The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1869-01-17
American Singers.
CAN AMERICA SUPPORT THE OPERA AMERICAN
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES

Prom the Pail Mall Gazettel
The ingenious SIendhal was fond of saying and
proving after his own fashion, that Italian opera
never could exist at New York. New York is
thoroughly commercial city; the Americans are
utilitarisns; they have no aristocracy; they have
no picture galleries; they have no leisure. There
fore they can have no Italian opera. New
York ?" says a character in one of stendhaps
novels, who thinks for moment OF exiting him
SELF "but at New York there is no Italian OPERA"
Stepdhal was so fully convinced of the truth of bis
argument that he never took the trouble TO con-
slider, as neaner man might have done, whether
the conclusion be had arrived at was OF was notin
accordance with actual fact and he died ia the
belief that Italian opera wss not to be heard 10
America at all, and that the Americans were es-
sentially an sntioperatic people. Without know
ing very much about il, we fancy the Americans
care more for dramatic music than the English do.
We are assured that at New York opera is played
all the year round, or nearly so and operate es
adjustments exist not only at New York. but also
at Philadelphia and New Orleans. One thing is
quite certain, that America produces vocslists,
which England obviously cannot do though Eng
lishmen and English women who have fine voices
may of course, 90 abroad and learn to sing in
some country where the government is foolish
enough TO encourage schools of art and frivolous
enough TO "subventionn opera houses. None CT
the singers from America who have achieved sue
cess in this country, and in other parts Of Europe,
have been of Anglo saxon race; and il is notice
able that they are all light sopranos. II any one
likes TO argue tnat tDe Climate OF new 1OIk
is favorable TO the development of that
fascinating and essentially feminine desorip
ton of voice, it will suit his purpose TO
remember the marked improvement which
took place in the voice of the lsmented
Nine. Bosio during her residence in the United
States. But we imagine the true explanation Of
the matter 10 be- that foreigners from all parts OF
Europe go 10 America, and that the gifted Ameri-
can singers one hears from time to time are the
children, not Of Anglo Americans (it would be
more agreeable 10 Us TO believe SOY. but of parents
who belong TO ore of the great musical races of
Europe. Mile. Patti, who, though born in Amer.
lea, was educated among Americans. and sang at
the beginning Of her career to American al
diences, is half Italian, aud Spanish by descent.
MILE Hauck is German by the fathers side. We
have not chronological information on the subject
of Nile. Kellogg; but il is evident from her
name that she also is not Of pure Anglo American
origin.
The last musical importation from America will
help materially 10 keep up the character of the
country as q producer OF artists If not OF art.
Nile. Minnie Hauck is so young that II is per-
fectly safe to say that she has yet much to learn
But she has nothing 10 unlesrn she possesses all
the essential qualities of an operate vocalist, and
she is graced with the power Of pleasing which no
amount Of teaching, no amount of study, can give
| No critic. unless absolutely cynical, would, on
seeipg this graceful young girl venturing on such
| a part as that of Anlind (which has tried the en-
ereies of sll the greatest singers of the day /,
/ occupy himself In endeavoring to find out her
weak points Speaking, however. from gene
| raj recollection Of Mile. Hauck's performance,
we can ssy confidently that all she wants Is
strength. Her voice is not so powerful as II will
be q few years hence; but at this moment q
sweeter, clearer. purer voice than Nile. Hauck's
| especially in the MEDIUMS not 10 be heard.
In the ardueus character of Marguerite, Mile.
| Hsuck was even more successful than as Amins
in !" La sonnambuls." The bright quality Of her
voice told admirably in the jewel song, and her
performance was marked by much earnestness,