The Irish standard., 1899-11-04
WILLIAM LUDWIG.
The Great Irish Barytone Now in The
United StateS.1

United StateS..
A commanding physique, a kindly
lace crowned with iron-gray hair, a
majestic simplicity OF demeanor, COM
bine to make OF William Ludwig a pic
iuresque personality which attracts even
before one has heard the rich tones OF
his voice, says The Gael.
One OF the foremost baritones of the
world to-day. Ludwig is man OF whom
the Irish people should be proud, for
worldwide as is his reputation as a
master OF classical music, he has chosen
to devote himself heart and soul, to
the study and Interpretation OF the
music OF his native land.
Born in Dublin some fifty two years
ago. he received his carly education at
the Christian Brothers schools OF that
city, and later, at the Catholic Univcr-
sity OF Ireland. lie is descended from
The old family OF Lcdusabhaich first
mentioned in the Annals OF the Four
Masters in A. d. 1901. Tradition has
i: that he owes TIE present spelling OF
his name to a printers error. made in
he notices OF one oil his early appear
anccs IN Belgium, on which occasion
his success was 50 brilliant. the en-
comi,lns SO widespread and enthusiasts
tic, under the mistaken name, that it
became an imposs biiity to revert to his
former designation
His first appearance was made at
the Gaiety Theatcr, London. under the
management OF John Hollingshead,
where he remained for six years. He
was afterwards, for nine years, the lead
ing figure in the Carl Rosa Opera
Company; was leading baritone in the
old National Opera Company in this
city, and has sung in opera and oratorio
in ali the cities OF Europe, lending the
beauty and magnetism and dramatic in
tensty of his voice and presence alike
to the musical roles OF Italian opera,
and the powerful conceptions of Wag-
her. In the Flying Dutchman," in
particular, he has surpassed, and it is
wonderful to hear that grand and roll
ing voice resound;ng above the cashing
orchestration OF Wagnerian harmonies,
and then, at another time, another
place, the same voice, softencd to ten
derness and sweetness which steals
across the brcatllless audience like an
echo from mournful Ireland, in the
wailing, sad simplicity of the "Croppy
Boy:
Il owe no malice to living thing,
But | love my country above my king;
SO bless me, father, and let me go
To die, ii God has ordained it So"
Who that has heard Ludwig intone
that simple prayer OF the boy patriot,
can ever forget the picture conjurcd up?
One admirer has noticed that some
times, when Ludwig begins to sing, he
stands with his hands loosely locked
behind him. rs the song goes on.
gathering in power and spirit, one hand
slowly falls beside him, then the other,
and he finishes with both clenchcd at
his sides, as rings out, perhaps, the
daring, triumphant cry:
I'VE are the Boys OF Wexford,
Who fought with heart and hand,
TO burst in twain the CALLING chain
That binds our native land"
Or, maybe the passionate, dcspairing
defiance:
Then will change the color wear in
my caubcen.
But until then, please God, III stick to
wearing OF the green"
The deep and mclcdious qualities OF
Ludwlss voice are particularly suited
to oratorlo. His success at the Worces-
ter Musical Festival last year was bril-
liant. and won golden words from all
musical artists and critics, as much Or
The dramatic finish Of his methods as for
the beauty OF his voice. His Elijah
was as original, as human and real, as
it was artistic and technically exquisite.
Personally, he is simple, pleasant,
with some OF the drcaminess OF the ar
istic temperament. Mr.. Edward O'Ma-
honey, the Irish basso, the friend and
comradc OF Ludwig, tells Of his passion
Tor walking. He would start off, even
after the performance, late at night, to
walk for miles, On one occasion,
tramping along country road, Lud-
wig suddenly stopped and gazcd intent
ly at a dark swamp from Which re-
sounded the croaking OF frogs. Come
on Ludwig" called O'Mahoncy, what
arc you waiting for?" Just listcn,'
said Ludwig, earnestly; "just listen to
that fellows lower CT"
Mr.. Ludwig began, early in Septem-
Der, three months tour OF the United
States and Canada, under the manage
ment OF Mr.. Augustine Ford, OF the
New York Irish World.
A Land of Sunshine and Flowers.
Don't fail to write for reliable infor-
nation about the best and cheapes,
route to California. No Objectionable