A COVENT GARDEN SPLIT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2812, 5 February 1908, Page 87

A COVENT GARDEN SPLIT.

The split between Pietro Mascagni and tho directorate of the Itulian opera at Covent Garden (says P.T.0.) camo as a •surprise to mo3t English music-lovers. Arrangements were in progress for the production of the Italian's Japanese opera, "Iris," when, suddenly. all negotiations were brought to an end by a 'ettai whip!a notifies the composer that the opera cannot be produced if he intends to ba presinr. The reason of this curious condition iff not given, but the result is that the composer's newest operas, " Iria " and " Arnica," go to America, while London, like Mother Hubbard'a dog, "has none." - Maecagni ia also at work on a new libretto by a 70ttn® Italian author, ■which, was successful in gaining the Sonzogno prize. It i& called "The Harvest Feast," and deals with things Socialistic. In view of his new task, it is interesting {g- recall Mascagni'g

methods of working. For days he is satisfied to read his text until he is thoroughly acquainted with every detail of plot and characterisation. He does not always read it in proper sequence, but is often content to pick out scenes from the middle and study them until tne words gradually turn themselves into music. Then he sits before his piano and notes down the result, without order, 'hut just pell mell, as the notes come. "Inspiration knows no methods," says the composer. "Order comes later on." Mascagni is most superstitious, and is an ardent believer in the efficacy of charm 5 and talismans. His waistcoat pocket never fails to carry a burden of cabalistic tokens, each of which is supposed to avert one of the various disasters to which long-suffering humanity is subjected. To one of these charms' ie accredited tho responsibility for the succesj of " Cavalleria." He also has a living mascotte in the person of Madame Calve, and he believes that any opera of ihis in which she singe at its initial performance is certain of success. Shortly after the production of "Cavalleria," Mascagni visited Venice. On his arrival he ,was greeted by a person of whom he had no recollection with " Signor Mascagni, how is your illustrious brother?" Amiable, although puzzled and hungry, he replied, "Oh. very well, thank you." "Thank God!" ejaculated his interrogator devoutly. "We were told that the glorious composer had had an apoplectic fit, because he has grown so- extremely fax, you know." Where upon Mascagni, boiling with rage at having ■t>een mistaken for his brother, and at having indirectly been oalled " fat," spluttered, "Sir, I am myself, and as for stoutness, that is a. master of opinion." And he stalked to his .gondola, leaving his interIcoutor bewildered and dumb.