lf in the best condition
possible, to be ready when the call comes to sing. One cannot do both,
you know; art and society do not mix well. I have never disappointed an
audience; it would be a great calamity to be obliged to do so."

XVII

=EDWARD JOHNSON=

(=EDOUARDO DI GIOVANNI=)

THE EVOLUTON OF AN OPERA STAR

The story of Edward Johnson's musical development should prove an
incentive, nay more, a beacon light along the path of consistent
progress toward the goal of vocal and operatic achievement. Indeed as a
tiny child he must have had the desire to become a singer. A friend
speaks of musical proclivities which began to show themselves at an
early age, and describes visits of the child to their home, where, in a
little Lord Fauntleroy suit, he would stand up before them all and sing
a whole recital of little songs, to the delight of all his relatives.
The singer's progress, from the musical child on and up to that of an
operatic artist, has been rational and healthy, with nothing hectic or
overwrought about it; a constant, gradual ascent of the mountain. And
while an enviable vantage ground has been reached, such an artist must
feel there are yet other heights to conquer. For even excellence,
already achieved, requires constant effort to be held at high water
mark. And the desire for greater perfection, which every true artist
must feel, is a never-ending urge to continued struggle.

In a recent conversation with the tenor, Mr. Johnson spoke of early
days, when he desired above everything else to become a musician and
follow a musical career, though his family expected him to enter the
business world. He came to New York to look the ground over, hoping
there might be opportunity to continue his studies and make his way at
the same time. He was fortunate enough to secure a church position, and
sang subsequently in some of the best New York and Brooklyn churches.
After this period he did much concert work, touring through the Middle
West with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and singing in many Music
Festivals throughout the country.

[Illustration: Edward Johnson]

But church and concert singing did not entirely satisfy; he longed to
try his hand at opera,--in short to make an operatic career. He was well
aware that he would not find this field nor gain the necessary
experience in America; he must go to Italy, the land of song, to gain
the required training and experience. He was also fully aware of th