The morning call., 1891-03-08

book and publishing houses he at once dem
onstTated his fitness for business career by
the success which crowned his efforts as
| clerk and traveller for the house.
Becoming imbued with that spirit of ad-
venture so characteristic of the ambitious
and active young American, Mr.. Keith felt
| that the time had come when he must see
something of the world, and in December,
| 1884 lie severed his connection with the
firm, ami on the second day of January,
1885 he took trip TO the great exposition
at New Orleans Then he went 10 Mon
treal, reaching that city in time to partici-
pate in the exciting pleasures of an ice car
niyal.
From Montreal he repaired to Washing
ton to witness the inaugural ceremonies
with which Grover Cleveland was installed
in the position of Chief Magistrate OF this
great republic. Returning TO New York
he placed himself under SignOr Errani, then
considered the finest teacher of singing i'll
the United States. For Joined to the desire
to see the East was also the determination
to take a course of training for his voice,
which had already won high encomiums
from all who heard II, but which had never
been cultivated.
Mr.. keith's musical talent is of high or
der. He never took an instruments tai lesson
in his life, and yet he could read music at
sight, playing successfully IN public with a
professional. With an unusually acute ear
for sound, and an ability tn learn quickly,
he mastered much of the science OF music
simply upon the foundation which he had
gained by music as it was taught in the pub
lie schools. He could apply the knowledge
thus gained to practical use on the piano.
forte. Before be was II he sang the ciirO-
matte scale ascending and descending IN
such perfection Of tone rs to call forth
prediction of great success in his musical
future from the musician who was thus test
ing the vocal capacity of the scholars.
The fac llty which he had thus gained In
the public schools of reading music at first
sight was Of the greatest service to MIN
when he became member OF Il church choir.
His voice was first heard in a sacred edifice
one Sunday morning in the First Presby-
terrain Church on Stockton street. Soon
after he accepted the position of tenor in the
Howard Presbyterian Church on Mission
street, during the passionate Of Rev. Robert
Mackenzie, which position he held to the
great satisfaction and musical delight of the
entire congregation until his departure for
the East in January, 1885.
Remaining in New York for over a year,
he returned TO San Francisco and resumed
his connection with the business world. His
reappearance in mIslcal circles was on the
occasion OF a grand concert given under the
direction OF j, ii. Rosewald. The cantata Of
'Melusina" was rendered, with Nine Julie
Rosewad in the title role, supported by Mr.
Keith In the role Of Count Raymond. His
voice Won instant recognition. He was at
terrain Church, now in its new edifice on
Van Ness avenue and under the pastoral
care OF Rev. Dr.. Robert Mackenzie. The
next church in which Mr.. Keith became a
member of the choir was St. Luke's EpS-
c0pal Church.
Not only in church chOirs was Mr. Keith's
voice heard but at concerts, notably one
given in Metropolitan Temple by the Young
Mems Institute to Miss Annie Gleeson
Mile; Alameda, another at the Pleasanton
for the Choir Fund of st. Luke's Church,
besides many others too numerous to men
ton. As Il society singer he occupied a po-
sltiOn alone by himself, with none to dis
pute the claims put forth by his enthusiastic
admiTers-that he bad the most exquisite
voice ever heard in drawing-room in san
Francisco.
Last July Mr. Keith left his native land
with the intention Of placing himself under
the musical training of Faure, the great
French barytoue and composer, who is
known in the United States chiefly through
his composition of Les Rameaux" Ghe
PALMS,, which is always sung on Palm Sun
day by ambitious OaIytOnes in churches
that observe the Christian year.
Arriving at Paris, Mr.. Keith suffered q
temporary disappointment He there
learned that FauTe, grown old and indie
pendtntly rich has CEASED to give vocal
lessons. Being advised TO place himself
under SbriglIa, a famous Italian maestro,
Mt. Keith cid so, to his own great satisfac-
ton and the delight of his friends. Those
VINO have heard him siEg since he has been
with Sbriglla declare that his voice has
greatly increased in volume. compass and
power It's extreme fieXibuity both sur
prised and delighted the great Italian, who
already predicts successful career for the
young American.
That Mr.. Keith is a hard worker and a
hard student is to be inferred from the fact
that he has already refused two remunera-
tive offers to sing IN concerts for the sake of
devOting himself uGreServediy TO the cult
walton OF his voice.
Upon reaching Paris, in August, and find
ing it impossible to begin his lessons be-
cause all the professional teachers were on
their vacation, Mr.. Keith repaired to Lu-
cerne. Here he met the manager of Ber-
Inns largest theater, who. hearing him sing
in the salon, at once sought an introduction
TO him, and offered him profitable engage
ment in the city of Berlin. The other OPP
p0rtunity came from London, for the COM
ing concert season. But wisely Mr.. Keith
put them 10y. devOting himself 10 study.
That Mr. Keith has Il great future before
him is the firm belief Of all who have ever
heard his voice.