Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1883-08-30
The snbject OF the following is sister Of
Mr.. S. Bernstein, of this place:

A COMING PRIMA DONA


who has just returned from Italy after an
absence OF eight years, covered with hon
ors, can not prove uninteresting. Miss
Clara Bernstein, whose "nom de theatic"
is Clara Bernetta, is native ofthe Queen
City, and received her education at our
public schools. In answer to an inquiry
as to whether her musical talent early de-
veloped, a relative replied: "0h, yes; at
school the power of her voice drowned the
singing of the entire room filled with
scholars, and she would have to he quieted
down." After leaving school she placed
herself In the care ofthe late Signor Alfisf,
and, through his advice, lett for Europe
to complete her studies. "You ask" she
said, "ii the sOjOurn in Europe is not
more n fashion than n necessity. l must
say no, for beyond the superior instruc-
tion to be derived in Europe, especially in
Italy, the opera in Italy is perpetual, and
by visiting it daily you derive much bene-
fit in method, and after you are prepared
to enter professional life you have no
lack of opportunities. You also have a
chance OF perfecting yourselfin each opera
of your repertoire, for after twenty con-
secutive nights in one alone you must be-
come perfect"
"How are the audiences in Italy?"
every critical and discerning. They re-
ward you when you do well, with unstint-
ed praise, and hiss you at the slightest in
congruity, even in costume. 1 have seen
a distinguished tenor who failed to change
the shoes worn in drawing room scene.
afterward in an outdoor scene, Kissed till
he was compelled to make the change. A
whole chorus once were shown this sign
of disapproval for appearing in white shoes
when they should have worn colored.
"Your studies. of course were very ar
duous?"
"Not only were but are, for it would be
fatal to my future success, as it has been
to many, did for a moment suppose there
was nothing left to learn. 1 study every
day, and am always discovering some
thing new. Were l to find a professor
here who could benfit me even in certain
method, or improve, perhaps, something
that has been carelessly overlooked,
would seek him out and put myself under
his care. Never too old to learn, is a mot
to cherish with care.
"You ask for my teachers names. l
cheerfully give them, remembering them
gratefully for their patience and care over
me. Madame Marchesi, now of Paris,
was resident of Vienna when received
instruction from her. Though German
by nativity, she has long been married to
an Italian, and has sunk her nationality
and individuality into his. At Paris stu
died under MuziO, a grand teacher, and in
Italy under the famous Sangiovanni. To
these I am indebted for my musical in
struction. Of course, my dramatic train
ing required another professor, Pluque.
He was very thorongh and rigid tlisci-
plinarian, and what praise have received
in acting is due his skill"
"Your return must disclose to you
many changes in your old homer"
eyes, changes never dreamt of. Wal
nut Hills, where now am visiting my
brother, had but few residences when I
left here, and no cars were then running
to the hill. Music Hail and Odd Fellows
Hall are both new to me; indeed. as yet I
have not seen them.
"Yes, shall remain in America next
season. have placed myself. under Mr..
Eddy, of New ork, and have had two Of
fers, one to appear in concert with Theo-
dore Thomas, the other in opera with Stra-
kosch. No definite arrangement, how
ever, has yet been determined upon.
"You ask my register. 1t is combina-
tion of soprano and mezzo soprano, known
in Europe as dramatic soprano. In Italy
chest notes are considered indispensable
to the proper expression of deep emotion,
and the higher register is more used in
concert singing, where, of cot rse, it is un-
accompanied by mezzo notes. Many operas
never produced here are continually going
the rounds ofItalian cities. have twenty
eight in my repertoire, and in Marie de
Rohan,'I presume never heard here, l
scored my greatest success once. Oh (smil-
ing gratefully, the world has been good
to me, critics generous in their praise, au-
diences enthusiastic beyond my widest
hopes. Look at some of my trophies!
This laurel wreath was crowned with at
my debut in Norma in Naples. This
blossoming garland, inclosing my initial,
c. was the gift of friends at Bari, when 1
took my benefit. Look at this lovely
poem."
1t was cased in a silk cover and water
color painted. IL bore the following in
scription: "Alla gentil Signorina Bernet-
ia Clara par Ia ena Beneficita il % April,
1882, mel Teatro Sociale di Asola:"
The lady continues: "The career of a
prima donna is not one entirely un-
checkered, and singers do not always have
an easy time getting an engagement. I
attach no blame to Italian managers, for
few of them are wealthy, and for years
past all kinds of foreigners of wealth who
have more money than voice have given
not only their services, but pay managers
to let them try the stage. Many an artist
is refused when the manager acknowl-
edges her ability, but says he cannot af-
ford her, as he has half dozen applicants
who will sing far nothing, or pay to let
them sing. Europe to-day is full Of Amer
ican and European women of wealth who
pay extravagant prices to be permitted to
sing, and after trial find they have missed
their vocation. I met in Milan Miss
Johnston, the daughter of the late ex-
Mayor Johnston, who recently made her
debut. also two days before my late
Professor Alfisi's death met him in Ma
ples"
Miss Bernetta is at the home of her broth
er on Walnut Hills, and the lovely saloon
parlor was ornamented with trophies OF
the artist, including two pictures of her
as Norma. The fair cantatrice might be
mistaken for daughter of sunny Italy.
She has commanding figure, lovely
form, and is very graceful in her bearing.
Her eyes are black, with handsomely
arched brows, and her hair is dark as the
ravens wing. Even,in conversation she
is animated, and gives evidence of the
dramatic fire she has exhibited in her per-
sonations and for which the press have
been so liberal in praise. In New York
City Mile. Bernetta rendered the press
and profession a concert at Steinway Hall
and gave great satisfaction to her audi.
ence.
Something New.
Russian circulars and Paletots at,Wil.
sons. st