Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-11-08
PATTI AND GOUNOD.
How the Great Artist was Secured to
Create the Role Of Juliet.

The Paris Figaro prints an interesting story
of the way in which Mime. Patti was engaged c
create the role of Juliet in Gounod's opera Of
'Romeo and Juliet" which is to be presented
in Paris under the direction of the composer or
the 18th instant, and of the care which wal
taken to surprise NJ Gounod with the gooc
news. On October % Messrs. Ritt and Gail
hard, directors of the opera, were consulting
Mr.. Gounod in reference to the rehearsais
when telegram was handed to n. Gallhard
He tore it open hurriedly, glanced rapidly frs,
at the signature and then at the contents, ano
then excitedly handed ii to Gounod. The com.
poser wiped his glasses and began TO read, his
face lighting up as his eve passed from line to
line, and at the close of the reading he graspec
Gailhard's hand and shook it warmly, while
tears of Joy filed his eyes Here Is the dispatch
which so sensibly affected the great composer
NJ GuiUtard Director Of the 0gera PIrts:
piessaotly touched than by the attack which You made
ON me near Craig Nos Castle. You invite me totake
ced by the MASTER himself to create juliet at the
Opera / answer you, les Patti
When the composers evidences of Joy had
somewhat moderated, NJ Gailhard related to
him the circumstances under which Patti had
consented to sing the part, and explained to
him that the negotiations bad been kept secret
in order that he might not be too severely dis
appointed. should the great artist decline the
work. On October 20 NJ. Gailhard took the train
from Paris, having previously autographed Patti
that he was coming, and the following day al
dinner he appeared at the Castle Craig-y-Nos,
in Wales.
Il will wager" said the diva, as she welcomed
the director, that Il know what brings you here.
You have come to make propositions to me for
the Exposition"
You have lost your wager" answered NJ.
Gailhard. Il don't want you for the EXPOSE
ton: i want youat once"
AT once! What do you mean? beneftf
charity concerto
Better than that We are preparing fol
Romeo at the opera; will you be the Juliet?''
You are serious in proposing this to me?'
do look like joker?"
Il beg pardon! This is such surprise. And
when do you want me?"
when it pleases you to sing"
But 1 have engagements to the middle OF
November"
You will keep your engagements and we
viii wait for you"
1T seems to me that am dreaming" ex-
claimed Patti, ''but it's such delicious dream.
To create role, and such role, at the opera
in Paris before the public which love so well,
which has so spoiled me, and whose approval
value so highly! But the prospect you open to
me is too beautiful i am afraidr'
Afraid fairly shouted NJ. Gailhard. 'you,
who have sung Juliet more than a hundred
times, the role winch you love the best and In
which you have won some of your greatest
triumphsl''
''Yes; but have always sung it in Italian"
"And Marguerite, and Valentine; did you
sing them in Italian at the old opera? Have you
forgotten those delicious nights?'
"What tempter you are! Shall we try it2''
Patti took the French part which Al. Gail
hard had brought with him. seated herself at
the piano, and with her golden voice rendered
the celebrated waltz song of the opera. NJ.
Gailhard was in ecstasies. II will not leave
this castle" he exclaimed, without your sig
nature to the engagement" Patti was not in
such hurry to sign. She insisted that she
must have time to examine the entire work in
French, and promised to give her answer in two
or three days. "And for my own sake" she
added. more than for yours, hope that it will
meet your wishes. Say to N. Gounod that /
am touced to the bottom of my heart by the
honor which he has done me, and that if 1 re-
coil before it it is only through mistrust of
myself"
The great singer sent her answer within the
three days, and it was the answer which caused
such joyful surprise for NJ. Gounod, and
which has made all Paris wild with excitement
over the coming production of Romeo and
Juliet"