The morning call., 1893-10-23
A RISING SINGER.
William II. Keith Returns
to San Francisco
AFTER SINGING IN EUROPE.
The California Barytone Talks of OPP
cratic Stars in Paris and London.
Compliment From Sir Arthur.

William H. Keith, well-known in society
circles here four or five years ago as San
FranciscO's most gifted amateur barytone,
has just returned to California after pro-
longed course of study in Paris under the
best masters there.
"Yes, it is delightful Co be at home
again." he observed to CALL reporter,
who had waited at his home to interview
him. What strikes me most On coming
back?" he added. in reply to question.
well, was just thinking as l came along
what magnificent things the cable-cars are
here. They have absolutely nothing like
them in Paris. There you are forced to
take numbered tickets and wait for some
times half an hour before you can get into
the cars at all. and then they are only rat
Ting old omnibuses. Yes. San Francisco
has magnificent cable-cars."
When requested to give some account of
his Studies and artistic life in Eurol VIII
liam Keith said: II went to Paris deter
mined to take lessons from Faure, but TO
my disappointment found on arriving there
that he absolutely refused to teach any
one. He was very KIND. though, and after
hearing me sing spoke very encouraglngly
of my voice"
"What is the composer of The Palms
like? Well, he is a charming and enthu-
siastic man 10 meet socially, and very
kind TO the people with whom he is brought
in contact. BE still sings occasionally at
the TrOeadero concerts, but he is very
rich, and having grown old Will not give
lessons"
being disappointed in Faure l went to
the famous tenor, Jean de Reszcke, to
whom had letter of Introduction.
Pa ia np
strongly advised me 30 take lessons from
Sbriglia, saying that he considered him
the finest teacher in Europe for posing the
voice. Indeed De ResZeke owes all his
success 20 Sbriglia, for be was formerly
singing as a barytone, and Sbriglia dscov-
cred that his natural tone was tenor. In
less than a year his voice was posed, all
the world knows how successfully.
after year with Sbriglia he sent me
to Geraudet, the representative of the
Delsarte system in france. He is parti-
cularly famous tor teaching opera. and
may mention that this year his class took
all the prizes at the Paris Conservatoire. :"
did you sing at any concerts while
studying?" was asked.
''Oh, certainly" replied Mr.. Keith. 81
sang considerably in London at 81. James
Hall and the Albert Hall. which you know
has a seating capacity of 1900. Also
at good many receptions.
"Ihere is enc reception in particular
that ! recall with pleasure be continued.
refectvely. because it illustrates fact
that has often struck me in hearing the
younger generation of singers. l was
singing at reception at Mrs. Mackay's,
where Emma Eames. Nine. Nordica and
a number of other American singers were
present, when Sir Arthur Sullivan asked
to be presented. After congratulating me
in very fiattering manner upon my sing
q hal al haf oil
the best singing voices seemed to come
from America.
at was in London particularly that, de-
pressed by the fog, l iOnged for the clear
air aud blue sky OF California"
In reply to the question whether Paris
affords good opportunities Tor musical
study Mr.. Keith replied that there are
constant opportunit ties there for hearing
and studying good music.
why, when | first went there, he re-
marked, laughing. Il used to search the
daily papers for notices of fashionable
funerals, weddings, etc. l never missed
one of them it | could help il, for cer-
tainly did hear lovely music there.
The French are very enthusiastic, too.
about helping one along. Emil COulon,
an old operate artist, who is still famous,
heard me sing one day, and was so de-
lighted that he used after that To take me
on the stage of the Paris Grand Opera and
continually give me defamation and dra-
matte lessons. The tenor. Vandyke, whom
l used to meet when singing at receptions
at Mrs. Ayres' in Paris. has also been
greatly helped by old COulon.
Nine. Meiba Is another singer | used
to meet at Mrs. Ayres' and it is a strange
thing" continued Mr.. Keith reflectivelv.
that in spite of ali her success, she has
assured me that she never went on the
stage without almost having to be pushed
on.
SAT the Scala last Lent, where she had
such brilliant triumph, Nine. Melba was
too blinded by stage fright to see even the
fOOtlights. She went on the stage and
sang her opening bars in Lucia almost
mechanically. 1t was only tremendous
burst of applause from the critical au-
dienee that gave her courage TO shake off
her nervousness a little.
Speaking of Nine. Calves success at the
Scala Mr.. Keith remarked pityingly:
Poor Calvel She told me that the OpheIia
music, which she sang then so diviuely,
was all learned bar by bar during pam
full Illness, when she was never able to sit
up even for an instant.
"Yes, / visited Milan last summer, and
going from there to Venice caught bad
attack of malaria. That made ne more
homesick than ever and / determined to
come home and see my mother and sister
before accepting any engagements. My
first appearance in San Francisco will
probably be at a concert OF my own here"
Mr.. Keith, who possesses a very remark
able voice, will probably adopt the Oper-
attic career. Both his vocal abilities and
his fine physique fit him for grand opera
He is heard to especial advantage in such
heroic music as that of L'Africaine, !"
"Rigolletto." Aida William Tell'' aud
Lies Hugenots."