eatest artists of the world hold the
leading roles? What the American singer needs is opportunity to gain
experience and reputation in smaller places. Several years' drill and
routine would fit the aspirant for a much broader field. This would give
her command over her resources and herself, and perfect her voice and
impersonations, if she has the gifts and constantly studies to improve
them. Even England, so small compared to America, has seven opera
companies that travel up and down the land, giving opera; they have done
this during all the years of the war.

"This question of providing opportunity for operatic experience in
America, is one which has long been discussed and many experiments have
been tried, without arriving at satisfactory results. What is needed is
to awaken interest in opera in small places--just little out-of-the-way
towns. My idea would be to have a regular stock local opera company, and
have the standard operas studied. Have a little orchestra of about
twenty and a small chorus. The small parts to be learned by the most
competent singers in the place. Then have the few principal roles taken
by 'guest artists,' who might make these engagements in regular route
and succession. It seems to me such a plan could be carried out, and
what a joy it would be to any small community! But people must gradually
awake to this need: it will take time."

XIV

=MARGUERITE D'ALVAREZ=

THE MESSAGE OF THE SINGER

A great podium backed with green, reminding one of a forest of palms;
dim lights through the vast auditorium; a majestic, black-robed figure
standing alone among the palms, pouring out her voice in song; a voice
at once vibrant, appealing, powerful, filled now with sweeping passion,
again with melting tenderness; such was the stage setting for my first
impression of Mme. Marguerite d'Alvarez, and such were some of the
emotions she conveyed.

Soon after this experience, I asked if I might have a personal talk with
the artist whose singing had made such a deep impression upon me. It was
most graciously granted, and at the appointed hour I found myself in a
charmingly appointed yet very home-like salon, chatting with this
Spanish lady from Peru, who speaks such beautiful English and is
courtesy itself.

This time it was not a somber, black-robed figure who came forward so
graciously to greet me, for above a black satin walking skirt, Madame
had added a blouse of soft creamy lace, which reveale