Grain and Chaff from an English Manor by Arthur H. Savory
page 149 of 392 (38%)
page 149 of 392 (38%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
had taken part in the chorus of the cantata. He begged to be
introduced to her, and said in his hearty congratulations on her performance, that never before had such a note been heard in Moreton. At one of the Broadway concerts my wife had the pleasure of meeting Miss Maude Valerie White, who was playing the accompaniments for performers of her own compositions, including _The Devout Lover_, which, she told Miss White, she considered one of the best songs in the English language, at the same time asking for her autograph. Miss White was kind enough to write her signature with the MS. music of the first phrase--notes and words--of the song in a book which my wife kept for the autographs of distinguished musicians and celebrated people. While at Malvern my wife once heard Jenny Lind in public, and she describes it as a most memorable occasion. Jenny Lind had for some years retired from public performance, but consented to reappear at the request of a deputation of railway employees anxious to arrange a concert in aid of the widows and orphans of officials killed in a recent railway accident. She stipulated that she should sing in two duets only, choosing the other voice herself, and she selected Miss Hilda Wilson, the well-known contralto of that time. They sang two duets by Rubinstein, one being _The Song of the Summer Birds_, full of elaborate execution. Her voice was so true, sweet and flexible, trilling and warbling like a bird, and taking the A flat as a climax of delight at the conclusion with the greatest ease, that with closed eyes it might have been taken for the effort of a young |
|