The Washington herald., 1906-12-23

Has the familiar character Of Trilby. OF
the mysterious voice. been reincarnated
in New York? Musicians and hypnotists
alike are puzzled over "A remarkable voice
which is as mysterious in its way. judged
10y ordinary standards Of singing, as was
the famous creation Of Du Maurier.
In this case there is no Svengali. no
element Of tragedy, but the scientific
problem involved is doubtless similar. The
voice in question is a basso profundo Of
immense range and power. The owner Of
the voice is an attractive young woman
who can not herself explain this remark
able phenomenon. The singer, Miss Ed
ma Murray, has visited vocal teachers Of
distinction in New York and elsewhere
who are also ar "a loss. The only explana-
ton which has been advanced is that Of
Or. Gustave A. Gayer. the welI-known
hypnoust. Of New York. and his explana-
ton is a very extraordinary one.
Miss Murray. stiI a young woman,
could not until a few months ago sing
with any particular distinction. There
is besides no explanation in heredty for
her present talent Some eighteen months
ago Miss Murray listened with great en-
thusiasm to the singing of a solo by a
singer Of talent, a bass voice. Until that
moment she could not sing. While still
under the influence Of the emotional eX-
element OF the song Miss Murray turned
to the singer and said:
Il believe could sing that song"
Il believe you are crazy" was the re-
joinder.
The girl insisted on the accompaniment
being played and TO the utter astonish-
ment Of those present she sang the song
with an imitation of the bass voice SO
marvellous as regards its volume, range,
and timbre that those present could
scarcely credit their senses The follow
ing day Miss Murray, who was as much
mystified as any one, was amazed to find
the voice so newly acquired and so as
tonishing 10 every one as powerful and
beautiful as ever. That was eighteen
months ago. and no note of this ex-
traordinary voice has ever failed her.
Finding an Explanation.
Vocal teachers We're consulted and the
discovery was made that Miss Murray
possessed one of the most remarkable
threats, as regards its vocal equipment,
IN the world. Miss Murray then lived in
Texas. her native State. In order to
train her voice, and incidentally explain
it she visited St Louis, where she con-
suited the best vocal teachers and re-
ce!ved considerable training. Later she
went to New York, where several teach
ers heard her with astonishment. The
comment of one expert sums up the opin-
ions Of all
zone could drive Il horse and carriage
down your throat. Miss Murray" said
he. and turn around and come out with
cut striking anything" The description
suggests the familiar comment Of Sven
yau in describing Trilby's throat. when
he compared the roof of her mouth to
:hc dome OF the Pantheon.
So far, then, do the specialists in vocal
culture account for this marvellous gift,
but it has remained for Mr.. Gayer to ad-
vance the striking explanation Of hyp-
motto suggestion.
In brief. Mr.. Gayer believes that Miss
Murray at the moment she listened 70 the
sons eighteen months ago in the excite
ment of her emotions reached her self
| conscious self. He believes that this is
an entirely possible occurrence. While in
this hypnotic condition, self-imposed. she
willed that she should sing bass. In other
words, Miss Murray is actually the Tril-
by of the story book, although it was
she herself who created by hypnotic sug-
gestion this extraordinary voice.
Girl Gives Demonstration.
A demonstration of Miss Murray's mar
yelous powers was given recently in the
| Office Of DR.. Gayer when a number of
physicians were present. AT this time
Or. Gayer. standing before Miss Murray