Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1855-09-12
SEPTEMBER I2, 1855
RACHEL.

was the eldest OF seven children and ear
ly began to aid her parents in their Sc
we're struggle to gain subs stence for their
family. Her career opeLed as a street
singer; with an old guitar on which she
played the accompaniment, the little Ra-
chel went forth to win by her songs the
bread she was unable to earn with her
hands.
On cold evening in January, about
the year 1880, Choron, the founder of
an academy for music in Paris, was
charmed by the silver voice OF child
singing out the most delightful cadences
upon the keen wintry air. 1t was little
Rachel singing for her supper" Choron
pressed through the crowd who were
gathered around her, and in utter amaze
ment gazed upon delicate little girl OF
ten or twelve summers, thinly clad,
and standing in the snow the very image
of desolation. With her benumbed I'm
gers she held out wooden bowl for a
sou, and in it Choron dropped a silver
coin. His heart was touched, and the
deepest feelings of interest for the little
warbler were awakened.
"My Child" he asked, "who fought
you to sing so well 2"
Nobody, sir" said the little girl,
while her teeth chatteredi 81 have
learnt just as 1 could -
"But where did you learn those beau
tiful airs which you sing, and which
do not know"
''Indeed sir, 1 have learnt little o.
them everywhere. When 1 go abou
the streets L listen under the windows tC
those ladies and gentlemen who sing.
try to catch the airs and the words, anC
afterwards arrange them the best way
can."
"You are cold and hungry come
with me and will give you food anC
clothing" said the good Choron anc
the crowd clapped their hands. Blu
they lost their little Rachel, she neve
again sang on the Boulevards. Chorol
obtained permission of her parents t.
give her musical education, and unde
mis- tuition her wonderful vocal power
rapidly developed. Death took away
her benefactor, and she returned awhile
to her miserable parents.
The little girl was then just budding
into the bloom of graceful and fascina
ting woman. She looked to the stage a
the means of obtaining bread, and sue
ceeded in making an engagement at thu
Gymnase, one of the minor theatres o
Paris. She made no impression th'
audiences refused 10 applaud. She wa
disappointed, but not discounted. From
an old clothesmerchant of her own lac
she borrowed an odd volume of Racine
and was charmed with the tragedy o
AndrOmache. She recited the part of tht
daughter of Helene, her eyes filed will
tears of deep emotion, and she said t
her mother, 1 know my destiny-I will
perform tragedy %
Through the influence of retired ac
tor she obtained an engagement at th'
Theatre Franchise, and her appearance il
the character OF Racine was greeted will
immense applause. The Parisians wer
in ecstasies. The singing girl ofthe Boul
evards was apotheosized as the 'Tragi
Muse" Her salary was first fixed a
1000 francs the second season it wa
raised 10 $50, 900 francs. The courts G
France and England soon delighted t
pay her homage and within ten year
from the hour when Choron took her, hal
frozen from the streets of Paris, she wor
a gorgeous diamond necklace with tn
words "VIcrORIA TO RACHEL" embla
zoned upon it.
Mademoiselle Rachel, is at the hea,
of her profession as tragic actress, an,
her annual income is not far from thirty
five thousand dollars. Like Jenny Lin,
in another public sphere, she has n
peer in her profession or the admiration
of the votaries of the drama. She Nigh
have been one of the greatest of livin.
singers, but she preferred to aim at tn,
highest tragic eminence. That she ba
accomplished.
Would that we could add, what may
be truly said of the sweet singer of Swe
den, "Mademoiselle Rachel bears a spot
less reputation l'' 1t could hardly b,
expected, accustomed as the poor littl,
ri was to scenes of misery and low vic'
in such licentious city as Paris, tha
Rachel would grow up with much natur
al delicacy OF feeling but genius shoulc
have purifying power, giving moral el
ovation of sentiment to the soul of ;
woman.
No doubt calumny has exaggerated
the reports of Mademoiuelle Rachel
amours; nor ought she 10 be judged b!
The standard of SiddonS, who was borI
and trained in land where female chas
tity is required as the crowning grace o
the actress. Sill we do regret that ;
shadow has fallen on the fair fame o