Los Angeles herald., 1909-02-20
Women S Clubs

Art of Singing read by that re-
nowned composer and teacher, Will
liam Shakespeare Of London, England,
and incidentally learned anew, as they
listened to the melodiouS tones and
beautiful enunciation of the speaker,
that sometimes a valuable secondary
advantage is attached to vocal study,
namely, the possession of a speaking
voice of great beauty.
This was continuously demonstrated
by Mr.. Shakespeare during his talk
of an hour and half, and was a large
factor in the pleasure derived from the
instructive address. Mr.. Shakespeare
is ruddy faced Englishman on the
sunny side Of fifty, with straightfor-
ward manner and an air of authority,
and possesses a happy, CHEEKY express
sion of countenance that conveys the
impression that he has found the road
leading to the eminence he now occu-
pies rather a level and delightful path.
The text of the paper, although treat
ing of the art of singing from a special
lists point of view, revealed years of
intimate and practical acquaintance,
was devoid of technlcalities, and full
of interest to the non-profeSsional and
student.
After a few words of introduction
by Mrs. J. B. Lippincott, who presided
in the absence of the president, Mrs.
Shelley Tolhurst, Mr.. Shakespeare pro-
ceeded at once to the heart Of his sub
ject, the relation of master and pupil,
and gave an entertaining resume of
different methods employed by various
instructors in singing.
The earnest professor, it was claimed,
is always studying, always seeking
guidance from his experience, and at
last comes to have a well defined
method for which he has culled the
best from all sources.
Correct breathing was treated at
length, and pronounced the correct
starting point for successful vocal
pronunciation and phrasing were ex-
planned and voice production analysed.
That vocal art is as difficult to ac-
quire as any other, is one of Mr..
Shakespeare's tenets, and he ayers that
much study, patience and tenacity of
purpose are imperative if one would at
tain success. A few little set ceteraS," I"
such as knowledge of one or more
foreign languages, are recommended as
helpful. That one possess a grand in
strument in ones throat, the speaker
said, must not be taken as a guarantee
that one can play upon it.
Mr.. Shakespeare paid Americans the
following compliment: Nowhere are
questions of art more intelligently dis
y
here many splendid voices-many more
in fact than we have in England"
Concerning the need of music writ
ten to suit different kinds of voices,
he said:
81 believe the time is coming when
there shall spring up a great composer,
who will study singing and singers, and
find the legato style of singing-the
long expressive notes, the invocation,
and all the charms of a classic school
as worthy of his attention as the
pianoforte, violin and other instru-
ments It is only by the constant as
sociation of the three elements, the
composer, the singer and the singing
master, that we shall realize the great
object on which the hopes Of all of us
are set namely, great works of art
that shall open to us new fields of
beauty through the medium Of the only
instrument that is at once human and
divine
Clubwomen throughout the southern
part of the state will be interested in
the memorial sent to the legislature
now in session at Sacramento, and re-
ferring to the bill for the promotion of
education in literature, music and the
fine arts, and making an appropriation
therefor which a Los Angeles man,
Charles Farwell Edison, is actively urg-
ing:
SACRAMENTO, Feb. Is, 1909.
To the Honorable Members of the Legislature
of the State of California
The Saturday club of Sacramento, the sec
ond largest organization of its kind in Ameri-
ca, with a membership of 100, which has been
in existence for sixteen years, and whose OBJ
ject is the stimulation of musical interest,
earnestly requests your honorable body to fur
ther in every way possible, the education of
the people of this state Especially the chill
dren) by giving them the opportunity of hear
ing and learning to appreciate and understand
the best in music.
We respectfully represent that California is
far removed from the great musical centers.
and ask you to help establish a musical CEN
ter this coast. for believe that state
which ranks so high in commerce, agriculture,
science and mining should also be known for
its music, art and literature
We believe that this end can be accomplished
through assembly bill 424, we therefore ear
nestly request you to give this measure your
favorable consideration.
Respectfully submitted,
THE SATURDAY CLUB.
By its executive board: Mrs. J. A. Moyni-
han, president; Mrs. Albert Elkus, honorary
president; Mrs Louis Gavigan, first vice presi-
dent; Mrs T. Frankland, second vice presi-
dent; Mrs. Frances Moeller. secretary; Miss
Frances Connolly, Mrs. Eugene Pitts, Mrs
Egbert A. Brown, Miss Zuelettia Geery. Mrs.
Rosa Geiser, Mrs. B. F. Howard, Miss Lillian
Nelson, Mrs. w. H. Porterfeld
The Rusi Art club members are find
ing art furniture a most fascinating
study, and an interesting session was
held this week with Mrs. D. c.. Bar
Der, leader, with Mrs. w. ]. Saunders,
assistant.
The topic of the morning was
French and English Historic Furnit-
ure" (continued), and through the
courtesy of Mrs. Bannister a series Of
choice photographs were shown illus
trating eight periods, namely Louis
XIV, XIV and XVI, with the time Of
the regency and the empire, in France
and in England, the Chippendale
Sherriton and Hepplewhite. Mrs. ]. E.
Crandall, Mrs. w. M. Dixon and Mrs
Saunders contributed to the program.
The club will take up the American
colonial period at the next meeting.
Mrs. J. E. CrandalI presented the club
with choice volume of Mumford' s
book on oriental rugs.