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THE
BLACK SWAN
A T H O M E A N D A B R O A D;
OR,
A Biographical Sketch
OF
MISS ELIZABETH TAYLOR GREENFIELD,
THE AMERICAN VOCALIST.
———
PHILADELPHIA:
WM. S. YOUNG, PRINTER, REAR OF 50 NORTH SIXTH STREET.
1855.
Biographical Sketch
OF
MISS ELIZABETH TAYLOR GREENFIELD.
Providence, ever benignant and kind,
Gives with a smile what you take with a tear;
All will be right,
Look to the light.
Morning was ever the daughter of night;
All that was black will be all that is bright.
Cheerily, cheerily, then cheer up.”
Miss Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, or the “Black Swan,” to adopt her musical agnomen, was born at Natchez, Mississippi. She was born in bondage. Her father was a full African; white and Indian blood flowed in her mother’s veins.
When but one year old her mistress, Mrs. Elizabeth Greenfield, removed to Philadelphia, and joined the Society of Friends, manumitting the few slaves whom she had not previously accompanied and comfortably settled in Liberia. Several of these would not be separated from their beloved and venerated mistress, and among them her especial favourite, the gifted subject of these pages.
In 1844 her mistress died, at the advanced age of nearly one hundred years, and in her will Elizabeth was remembered by a substantial legacy, sufficient to make her comfor for life; but the will was contested, and yet remains the subject of judicial investigation.
Previous to the death of her mistress, Elizabeth had become distinguished in the limited circle in which she was known for her remarkable power of voice. Its tender and thrilling tones often lightened the weight of age in one who was to her beloved as a mother. How deeply she grieved that she could receive no culture from art. Neither the remarkable compass of her voice, nor the wonder of her high and low notes, nor the proffer of thirty dollars per quarter, when the standard price was ten, could induce a Professor to include her among his pupils. The admission of a coloured pupil would have jeopardized his success.
By indomi perseverance she surmounted difficulties almost invincible. At first she taught herself crude accompaniments to her songs, and intuitively perceiving the agreement or disagreement of them, improvvisared and repeated, until there was heard floating upon the air a very “lovely song of one that had a pleasant voice, and could play well upon a”—guitar.
There dwelt in the neighbourhood of Mrs. Greenfield a physician, humane and courteous; capable, too, of distinguishing and appreciating merit and genius, under whatever prejudices and disadvantages they were presented. His daughter, herself an amateur in the science of harmonious sounds, heard of Elizabeth’s peculiar structure of mind. Miss Price invited her to her house. She listened with delighted surprise to her songs. She offered to accompany her upon the guitar. This was a concurrence of circumstances which formed the era of her life. Her pulses quickened as she stood and watched the fair Anglo-Saxon fingers of her young patroness run over the key board of a full-toned piano-forte, eliciting sweet, sad, sacred, solemn sounds. Emotion well nigh overcame her; but the gentle encouragement of her fair young friend dissipated her fears and increased her confidence. She sung; and before she had finished she was surrounded by the astonished inmates of the house, who, attracted by the remarkable compass and sweetness of her voice, stealthily entered the room, and now, unperceived, stood gathered behind her. The applause which followed the first trial before this small, but intelligent audience, gratified as much as it embarrassed her, from the unexpected and sudden surprise. She not only received an invitation to repeat her visit, but Miss P., for a reasonable compensation, undertook her instruction in the first rudiments of music. The progress of genius is not like that of common minds. It is needless to say that her improvement was very rapid.
Her kind mistress lived to see her become an object of musical interest to the widening circle of her acquaintance.
She began to receive invitations to entertain private parties, by the exhibition of the gift which the God of nature had bestowed upon her. She proffered its aid to advance the cause of various charities, and on benefit occasions.
Upon the death of her mistress, in consequence of the contested will, she found herself thrown upon her own resources for a maintenance. Remembering some friends in the western part of New York, she resolved to visit them; while crossing Lake Seneca, en route to Buffalo, there came sweetly stealing upon the senses of the passengers of the steamer—her rich, full, round, clear voice, unmarred by any flaw. The lady passengers, especially the noble Mrs. Gen. P., feeling that the power and sweetness of her voice deserved attention, urged her to sing again, and were not satisfied until five or six more songs were given to them. Before reaching their destined port she had made many friends. The philanthropic Mrs. Gen. P., became her friend and patroness. She at once invited Elizabeth to her splendid mansion in Buffalo, and learning her simple story, promptly advised her to devote herself entirely to the science of music. During her visit a private party was given by this lady, to which all the Élite of the city were invited. Elizabeth acquitted herself so admirably, that two days after a card of invitation came to her through the public press, signed by the prominent gentlemen of Buffalo, requesting her to give a series of concerts.
She sang before the Buffalo Musical Association, and her performances were received with marks of approbation from the best musical talent in the city, that established her reputation as a songstress. Give the “Black Swan,” said they, the cultivation and experience of the fair Swede, or Md’lle Parodi, and she will rank favourably with those popular singers, who have carried the nation into captivity by their rare musical abilities. Her voice has a full round sound, and is of immense compass and depth. She strikes every note in a clear and well defined manner, and reaches the highest capacity of the human voice with wonderful ease, and apparently an entire want of exertion. Beginning with G in the bass clef she runs up the scale to E in the treble clef, and gives each note its full power and tone. She commences at the highest note and runs down the scale with the same ease that she strikes any other lower note. The fact that she accomplishes this with no apparent exertion is surprising, and fixes at once the marvellous strength of her vocal organs. Her voice is wholly natural, and, as might be expected, lacks the training and exquisite cultivation that belongs to the skilful Italian singer. But the voice is there; and as a famous mÆstro once said, “It takes a hundred things to make a complete singer, of which a good voice is ninety-nine.” If this be so, Miss Greenfield is on the verge of excellence, and it remains for the public to decide whether she shall have the means to pursue her studies.
To several gentlemen in Buffalo belongs the credit of having first brought out Miss Greenfield in the concert-room. The Buffalo papers took the matter in hand, and assured the public they had much to expect from a concert from this vocalist. The deep interest her first public efforts elicited from them, gave occasion to the following certificate:—
Buffalo, Oct. 30th, 1851.
Mr. H. E. Howard:—
Dear Sir:—At your suggestion, for the purpose of enabling Miss Elizabeth T. Greenfield to show to her Philadelphia friends the popularity she has acquired in this city, I cheerfully certify as follows:—
The concert got up for her was unsolicited on her part, and entirely the result of admiration of her vocal powers, by a number of our most respec citizens, who had heard her at the residence of Gen. Potter, with whose family she had become somewhat familiar. The concert was attended by an audience not second in point of numbers, to any given here before, except by Jenny Lind; and not second to any in point of respectability and fashion. The performance of Miss Greenfield was received with great applause, and the expression since, among our citizens generally, is a strong desire to hear her again.
Respectfully yours, &c.,
G. Reed Wilson.
Rochester next extended an invitation for her to visit that city. We copy the invitation:—
“The undersigned having heard of the musical ability of Miss Elizabeth T. Greenfield, of the city of Buffalo, and being desirous of having her sing in Rochester, request that she will give a public concert in this city at an early day, and feel confident that it will afford a satisfactory entertainment to our citizens. Signed,
“Edwin Scrantom, Levi A. Ward, H. A. Brewster, W. H. Perkins, D. M. Dewey, Geo. Hart, H. S. Allis, Freeman Clark, Isaac Butts, D. T. Walbridge, E. Peshine Smith, L. Kelly, M. F. Reynolds, Alex. Grant, W. A. Reynolds, L. B. Swan, Elias Paul, O. L. Sheldon, Alex. Mann, George Dutton, jr., D. Perrin, James S. Bush, H. P. Stevens, John E. Morey, F. S. Ren, C. P. Dewing, L. R. Jerome, L. P. Beey, James F. Bush.”
Rochester, Dec. 6th, 1851.
This evening, in Corinthian Hall, the anticipated entertainment is to be presented to our music-loving citizens. Curiosity will lead many to attend, to whom the performance of a coloured prima donna is a phenomenon at once wonderful and rare. Miss Greenfield has received from all who have heard her, the name of being a vocalist of extraordinary power.
Speaking of her concert in Buffalo, the “Express” says, “On Monday, Parodi in all her splendour, sustained by Patti and Strakosh, sung at Corinthian Hall to half a house. Last night Miss Greenfield sang at the same place to a crowded house of the respec , cultivated, and fashionable people of the city. Jenny Lind has never drawn a better house, as to character, than that which listened with evident satisfaction to this unheralded, and almost unknown African Nightingale. Curiosity did something for her, but not all. She has merit, very great merit, and with cultivation (instruction) she will rank among the very first vocalists of the age. She has a voice of great sweetness and power, with a wider range from the lowest to the highest notes than we have ever listened to; flexibility is not wanting, and her control of it is beyond example, for a new and untaught vocalist. Her performance was received with marked approbation and applause, from those who knew what to applaud.”
It remains now for the citizens of Rochester to give her the commendation of their patronage, and then she is fully afloat. It will not be the first time that the verdict of this city in matters musical, has been responded to by the world. The price of tickets is one dollar; and all must see the propriety of this charge, in a singer who has to combat the most crushing and the common contempt of another race—the race too, from whom she must receive her patronage and support. The Black Swan must contend for the highest prize, and sing for the best price, or she falls below even the second rank. It is first among the foremost with her, or a direct consignment to a low level. The consciousness of talent, moreover, will not allow her to put too low an estimate upon her qualifications, and she makes her appeal, therefore, to the generosity of a public who cannot fail to appreciate the peculiar condition in which she is placed.
Another city Paper says,
Much has been said and written of this personage since she was introduced to the public as a musical prodigy. All sorts of surmises and conjectures have been indulged in, respecting the claim put forth of her merit, and generally the impression seemed to prevail that the novelty of “colour” and idle curiosity, accounted more for the excitement raised, than her musical powers. Well, she has visited our place, and given our citizens an opportunity of judging for themselves. We are ignorant of music, and unqualified to criticise, but a large audience were in attendance at Ringueberg Hall last evening—among those present were our musical amateurs—and we heard but one expression in regard to the new vocalist, and that was, wonder and astonishment at the extraordinary power and compass of her voice, and the ease with which she passed from the highest to the lowest notes seemed without an effort. Her first notes of “Where are now the hopes?” startled the whole audience, and the interchange of glances succeeded by thunders of applause, at the end of the first verse, showed that her success was complete. She was loudly encored, and in response sung the barytone, “When stars are in the quiet sky,” which took down the whole house.
We have neither time nor space to follow her through her different pieces. Suffice it to say, that there never was a concert given in this town, which appeared to give more general satisfaction, and every person we met on leaving the hall, expressed their entire approbation of her performance. No higher compliment could be paid to the “Swan,” than the enthusiastic applause which successfully greeted her appearance, and the encore which followed her several pieces.
There was a very general expression among the audience, that the sable vocalist should give another concert, and, at the earnest solicitation of several of our citizens, Col. Wood, her gentlemanly manager, has consented to give another entertainment to-morrow evening, when the “Black Swan” will give a new programme, consisting of some of Jenny Lind’s most popular songs.
The concert on Thursday evening, was what in other cases would have been called a triumph. The house was full—the audience a fashionable one—the applause decided, and the impression made by the singer highly favourable.
We can safely say that Miss Greenfield possesses a voice of remarkable qualities; singular for its power, softness and depth. Of all this she gave ample evidence in the twelve or more pieces she sang—a feat in itself giving evidence of great vocal resources. There is a lack of training perceptible, although the Swan sings with great correctness, and evident close regard of the notes upon the music sheet. No one can hear her without acknowledging her talents—if that is the right expression—but what is to come of this we are not advised. A couple of years’ severe training is indispensable, before she can safely be put before the public on a sure footing.
Again:
Rochester, Corinthian Hall.
This astonishing songstress has made her appearance in Rochester, and will sing this evening in Corinthian Hall, the most commodious building in western New York. She ought to have as large a house, and as brilliant, as any that thronged to hear the Swedish Nightingale. We heard the “Black Swan” more than two years ago, in Philadelphia and New York, in rooms little adapted to give effect to her performances; but we were, even then, struck with the astonishing compass, power, and clearness of her voice. We understand that since that time, she has applied herself with praiseworthy perseverance and assiduity to the cultivation of her extraordinary powers, and has attained great proficiency in the art, which is evidently the bent of her genius. By her own energy, and unassisted, she has made herself mistress of the harp, guitar, and piano. We are informed that the proceeds of the entertainment this evening, are to be wholly appropriated to the completion of her musical education in Paris, under the world-famed Garcia. We predict for Miss Greenfield a successful and brilliant future.
The Rochester American writes:—
Corinthian Hall contained a large and fashionable audience on the occasion of the concert by this new candidate for popular favour, on Thursday evening. We have never seen an audience more curiously expectant than this was, for the dÉbut of this new vocalist. Hardly had her first note fallen upon their ears, however, before their wonder and astonishment were manifest in an interchange of glances and words of approval, and the hearty applause that responded to the first verse she sung, was good evidence of the satisfaction she afforded. The aria “Oh Native Scenes,” was loudly encored, and in response she gave the pretty ballad “When Stars are in the Quiet Sky.”
The “Salut a la France” was one of her most difficult pieces, but was loudly encored, and in response, she astonished the audience, and called down thunders of applause with the bass of “Old Hundred,” and the barytone of “When Stars, &c.”
The gem of the evening, however, was, “Like the Gloom of Night Retiring.” It was a bold attempt for the Black Swan to sing “Do Not Mingle,” after Jenny Lind and Parodi; but she succeeded in rendering its difficult passages with considerable taste, and a good degree of justice. It is in pieces of this kind that her untaught powers come into direct competition with the masterly training and careful cultivation of the artistes above named, and the difference is perceptible. But the voice is there, and with that she is destined, if skilfully taught, to achieve a fame that will be world-wide.
Lockport.
This extraordinary vocalist, whose performances at Buffalo and Rochester have created so much excitement, will make her appearance before a Lockport audience, on Thursday evening next. We cannot speak from personal knowledge of her abilities as a vocalist, but she comes to us with such high endorsements of popular favour, that we very cheerfully commend her to our citizens as an artiste of the very highest order of talent, and can safely promise a rich entertainment.
The Buffalo Commercial Advertiser says:
Miss Greenfield is about twenty-five years of age, and has received what musical education she has in the city of Philadelphia; she is, however, eminently self-taught, possessing fine taste, and a nice appreciation, with a voice of wonderful compass, clearness and flexibility; she renders the compositions of some of the best masters in a style which would be perfectly satisfactory to the authors themselves. Her low, or properly bass notes, are wonderful, especially for a female voice, and in these she far excels any singing we have ever heard.
We learn that this singer, (soon to become celebrated we opine) will give a concert in this city on Thursday next. There is no doubt that the novelty of hearing a coloured woman perform the most difficult music with extraordinary ability, will give Éclat to the concert. All representations unite in ascribing to Miss Greenfield the most extraordinary talents, and a power and sweetness of vocalization that is really unsurpassed. Such being the case, as we are bound to believe upon good and abundant evidence, she deserves to receive the attention which is given her.
Utica Daily Observer, January 13, 1852.
The Black Swan had a crowded house last evening, to enjoy her voice and criticise her musical powers. The songs she gave, were in the main very difficult of execution, and well calculated to test the qualities of the Swan. The manner in which she gave “The Last Rose of Summer,” elicited an encore, when she gave a specimen of her notes, which were so supernatural for a feminine, as to excite belief that a male biped was usurping her prerogative. The deepest bass of the most wonderful barytone could not surpass it, and the greatest wonder was excited. “Kathleen Mavourneen,” and “O, Native Scenes,” were remarkably well sung. The only failure we noticed was on some of the high notes, in pieces requiring very rapid execution, where she seemed to want that faculty of rapid and easy transition, so remarkable in Jenny Lind and Kate Hayes.
We doubt not, that with proper cultivation, the Black Swan will win the high reputation as a singer, which her remarkable powers should give her.
Gratifying evidences of personal affection often found their way to her in letters like the subjoined:
Utica, January 13, 1853.
Miss Greenfield:—
I am confident you will pardon the liberty taken in thus addressing you, when I tell you of my deep interest in you, and of my pleasure in listening to the great powers of voice which God has given you. My father is Gerrit Smith—being his daughter, how can I but hope that your efforts may be crowned with the most brilliant success.
I have a few suggestions to make, respecting your dress. You were dressed with great modesty and with much simplicity; still there are some things it would be well for you to lay aside. Wear nothing in your hair, unless it be a cluster of white flowers in the back; never wear coloured flowers, nor flowing ribbons. Let your dress be a plain black silk, high at the back of the neck, and open in front about half way to the waist: under this, wear a square of lace, tarltan, or muslin, doubled and laid in folds to cross over the breast. Wear muslin under sleeves, and white kid gloves—always. Dress very loosely. I would advise no whalebones, (but perhaps you are not prepared for that reform.) In case you should lay them aside, a sacque of the same material as the dress would be very pretty to conceal the figure. If you tire of the black silk, a steel colour would be a good change—but these two are preferable to all others. Your pocket handkerchief should be unfolded and somewhat tumbled, not held by a point in the centre; perhaps it would be better to have it in your pocket, quite out of sight—the piece of music is enough for the hands. I rejoice in the dignity of your deportment and in the good hours you keep. I have said this much in relation to your dress, because I know how important it is that, in the midst of all the prejudice against those of your colour, that your appearance should be strikingly genteel.
A word or two about your singing: “Native Scenes” was particularly sweet, because sung with feeling. Let it be your aim to enter with your whole soul into the spirit of your words. In the “Last Rose of Summer,” you sang “senseless” for scentless—it may have been owing to a printer’s mistake—“scentless” is the true word. With sincere desires for your highest good, believe me,
Your friend, E. S. M.
Albany, Jan. 19, 1852—Daily State Register.
The Black Swan’s Concert.—Miss Greenfield made her debut in this City on Saturday evening, before a large and brilliant audience, in the lecture room of the Young Men’s Association. The concert was a complete triumph for her; won, too, from a discriminating auditory, not likely to be caught with chaff, and none too willing to suffer admiration to get the better of prejudice. Her singing more than met the expectations of her hearers, and elicited the heartiest applause, and frequent encores. She possesses a truly wonderful voice, and considering the poverty of her advantages, she uses it with surprising taste and effect. In sweetness, power, compass and flexibility, it nearly equals any of the foreign vocalists who have visited our country; and it needs only the training and education theirs have received, to outstrip them all.
The compass of her marvellous voice embraces twenty-seven notes, reaching from the sonorous bass of a barytone, to a few notes above even Jenny Lind’s highest. The defects which the critic cannot fail to detect in her singing, are not from want of voice or power of lung, but want of training alone. If her present tour proves successful, as it now bids fair to, she will put herself under the charge of the best masters of singing in Europe; and with her enthusiasm and perseverance, which belong to genius, she cannot fail to ultimately triumph over all obstacles, and even conquer the prejudice of colour—perhaps the most formidable one in her path.
She plays with ability upon the piano, harp and guitar. In her deportment she bears herself well, and we are told converses with much intelligence. We noticed among the audience Gov. Hunt and his family, both Houses of the Legislature, State officers, and a large number of our leading citizens. All came away astonished and delighted.
Albany, Jan. 20.—(Albany Express.)
We predict for this lady a very brilliant career under the judicious management of Col. J. H. Wood, the late efficient manager of the Cincinnati Museum, which was recently destroyed by fire. The Colonel possesses tact and talent of the highest order, which eminently qualify him for the high and responsible position he now occupies, and we have no hesitation in saying that Miss Greenfield will reap a golden harvest while she remains in his charge. The Swan leaves here for Boston, and thence to New York, where additional talent is expected to be added in that wonderful pianist, Master Cook, who excited the astonishment and admiration of all who had the pleasure of hearing him last fall in New York. Col. Wood expects to make the tour of Europe next season with the Swan, who will doubtless prove as attractive as any cantatrice that ever appeared before a European audience.
Albany Knickerbocker, Jan. 20, 1852. Tuesday.
The concerts of this warbler have been well attended and very satisfactory. She comes before the public under many disadvantages, and the fact, that nevertheless she pleases, is certainly an indication of merit. Among these disadvantages, we note her colour; her undertaking to execute alone a programme of ten or eleven pieces, and such of them as the public see fit to encore; a certain want of tact in the conduct of her concerts; and the barely tolerable support given her by her accompanyist.
Notwithstanding all these drawbacks, “the Swan” took everybody by surprise. Her compass is extraordinary; her musical education, evidently, very limited. But her execution certainly equalled that of many white performers of pretensions, and in some pieces drew out a hearty encore. She was dressed in very good taste, with only a slight display of ribbon. On her next appearance before the public, she should exert her feminine privilege, and insist on being led out like a lady, by her accompanyist, and not like a ghost he was afraid of.
Troy Daily Budget, Saturday, Jan. 17, 1852.
We were not able to attend in season to hear the first part, and can therefore only give our impressions of the second. The Swan’s voice is certainly one of great sweetness and power, especially in the lower register, but in the upper notes it dwindles into a thinness that is anything but agreeable. This was specially observable in her cadenzas, of which, she is rather lavish. Her enunciation is not so good as we had been led to suppose. There is a certain flatness at times in her utterance which betrays her origin, which essentially mars her performances. This we noticed particularly in “Sound the Trumpet,” by Hamel, the bill says—a composer we never have had the pleasure of hearing of before. We suppose Handel was intended.
The next piece purports to be “Saut a la France” from the opera of the “File du Regiment.” What kind of a file this was, we were rather dubious—but it certainly suggested rat-tails and three corners. In hearing it, however, we recognised the celebrated “Salut a la France,” which the Swan gave with very good effect.
‘Do not Mingle’ was tamely rendered. That style of music is evidently not her rÔle, and we wonder at her attempting to execute that exquisite morÇeau. It is one of those gems to which none but a finished artist can do justice.
The next piece, “O Native Scenes,” was admirably done. We cannot say so much of the “Banks of Guadalquiver.” The time was too slow, thereby destroying much of the spirit which should be infused into it. Perhaps the delicious tones of Madam Bishop in this song, who has made it peculiarly her own, and whose notes still linger in our memory, may have instituted unfavourable comparisons.
On the whole, the concert was a good one, and exceeded our expectations. By care and cultivation the Black Swan will become a vocalist of no mean pretensions, and even now she excels many, who modestly herald themselves as musical “stars.”
Jan. 23. From the same.
We predict for this celebrated singer a brilliant audience to-night at Harmony Hall, for it is to be undoubtedly the great Concert of the season. We understand Lt. Gov. Church and Lady, together with large numbers of both branches of the legislature, also large numbers from Lansingburg and Waterford, are to be there to-night, and in order to secure choice seats, it is necessary to go early, as this will be the last opportunity of hearing a lady that can sing a higher and a lower note than any other public singer that has ever visited us.
Col. Wood, her gentlemanly manager, informs us, that she goes hence to Boston and New York, and will visit Europe in June.
Jan. 24th.
The concert was attended by the largest and most genteel audience we have ever seen gathered in this city on a similar occasion. She sang almost every piece with exquisite taste and extraordinary artistic skill. The concert with a new bill will be repeated this evening at Franklin Hall, at 7½ o’clock.
———
☞ Go away, Northampton! who cares for Jenny Lind? The “Black Swan” is in town, stopping at the Hampden House, and is going to favour us with specimens of her extraordinary vocalization.
———
Miss Greenfield’s Singing.—“We yesterday had the pleasure of hearing the singer who is advertised in our columns as the “Black Swan.” She is a person of lady-like manners, elegant form, and not unpleasing, though decidedly African features. Of her marvellous powers, she owes none to any tincture of European blood. Her voice is truly wonderful, both in its compass and truth. A more correct intonation, so far as our ear can decide, there could not be. She strikes every note on the exact centre, with unhesitating decision, and unerring truth. There is obviously wide room for cultivation, but her singing, apart from the marvel of its ranging from a low bass to the highest treble, is exceedingly pleasing, and we think will take the public, both musical and unmusical, by surprise. We should not, to be sure, think of comparing her with Jenny Lind, nor with any one else. She is a non-descript—an original. We cannot think any common destiny awaits her.”
Springfield Daily Post, Jan. 29, 1852.
The following testimonial of the success of the “Swan” in Troy, appears in the Budget of Saturday evening.
“The concert was a most flattering triumph of genuine art over latent or patent prejudice. She surprises every one by the wonderful compass and power of her voice, and though in some pieces her execution is somewhat faulty, full allowance is made for this, when it is remembered that her teacher has been Nature alone, and that her opportunities of cultivation have been very limited.”
Evening Gazette, Boston, Jan. 31, 1852.
This new musical “Star of the West” has at last reached this city. If all, or half, that is said of her musical powers be true, she is surely a wonder of the nineteenth century. We have not had the pleasure of hearing Miss Greenfield in rehearsal, but gentlemen of excellent musical taste who have heard her, and whose word we have no reason to doubt, assure us that she really possesses a compass of voice truly remarkable.
We are glad to perceive that no attempt has been made to represent Miss Greenfield as a “celebrated artist,” as is usually the case.
No such claim has been set up, but quite the contrary. The Swan is truly a child of Nature. By reference to our advertising columns it will be observed that Miss Greenfield will make her first appearance in concert, in this city, on Tuesday evening next at the Melodeon. The programme is named, and embraces some of the choicest gems warbled by Jenny Lind and Miss Hayes. Several eminent musical performers will assist the Swan.
Daily Evening Traveller, Boston, Jan. 31, 1852.
The musical powers of Miss Greenfield are said to be of the most wonderful character. The Press in every place where she has appeared, in concert, are united in singing her praises. Those who have heard her, assure us that the compass of her voice is truly remarkable. It is said to embrace twenty-seven notes, reaching from the sonorous bass of a barytone, to a few notes above even the highest of Jenny Lind’s. With such powers, and with enthusiasm and perseverance corresponding to them, she is destined to take the highest rank in the divine science to which she has devoted herself.
The Commonwealth, Boston, Jan. 30, 1852.
The Swan has arrived, and taken up her quarters at the Revere House. Her first concert will be given at the Melodeon next Tuesday evening. Boston will forfeit all right to the title of the “Athens of America,” if it does not look with keen curiosity after this “something new,” under the sun. Miss Greenfield is alleged to have a voice of greater compass than any singer in this country has yet exhibited. That is one thing new. Another is, that without special cultivation, she rivals some of the greatest performers in reading and executing the most difficult music. If this be so, Boston, we think, will not be slow to find out and reward it as it deserves.
Evening Transcript, Boston, Jan. 30, 1852.
Miss Greenfield has arrived in the city, and will give her first concert in Boston, at the Melodeon, on Tuesday evening next. She gave to a small circle of musical people a specimen of the qualities of her voice yesterday afternoon, at the room of Mr. Chickering. Her voice has great power and compass, extending over four and a half octaves, from lower G in bass to C octave in alt. She is self-taught, and has won quite a reputation at the west.
Boston Herald, Jan. 30, 1852.
The ‘Black Swan.’ This new representative of the ‘Divine Art,’ arrived in town yesterday, and took quarters at the Revere House. A gentleman of good musical taste, who was yesterday admitted to a private rehearsal, assures us that Miss Greenfield possesses a remarkable voice. It is exceedingly musical and sweet. Its range and compass are truly astonishing. She played the piano with great skill, and accompanied herself. She will make her first appearance before a Boston audience on Tuesday evening next, at the Melodeon.
The Black Swan sings some of the choicest operatic gems: “Scenes that are Brightest,” from the opera of Maritana, “Do not Mingle,” from the opera of “La Somnambula,” &c. There is not a little curiosity to hear this extraordinary woman.
Evening Transcript, Boston, Feb. 4, 1852.
Miss Greenfield, “The Black Swan,” made her debut before a Boston audience last evening at the Melodeon. In consequence of the price of the tickets being put at a dollar, the house was not over two thirds full. She was well received, and most vociferously applauded and encored in every piece. She sings with great ease, and apparently without any effort. Her pronunciation is very correct, and her intonation excellent. Her voice has a wonderful compass, and in many notes remarkably sweet in tone. Her voice needs equalizing, which can be done, when put under the tuition of a competent instructor. Her second concert will be given on Thursday evening, when the tickets will be put at 50 cents. At her next concert she will be assisted by Professor Becht, of New York, and the great juvenile pianist, Master Kook, ten years of age, who has no superior in the country, of his years.
Boston Evening Traveller, February 5th, 1852.
The Black Swan’s first Concert at the Melodeon.—The novelty of the circumstances, and the curiosity which had been excited by the accounts which had reached us of this coloured woman’s remarkable vocal powers, drew together a much larger audience than could ordinarily have been collected at the high price at which the tickets were sold. As many as five hundred, probably, were present; and influenced as they were by various expectations and motives, it would be difficult to characterize the marks of applause which were bestowed upon the performer. In respect to the “Swan’s” claims as a vocalist, we do not deem it worth while to go into any criticism.
Boston Daily Times and Bay State Democrat, February 6th, 1852.
The Black Swan’s second concert at the Melodeon, last evening, was attended by a large and fashionable audience. Miss Greenfield was evidently in better voice than on the night of her first concert, and, it was generally admitted, sung better. She was enthusiastically encored several times, and enthusiastically applauded in every piece. Professor Becht and his pupil, Master Emile Kook, executed several pieces upon the piano in excellent taste.
Daily Morning News, Lowell, February 7th, 1852.
We see by the Boston papers that this wonderful vocalist had the best house of the season at the Melodeon, on Thursday evening. In fact, so crowded was the hall, that a large number of ladies could not gain admission on account of the immense number of people all eager to see and hear the Swan. She had a perfect triumph over all prejudices. Master Kook made his debut, and played the piano forte with a skill that would have done credit to one of the old masters, calling down thunders of applause. Professor Becht has no rival on the Piano.
The Mercury, New Bedford, February 10, 1852.
Rara Avis.—The Black Swan.—This wonderful vocalist, who seems to be asserting for the African race a position in the musical world, a good deal above the “Dandy Jim” and “Lucy Long” school, gives a concert to-morrow evening. She is a remarkable instance of natural talent, and her voice is said to be the most remarkable part of the whole matter, possessing as it does a compass and quality in certain of its notes, absolutely unique.
Taunton Daily Gazette, February 12, 1852.
This widely celebrated lady will favour the citizens of Taunton with an entertainment at Temple Hall this evening. She will be assisted by Professor Becht and by Master Kook, both unrivalled pianists,—the latter a juvenile prodigy of the musical art.
The Swan is acknowledged to possess extraordinary vocal powers, and considering the slight advantages she has enjoyed, she has acquired a wonderful proficiency as an artist. Her history is itself a romance. She is not pure African, but was the child of a Seminole woman. She was born a slave, but manumitted at an early age, by her mistress, whose name she bears. She has devoted her whole attention to musical study, until she has raised herself to an enviable distinction in the profession.
Taunton Daily Gazette, February 13, 1852.
The Black Swan sung at the Temple Hall last evening. She was heartily applauded at the close of every piece. Altogether we think it was the best treat for the money that has been given here.
Salem Register, February 9, 1852.
Miss Greenfield, whose wonderful vocal powers have been astonishing the musical world recently, is to give a concert at Mechanic Hall, in Salem, this evening. Her programme will be found in another column. On her first appearance in Boston, she was labouring under severe indisposition, contracted at the burning of the Hampden House, in Springfield, where she was boarding at the time of its destruction.
Salem Advertiser, February 10, 1852.
We heard the Black Swan, as she is called, at the City Hall last Saturday evening. We have only three things to say of her performance: The first is, that she had an excellent house, composed of the most intelligent and enlightened of our citizens. The second, that all who heard her seemed to be exceedingly well pleased with her efforts. Although she does not claim to be, nor her friends on her behalf, that she is an artistic singer, yet the compass of her voice and the sweetness of her notes seemed to enchant every auditor. Our last observation is, that we were ourselves very much pleased with what we heard, and fully concurred in the justice of the loud applause so frequently bestowed on the occasion.
Vox Populi, Lowell, February 13, 1852.
The concert of Miss E. T. Greenfield, under the direction of the gentlemanly J. H. Wood, was one of the most successful that has been given to this city for a long time. From the great fame which had preceded the “Black Swan,” had she not really proved herself what she is, a most remarkable vocalist, there would have been a strong feeling against all concerned; but there has not, within our knowledge, an entertainment of the kind taken place in this city that received such general applause. Her compass of voice is probably greater than that of Parodi, Catharine Hayes, or Jenny Lind, even; but she lacks the artistic power of either. Notwithstanding this deficiency, we presume to say that the audience were better pleased with her singing than they would have been with either of those named above, though perhaps some few would not be willing to acknowledge it. The Black Swan sounds twenty-eight full notes, a qualification accorded to no one before her; and one which most successfully rivals the powers of ventriloquism which Jenny Lind so successfully introduces in her echo song. Every piece she sung on Saturday evening was rapturously encored. The song in barytone was listened to with surprise and admiration, many of those present hardly believing it to proceed from her, so much did her deep, sonorous voice resemble that of a male. The second piece of the last part (sung instead of the first, which was loudly encored) and also the last piece, neither of which were on the programme, were enthusiastically applauded, and may be regarded as the best pieces sung: at least such is our impression. As we have already remarked, the concert may be pronounced the most successful ever given in this city. The instrumental part, by Professor Becht and Master Kook, was very able, but the effect was lost in the prevailing enthusiasm for the Swan.
The Monitor, Saturday Morning, Feb. 14, 1852.
This celebrated vocalist, assisted by Prof. H. C. Becht, of Mentz, and Mast. Se. Emile Kook, will give one of her charming concerts at the Town Hall this (Sat.) evening, commencing at 8 o’clock. As this is the only opportunity for hearing the Black Swan, of whom so much has been written, the lovers of song will not fail to be present. The papers in almost every part of New York and New England, are filled with encomiums of the performances of this coloured Jenny Lind, (as she sings some of the best pieces, as sung by Jenny Lind and Catharine Hayes.) Don’t fail of being present this evening.
The Carpet Bag, Boston, Feb. 14, 1852.
Some peoples’ appetite for gammon is insatiable. Fancying they eat brawn, they often find themselves devouring cats and dogs. This was our thought on Tuesday night as we entered the Melodeon, with a fear that we might retire in disgust, as we had done on the previous evening from the exhibition of a clumsy mountebank who had undertaken to ape Macallister. But it was not the case on this occasion of the dÉbut of Miss Greenfield, the ‘Black Swan,’ so absurdly cognominated. We say absurdly—for swans are never black, neither do they sing. Their modulations are any thing but melodious, and their inflections are absolute inflictions. But n’importe,—after a flourish or two upon that poorest of all solo instruments, the piano-forte, by Mr. Perabeau, a most pleasing performer upon such imperfect machinery, the dark-faced girl presented herself, and was hailed with plaudits that might have gratified the ambition of the whitest among the queens of song. The auditors, who were brought thither mainly from a desire to ascertain whether such things as had been told could actually be, were at once satisfied on hearing but a few bars from Bishop’s charming cavatina, “Sweetly o’er my Senses Stealing,”—that the ‘Black Swan’ was indeed a rara avis in terris.
At the close of her first song, the enthusiasm of the highly respectable and very numerous assemblage seemed to know no bounds. It burst forth with an unappeasable furor, resulting in the reappearance of the songstress, who seated herself at the piano forte, and sang, to her own somewhat simple accompaniment, a slow air, in a full, round bass voice, that would have been envied by old Meredith himself—who used to sit under London bridge of a foggy morning, that he might catch a cold, and sing “deeper and deeper still.” Her tones probably reached down to G. as represented by the open third string of the violoncello. No male voice could have given utterance to sounds more clearly and strikingly masculine; and people gazed in wonder, as though dubious of the sex of the performer—a doubt that was soon dispelled by the smooth sweetness of the next vocal piece from Norma, and by the astonishing height to which the “Swan” ascended, in surmounting and mastering the brilliant and beautiful cantata, “Like the Gloom of Night retiring.”—The Swan is of good figure and form, with a full bust, containing organs more completely adapted to the development of the vocal powers and qualities, than those of any other human being, whose voice we ever listened to, or tested. Her age is apparently about twenty-five; her complexion not exactly ebony, but approaching it as nearly as the brownest black can possibly do; her features, but slightly modified from the pure African lineaments—retaining the low forehead, the depressed nose, and the expansive mouth, without the bulbous labia. As the lady reader is anxious on the subject of dress, we will say that her principal exterior garment enclosed the whole person excepting the caput; whether composed of printed de laine, or French chintz, we could not examine—but the colour of its ground, as near as the gas-lights allowed us to determine, was either light blue, or green-cerulean or emerald, rather profusely covered with large white flowery figures; her gloves were of white kid, from which depended a fine nine shilling linen handkerchief. She wore what appeared to be heavy gold ear-rings; and her hair, jet black, with the natural wiry curl, was arranged a la Jenny Lind. Her manner and carriage were exceedingly easy, and even graceful.
The voice of this sable phenomenon possesses most extraordinary properties. Its compass and elasticity are immense, and its tone will bear favourable comparison with that of most, if not all the public vocalists of the day. She has evidently cultivated but little of the ornamental portion of the art—giving us few or no shakes, nor any chromatic flights, though occasionally a respectable cadenza.
Of the second concert, on Thursday evening, we are unable to speak, the managers having seen fit to forget us in the distribution of their complimentary tickets. Our editorial friends, in other places, may receive similar attentions—that is to say, tickets to the first concert only. They will, of course, in return for such great favours, get their critical notices in type before the next concert takes place, and then find that their services are no longer wanted. (Mr. P. Shillaber, the author of Mrs. Partington’s sayings.)
The Morning Mirror, Providence, R. I., Feb. 16, 1852.
This noted songstress who has evinced such an extraordinary musical talent as to surprise and delight the most competent musical critics and appreciating audiences in other cities, gives a grand musical entertainment at Howard Hall this evening—vocal and instrumental—and presents a programme which in point of character and rare attractiveness, cannot fail of calling together a full, fashionable and refined audience.—Besides the talent and the novelty which attaches to Miss Greenfield, the entertainment is to be rendered still more attractive by the presence of Prof. H. G. Becht, and his pupil, the great musical prodigy, master Se. Emile Kook, only ten years of age, considered as without a rival as a juvenile pianist. The concerts of this trio, which have been so ably and successfully prepared by Col. Wood in other cities, give the most unbounded satisfaction, and hundreds of persons at the recent concerts in Boston had to content themselves with only standing room. Miss Greenfield is highly commended by the press throughout the West to the favourable consideration of the lovers of good music. Our musical circles now have in their power to judge of the merits and musical talents of Miss Greenfield, and we look to-night for a general attendance of that class. That she will produce much sensation to-day on her arrival is fully demonstrated by the general feeling which pervades our community.
The Daily Transcript,—Worcester, Mass., Feb. 18th, 1852.
The Black Swan,—This noted songstress, whose extraordinary musical talent has created so much interest and enthusiasm among distinguished musical critics, and appreciating audiences, in various cities, will give one of her attractive entertainments at Horticultural Hall, this evening. The rare talent, and the novelty of her performances can hardly fail to draw a large and fashionable audience. In addition to her own efforts to please, she will be assisted by Prof. G. Becht and his pupil. We might fill our paper with complimentary notices of her entertainments, coming from the very highest sources. In Providence, on Monday evening, her concert was very fully attended by a fashionable audience, and she was welcomed with much enthusiasm, being loudly encored at the end of every piece, and repeatedly called out. The citizens of Providence were highly delighted with her musical powers, and are desirous of a repetition of the concert. This is the only opportunity our citizens will have of listening to Miss Greenfield.
The Daily Spy,—Worcester, Feb. 19th, 1852.
The Black Swan gave her long expected concert at Horticultural Hall last evening, before a large and fashionable audience; and if we can judge of her success by the manifestations of applause which were made by the audience, and the opinions of the best judges, there can be no doubt that the high expectations that had been raised by the prestige of her capacities, were more than realized. Every piece was vehemently encored, and as the Assemblage broke up, every face seemed to beam with satisfaction and delight, as if its owner would say—“I feel it is good to be here.”
Springfield Daily Post,—Feb. 20th, 1852.
The skin of the Ethiopian may be changed, and the leopard’s spots also, but it can’t be “rubbed out,” that the Black Swan is a trump. She took all the tricks last night, winning the game completely. The public, before hearing her, had a very indefinite idea of what she was; but after her first song, there was no longer any doubt. It was amusing to behold the utter surprise and intense pleasure which was depicted upon the faces of her listeners; they seemed to express, “Why, we see the face of a black woman, but we hear the voice of an angel: what does it mean?” It certainly is astonishing, and we were astonished with the rest. Her voice is of extraordinary compass, the tone clear, rich and full; and the execution very tasteful.
Even with the memory of Jenny Lind, Kate Hayes, and Parodi, fresh within us, we cannot but record our opinion that Miss Greenfield is a singer of extraordinary merit, who will yet win a fame scarcely second to any cantatrice who has appeared before the world, and with every step she takes in public, we shall look to see fresh laurels upon her ebon brow.
The Plain Dealer, Sat. Feb. 28th, 1852.
This songstress gives her second concert to-night. The programme contains some admirable selections. Each of the pieces demands a variety of skill—the whole offering a better opportunity to learn the musical capacity of the Swan, than was heard at the first concert. That cunning young violinist, Master Lewis, will perform some of his most pleasing melodies. Mr. Becht will preside at the piano forte.
Daily Capital City Fact, Columbus, Ohio, March 3d, 1852.
Last evening proved that the Black Swan was all that the journals say of her; and Miss Greenfield stands confessedly before the Columbus world, a swan of excellence. She is indeed a remarkable swan. Although coloured as dark as Ethiopia, she utters notes as pure as if uttered in the words of the Adriatic.
Columbus, Ohio, March 7th.
The concert at Neil’s New Hall, yesterday evening, was fully attended, nearly all the seats being crowded. At the appointed hour the Black Swan made her entrÉe, accompanied by Prof. Becht. The audience, quite alive with curiosity before, were not favourably impressed with her personal appearance, but from that fact they were anxious to hear the sound of her voice, which had given her a repute in advance, inferior to that only of many of the best artists.
The selections upon the programme were all familiar to the audience, and thus, perhaps, enabled the sable cantatrice to challenge comparison with others by the whole audience. The impression left by the first part of the bill was, that her voice is one of great depth and reach, as she has been usually described; but not that she possessed in a marked degree, either sweetness, pathos, or delicacy—qualities which no cultivation can give, by the way. Her exercises in deep bass developed a power quite monstrous, compared with any other female voice we have ever heard.
After the interval she appeared more assured. Upon the suggestion of another, we listened to her without looking toward her during the entire performance of “the Last Rose of Summer,” and were at once and satisfactorily convinced that her voice is capable of producing sounds right sweet, and not inferior in regard to any but Jenny Lind and Bishop, neither of whom, we must believe, can ever be surpassed in that quality. The whole of the second part produced effects more in favour of the songstress upon the audience generally.
If she is as devoid of professional training as represented, she surely has fine natural advantages as a vocalist. Her personal appearance is, at first, very unfavourable for the stage, and not less so, of course, on account of her colour, and the utterly inextinguishable prejudice against colour and race which she must generally encounter in this country, if not in those over the water. The instrumental part of the performance is excellent; but of it, we have not room to-day to speak.
She sings to-morrow night a choice programme.
Columbus, March 6th, 1852.
We had the pleasure of listening to this celebrated cantatrice last evening, at Neil’s New Hall. We have only three things to say of her performance. The first is, that she was honoured with a crowded house, composed of the most intelligent and enlightened of our citizens: second, that all who heard her were exceedingly well pleased with all her efforts; and third, that notwithstanding it is not claimed, either by herself or friends, that she is an artistic singer, yet the compass of her voice has rarely been equalled, and the sweetness of her notes seemed to enchant every auditor.