"I memorize very easily, learning both words and music at the same time.
In taking up a new rôle, my accompanist plays it for me and we go over
it carefully noting all there is in language and notes. When I can take
it to bed with me, and go over it mentally; when I can go through it as
I walk along the street, then it has become a part of me; then I can
feel I know it."
"Mme. Homer holds the banner at the Metropolitan, for rapid memorizing,"
said her husband. "On one occasion, when _Das Rheingold_ was announced
for an evening performance, the Fricka was suddenly indisposed and
unable to appear. Early in the afternoon, the Director came to Mme.
Homer, begging her to do the part, as otherwise he would be forced to
close the house that night. A singer had tried all forenoon to learn the
rôle, but had now given it up as impossible. Mme. Homer consented. She
started in at three o'clock and worked till six, went on in the evening,
sang the part without rehearsal, and acquitted herself with credit. This
record has never been surpassed at the Metropolitan." "I knew the other
Frickas of the Ring," said Madame, "but had never learned the one in the
_Rheingold_; it is full of short phrases and difficult to remember, but
I came through all right. I may add, as you ask, that perhaps _Orfeo_ is
my favorite rôle, one of the most beautiful works we have."