Article on Maretzek and Grau Opera Seasons

Discussion of Maretzek and Grau opera seasons, using war terminology.  “We had anticipated a grand struggle, a protracted operatic war, between the rival impresarios, Maretzek and Grau.  We are to be disappointed. . . . Grau will not give opera; he will make known to the New York public his artists, and then off he will fly to less dangerous fields of operations. . . .

Grau allowed disaffection to creep into his ranks, and thus he lost his most capable general.  We refer to Brignoli. . . . [Grau] will give concerts in the Western cities, and will no doubt have a successful season, unless he runs counter with the Gottschalk concert troupe, in which case Grau will then, as now, suffer from the determined opposition of a powerful foe.  It must be stated that Gottschalk has secured the services of Brignoli. . . .

How this bitter strife will end we cannot tell.  Whether Grau will succumb to superior numbers, or, rising to the necessities of the situation, will recruit a formidable army and battle to the last, perhaps to success, must remain for time to disclose.  At present we can only regret that the war of the rival impresarios will be of such short duration here”.