Rameau Trio - Charles Gilibert, Susan Metcalfe, ? Barrere Distinguished baritone, died 1910; prominent soprano, married to Pablo Casals 1914-1957, but separated after 1928; ? |
Adelaide Nowak Blanche's actress cousin on her mother's side, member of Richard Mansfield's theatrical company. |
Mr. Masarik, probably Jan Masaryk Jan Masaryk, 20-year-old son of Prof. Tomas G. Masaryk, had been in New York since October, working odd jobs. By 1910 he was timekeeper at a factory in Bridgeport, Connecticut. His father became the founding president of Czechoslovakia, and Jan became its foreign minister. |
Sat Feb 16
Mr. Damrosch examined Mrs. Q's pupils today. Of course every one simply wilted with nervousness, except I, who was half asleep, and Mrs. C. said, played with half my usual tone. But I say it was because the piano had a stiff action and I didn't want to pound. However, Mr. Damrosch said I played nicely and that I must not neglect my piano - I wanted to drop a pretty curtsey and run away - which I did-not! Had a delicious luncheon with Mrs. C. who is having her own troubles with the Trio Rameau -- Barr\`{e}re and Gilibert have behaved disgustingly! Then we went to hear "O-G'' sing the leading tenor in "Rose of the Alhambra''. He acts and looks well, but his voice - well, I fear that it will never carry him far. He was less nervous in Act 2 and sang better. Poor Mme. C. was so worried and nervous. Many of his friends were there. Had to leave after the 2nd act to get to church for 5 o'clock service. In the evening, I paid Dr. bills and to bed at 11.
Sun Feb 17
Walked down to church twice today, as the weather was fine. Mother and Rose both ill all morning, so poor Mila slaved down in that kitchen all day. A very outspoken sermon in the afternoon. Dr. Parks certainly believes in dotting his i's and crossing his t's. Addie came over at 4. She looked a little tired but is the same sweet girl, and is hoping for a great success in "Peer Gynt.'' In the evening, Mr. Masarik called; Carrie K. and her friend stopped in but only for an hour. After they left we played eucre and had a jolly time till 11.30. To our own amazement, Mr. Masarik and I won against Mila and Chas, the two "star'' players. I feel right "cocky'' about it.
Mon Feb 18
Did harmony from 9 to 11:30 and then did not do as many exercises as I wanted to. I am afraid my talents as a composer will never startle the world. I find it very interesting though. Went down at 12 and after theory lesson took a walk with Ella. Then read a little French. Saw a lovely picture of Wotan's Farewell to Brunhild by F. Luke. Oh! How I should love to own it. Had a lesson at 4 but not nearly as good as the last one. All the brilliancy had gone out and the breath wouldn't work, consequently, the throat did. Service at 5, and in the evening we called on the Urbans and heard all about the Dr's trip to Jamaica*. Bed at 12 - Oh Je mina!
Tues Feb 19
Mother feeling badly, and finally driving Father to an outburst put me in just the mood to hear a lecture on "Tristan'' by Krehbiel. It was a very good one, besides, and when Miss Something-or-other played the Liebes-tod, well, - it simply "wrenched my vitals'' and I could have wailed openly. Instead, I dropped a silent tear and went down to luncheon with the girls. In the course of conversation, we came to speak of resources, and I suddenly realized that my ambition is so centred on the idea of becoming a singer, that I cannot conceive of my life without that hope. If it were to be taken from me irrevocably, well I simply cannot imagine what would take its place. And yet I have unconsciously been thinking of myself as being many-sided in my tastes and talents. Well - the truth is healthy.
Wed Feb 20
"The man of genius, the man who accomplishes things, the man who rises above the ordinary, is he who keeps his energies going full power while things are humming'' L.S. "Ha-ha'' Home all day doing theory until I was blue in the face. Then made some fudge and ate too much. In the evening, I sang at Leopold's recital. It was brilliantly successful and the boy simply radiated joy. A very large audience. Urban girls and Rose Chas. and Mila went. Tried to induce mother to go but she refused.
Thurs Feb 21
Practised piano and did some French till 12. Had a singing lesson "Der meine Seele.'' only fairly good. After that Ella and I walked a bit and then I went up for the last "Rameau Trio'' Recital. It was the most interesting vocally, as both S. Metc. and Gilibert sang, but on the other 2 occasions the Trio did more. To hear S. Metcalfe sing "L'Embarquement pour Cyth\`{e}re'' is like a glimpse into Fairyland. Suddenly realized that it was 4.40 o'clock. Ran for the car and got to church in the nick of time. This rushing about is awful! After service met Mila and after a delicious dinner, we went to hear Roberta as soloist with the church choral society. I found the quality as lovely as ever, but the church music is too low for her and she was out of her element. I spoke to her and she is as cordial and charming as ever, and begged me to come and see them, but I feel that it is not farther for her than for me. Jo said she as been doing considerable concert work. Well, it has taken her practically 7 yrs.
Fri Feb 22
Piano lesson at 10 and Tapper lecture on the "Spirit of Work''. Then walked up to Met. to try and get in to "Parsifal'' and after waiting for an hour and a half, found that no one was admitted! For the first time, and at "Parsifal''! of all performances! So stopped in to see Addie, had tea and hot pie and ice cream (sounds deadly but was really delicious!) Addie is the personification of feminine daintiness, and is very happy in her work, now that success has come to her. We both came home and after supper I went to church. A "fussy'' rehearsal.
*Jamaica, Long Island...
