The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-10-15
NIELSEN
The Noted Prima Donna Is in
Topeka Today.
Has Charming PERSONAL---VERY.
Interview at Luncheon.

Yes, I've been singing ever since
could talk, admitted Miss Alice Mel
sen, and added laughing. why, when
1 was small I was the greatest prina
donna in the world. y"
She. Jeska Swartz. contralto, and Mr..
Wagner. "only the manager" to quote
himself. sat at luncheon IN the National
dining room.
What shall we have. Swartz?'' de-
bated Miss Nielsen. studying the menu
with a healthy interest, "chops and dry
toast for me. I have a regular system
of eating and practising you know.
she said sadly, to the reporter It4
strenuous business. being an opera
singer. I mustn't talk very much, worse
luck. What shall tell you about?"
Miss Nielsen. almost girlishly fair
in a black velvet suit. and chic cha
peau, smiled invitingly.
Tell about the first time you sang
at court decided the ingenious re-
porter.
Good CHOICE chuckled Mr.. Wagner,
that's a fine story"
1T was before King Edward" be-
gar Miss Nielsen & was presented to
hin. by the Duchess of Manchester
Nielsen is a protegae of the OUCH
ess' explained Miss Swartz, in the soft
est voice ina ENABLE.
Her Experience With King Edward.
The 0ucn6SS IOlQ me L WOuld nave q
hard time" Miss Nielsen continued,
''the king. you know. was comic opera
fiend and said he'd rather see some
one cakewalk than hear me sing. That
be as Independent as he. Tosu was
put me on my mettle. and I decided to
his favorite. and nv first number was
his Goodbye The king usually
rumbled in his heavy bass during per
silence; I was greeted with absolute
silence. and was much pleased Sudden
ly he began talking in his deep German
accent; his voice is so carrying that
no other sound could be heard. Mercy
said Miss Nielsen, shaking her head,
cit was very dreadful. At that moment
came to the line-you know it"
She cooked her head on one side, and
hummed adorably; Hush! hear voice
from far away,''-'I looked straight
at the king, who promptly took the
hint. and subsidized. He applauded so
strenuously after I'd finished that [ had
to sing it again. It's one of my favorite
songs, you know"
Hope you'll sing It this afternoon,
pleaded the reporter.
Miss Nielsen nodded
Its one of her e.Icores,'' Mr.. Wag-
..er promised.
This series is quite a thing for To
peka isn't it ?'' said Miss Nielsen, for
getting her declaration that she
couldn't talk.
You have Schumann-H eink next ~
"She is superb 1 maintain always
there are only three real prima donnas
in the world. Miss Nielsen is one of
them, and Schumann- Heink is the
other two
What did she say when you told |
her that - queried Miss Nielsen.
Laughed, of course" replied Mr. |
Wagner: 'tshe is always laughing. She |
spread her hands wide. Dot is true,
she said. in rich German, because 1 I
am twice as big
Her Second Visit to Topeka.
Alice Nelson sang IN Topeka sew
eral years ago in light opera with !
Melba. Now she has risen in her !
wonderful profession until she stands /
where she fancied she stood as a |
child-"the greatest soprano in the /
world" So immense is the demand /
upon her time THAI she has signed |
contracts with the four great opera /
metropolitan, Boston. Chi |
cago and Montreal
She arrived in Topeka this morning, /
having made innumarabIe stops (Which |
she cant rem ember) en- route from |
New York She believes in exercise !
and walked from the station to the I
hotels Then the trio drove over the 1
city.
I'VE visited wasbburn," said Miss
Swartz, in her winsome way, "aad !