise for the admirabie manner in which he handled the orchestra and led his 120 instrumentalists safely through the intricacies of the score, The following was THE CAST:— Wotan, Franz Betz, Berlin; Donner, Eagene Gura, Hamburg; Froh, George Unger, Baireuth; Helarvich Vogl, Munic Loge, Ui, Sch wera; Mime, Carl Schlosser, Munich; Fasolt, Albert Eilers, Coburg; Father, Franz von Reichenberg, Frankfort; Fricka, Prederike Grin, Coburg; Freia, Marie Haupt, Cassel; Erda, Luise Lalde, Darmstadt. Rhine danghters—Woglinde, Lillie Lehmann, Berlin; Well- gunde, Marie Lehmann, Berlin; Flosshilde, Minna Laminert, Berlin, Few will indulge in sleep to-night In Baireuth, un- til a very late hour, at least, as all are discussing the event of the day and indulging in various theories as to the other portions of the great muste drama. ‘The introductory work, “Rheingold,” has made a profound on those who came with prejudices against Waguer and his works. The performance was a revelation in opera, the turning point, perhaps, in the history of the stage. The first of the works of the Trilogy, Walktre,” will be presented this evening. impression, even AN IMMENSE CONCOURSE OF VISITORS. BAIRKUTH, August 13, 1876. Pour thousand strangers have arrived in the city to attend the Wagner musical festival, There are about sixty correspondents of American, German and other newspapers present. A grand torehlight pro- cession in honor of the event occurred last evening. THE MUSIC OF “RITEINGOLD.” In tne selections from the score of Wagner's great music drama which we publish to-day we present three of the most striking specimens of the water nympi’s music, The selection marked No. 1 is the opening voeal measures sung by Woglinde, and No, 2 is Plosshiide’s taunting address to Alberich and his answer. No. 3 is the male to the opera aud the apostrophe of the nymphs to their beloved “Rheingold,” which has been taken from them. “Rheingold” was written twenty-three years ago, and a public dress rehearsal of it was given, much against the composer's, Wil, at Muuiel, on August | de, 13808, i MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC NOTES. Setior Joseph White, the violinist, is in Paris, Keily and Leon will serve up Odenbach this week at the Twenty-third Street Theatre. The proiiminary fall season of the Union Square { Theatre commences next week. The Balte Memorial Festival was held at the Alexan- dra Palace, London, on July 29, ‘The San Vario, Naples, ts going begging, yet there is A subvention of $80,000 a year attached to It M. Faure will make a concert tour through the French provinces during tho fail and winter. Booth’s Thoatte opens this evening for the fall and winter season with the romantic play of “Sarda. napalus”? Colonel Sinn inaugurates anew season at the Olym- ple Theatre to-night with a large and weil selected va- riety company. Milo. Zaré Thatbery will return to England from Bar- caloua tobe one of the principal singers in a country tour organized by Mr. Gy Mme. Mallinger’s husband lost a great deal of money by bis late operatic venture in Hamburg, notwith- standing the attraction of the favorite Berlin prima donna, Mile, Titiens, at h benetit at Drury Lane, London, last month, was recallod eight times and received seventy bouquets and several valuable presents of jewelry. M. Léon Keoudier has made some recent additions to bis company for the ensuing season at the Thditro Italien, Paris; among others, Signors Carpi and tenors from Covent Garden, s Just published a new orchestral work, en- titled “The Bells of Strasbourg Cathedral’” What next are we to expect from the renowned Abbate and right- hand promoter of Richard Wagner? Mr. Cari Rosa intends opening at the London Ly- ceum with Cherubini’s “Water Carrier” (Les Deux Journées), whieh was so successful here, again at the Princess's Theatre last seasou, and subsequently in the country, Itisa feather in the spirited impresario’s cap to bave helped so Gne an opera to popularity in England. Wagner's “Fliegende Hollander,” Adolph Adam’s “Giralda,"’ Nicolo Isouard's “Joconde,” aud Beethoven’s “Fidelio,’? are also among the operas Mr. Rosa Intends producing, Mr. Gotthold Cariberg has organized an Italian opera company for the coming season, of which the following are the principal artists: —Madame Pappenbeim, Signor Baceei, Mr. Felix Brousser and Mr Sullivan. He will make aspecial feature of Wagner's “Flying Dutes- man,”’ au opera which has Never been given in this country, Meyerbeer’s “‘Africaine”’ has been produced, tor the first time at Buenos Ayres, with great success, the character of Selika being sustained by Mile. Wiziak, who may be remombered some years ago at Her Majes- ty’s ‘Theatre, and that of Vasco di Gama by Signor Gayarre, the promised new tenor, this year, both at Covent Garden and Drury Lane. A strong English opera company has been formed by Messrs. Guon, of the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin, The soprano parts will be divided between Miss Rose Hersel and Miss Blanche Cole, the two principal Ruglish operatic prime doune of the present day, The con- traito will be Miss Auntie Goodall, the principal tenor Mr. W. Parkinson. The first periormance will be given on Monday at Dubin, and alter « three weoks’ stay at the Gaiet patre the company will proceed to Liver- pool, Sheilield, &., probably visiting London later in the season, The conductor is Mr. Sidney Naylor, whose excellent quaiitications for tho pest are well known begin the Ist of October with the four little volumes devoted to England and Wales, ‘The London Academy dainvs Robert Browning’s new book of pooms with faint pr ‘The great “Alphabetical Dictionary of Coats-ol-Arms of British Families,” by J. W. Papworth, completed by A.W. Morant, is now finished, having beew begun in | Harovitz, called “The 1858, We are to have the great ‘History of France’ of i Heart Martia, three thus erowaed by the Preach | i Eadie! va hee Academy, compicte in English, from the press of Estes & Laypiat, Boston, ‘The London literary world {s doller shis summer sea- son then it has been tor ten years, Nota single nota- bie bew work has been issued, and authors and publish- erg are living on the gales of their old books, Lee & Shepara have in press a campaign life of Governor filden, by W. M. Cornell A very intelligent book on Wesidra Asia is the Baron Von Thiclmann's “Journey tm the Caucasus, Persia, and Turkey in Asia,” just printed in London, ia twe volumes. Tne London Academy is pleased with Mr. Joba Burroughs’ ‘Winter Sunshine,” which it calls origt- nal and tuteresting. Mr, G. J. Hoiyoake has started a new weekly papor in London, entitled the Secular Review. It will be the organ of liberaligm in theology and polities, Mr. J. H. Parker, the careful and enthumastic sta deut of Roman architecture and remains, is about publishing a vew illustrated Look on the Forum Ro- manutn and another on the Coliseum, Buedeker’s Hand Book for Palestine and Syria ts outin English,and will be followed bya new hand book of Egypt, both of which will embody the last word on the subject of Oriental and Egyptian travel. Auother volume of the Calendar of Documents re- lating to Ireland, now being published by the Brit. ish government, has appeared, running from A. D, 1171 to A. D, 1251. ‘The eatastrople in the seventh book of “Daniel De- ronda,’’ by George Eliot, involves the death of Grand- court, the love of Gwendolen for veronda and of the latter for Mirah. The Athenaeum says this part of the work is ‘*ciumsily treated,’ and the story cannot now be redeemed (rom failure. Ovhor critics think other- wise, FINE ARTS. THE LOAN EXHIBITION AT THE ACADEMY OF DESIGN AND METROPOLITAN ART MUSEUM, The present summer, and in fact the entire year, hag been ono Which has witnessed a display of art works euch as will not be seen Mm this city for many years to come. Its result willbe seon im the advancement of art culture throughout the country; for, thoagh the possession of fine art worke is the privilege ofthe few, the uppreciation of them 1s one of those pleasures con. lined to no class, and the many fine exbibitions which, have taken place will do more toward cultivating msthetic tastes than volumes of essays or months of travel in foreign eountries, where the time sallowed for “doing”? such galleries as the Louvro or Pitt! Palace is two or three days. Of course there are many works which {tis worth a trip across the ocean to see, but the works of tho old masters are appreciated far moro if the wsthetic facaltics have been cultivated by studying the works of modern masters, The galleries now open in this city where first class pictures are exhibited are drst, of course. tho Academy of Design and Metropolitan Art Museum, with their collections from private galleries. Hero may be seen rooms filled with people, mostly strangers in the city, who, regardless of the intense heat in the outer world, enjoy the art treasures which surround them, sometimes passing the whole day in the gal- leries, forgetting that the swiftly flyiug boura have carried the lunch hour with them, They see famous works now which they may never baye an opportunity of seeing . again, and must fix them trmly in their minds tor future pleasure or reference, Here are four of the most famous of Gérome’s pictures, “Tho Lion on Guard” was ely criticized of his pictures when first exhibited, seven or eight years ago, Tuis is trom the gallery of Mr, Charles Stewart Smith, ©The Gladi ators,” (rom Mrs. A. T. Stowart’s gallery, ia the most celobrated and best known of his pictures, excepting only “fhe Death of Cwsar,” from the collection of Mr, John Taylor Johnson, at the Metropolitan Art Mav um, rhe Race of the Chariotecrs” is his latest k of importance, and is aisv from the gallery of Mrs, A. art. “he Cracifixion,’’ frou Mr ‘Thomas B. Musgrave's gallery, is also a picture which rai-ed a storm of criticism, both Javorab.e and the con- trary, in Paris as weil as alter its arrival in this city, ‘A sinull copy of the celebrated “Diogenes” 18 from Mr. Johu H. Saerwood’s gailery. Here ts a Salon gold inedal picture of Zamacois, “Lhe Education of a Young Prince,” irom Mr. Kebert L. Kennedy’s collection, and one irom the gallery of Mr, Robert J. Custivg, which i nce, ‘ihe Return trom the Coa- owned vy Charles 8, Smith, e rom Paradise,” celebrated 3, {rom Mr, Sherwood's gal- y the same artist is from the One of the fue: xhibition 13 eave ‘one of the mosts and “The Ex} for the exquisite flesh to lery, A portrait group collection of Mr, A. Be E pictures in the enure in, Chureb ona Rainy Day,” by Madrazo, Mr, Robert L. Cutting is the fortunate possessor. A single tigure oi a young woman seated on one of the Park benches ig also # spirited example of the same school by Boldin, “Spanish Uurthday Festival,’ by Atvarez, 1s trom Gov. ernor sMorgan's gullery; 20, also, is Jules Breton’s weil kuown “Washerwomen of the Coast of Brittany.” “Church Festival wm Brittany,’? of equal im. v 1s from the collection of Misa L. Welty This lady ts also ssor of Gabriel Max's colevrated — work, st Token,” 4 superh, example of Vou Marche, ay Dreams,” by Couure. Bonnat, who is a favorite master uinong Young Atericap artists 10 Paris, is represented here vy & pieture of hie size Agures, rreh 1h color and pussessitig great strength, vf an “Egypting Fellah Woman With a steeping Child.” ‘This 18 irom Yolle’s xaliery. Ouv of the tinesi in ex-Gov- ernor Morgan's collection is by the Munich artist Fraua Detregger, and ts called the “Prize Horse,” and one of the most importaat historical -works is “Luther and the Retormners at Marburg, 1929," ihe figures bemg portraiis. This ts by Linden idt His collecuon aisy comprises mnportant catile pictures by A. Braith, Olio Bache aud Frederick Volts. he Kast Room is an tinporsant work of Eastman Jonnson’s, “The Vension Agent,” This is trom the gallery of Mr. Josia M. Fiske. William Page's ideal head of Washiugtun bangs near it, and is owned by Mr. Parke Godwin, 13 algo the Owner of one of the best of A. D, Sbattuck’s ‘Landscape and Cate’? pic: tures. In this room is one of Hans Makart’s works, ‘alstail im the Basket,” an allegorical work by Isabey, he Dethroned Idol” of Horace Vernet, an historical scene by Ary sebefler, and a poworlul painting by Miser.” These uro all trom the gullery of Mrs. Paran Stevens, One of the best* “sheep” pictures 18 from Knoedler & Co., and is by Auguste Bonheur, “Edwin Booth as 1 go,” whic created a furore when painted by Thomas Hicks, is in the South room. It is from the collection o! Mrs, Thomas Hicks. ‘The Pride of the Village,” a favorite picture, well known through engravings of Lifteen or twenty years ago, by Henry Peters Grey, ia from Mr. Wildam H. Osvorn’s gallery. abod Crane and Katrina,” by Daniel Huaungton, fg also an old friend to many. Au historical prcwure by Leutze, “Columbus in Chains,” 18 irom the gallery of Mra Jonathan Sturges. “The Inundated,’” by Meyer von Bremen, from Mr. R. L. Stuart’s gallery, and “Attor the War,” trom that of Mr. 8. Hawk, are two of that author finest works, Bouguereau’s “Charity,” « fine Sebreyer aud a Corot are among pictures irom the gallery of the Kentleman, “ftush and iboaa,"? by Cabane from the same gallery. Here 1s J, @. Brown’ ing Gamat’? among others, from the Van Valkenburg, and there are scattéred around the walls in vast, bewildering pro- fusion celebrated pictures by Bouguereau, Clays, Troyon, the three Bonheurs, Von Marcke, Volta, Merle, Boughton, Frere, Schreyer, F. E. Church, Ved- der, Jules Dutfre, Thomas Cole, Durand, Kense' Gifford, Achonbach, Couture, Verboeckhoven others of equal note. There are two important works in black and white, one being “Charity,” by Kaulbach, owned by Governor Morgan, and tbe other th origival of Cari Muller’s “Holy Family,” one of several impertant pictures from the private collection of WilhamSchaus The exhivstion here has been far m se heat which bas prevailed ir vince salve The receipts baye averaged £200 a day, and the admis- sious have been over 20,000 already. When the New Yorkers return m the jaila sull greater number ts ex. coved. During the latter part of September or Veto. . ber ir. August Belmont has again ofleced to open his gallery, and others will also bv opened about the same time. At the Metropolitan Museum of Art the admissions during July averaged 167 per day, There are 169 pictures exbivited here, ninety-Ave of them being from the collection of Mr. John Taylor Jobn- son, Who 18 One of the most rgotie managers of | the insvitution. It was principally through bis efforts aud those of the late Willwm 1, Blodgett that the auseum Was brought 10 existence, and to their en- torprise and Industry itis mainly indebted for its pres eut prosperity, Their now building in Central Park will be Hutshed within the next two years, and the eity allows an income for reut, &c., of ibe pretises now o¢- cupted in Fourteenth street, The gem of Mr, Jounson’s collection is “fhe Slave Ship? of Turner, the most eol- ebrated of all pis many hundred works. Chureh’s “Niagara” vs bere, also his “fwiight im the Wily ness." Gérome’s “Death of Cwesar,” Holm bella and the Pou of Basil,” a Troyor ty. “The Temptation of St Anth wit, a large (i by Isabey, id Virgil Crossing the Styx” by Dela erolx, Herd of French Cathe,” by Vom Marcke, which is tho finest by this’ artist now oa — exhibition. The celebrated preture — by ©. 1. Muciler, The Koll Call of tuo Vietims of the Reiga of error,’ with works by Sebroyer, Diaz, Clays, William Hart, Madraze, Gleyre, Zamacor, Dandigny, “Semiramis.” A fany, aud “i ¢ Courtship, tures of the just Academy exhibition, by W. aro from the gallery of dir, Robert Gordon, A of Arabs by dr. from the gal niella, is from Governor Morgan's Fete,” by Jery, and “Phe Founding,” by Gallaher, trow Mm Pe] L. Stuart's, Beside the pictures are the Cesuola and other colled Hons, some of pottery ant others of value, for various Teasous Wo students and collectors,