Evening star., 1946-11-10
Quick Rise to Fame
Is Severe Strain for
Any Young Artist
By Alice Eversmon

Could it ever be discovered, 1t
might be of supreme interest to
know how much unhappiness and
bitterness was caused by the quick
rise to fame of the young soprano,
Patrice Munsel, who made her first
appearance here in concert last week.
The public in general wished only
the best for the aspiring artist and
was willing to do it's part in fur
thering her success. but all over the
country, there are many young
singers who wonder why she should
have had the chance and they re-
main unrecognized. Families, too
are resentful that the way for their
gifted son or daughter is still not
open in spite of many sacrifices.
This sort of thing always follows
a spectacular success. It is the same
for an instrumentalist, although the
particular kind of ballyhoo that ac-
companies a singers burst into the
public eye is more glamorous.
Pressure Is Always Present.
Most people do not take into con-
sideration, in the general acclaim
suddenly bestowed upon a young
artist, the specter that hovers in the
background-the unabating need to
keep up to a standard. at least, If
not to excel it. This pressure never
relaxes and each day. and with each
new triumph. it grows greater and
more unrelenting In time it can
assume such proportions as to poi
son the cup of renown that was
grasped so eagerly in the beginning,
Fate is much kinder to those for
whom she reserves the crown of
achievement until late in life Then
the years of submitting to the pres
sure are shortened and the time
when retirement with the laurel
wreath still fresh is not too far away.
An older artist has the advantage of
a background full Of trial and error
and of a stamina acquired in the
hard school of adversely and heart
break. They have not only built up
a technique %in facing the ups and
downs of life, but also an art tech
nique that can guarantee them
security.
Young artists who spring into
fame are not to be envied. 1t is
almost impossible for them to be
equipped sufficiently to make their
future progress minus worry. They
are expected to astound and keep on
astounding. .
Much of Acclaim Is Pure Luck.
Those who are nursing their re-
sentiment in different sections of the
country need not despair. Much of
the acclaim showered suddenly on a
novice is usually pure luck, the pro-
pitious moment having arrived for
launching something new. Often
the fortunate one merely was on
hand and measured up momentarily
to the requirements. But the ignored
have still the time to perfect them
selves, to develop into exceptional
artists, and to find the way to make
themselves known. When they do
arrive, it will be with a minimum
of fear as to their ability to hold
what they have gained.
Miss Munsel seems to be one of
the blessed of the earth. She started
at the top, she commands large fees,
her name is known over the coun-
try and she presents glamorous
picture of prosperity. Few take into
account how great is her daily toll
to keep her high position, the sac
rif1ces and anxiety that her family
experience, and the cost of the es-
sentials of her artistic grooming.
Will she develop into one of the
greatest coloraturas of the age?
Columbia Light Opera Company
will celebrate its tenth anniversary
with a performance of Rombergs
The New Moon" November 20. 81,
% and % in the Lisner Auditorium.
Marie de la Hull, David Lawrie and
Thomas Costaggini have been cast
for the leading roles.
The Senior Choir of st. Pauls
Lutheran Church will present a.
program of sacred music, composed,
arranged and directed by Lynn L.
Gillchrest, on Thursday night, 8:15
o'clock. Alicegene Carver, soprano;
Fern Mae Byrd, contralto, and Fred
DenniSton, tenor, will be the soloists.
Elaine Blucher will give q short
organ recital at 8 pm.
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