Being historical and critical observations and records concerning the Lyric
Drama in New York from its earliest days down to the present time.
By HENRY EDWARD KREHBIEL, musical critic of the New York _Tribune_, author
of "Music and Manners in the Classical Period," "Studies in the Wagnerian
Drama," "How to Listen to Music," etc. With over 70 portraits and pictures
of Opera Houses. 450 pp. 12mo. $3.00 net.
This is perhaps Mr. Krehbiel's most important book. The first seven
chapters deal with the earliest operatic performances in New York. Then
follows a brilliant account of the first quarter-century of the
Metropolitan, 1883-1908. He tells how Abbey's first disastrous Italian
season was followed by seven seasons of German Opera under Leopold Damrosch
and Stanton, how this was temporarily eclipsed by French and Italian, and
then returned to dwell with them in harmony, thanks to Walter Damrosch's
brilliant crusade,--also of the burning of the opera house, the
vicissitudes of the American Opera Company, the coming and passing of Grau
and Conried, and finally the opening of Oscar Hammerstein's Manhattan Opera
House and the first two seasons therein, 1906-08.
"Presented not only in a readable manner but without bias ...
extremely interesting and valuable."--_Nation._
"The illustrations are a true embellishment ... Mr. Krehbiel's
style was never more charming. It is a delight."--_Philip Hale in
Boston Herald._
"Invaluable for purpose of reference ... rich in critical
passages ... all the great singers of the world have been heard
here. Most of the great conductors have come to our shores....
Memories of them which serve to humanize, as it were, his
analyses of their work."--_New York Tribune._
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*** If the reader will send his name and address, the publishers will send,
from time to time, information regarding their new books.
HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY
PUBLISHERS NEW YORK