Reminiscences of the Opera

urn:iso:std:iso:639:ed-3:eng

223

text excerpt

Scarcely less noteworthy was the first appearance of the well-known English tenor, Mr. Sims Reeves, in the part of Carlo, on the same occasion. It was in those days a rare event for an English singer to venture upon the boards of the Anglo-Italian stage; and the force of fashion and prejudice made the venture one of unusual difficulty. But with his advantages of Italian training and style, Mr. Sims Reeves was entitled to be fairly considered as an Italian singer. He had not only a beautiful natural organ, but expression and passion were at his command, and there can be little doubt that he might have permanently justified the enthusiastic welcome of what might be termed the "national" portion of the audience of Her Majesty's Theatre, and might have battled successfully against prejudice, had not difficulties, created by himself, arisen, and caused his secession for the remainder of the season.

Scarcely less noteworthy was the first appearance of the well-known English tenor, Mr. Sims Reeves, in the part of Carlo, on the same occasion. It was in those days a rare event for an English singer to venture upon the boards of the Anglo-Italian stage; and the force of fashion and prejudice made the venture one of unusual difficulty. But with his advantages of Italian training and style, Mr. Sims Reeves was entitled to be fairly considered as an Italian singer. He had not only a beautiful natural organ, but expression and passion were at his command, and there can be little doubt that he might have permanently justified the enthusiastic welcome of what might be termed the "national" portion of the audience of Her Majesty's Theatre, and might have battled successfully against prejudice, had not difficulties, created by himself, arisen, and caused his secession for the remainder of the season.

excerpt from 'Reminiscences of the Opera' pp. 223 (151 words)

1438767408756:

1438767408756