The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-06-01

Musician locally has been honored
within the past few days by the pres
ence of Mr.. Frederick Gunster of New
York
Mr.. Gunster bears the distinction OF
being one of the leading tenors of the
day, appearing in concert, oratorio and
recital work in all the large musical cen
ters, and In every instance receiving the
plaudits and commentator of artists
whose pleasure it has been to hear him.
Not only has Mr.. Gunster lyric tenor
of beautiful quality and range, but he is
necessarily the artist In every sence,
since he has temperament, brains, COM
prehension, and an innate love of music
which fits him for the work which
modernity demands of the fnished
singer.
1t Is always a pleasure to talk with
those who have accomplished big things
In the world of music, but it is partic-
ularly interesting to catch glimpse
behind the scenes as 1t were, and
one has accomplished results, since there
are many who are travelling the roai
to Success" and who are encouraged
often by a word from those who have
preceded them
Mr.. Gunster talk very charmingly
about his musical work. and to quote his
own words:
Il am never happier than when dis
cussing my studies, my work and my
ambitions"
"And was it always your intention to
make music your profession?" / asked.
Il have loved it all my life and have
sung since | was a. youngster, MI.
Gunster replied. LAS is often the case,
ones calling in life is chosen for them,
and it was arranged that l should be-
come identified with the banking busl-
ness which was for many years. All
during that time | sang great deal,
and my friends became greatly interested
in nv voice. Finally in Los Angeles
decided to give up banking and study
music entirely, and the result Is / have
made it my life work. have followed
II as a profession and have never re-
GREETED my decision a moment
did you begin your studies in CALI
fornia? p ! asked.
1T really had only two teachers, was
the reply. IT first studied with Miss
Nellie Liscomb in Los Angeles. l then
took I'D concert and church work. One
of the first noted singers of whom
entertain the most pleasant recollections
is Miss Ellen Beach Yaw, who was
very kind to me and gave me grea'
deal of encouragement
IT suppose the next step was to go
abroad; all singers of course nave tha'
object in view" l suggested.
eyes. soon afterwards arranged no
study on the other side,' said Mr.. Gun
ster. land sailed away from my native
country. with Milan or Florence as my
However, when | arrived IN
Ttalv I went to Naples where began
NV studies with Carlo Sebastian. There
| qualified for grand opera, studying tne
roles of Rhadames in Aida. Rudoifo IN
La Boheme, Canio in Pa&lacci' anu "a
var Adossi in La Tosca.
with the idea that you would prefer
oncra III concert work.. I asked
"T was greatly interested in opera at
that time, and indeed a singer must nave
In concert work a varied repertoire 10
plaose the public. studied and learned "a
ariac from the great italian operas, many
of which I employ In my programme
work. I went to Munich after l spent q
year In Naples. and coached In German
concert repertoire" said Mr.. Gunster'
"Reslixins tho analogy between the evo-
luton of opera and recitals of Leider,
rayc much of my time to this sort OF
work. with very satisfactory results.
(Which leads me to remark upon DR..
Wuellner. the great exponent OF Leider
recital. who has made such an impress
sion in this country the past season.
said,
''Dr. Wuelner Is undoubtedly the great
est artist Of the day in Leider recital
Particularly is he to be reckoned with
as he illustrated what can be accomp-
lishcd with a very small voice. And by
the way l regard David Bispham as the
Dr. Wuellner of America. He Is incom-
parable!' said Mr.. Gunster
II imagine In your studies abroad you
met many noted musicians and artists,
which always creates delightful atmos-
pierre" I remarked.
1T wss dNring my studies in Munich