Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1871-06-14
JENNY LIND.
Hans Christian Anderson,s Recollections
of Her.

From " The Story of My Life."
Jenny Lind made her first appear
ance in Copenhagen as Alice in Rob
ert Diable." 1t was like a new revela
tion in the realms of art the youthful
ly fresh voice forced itself into ever,
heart ; here reigned truth and nature
everything was full of meaning and in
telhgence. Jenny Lind was the frs
singer to whom the Danish students
gave serenade; torches blazed around
the hospitable villa where the serenads
was given; she expressed her thanks
by again singing some Swedish songs
and [ then, saw her hasten into the
darkest corner and weep for emotion.
eyes, yes," said she, "I will exer
myself; I will endeavor; [ will be bet
ter qualified than I am, when I agai1
come to Copenhagen"
| On the stage she was the great ar
tiste who rose aboye~a1I those around
her; at home, in her own chamber, 6
sensitive young girl, with all the hu
manity and piety of child.
"There will not in whole century,
said Mendelssohn, speaking to me OF
Jenny Lind, EEbe born another being
so gifted as she; and his words ex-
pressed my full conviction One feels
as she makes her appearance on the
stage that she is a pure vessel, from
from which a:holy draught will be pre-
sented to us.
There is not anything which can
lessen the impression which Jenny
Lind's greatness on the stage makes,
except her own personal character at
home An intelligent and child-like
disposition exercises here its aston1sh-
ment power; she is happy-belonging,
as it were, no longer to the world-a
peaceful, q uiet home is the object OF
her thoughts; and yet she loves art
with her whole soul, and feels her vo-
cation in it. A noble, pious disposi-
tion like hers cannot be spoiled by
homage. On one occasion only did /
hear her express her Joy in her talent
and her self-consciousness. Tt was
during her last residence in Copen-
hagen. Almost every evening she
appeared either in the opera or at con-
certs; every hour was in requis1tion.
She heard of society, the object of
which was to assist unfortunate chill
dren, and to take them out of the hands
of their parents, by whom they were
misused, and compelled either to beg
or steal, and to place them in other and
better circumstances Benevolent peo-
pie subscribed annually a small sum
each for their support; nevertheless
the means for this excellent purpose
were small.
"But have I not still disengaged d
evening 2" said she; "let me give a
nights performance for the benefit of
these poor children; but we will have
double prices!"
Such performance was given, and
returned large proceeds. When she
was informed of this, and that by this
means a number of poor children
would be benefited for several years,
her countenance beamed, and the tears
filed her eyes.
els it not beautiful" said she,
"that can sing so z"
/ value her with the feelings of a
brother, and ] regard myself happy
that | know and understand such a
spirit. God gave to her that peace,
that quiet happiness which she wishes
for herself.
Through Jenny Lind L first became
sensible of the holiness there is in art /;
through her [ learned that one must
not forget ones self in the service of
the Supreme. No books, no men, have
had better or more ennobling infu-
ence upon me as the poet than Jenny
Lind, and I, therefore, have spoken
OF her so long and so warmly here.