Vocal Mastery

ENTS OF A MU

it on the rare occasions when she is induced to speak of herself. For Mme. Homer is one of the most modest artists in the world; nothing is more distasteful to her than to seek for publicity through ordinary channels. So averse is she to any self-seeking that it was with consider

SE H

was at home and sent down word she would see me shortly. In the few moments of waiting, I seemed to feel the genial atmosphere of this home, its quiet and cheer. A distant tinkle of

in to talk," she said, and, as if by magi

firm whiteness of neck and arms. The Japanese robe of "midnight blue," embroide

WHO WANTS TO

evote herself exclusively to her art; there is no other way to succeed. She cannot enter society, go to luncheons, dinners and out in the evening, and at the same time accomplish much in the way of musical development. Many girls think, if they attend two or three voice lessons a week and learn some songs and a few operatic arias, that is all there is to it. But the

ARTIS

is in the harness. It is during the winter that I work so industriously, both on technic and repertoire, between tours. This is when I study. I believe in resting the voice part of the year, and I take this rest in the summer. Then, fo

dvanced she may be. As you say, it is difficult for the singer to determine the full effect of her work; she often

ART IN

n an operatic career?"

entered and joined

ry, as that would take too long. In a few

e went. I plunged at once into absorbing study; daily lessons in voice training and repertoire; languages, and French diction, several times a week, and soon acting was added, for every one said my voice was for the theater. I had no idea, when I started out, that I should go into opera. I had always loved to sing, as far back as I can remember. My father was a Presbyterian clergyman, and when we needed new hymn books for church or Sunday School, they used to come to our house. I would get hold of every hymn book I could find and learn the music. So I was always singing; but an operat

Paul Lherie. What an artist he was! So subtle, so penetrating, so comprehensive. The principles he

knowing what would grow out of it; I did it

uages and piano. Then, if the voice developed and an operatic career opened to them, they would be so much better pre

reer," said Mme. Homer, thoughtfully, "she might do many things

s singing for some professional friends in a large saale. I noticed a man standing with his back to me, looking out of one of the long windows. When I finished, he came forward and offered me an engagement at Vi

E ASSETS FO

s, who wishes to make a succes

er expect to get very far without that. Voice is a necessity for a singer

hrough and illumines everything. Indeed what can be done without intelligence? I could mention a young singer with a good natural voice, who takes her tones correctly, who st

done without a musical nature? Of course I speak of the young singer who wishes to make a career. There are many young people who take up singing for their own pleasure, never expecting to d

ome opera singers, after a couple of seasons' study. Of course they

ice, it is going to lead him to the White Hous

ld be a Capacity for Work. Without application, the gifts of voice, intelligence and a musical nature will not make an artist. To accomplish this tas

gs do not go as she would like to have them; she must learn to overcome obstacles, not be overcome by them. She must have backbone enough to stand up under disappointments; they are the test of her mettle, of her w

daily vocal task, and trying to do it each day a little better than the day before, that anything worth while is accomplishe

URA AND

dramatic expression. The voice needs this background, or foundation in the old Italian music, in order to acquire flexibility and freedom. I was not trained

ORI

r me and we go over it carefully noting all there is in language and notes. When I can take it to bed with me, and go over i

would be forced to close the house that night. A singer had tried all forenoon to learn the r?le, but had now given it up as impossible. Mme. Homer consented. She started in at three o'clock and worked till six, went on in the evening, sang the part without rehearsal, and acquitted herself with credit. This record has never

L MA

nger must master all difficulties of technic, of tone production, so as to b

musical nature," added Mr. Homer, "for wit