THE THEATRE.

Evening Star, Issue 3794, 22 April 1875, Page 2

THE THEATRE.

To the Editor.

Sra, -It has been beautifully uaidthat “musioia the voice of God and poetry is his language,’’and. judging by the feehags it inspires in the breasts of almost every individual, surely we could not be far wrong in thinking the saying as true as it is beautiful Bemg a lover of the drama and good music, I occasionally saunter into the theatre, where I used to expect to hear it the music-1 sav used to-and this brings me to the object I have m penning these few lines. There are two things upon which I wish to say a few words. The first is the almost deafening noise that is made while the music is being rendered; and the second, the orchestra itself. With regard to the first, one of two things is certain, either the music is worth listening to, or it is not. If it is worth listening to, surely it is deserving of quietness : if not, why have it at all Dispense with it. Wtro this done, I feel certain that theverr individuals who make the noise wonld be the first to ory out at the absence of music. Should this meet the eye of any who are in the habit of whistling, whooping, and yelling, I trust they will see the propriety of not only stooping it themselves but of inducing othere to follow their example. It is no use advancing, as an argument in its favor, that it is customary in other places, as there is no sense in perpetuating such a barbarous practice. I feel sure that it does not hasten the thing by one minute, and it it could only be borne in mind that the performance is fairly commenced when the musio strikes up, surely it would enable them to keep quiet It must be very annoying, if not die* hearting, to the musicians. With regard to the second part, I would tuggest that the names of the overture, its author, and the other music to be played in the interval be given in the programme, so that people may know what to expeot for the evening. Should the above suggestion have the effect of drawing more attention to the music, I trust it wul enable < the managers to see the necessity of maintaining the numerical efficiency of the orchestra, which I observed, when last there, was reduced by one, whether permanently or otherwise Ido not know. I leave the matter to these more competent to deal with, trusting that it will not be allowed rest until a better understanding is arrived at with regard to the music. By giving this a comer in your nnbipm, thereby opening up the subject, I feel sure you will confer a benefit on all those who like my* self occasionally stroll into the theatre for evening’s amusement.-! am, Ac., ' . A Lovan CMP Onnan Dunedin, April 21.