The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-02-08
ACKNOWLEDGMENT SUNDAY,

be presented to them, not in the artists
room, but in the royal presentation hall,
In the presence of all their assembled
guests. Usually artists are simply called
upon to sing, and come and 60 by the side
door, not meeting the guests at all. The
crown princess was standing at the other
end of the hall, dressed to perfection in
heavy royal robes of Bordeaux velvet,
trimmed with exquisite gold embroideries.
She wore earrings of large, black. pear
shaped pearls and a similar pearl necklace.
As she stood there by the side of her noble,
superb husband, she looked every inch a
queen, which position she alasl
short timel The mistress of ceremonies
led me up to her imperial highness; but
instead of making the very low bow pre-
scribed, / simply bent my head in quite
American fashion, to the evident amaze
ment of the entire noble assembly. Look
ing into the lovely big eyes of her highness
had forgotten all about the bow l was to
make. SO much was l struck by the whole
majestic appearance, the lovely and BEAM
ing countenance and the kind, charming
smile with which / was greeted. The
crown princess must have noticed my en-
barrassment, for she said some kind and
encouraging words to me. On my way TO
the music room / had to pass the then
crown prince, Frederick, who, stopping
handwriting. ST have seen your letter to
Count Eulenburg," he said, and have
rarely met with such decided and good
handwriting as yours"
Entering the magnificent state room,
where had to sing, the first thing that
struck me was the superbly painted portrait
of the crown princess, painted by the cele-
brated Austrian painter, Heinrich Won An
geli, showing the whole figure. in life size.
and dressed in a beautiful velvet dress of
Bordeaux color, which seemed to be her
favorite color at that time. In fact, as /
just said, she wore the same or similar
dress that evening. Large rehectors were
placed on either side of the portrait, and
Angel himself was present To show the
picture in its best light to the distinguished
guests and receive their cOngratulation.
Angel has since become the favored painter
of royalty. He is constantly occupied with
painting some members of the English or
Prussian royal families as Van Dyke used
to do centuries ago.
Soon after this their imperial highnesses
entered the room and seated themselves on
the sofa standing in the center, very near
the piano and immediately in front of me-
Then the princess gave the sign to begin,
and / sang, 81 Know That My Redeemer
Liveth,' from the Messiah" in compli-
ment to the English princess. She then
asked for the echo Song" which | was
casions at that time. And not satisfied
with that, | had to sing some English,
German and French songs.
Music Director Taubert, the well-known
song writer, presided at the piano at all
court concerts. The good old man usually
called for me in court carriage, and took
care of me as if was his own child. He
was then nearly 20 years old, but his ford
complexion gave him quite Juvenile APP
pearance, particularly as he prided himself
on wearing beautiful thick hght-brown
wig. Alas! his bodily appearance did not
quite mattel lis jovial face, for he stopped
a good deal and walked with difficulty.
often think of him with gratitude for the
pretty songs he composed, some of which,
like the beautiful "Wiegenlied, are
among my favorite pieces to this day.
The artists participating in the court
concerts were well paid by the in
tendant of the opera, but l frequently re-
ceived beautiful presents in addition.
After one of the soirees of the crown
princess she gave me beautiful amethyst
brooch, set in diamonds. Many of my
jewels date from these entertainments at
Berlin or other German capitals, for
was frequently invited to sing at the minor
courts. MINNIE HAUK.