Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-02-21

~
told nv fine teacher. He said he would
doctor me. However, / thought differently,
and we parted Then went to Nine. Della
Vale, one Of Lamperti's opponents. With
her remained 2i5 years appearing after II
year and half as Amina in 'Sonnambula,"
In which part lyric sopranos usually make
their debut in Italy. So, equipped with
I.amperti's cadence and the role of Amina
pretty well drilled into my head, started
for my first attempt on the stage. On my
arrival ut the town where was to sing my
manager had to take me around to the gen
tlemen Of the syndicate, who were so afraid
was tall, as in that case would hardly
do for Amina.
However, / was just right. they said, and
the rehearsals went on. The eventful night
arrived was not nervous--not /. | was
too much of child. got through won
derfully, and many were the "bravas"
heard over the house. The tenor made Il
failure. Poor fellow, they would hiss him
next. ] don't think | could go through
such trying scene now, but did then
with oil the GOODNESS Imaginable. My first
season over, returned to Milan for more
study. Then had to leave Italy. my health
INV UclIk kO0Ni, out ICtuthSet tuViS uSusb
and studied, this time with Lamperti and
Brambilla. Then again l was obliged tc
leave. London--beautiful, smoky, dingy,
delightful, dirty London--was my next rest
ing place, where it is as impossible to see
manager as it is to see the Prince of Wales.
even with telegram from Sir Augustus
Harris in my hand. telling me to call.
couldn't see him. The clerks or door boys,
hat %hoVy laJ hot
shall say --freshp It is their business to
tell lies, and they do it beautifully.
In New York a manager never knows
you. II you were to call five times 3 day,
they would still wear that blank look Of:
who are your Don't hatter yourself you
are anything" l met comedian once
who told me he went to see manager and
was requested to call again, which he did.
On appearing the second time he went up
to the manager, expecting, of course. a rec
ognition. But, no! The blank stare met
him, and he heard: who are your
What do you wants" Turning on his
heel, he said: "Oh, nothing. just called
in to see the pictures 2 and sauntered over
to examine the many beaaties who adorned
the walls. believe he got an engagement
out Of it.
London suits me as little as Italy, and
after . short stay there departed for the
land OF freedom and equality. but not in
New York did l rest my weary feet. Out
into thcwest we went, my mother and /.
While out there the late lamented Emma
Abbott engaged me for her company in the
capacity of prima donna. There my &C
Quaintance with the stage proper began.
and must confess my feelings were not all
Of delight. Dear! What a hard time had
Ut it, with not one to say an encouraging or
kind wordl Most persons would have given
up, but not I. l fought it out. and never
shall forget my first season in America.
Perhaps my trials were really not SO
great, but to me they seemed mountains.
since then. Of course, I have been in many
companies and have sung many different
roles, but that first season I never like to
recall or think Of. So beware. you who are
crAxy to 60 on the stagel IL is not half 50
nics = it looks when you sit in the orches-
tsA, with your best or even your second best
fellow, and admire what you zee. Indeed
itis all unreal. even TO those sweet love
scenea Most likely they hate each other.
Don't Be in : hurry to throw away your
beetext 6eats for the hollow mockery Of tho
stsGs nnless indeed you arc educated and
i hare the tolent 70 BE- something.
ElnA BERTlNI- HUNrH1YA