Daily globe., 1883-08-12
Musical GOSSIP.

Much has of late been said concerning
John Howard Payne, the author of 'Home
Sweet Home" but it is not generally
known from whence came the enhancing
melody which has become so inseparably
connected with, and was so instrumental
in making the poets lines famous. The
melody was written by "Donizetti," the
composer of 'Lucia di Lammermoor," etc.,
and was sung by "Giulia Greisi" in the last
scene of Gamma Bolena," as early as 1884.
She was one of the greatest sopranos of the
eighteenth century.
known to make it necessary for explana-
tion as to who or what she was. But a
a few points concerning the great Swedish
nightingale may prove of interest to our
readers. At the age of three years she was
able to repeat with great accuracy any
melodies she heard. Having been taught
few lessons, she attracted the attention
of we'll known actress named ''Frau Lun-
delburg." who, charmed by her silvery tones.
became her patron and help. After study
ing sometime with Croelius, a teacher we'll
known in Stockholm, Sweden, she so
thoroughly impressed him with her great
ability that he took her to see "Count
Pucke," the manager of the court theater
of that city. He was rough and imperi-
Gus man, and when the poorly clad and
rather insignificant looking nine year old
girl was introduced for his inspection and
favor, he said: ''What shall we do with
such an ngly creature? See what feet she
has; and then, her face! She will never be
presentable. Certainly we can't take such
a scarecrow." After having sung for
him, he repented his uncomplimentary re-
marks, and placed her under the special
tuition of the director of the operatic
classes. All went well up to
her twelfth year, when in her
brightest moments, suddenly her voice left
her, and for four long years she lived in
hopes of regaining it, when as unexpect-
edly as it left her did it return. She was
assigned the minor part Of Alice in the
opera of "Robert le Diable." When ap-
pearing upon the stage she shook with
nervousness, and as the notes of her voice
burst forth with such beauty and fullness
the audience were carried to the highest
pitch of enthusiasm. You all know
her from that eventful evening.
1t may be encouraging to those who are
struggling day after day to perfect them
selves in the art of singing, to learn that
some of the brightest stars of the operatic
world made themselves great by their in
domitable energy and pluck. Mention
will only be made of one, "Giambattista
Rubinia," born at Bergamea in the year
1875, who at the age of 12made his debut
in one of the theatres of his native town
in woman's part. He afterwards sat at
the door of the theatre between two
candles holding plate in which the ad-
miring public deposited their offerings.
He next played the violin in the orchestra
between the acts of comedies, and sang in
the choruses during the operate season.
He was quite unnoticed except as musi
clan among the rabble until an
accident attracted attention to his
talent. A drama was to be produced in
which very difficult cavatina was intro
duced. The manager was at loss for
one to sing whereupon Rubini offered his
services. He was successful and there
after got numerous opportunities to travel
with wandering companies. He was in