DISCOVERY OF SIMS REEVES.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1613, 28 January 1903, Page 13

DISCOVERY OF SIMS REEVES.

Apropos of the late James Anderson’s “Reminiscences," a correspondent calls mv attention (writes Joseph Hatton in “Cigarette Papers”) to an incident in the great tragedian’s life that is creditable both to his taste and his courage. Moreover, it seems to establish the fact that Anderson practically discovered the late Sims Peeves, that incomparable tenor. By the way, it should not be forgotten that Peeves made his dehut in Newcastle-on-Tyne as a baritone. I am not an expert in the art and science of vocal or instrumental music, but something of the baritone quality in Reeves’s voice was clearly of great advantage to him in many of his finest effects. Musicians always remind you that Reeves’s voice was not pure tenor. I suppose -3u.ilini was perfectly endowed, and next to Reeves he was to my mind the most delightful of vocalists. He sang in Italian opera, -as you know. But to return to Reeves and Anderson. During the rehearsals of Dryden’s “King Arthur” at Drury Lane. Tom Cooke, the conductor of the orchestra, was at liis wits’ end for a vocalist Avho could sing the solo, “Come If You Dare.” Indeed, it was almost decided to postpone the production of the piece on this account. The manager in despair, locking at Anderson, said, ‘ Wliat is to be done? It is absolutely necessary to find a gentleman who can do justice to the music.” Anderson had noticed a voice in the chorus that had surprised and delighted him, and had taken +he trouble to find out the singer’s name; it was Sims Reeves. “Well,” he said to the manager, “there is a fellow in the chorus named Reeves, and if Cooke will give him a chance he can do the trick; if not, I’m a Dutchman !” Cooke was angry at the suggestion, either because be disliked Reeves or had not noticed liis- voice, or for the reason that an actor had the impertinence to make a suggestion in regard to the rendering of the music in the piece. However, Cooke ivas induced at last to invite Reeves into the t anusic room After a short delay he came out, bogged Anderson’s pardon, and embraced him. In a severe test Sims Reeves more than justified Anderson’s recommendation, and shortly afterwards made a great bit ’n Italian opera.