Articles on Feud between Maretzek and the New York Herald: Maretzek's response

Maretzek’s response:

“To the Editor of the Herald: 

In answer to your editorial this morning I take the liberty to state that, during the first eight weeks of this season of Italian opera, the following operas have been presented:  Trovatore, Traviata, Lucrezia, Lucia, Ballo in Maschera, Faust, Poliuto, Martha, Don Giovanni, Rigoletto, Linda, Don Sebastian, and Figlia del Reggimento.  As your critic has undoubtedly been in Europe, he will know that two or three of the above-named operas would have sufficed for the same space of time in many of the principal theaters, and in Italy would have done for an entire season.

After five weeks of preparation, Don Sebastian has been produced in such a style, as would have taken as many months in the best established opera-houses in Europe, and even those where Government subvention prevails.  The other novelties promised by me in the inaugural programme are intended for the entire Fall, Winter, and Spring season, extending over seven months; and if the other new operas are also to be brought out with new scenes, dresses, appointments, etc. and are to be well rehearsed, no reasonable person can expect or believe that the necessary work can be accomplished without adequate time.

Finally concerning the recommendation to give Traviata in preference to Don Giovanni and Faust, I can only say this is a question of taste.  The public, however, does not seem to share the preferences of your correspondent, if I may judge from the enormous difference in the receipts of the above-named operas, which sometimes, if not always, is the true standard of criticism with managers.

Believe me, dear sir, yours very truly,

MAX MARETZEK”