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Here is a profile of the young Longfellow (pre-beard) and a closeup of Leopold Stokowski
Source: portrait.kaar.at/Schriftsteller/images/henry_wadsworth _longfellow |
Sat Feb 23
Did some mending while memorizing Ital, which sounds tremendously busy, whereas, in truth, I frittered away a goodly bit of time. Expected to have a lesson but Mrs. C. telegraphed that she was not well enough, so practised at home. At 4 went to church for service, and actually got there in time without rushing. It did seem strange. Miss Manley, Ella, Miss Doxrood and I walked to 59th talking French. Then got on a car, found I had left my purse in church. So had the pleasure of walking from 59 to 82 in the icy wind. A bit too much even for me.
Sun Feb 24
Mother has been quite well all week, although mornings she is pretty shaky. Walked down to church as the day was fine. and luckily for it snowed all the rest of the day. Dr. Parks preached two remarkable sermons, pouring forth all his gifts of oratory. He uses his voice wonderfully; and oh, his enunciation. But personally, I do not believe he is very sympathetic, or "the beloved leader of his people''. Evening quietly at home. Leopold criticized the cantorists for singing too loud and I am going to suggest having a mirror placed so that we can see him -- for various reasons.
Mon Feb 25
Mother very ill until 10.30 when we forced her to get up and dress. She is always better after that, poor darling! My mirror suggestion was very graciously and gratefully received and his lordship invited me to "come and have a look'' to see how it would work, much to the curiosity of the others. Then I created quite a sensation with Ella and Miss Doxr. by showing them my silhouette - of Leo - alias Longfellow - which is a really wonderful likeness. We had heaps of fun walking home and teasing one another. Had a very good harmony lesson - thanks to my 6 hrs. of work - and a very interesting singing lesson. Received a charming Panama fan from Mr. Duras.
Tues Feb 26
Mother pretty bad but I went down after making her get up. Oh these scenes! and all so unnecessary. Krehbiel lecture on "Meistersinger'' which I enjoyed, knowing the music so well. What fun it did use to be, after all, to put down my two braids and don my Gretchen costume, (and a charming little dress it was, too!) and then dance around with those Lehrbubs! with Paula and India always fighting for the honor of the dance! Met Mr. Sch. on the way home, and he solicitously inquired if the voice was "coming forward''. He looks finely. Leo was full of fun at rehearsal and told us such funny stories that we laughed most of the time.
Wed Feb 27
A gloomy morning, with Mama and Father both bemoaning the fact of their existence. I hope that I may learn to grow old gracefully and not simply go to seed. It's too awful. Went to Mrs. C for a lesson and after a half hour's struggle managed to sing a few decent phrases. She begs me to try not breathing through the nose and not preparing so much; and of course she is right. I am so fearfully analytical! Had luncheon with her; then went back to practise, but mended her evening coat instead thereby missing my visit with Mrs. Aldrich. But I didn't mind much. Recital at church, and a card party at home which kept us up till 12.30. Ate too much of sweets and such like and went to bed very weary.
Thurs Feb 28
Practised a great deal all morning as I expected Mr. Sch. into my lesson, but he didn't come. Thank goodness, for it was not good. Somehow, Miss Thursby's gripping my belt and reminding me of "a big breath'' all the time, serves to fill me so full of wind that I am simply rigid and cannot sustain two phrases. Oh I feel that Mrs. C. understands my difficulties so much better than anyone else; I wish I could have a lesson every day for a month. And then she can really sing the high tones, which, of course, trouble me the most. Then I can't even bluff at making a good diminuendo, and of course that is the test. Rushed (again) up to the 5 o'clock service and spent the evening at home.
Friday Mar 1
Piano lesson at 10, and I aired my troubles. She sympathized completely, for everyone knows that when you once have gained a method, you should use it without thinking of it. And Miss Thursby, having given me a firm breath, cannot let me forget it. Mrs. Collins had a talk with Mr. S. and he said that if my voice refuses to come forward, he wants me to work toward some other goal, as he feels I can make a career, and does not want me to misdirect my energies. I suppose he means the dramatic stage. Well, I won't. If I can't have my musical career, I don't want to be on the stage. However, Mrs. C. did well to open my eyes to the need of losing no time between now and June, for, she says, if I am not out of the woods by then, I never will be. That jostled me up, and at 5.30 I had the best lesson yet, singing high C's and B's and E$\flat$'s; proving to her once and for all, that I am no contralto. We had dinner together, and then I went to church rehearsal.
