25
MUSICAL COURIER
March 2 9, 1923
An Opinion of
Ganna Walska
By Mr. Herman Devries, the eminent critic of the Chicago Evening American
Photo by de Meyer.
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5
MARCH 21, 1923.
CAN SING, DEVRIES
GANNA WALSKA SAYS HERMAN
Continued From First Paso.
Mme. Ganna Walska has a voice of rare quality, declares Herman Devries, music critic.
From the
CHICAGO EVENING AMERICAN,
March 21, 1923
tures in the music ■world, I am glad to be able to supply this information —Mme. Walska has not only a very1 good voice, bU/tl what is more important, she can sing.,
The classic arias were read vl־ith poise and refinement ■of tone and shading; phrased with taste and style. In the Strauss waltz the coloratura, was smooth, !and' fluent•׳ and the high notes were delivered with ,power and technical assurance..
Besides; she has an exceedingly wide voice compass and sang in perfect tune.
I can, of'course,-.on,ly judge from what 1■ . hear¿■ ip the McCormick d rawlng-'ro oms. ’
BOOKINGS FOR 1923-1924 BEING RECEIVED
Aeolian Hall New York City
KNABE PIANO
JULES DAIBER
(Exclusive Management)
Herman Devries Hears Diva in
McCormick Home; ,Voice of *Highest Quality.’
BY HERMAN DEVRIES. Copyright, 1923, Evening American Publishing Company.
I have heard Gatina Walska-McCorntick. And I have “discovered” that she can sing.
Until 5 o’clock yesterday I had no Idea I was to have the pleasure of meeting hep, much less of !tearing her. But learning that־"liS.rold Mc-_ Curmick was again-in the city, •and— having a personal matter to discuss with this genial friend, whom ! have known so many years, I telephoned tor an appointment, and at 5 o’efbek my wife and I drove out to Mr. McCormick’s Rush st. house, where we were received by Mr. and Mi's. Me-, Cormick and Mrs. Emmons Blaine.: For a moment let me lay aside i my character of music critic־ and as-surad that of my charming colleague, “The Chaperon,” in order to relate that tea was poured by Mrs. Emmons Blaine and that simplicity, harmony and hospitality were 'the characteristic elements of the re• | union.
IS UNOSTENTATIOUS.
bet me add as well, that Mine. Walska-McCormiek is astonishingly unostentatious. She• displays neither pose nor pompous dignity, affectation nor self-sufficiency. She was dressed beautifully, but she wore not a single costly ornament except the long earrings, which were, by the way, most becoming
I-told Mr. McCormick that I was on the point of going to Rock Island, under orders from The Evefiing .American; when wo beard thatiMme. Walska was to give a' recital there some time ago, and tfiat I was so disappointed when the news of the cancellation came -to us, -and the long-deferred hearing ,was .again postponed.
“Now that -you are leaving for Europe on the 28th, when shall-we have the opportunity of hearing you; mddame?” I said, following Jim mediately with a request for a prfes-eiU “audition.•־ After half an hour’s pleading from me, -Mme. Ganna Walska unwillingly consented. BLAMES STAGE FRIGHT^
And now I am almost surest is nervousness, stage fright, *or lack of self-confidencb that hab ' caused the singer to create' any unfavorable impression reported from numerous sources after recent appearances in concert
Mme Walska sang for us the dir•■ ficult 'aria of Constance from 'Mozart's -Abduction Frdm the Seraglio- and Suzanna’s .aria, “Porgi Amor" from Mozart’s; “Figaf-o’s Wedding.” two excerpts from c^issic song literature, deiAatiding superlative vocal training as well as a natural understanding of the art of
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These and Strauss’ “Voices of Spring” comprised ■the miniature recital for which Mile.'Jeanne Krie-ger. a remarkably talented young Parisian pianist traveling with the McCormicks, furnished the accom-paniments. f' 9 XV A CAN SING.
Pol- the benefit of tbe curious, who Have read of Mme Walska's adytul-
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