"There is little difference in the place we fill in life:
The important thing is how to fill it."
This maxim applies also to the art of singing. There are singers and
singers, but few become artists. Thousands upon thousands of dollars
are spent upon them in America yearly. How many of these thousands of
dollars come back to these students? It is a rare occurrence if we get
one in ten thousand that really reaches this distinction in art, a
just reward for long years of patient study. When such an artist does
appear it is like a new star in the firmament, the wonder of the age.
The beauty and glory of this wonderful singer is not hidden under a
bushel, but the people of the earth flock to hear and see this rara
avis. The regret is that such a singer can not sing on forever. It is
strange that the human mind can retain the memory of song with such
distinctness and acuteness in the different singers and remember the
very songs they sang and how and where. When this can be done the
singer can well feel that his work has made a lasting impression.
Nothing less than the best will satisfy a lover of good music after
having enjoyed the best at the beginning.
We are often annoyed when we hear foreigners say, "Oh, we have it
better in Europe." There must be a reason for it, and it is not the
lack of voices in America, for we have given many fine voices,
including the only prima donnas who have risen to the height of
distinction in our day. We are foremost in producing fine singers
today as well as in the past years, both men and women, who are
acknowledged by all to be the brightest stars in the musical
firmament. Really fine artists have a charm that is recognized by all.
They are in a class by themselves and admirers feel honored to know
them or speak with them for a short while. It is a remembrance we go
back to with pleasure every time we hear the name spoken. Not one of
our generation ever saw one of the great composers like Liszt, Verdi,
Gounod, Wagner, etc. Yet there is not a musical person on this earth
but claims an acquaintanceship and comradeship with them and they are
only known by their pictures and what has been written or spoken about
them. We reverence them for their splendid work. It is the same with
men and women singers--their faces are as familiar as though they were
among us today. It is true we still have Nordica, Melba,
Schumann-Heink, Calvé, Eames, de Reszke, Adams, Sembrich and Terina,
but their stars have gained their heights, and we must expect to see
them dim and wane, but before they are entirely gone let us hope there
will be others as good to take their places. While all students cannot
be such artists they can strive for the best under good instruction
and develop their instrument as near perfection as it is possible to
bring it.
In my concert tour to Victoria, B.C., an incident occurred after the
concert given at Olympia. It was my first trip and everything was new
to me. I supposed I was a stranger to all and was to be heard in these
places for the first time. We had sung at all the small towns along
the Puget Sound and this was our last city before we returned. Our
company was a good one--Walter C. Campbell, Vivian the Great, Margaret
Blake, Mr. Wand, pianist, Dick Kohler, cornetist and leader of the
company, and Mr. Atkins, advance agent. A very successful concert had
been given and a fine audience appreciated us. A number of
distinguished guests were present, including the governor of the state
and officials of the city of Olympia. While I was preparing to go to
my hotel, I was recalled by Mr. Kohler saying I was wanted by some
friends in the hall who wished to speak to me. Imagine my surprise.
Twenty-five ladies and gentlemen were awaiting me and I had never seen
one of them before to my knowledge, but evidently I was no stranger to
them. They were people who had repeatedly heard me sing from 1865 to
1874 in San Francisco and they were so pleased to hear me again they
concluded to know me. My curiosity was aroused so I asked them when
and where had they heard me. Some at Platt's hall, others at Howard
Methodist church, Y.M.C.A. on Sutter street, Union hall, Mission
street, Metropolitan temple, Fifth street, etc. I then asked them what
songs I sang. Mr. Kohler jotted down the songs as they were given by
the different ones, and they came out in this wise: three remembered
Annie Laurie, four When the Tide Comes In, three Gatty's Fair Dove,
two Kathleen Mavourneen, two John Anderson, My Joe, two Within a Mile
of Edinborough, etc., two The Old Man's Song to His Wife, two Home,
Sweet Home, five Last Rose of Summer, two Darby and Joan.
[Illustration: 75th Birthday