The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-11-19
CHAPTER On TEN0RS.
70 OTHER PROFESSION DEMANDS
SUCH REGULARITY or LIFE.


What the Public Thinks of Him-Fss-
tidiousDess In Regard to Physical Condi-
tions-The Prima Donna
There has BEEN saws Sims Reeves in his
autobiography, "for some time past de
eided fall in tenors; not that there is no de-
mand for tho article, but because the demand
which really exists cannot be supplied. For
in art the grca: principle which rules in
commerce docs no. hold good. On the con-
trary. instead Of the demand creating the
supply, it is the supply which creates or at
east stimulates the demand. Quotations for
Grst rate prima donnas were never 50 high as
they arc now. vet never before wero pr.ma
ionnas 50 numerous No one, on tho other
hand, goes q the opera - hear tenor sim
ply because there are none Of the highest dis
tiuotion 10 hear.
HIS VALUABLE THROAT.
"Think how every tenor, who wishes at all
times 70 do his hest. must regulate bis life,
must protect his valuable throat against all
possible and impossible draught'. He eats
IN the most sparing manner, wien all Lon
don sets him down as "a glutton, drinks moth
ing but claret and water. when 10y universal
consent be- Is q flaming. fiery drunkard. Nou
get your feet wet. are lclrse, ard arc well
the next day The more delicate. moro sus-
ccptiblc tenor gets his feet wet, is hoarsc and
iiuot well the next day. and SD long as be- is
unable 10 sing not only loses DIS mc.cy-.t
Ora h1rnens 10 be "a concert singeg-0ut Is
usuailf regarded as au iIucstor bccarsc be-
frank, ami cousc.eltiolsly declines 10 tor
ture the cars 0f a public De- .ai been il the
habit of delicutu-. Ielo.s have their faults
Use other uan. Dat they can scarcely with
any fairness. be cccu.ci OF irregular habits
There is oproic.-i0n. indeed. which demands
slch ~ lsoluta regularity ~ HE. such punc.u-
alify in the performance OF duties, rs that Of
the actor. and above ell, OF singer who,
besides his general health, has bis voice
often q very delicate one-to think Of. In
deed tie care the tenor takes of himself
amounts in many eases 90 fastidiousloss.
"N,heu he is on his travels, especially in
our capricious, changea1le climate, tho tenor
docs really incur risks. ard the care these
delicate voiced singers IRE obliged TO take Of
their valuable Threats Is something ncred-
ble % those who have not witnessed 1t
There are some tenOrs VINO seem 10 keep
themselves constantly enyelopel, as if IN
cotton wool. and | have known more than
one who would not start even on the shortest
journey but he must take with him collcc-
ton Of scarves, wrappers and other band
ages. Notwithstanding some draw backs,
the position OF a tenor is, all the same, fine
one, ana II the great teuors are disappearing
it cannot he said that such enthusiasm as
they were wont 20 excite is Row called forth
by bari;ones or bases.
TIE PRrIA DOyyA
Tho prima donna Is uot only as great
favorite a. ever. bu; Is often the only mem
Der of an operate cas-. 10 whom every sort
Il favor is shown For her exclusively is re-
servcl the admiration which was formerly
shared by the prima donna, contralto, tenor,
baritone and bass. IN thee matters there is
no debating 20 the public. but, whatever the
fact may signify, p fact it j, chat. whereas
Nine Patti. Nine. Nilsson. MHe AlDanI and
Mna Gerster are sought Tor il all countries,
and travel in the character Of stars to the
mCsf distant lands, none in cny part cf the
world seem 20 care much for the voice II any
tenor baritone or taes now on the Italian
oDcratic stage
Amateurs and struggling eenils viii Do
well 70 PONDER over these remarks abou.
singing masters 4 .bcld IKE. says Mr.
SIMS Reeyes. "to make % short DEPRESSION,
and comment on the crelt evils arising from
the prrteasi1ns oi musical qracks, VINO offer
% teach singing withoy- pos- ssinS ono Of the