A DISTINGUISHED SINGER.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 12904, 9 September 1907, Page 8

A DISTINGUISHED SINGER.

INTERVIEW WITH MADAME

ALBANI

Though perhaps the youthful musicians of to-dny do not know much of tho distinguished artist, Madame Albani, to tho music-lovers of the late seventies and early eighties her name as an operatic artist of the highest distinction is familiar. He London debut was made at Covent Garden in 1872, in "La Somnambuln," whon she ot once won an assured position as an operatic priraa donna. Later, she repeated her suocees at the Italian Opera in Paris. Then after visiting Russia and America, ehe returned to London, and for fifteen consecutive years she sang the chief parts in all the principal operas produced at Covent Garden. The greatest part created by her was kolde in "Tristan end Isolde," which ehe sang for the first time in German, to the Tristan ot Jean Do Reske. Since 1882, Madame Albani has sung every autumn at one or more of tho great musical festivals in England, and has created the eoprano roles in important works specially written for her by the greatest composers of our time. The usual merry, emiling face of Madame—who. like all French-Can-adians, is full of life and vivacity— was clouded somewhat when a member of the staff of "The Press" had a brief interview with her on Saturday morning. "My dear friend Greig is dead, I see with sorrow," was tho first remark of Madame. "He was a great musician. I knew him intimately, and his death came quite as a shock to mo. The retirement of which you tell mc, of Maud McCarthy, the clover young violinisto from Queensland, who toured with mc, has also grieved mo much. She had a wonderful career before her."

But tho gloom wore off in c few moments, and Madame Albani was onco more her bright, smiling self. "What is the prevailing music in London just nowr" said Madame, in answer to a question. "Well, nothing but Elgar ia popular. I sang in his 'Apostles' beforo leaving England. Talking of oratorio, I have lost this year's Festival, but then, I have gained the experienco—which I would not have missed for anything—of seeing your beautiful and picturesque country. One of the most celebrated functions in which I took part before leaving Home was the Santley Jubilee concert. It was c remarkable gathering of all the musical celebrities, and dear Mr Santloy himself sang eplendidly. I was, struck very much by the marked improvement in tho musical taste of the Australian public as compared with when I was out there before in 1898. It has developed in the direction of a predilection for and desire to hear compositions of a classical character. In thie respect also I am charmed with your New Zealand audiences. Thoy show c keen appreciation of high-class musio that I was not prepared to find 6o far from tho great musical centres of the Old World. So far I am greatly delighted with my New Zealand audiences. There is one point about an item on my programme For to-night's concert which I think will interest you. That is with reference to Masaut'e aria 'L'Amero.' The cadenzas in that number wero taught to mc by that great artist Jenny find." In the course of conversation reference was made to the number of orders which have been conferred on Madame. "Ah ; yes," said Madame Albani, "I am specially proud of the Victorian Badge given to mc by the lato Queen Victoria, and the British Order of Merit for the arts, science end literature, conferred on mc by King Edward. But there is one unique presentation with which I am more enchanted than any. That is a box made of Australian gold on the lid of which is the Southern Cross in Australian stones. Iβ it not beautiful ? It was jwesented to mc whilst in Australia by Lady Northcote. Now of course you want to know—like the Sydney people and their harbour what I think of your country. Well, honestly, I am both astonished and delighted. I never expected to see anything like the scenery nor to meet such cultivated audiences musically speaking." In response to regret expressed by the interviewer tHat Madame Albani had net had an opportunity of seeing the wonderful display made here by her rative land, Canada, Mndame said with an expressive gesture so truly French, "Ah>, that is all our Monsieur Laurier."

After giving ono more concert in Christchurch at the end of the month, in conjunction with the Musical Union, Madamo Albani proceeds to Melbourne and thenoo to India, where sht> will bo the guest of Lord and Lady Minto.