Music and Some Highly Musical PeopleTrotter, James M.
History
Music and Some Highly Musical People
Trotter, James M.
African American musicians -- Biography; African Americans -- Music
In order that the opinions heretofore given in regard to Miss Brown's
vocal abilities and artistic accomplishments may be shown not to be
exaggerated, I now desire to append some of the notices which her
performances have elicited from the press of New England and other
sections of the country. And here I am confronted by the first real
difficulty that has appeared since I began this sketch; for I have
before me nearly one hundred comments, all highly complimentary, only
a very small number of which may here be reprinted. To properly
arrange and give them _all_ would be an easy and most pleasing task,
since the collection forms an unbroken, a delightful series of musical
descriptions, interspersed with high but always discreet praise of the
artist whose performances, in the main, called them forth; but to be
compelled, from want of space, to endeavor to select, from among these
many encomiums, only those which, while they do justice to our
subject, are yet brief and together varied and interesting, is a duty
attended with some embarrassment. Before attempting to do this, I deem
it proper to say, that, if printed together, the comments referred to
would make a volume of considerable size; which, containing, as it
undoubtedly would, the truthful, spontaneous tributes of lovers of art
to one of its most faithful and accomplished devotees, might well be
considered by herself and many admiring friends as of most inestimable
value.
The following have reference to Miss Brown's appearances in Boston
during the musical season of 1874:--
Said "The Boston Traveller," April 16,--
"Miss Nellie E. Brown has for some months been the leading
soprano at Grace Church, Haverhill, Mass.; which position
she has filled with eminent acceptance, and with marked
exhibition of artistic powers."
And the same paper at another time said,--
"Miss Brown possesses a very fine voice under excellent
culture, and gave with much taste several solos. Noticeably
good was her rendering of Torrey's 'La Prima Vera.' In all
her selections she exhibited excellent style and finish."
"The Globe," March 31, said,--
"Miss Nellie Brown showed a particularly well-modulated
voice, trained study, and appreciative method, which served
her well in the pleasant rendering given by her so
gracefully and unaffectedly."
The same paper, after alluding to her rendition of "Del Criel Regina,"
[Transcriber's Note: 'Del Ciel Regina'] said,--
"This lady is fortunate in her exceedingly sweet and
well-trained voice, which, in conjunction with her fine
personal appearance and stage manners, rendered her
reception unusually enthusiastic."
Speaking of an entertainment given at Parker Memorial Hall, a musical
writer said,--
"Miss Brown has a charming voice, and sings with intelligent
expression and good taste. Two of her songs, 'Beautiful
Erin' and 'Bonnie Dundee,' were rendered with great
sweetness."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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