Part 21 (1/2)
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 s.p.a.ce, 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 embarra.s.sment. 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, Ma.s.s.; 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.”
”The Boston Advertiser,” March 31, said,--
”She has an exceptionally pure voice, which has been carefully trained.”
”The Transcript,” April 16, said,--
”A soprano of good voice and cultivation.”
”The Journal,” June 13, 1874, said,--
”A talented vocalist, with a well-cultivated voice of a remarkably fine quality. She pleased very greatly in several selections.”
Said ”The Post,” Nov. 13,--
”An artist of exceptional merit, possessing a voice of rare compa.s.s, flexibility, and sweetness. In the solo, 'Land of my Birth,' by Operti, she received enthusiastic applause.”
The public journals of her own city and state very early in her career chronicled Miss Brown's musical achievements, and even then felt warranted in awarding her strong but judicious praise. Latterly they have many times spoken in most enthusiastic terms of her added accomplishments. I shall quote only a few of the briefest of these.
”The Dover (N.H.) Daily Democrat,” Dec. 19, 1873, said,--
”The concert given in the City Hall last evening by Miss Nellie Brown, a.s.sisted by Misses Gray and Bracket and the Amphion Glee Club of Haverhill, Ma.s.s., was a success....
Miss Brown was very warmly greeted, and surprised all with the ease and grace of her appearance, the richness of her voice, and the fine rendering of her music. She was enthusiastically encored.”
”The Dover Enquirer,” Sept. 7, 1876, said,--
”The organ and vocal concert at the new Methodist-Episcopal church on Tuesday evening was one of the finest ever given in Dover.... Dover's favorite, Miss Nellie E. Brown, was as warmly greeted as ever, sang most charmingly, and was loudly encored.”