"The causation of beautiful singing can only be found through a pure and
velvety production of the voice, and this is acquired in no other way
than by a thorough understanding of what constitutes a perfect
beginning--that is the attack or start of the tone. If the tone has a
perfect beginning it must surely have a perfect ending."
Thus Mr. Yeatman Griffith began a conference on the subject of vocal
technic and the art of song. He had had a day crowded to the brim with
work--although all days were usually alike filled--yet he seemed as
fresh and unwearied as though the day had only just begun. One felt that
here was a man who takes true satisfaction in his work of imparting to
others; his work is evidently not a tiresome task but a real joy. Mrs.
Griffith shares this joy of work with her husband. "It is most ideal,"
she says; "we have so grown into it together; we love it."
As is well known, this artist pair returned to their home land at the
outbreak of the war, after having resided and taught for five years in
London, and previous to that for one year in Florence, Italy. Of course
they were both singers, giving recitals together, like the Henschels,
and appearing in concert and oratorio. But constant public activity is
incompatible with a large teaching practice. One or the other has to
suffer. "We chose to do the teaching and sacrifice our public career,"
said Mr. Griffith. During the five years in which these artists have
resided in New York, they have accomplished much; their influence has
been an artistic impulse toward the ideals of beautiful singing. Among
their many artist pupils who are making names for themselves, it may be
mentioned that Florence Macbeth, a charming coloratura soprano, owes
much of her success to their careful guidance.
"Michael Angelo has said," continued Mr. Griffith, "that 'a perfect
start is our first and greatest assurance of a perfect finish.' And
nowhere is this precept more truly exemplified than in vocal tone
production. The tone must have the right beginning, then it will be
right all through. A faulty beginning is to blame for most of the vocal
faults and sins of singers. Our country is full of beautiful natural
voices; through lack of understanding many of them, even when devoting
time and money to study, never become more than mediocre, when they
might have developed into really glorious voices if they had only had
the right kind of treatment.