The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-12-17
RECITAL A TRIUMPH
FOR MISS TOWNSEND
Young Singer Energies From
the Amateur Ranks as a
Worthy Artistic.
SHE SHOWS GREAT TALENT

Ruth Townsend. c~ontralto. gave her
nrst song recital In this city In Aeolian
Hall yesterday afternoon. Miss Town
send IL a young gentlewoman whose
singing has been known only among her
friends. Like others with natural gifts
and artistic ambition she has emerged
from the seclusion Of her private life To
ofer her art for the pleasure Of a larger
circle. Many such adventures have been
made and frequently with disappointing
ends. for the world OF art Is mercilsssly
democratic, and like love as described by
the poet, levels all ranks"
Miss Townsend disclosed certain
precious gifts and genuine accomplish
ments. She brought to the platform the
charm of a gracious young womanhoo
which pervaded everything she did. She
introduced to her new hearers one OF the
.~oveliest contralto voices now before the
public, not a large voice OF heroic mould.
fitted for the publication OF tragedies.
but one OF very beautiful quality. rich
and smooth. and possessed OF some
sensuous warmth.
Miss Townsend has evidently studied
singing seriously and long. and she did
not come before the audience with a
s~lovenly or i'll grounded technic. Her
emission OF tone was generally normal.
What is called the placing OF the voice
was correct. except occasionally at the
top. where no many singers have troubles.
hut few young singers come TO the public
stage with so good n o production as
Miss Townsend's and therefore this one
shortcoming IL OF minor significance.
Perhaps the fastidious taste could find II
counterbalanced by the singers conti-
nent treatment OF her low tones. which
were never forced or hardened.
In phrasing Miss Townsend showed
unfailing respect for the composer. while
IN four languages her diction was COM
mendable, and in French especially adj
mirable. Viewed In It's general aspects.
her singing may he described as taste
full. intelligent and musical. She made no
attempt at any time to obtain an effect
except by pure singing. and for this
sne deserves the gratitude OF every
lover Of cha ste art. There were very few
.Xaggerations no obtrusive msnnerisms.
u she was not able always to do what
She seemed eager to do, IL was use.
IN so far as could he judged from this
one recital. her range OF expression is
limited. She was always happy in songs
OF gentle sentiment and also in those
OF tender feeling. She did not ind ade-
quate means 70 proclaim the full con
tent OF such numbers as Schubert
Der Erl-Kouig.' Brahms's Won ew!ger
Liebe'' or Strauss "Heimlich Aufford-
erung." All were sung with taste and
understanding. but they were interpreted
in miniature. ON the other hand. Miss
Townsend was very successful with tho
old French 'L'Amour de mol" strauss
"Morgen" and three French songs. two
10y chausson and one by Tremisot.
she reached the zenith OF her powers
with the Tremisot lyric '~Novembre,' a
deeply felt song. TO which she ga We a
real Interpretation. Next to this the po!se
and delica,. insight OF her treatment
of "Morgen" We're to he praised. There
was no sons o: playful or arch feeling
on her list. which was thus rather
sombre in character. hut perhaps the
singer is not attracted to merry lyrics.
Not yet a finished singer. Miss Townsend
nevertheless is fully justified In seek
ing "a recognized place among pro-
fessional artists. She has far more to
give to the public than many OF those
now frequently heard.