The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-31

and beard six inches long-to make a veteran" of my 20 years.
 I had all the soldiers parts because of my stature, and evidently make bet ter scenery"
 La Boheme" I enjoyed, especially as MT. and Mrs. MacCunan were singing, and they are friends of mine. In Aida" l carried the banner in before perhaps 40 or 50 students in the big march to the tune of that most thrill ing 'Aider March," Let me say, by the way, all these principal parts were sung by Americans. MT. Griswold sang as king. The parts Aida and Radames were taken by MT. and Mrs. Mac-len- nan. There are eight Americans en- gagged in the royal opera here in Der lin and all are leading singers. Mir. Maclennan is leading tenor, Mr. Gris- wold leading bass, Miss Rose is so- prano, with Salvitini also an Ameri- can. Mrs. Maclennan and Geraldine Farrar, who are guests here, are the two most frequently engaged. I think 1t is the first time in operatic history that man and wife have sung together, but the Maclennans sing Madame But terf1y," Faust" La Boheme," 'AIda" and other roles together. I have talked to MT. Griswold many times, and he says that the Germans dislike very much to see Americans come to Berlin to study. and then show them how To sing well as act.
 l don't know when I have ever been so moved as l was on this occasion be- ing as I was right there and all dressed up as one of them, I got right into the spirit of it and forgot many times that it avs only make believe" After the curtain fell Schumann- -Heink scrambled up again and smiled as no other can and let out q sigh of relief that would have started a windmill And after flaming herself with her hands and talking to Griswold they went before the curtain to bow their thanks and appreciation of tremendous applause. Griswold sang Ko- mig Heinrich very well, as he usually does; this is one of the hardest bass solos as it is so very high and also has some very low notes. The last time "suped" was in Rienzi in the opera which is so terribly long. Wagner evidently intended that it should be given first as matinee then intermission for supper and continue the opera. As it is now sung it takes five hours. l wore three different cos- tunes during the evening. The act where the cardinal denounces Rienzi l was ono of four priests and we were in very prominent position on the stage; in fact, right in the center, and had to make gestures and do a little acting. Of course l went to rehearsal and while 1t was little trying for a moment, as I felt rather awkward was soon all right.
 Last week I was present at the first performance of La Habanera' I met the composer, Lapara, who is a French man, but speaks English well, as he is married to Cleveland girl. He couldn't speak German at all. He is the typical looking composer, with long hair. curly and black, but he was exceedingly pleas ant, and I talked to him for quite while. The music of the opera is beau tiful. The scene Is laid In Spain and it is very dramatic. Two brothers love the same girl, with very serious results. Many times 1 could leave in few min utes if I wished, but ] take off my make up" armor. etc, and chat my friends, the stars" awhile. All of which. you see, is a wonderful opportunity and ex- .Dariance for me