Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-08-06

Three years of study with leading
teachers in Italy, have changed the
laughing, dark eyed lad to a young
man, possessed with a serious out
look of life, a deeper and a wider
understanding and friends say with
out reservation that his voice had
been accordingly and wonderfully
strengthened and beautifi ed-this Is
Raoul Dufail of Lewiston, who is
now in the city for a few days the
guest of his friend and benefactor.
Charles r. Penney. He arrived in
New York last Thursday and will
pass three months in this country
the larger part in Maine. He came
home to find his mother i'll in the
hospital and this has saddened the
JOY of his homecoming.
Mr.. Dufail will return to Europe
in the fall and will begin the sea-
son in December at Palermo. Sicily.
and after that he will sing at the
Costanzi, Rome's leading opera
house. His repertoire will include
Alfredo in la Traviata": the Duke
in "Rigoletto" and in L'Elixsire d
Amour"
Augusta music lovers will recall
with the keenest delight his appear
ance in this city Just previous to his
sailing for Italy, three years ago. AT
that time he had a perfectly charm
ing sweet tenor voice with much
promise and it is needless to say,
that his three years study abroad
under the finest teachers has done
much to bring out this wonderful
gift.
He studied for year with Mario
Ancona in Florence. who sang in the
METROPOLITAN in the golden days. He
then went to Milan where he studied
for another year under Salvatore
Cottone. also rcputed to be one OF
the first coaches in opera. His third
wear was passed in Rome. under the
guidance of EnriCo Rosati. who has
taught leading singers including Gig
Ii, leading tenor of the Metropol-
tan. Franci. considered 1taly's great
est baritone and others.
While the three years study IN
italy have meant everything 10 the
Lewiston boy for his goal. 1t re-
manned for the year in Rome TO give
him n greater impetus. Being or
French parentage, one might expect
that he would find more to appre-
ciate in France. anyway in Paris.
'"rhe very life of Rome, is what
T love" he said. recalling his third
year in italy Just to live there
and study there means so much.
The Italians have so much express
sion. There is the atmosphere Of
ages of culture and art But what
made it all? This Roman culture?
The wealth of the Mcdici at the
disposal of the painter and the
sculptor and the singer gave MN
the means to express his talent,
And right here. the young singer
laid stress upon his prediction that
in time America will have the
worlds leading artists, the painters
the sCulptors. the singers ana the
musicians because American money
is being spent and spent freely Tor
just that purpose. -,
While in Rome, Raoul Dutall
lived at the American Academy ana
the association with leading artlsts
meant much to him. His quarters
were very comfortable and ne had
every opportunitv to study and alb
sorh the life and culture. tie mas
learned to speak italian and French
orentlv and he speaks some Span
iSh as well.
American girls are spending n
great deal of money in Europe TO
further their singing. Many OF
them have wonderful voices nut
they must have the money In order
+o nIacp that voice where It should
he heard. It is the American dol
lars value in Europe today that Is
making it a pathway paved with
money for the student singer.
Mr. Dufail does not expect to sing
in public while in America this Tune
but he may sing privately LOT
friends. The reports come from
those who have heard him sing ana
who are following his career that
he is making great strides IN ms
voice culture. His appearance ne
fore audiences in his home State Will
he anticipated with pleasure.
But after a three months visit IN
this country. he will turn his feet
toward Europe again. there to take
IN anew. the struggle. which Is
hard and long one. He wants -
have a European career back OF him
before he returns to his native land
70 show his friends and those who
have confidence in him, what he
can do.
While he has every confidence.
one cannot but see that he Is not
forward in his assumption. Rather
his confidence is tempered with de-
termination. He realizes the long
road ahead OF him and while he is
having the sunshine with the rain.
But he is carrying on his battle with
the bright unchanging objective.