The Washington times., 1895-05-19
SEEN In A SINGERS ALBUM
Signor Del Papa's Collection Of
Great Musicians Autographs.
Composers and operate Stars Whose
Names Are Known All
Over the World.

moment While L wash oil the paint" Such
was the cheerful invitation given last even
ing, after the production of the Pearl
Fishers" by the Hinrichs Opera Company,
when / raped on the door of Signor del
off the stage, having scored a success in the
role of Nadir, and was in excellent hunIor
l made myself comfortable among the
many different gowns, wigs, trunks,
powders, ETC., ETC., and was soon engaged in
interesting conversation.
Signor del Papa is a charming man; hav-
ing Travelled extensively, he has a host of
acquaintance throug world
and frequently alludes to his close friend
ship with some of the worlds greatest
musicians. He has been in Anne rica nearly
eight months and is greatly impressed with
the beauty OF our cities. He is making
rapid strides toward perfecting himself in
our language. We were discussing the
opera
"Yes, said he, in answer to her question,
1.-THE Pearl Fishers is a most beautiful
opera, and every time 1 sing it can not
help but thank Biset for writing such a
glorious work; apropos, let me show you
something" In a moment he produced
from his trunk large theatrical poster
which read: Opera Italian-Theatre de la
Gaitc, Sixth Performance of ~ iscatori.' :"
The cast was a notable one, and contained
besides Signori Del Papa and Leherie, Nine.
Calye, who took the part of Leila.
"Oh yes, continued del Papa, as he put
the finishing touches 10 his necktie, Il sang
this many times with Nine. Calve, and our
success was immense; wait | must show
you my autograph collection. With this he
produced a dainty little volume, elegantly
bound in Russian leather and with brass
clasps. This book was given me by Nine
Emma Nevada Palmer several years ago
and prize il highly. See, and he showed
me etheinscriptiononth thet thirdpage: "Signor
del Papa, in remembrance Of his sincere
friend. Emma Nevada Palmer Rome,
Decem Der %, 1885"
Il should like TO examine this book
carefully, / said.
Very well, take il and look through it
at your leisure"
Such an offer was wholly unexpected,
for as a rule a valuab bic collection such as
his is not entrusted to every ones best
friend. The arrangement of this book is
admirable. The first and second pages
are dedicated to La Murica" Begin
ming at the lower right hand corner and
traversing the first page, is a sprig of ivy,
carefully glued to the paper and bearing the
date: "Pallaura 4 Ottobre 1889" The
leaves Of the ivy are spread TO the right and
left. Written among these leaves are
sentiments expressing the feeling inspired
by music IN such famous writer's, philoso-
pliers and musicians as Plato, Socrates,
Aristotle, Lutero, Beethoven, MaZZini,
George Sand and Massino d'Azeglio.
Ia Il Sfy
only 'Forget-me-not," ;" ''Edelweiss"t and.
''Pansies' arepasted thereon, inplace ofivy.
There are two autographs which value
most highly; let me show you - continued
Sig. del Papa. He turned TO page con-
taining the signature of Amh1oise Thomas.
After / had sung the role or Wilhelm
Meister the maestro came aud presented me
with small boutouneire of laurel. He
also brought me his photograph with this
inscription" Here he showed me the
picture. II asked him to write in my al
bum. and here it is: 'Signor Dante del
Papa, a souvenir of affection from the COM
poser of 'Mignon." Thankfully, Am
broise Thomas dated Florence, February
%. So
The little button-hole bouquet has been
carefully preserved, and graces the page
below the maestro's autograph. Next
follows that Of Nine. Marchesi, probably
the greatest vocal teacher of the century,
She has written in beautiful manuscript
a few bars of a most difficult study, not
ing at the opening bar, Mote ripetent;"
below she has affixed her signature with
this inscription: ITO the illustriOus ar
tist singer, Signor Dante del Papa as a
token of sincere admiration for his ex-
Quisite talent. Mathilde Marchesi, Paris
December 16 1890"
Then folio ws an inscription from the two
de ResZkfs, which reads: My dear del
Papa: You know how to singl You are
a true artist, aud we are most happy to
have made your acquaintance. Do not
forget your devoted friends, Edouard and
Jean de ResZki;" also an inscription of
signor Mancinelii, the eminent composer
and conductor, bears repeating ITO
the excellent artist and my dear friend
del Papa, in remembrance" -"
Among the other complimentary remarks
made by the greatest living singers. ar
lists aud composers, there are letters from
Pouchielli, the composer of La Gioconda;'
from Boito, the composer of 'MefistofeIe;''
from Padilla, Durand, Palloui, Bazzini.
Gomez, Cagnoni, Ratoli, Beviguani Nine
Nine Emma Story, Sofia Scalchl and a
host of others, equally prominent The
veteran composer and teacher Rotoli
whose autograph was secured in a hurry,
just before the train left Boston, composed
few bars of music to the words "Del
Papa, 10 sono, Augusta Rotoli, in Frettap'
and with the succeeding stroke of his pen
drew an excellent caricature of himself,
which everyone who knows him must ad-
mire
Not wishing to take the responsibility
upon myself of removing that autograph
collection from his room, / apoIogized
TO the Signor for having detained him SO
long, aud with mona scra," which is
about all the Italian at my command, /
left him; not, however, before having re-
ceived cordial invitation to come again