The Black Swan at home and abroad; or, A biographical sketch of Miss Elizabeth Taylor Greenfield, the American vocalist
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■^,V'.**j, P^yf^ M% ^^^ mm^ Vnv.. . "^ sfe^--.\^'^ ;• ■ *\ ^ j*»%> ^/tt^^^^ ■X .V kv^^< m^^ *^. .-s^i| ^!^ = .^^:»T,"; r*.! ■ .% a " ^■'1 ■V hj^^ ^^^ N>^ aO M ^ i A* .:^ .■^- L ■ ^i^"^. cN°.V\0^^.'i)\\ THE BLACK SWAN AT HOME AND ABROAD; OR, MISS ELIZABETH TAYLOR GREENFIELD, THE AMERICAN VOCALIST. PHILADELPHIA: WM. S. YOUNG, PRINTER, REAR OF 50 NORTH SIXTH STREE f 1855. J *f ■ -CI.,*.-' c<. i t e.*w-i^^.. ^-^f^ /7/ / 6^ """V-'U-'A •"'•J f ■ ' ^ / :^7''#. -.Ay.^ A- y ; -^'^-'^ /rj" / K^St^ M ■A-^e-; cttf THE BLACK SWAN AT HOME AND ABROAD; OK, MISS ELIZABETH TAYLOR GREENFIELD, V THE AMERICAN VOCALIST. PHILADELPHIA: WM. S. YOUNG, PRINTER, REAR OF 50 "NORTH SIXTH STREET. 1855. i/'Uv- /ho- ^V!*%BW!SWI^ \h!X MISS ELIZABETH TAYLOR GREENFIELD. "Hope is a better companion than fear; Providence, ever benignant and kind, Gives with a smile vi^hat 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, manu- mitting 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 sub- stantial legacy, sufficient to make her comfortable for life ; but the will was contested, and yet remains the subject of judicial investiga- tion. Previous to the death of her mistress, Elizabeth had become dis- tinguished in the limited circle in which she was known for her re- markable power of voice. Its tender and thrilling tones often lightened the weight of age in one who was to her beloved as a 4 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCH OF motlier. 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 Pro- fessor to include her among his pupils. The admission of a coloured pupil would have jeoparded his success. By indomitable 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 appre" ciating merit and genius, under whatever prejudices and disadvan- tages 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 ac- company her upon the guitar. This was a concurrence of circum- stances which formed the era of her life. Her pulses quickened as she stood and watched the fair Anglo-Saxon fingers of her young pa- troness 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 invitatioli 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 com- mon 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 MISS ELIZABETH TAYLOR GREENFIELD. 5 upon her. Sjie 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 main- tenance. 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, un- marred by any flaw. The lady passengers, especially the noble Mrs. Gen. P., feeling that the power and sweetness of her voice de- served 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 elite of the city were invited. Elizabeth acquitted herself so admirably, that two days after a card of invita- tion 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 per- formances 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 ap- parently 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 exer- tion is surprising, and fixes at once the marvellous strength of her vocal organs. Her voice is wholly natural, and, as might be ex- pected, lacks the training and exquisite cultivation that belongs to the skilful Italian singer. But the voice is there; and as a famous maestro 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 6 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCH OF Greenfield is on the verge of excellence, and it remains for the pub- lic 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 thej had much to expect from a concert from this vocalist. The deep inter- est her first public efforts elicited from them, gave occasion to the following certificate :— Buffalo, Oct. 30th, 1851. - Mk. H. B. 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 en- tirely the result of admiration of her vocal powers, by a number of our most respectable 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 perform- ance 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, 0. L. Shel- don, 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. MISS ELIZABETH TAYLOR GREENFIELD. 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 Green- field 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 Stra- kosh, sung at Corinthian Hall to half a house. Last night Miss Greenfield sang at the same place to a crowded house of the re- spectable, 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 al- most unknown African Nightingale. Curiosity did something for her, but not all. She has merit, very great merit, and with cultiva- tion (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 com- mendation 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 patro- nage 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 consign- ment 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. 8 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP 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 sur- mises and conjectures have been indulged in, respecting the claim put forth of her merit, and generally the impression seemed to pre- vail 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 criti- cise, 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 com- pass 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 approba- tion 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, con- sisting 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 re- markable qualities ; singular for its power, softness and depth. Of MISS ELIZABETH TAYLOR GREENFIELD. 9 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 acknowledgino; 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 indis- pensable, 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 commo- dious 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 under- stand 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 evi- dently 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 edu- cation 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 debut 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 re- sponded to the first verse she sung, was good evidence of the satis- faction 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." 10 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCH OP 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 Hun- dred," 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 appear- ance 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 en- tertainment. The Buffalo Qommercial Advertiser says: Miss Greenfield is about twenty-five years of age, and has re- ceived what musical education she h^-s 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 them- selves. Her low, or properly lass 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 eclat to the concert. All representations unite in ascribing to Miss Greenfield the most extraordinary talents, and a power and sweetness of voca- MISS ELIZABETH TAYLOR GREENFIELD. 11 lization 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 speci- men 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 "0, 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 ad- dressing 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, p 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 hid gloves — always. 12 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP 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 some- what 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 de- portment 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 par- ticularly 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" i^ 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 Cokceet. — 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 chafi", and none too willing to sufier 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 success- ful, as it now bids fair to, she will put herself under the charge of MISS ELIZABETH TAYLOR GREENFIELD. 13 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 oflBcers, and a large number of our leading citizens. All came away astonished and de- lighted. 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 emi- nently 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 ad- ditional 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 disadvan- tages, 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 pub- 14 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF lie, 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 "i^^7e 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 role, and we wonder at her attempting to execute that exquisite morceau. It is one of those gems to which none but a finished artist can do justice. The next piece, "0 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 com- parisons. On the whole, the concert was a good one, and exceeded our ex- pectations. 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, to- MISS ELIZABETH TAYLOE GREENFIELD. 15 gether 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 audi- ence 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 7J o'clock. ]^g^ 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 Svfan." She is a person of lady-like manners, elegant form, and not unpleasing, though decidedly African features. Of her marvel- lous 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 can- not think any common destiny awaits her. Springfield Daily Post, Jan. 29, 1852. 1 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 16 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCH OF latent or patent prejudice. She surprises every one by tlie wonder- ful 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 com- pass of voice truly remarkable. We are glad to perceive that no attempt has been made to repre- sent Miss Grreenfield 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 appear- ance in concert, in this city, on Tuesday evening next at the Melo- deon. 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 ap- peared, 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 Tues- day evening. Boston will forfeit all right to the title of the " Athens of America," if it does not look with keen curiosity after this " some- thing new," under the sun. Miss Greenfield is alleged to have a voice of greater compass than any singer in this country has yet MISS ELIZABETH TAYLOR GREENFIELD. 17 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 re- markable 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 Melo- deon. 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 ap- plauded and encored in every piece. She sings with great ease, and apparently without any effort. Her pronunciation is very cor- rect, and her intonation excellent. Her voice has a wonderful com- pass, 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 2 18 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF York, and tlie 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 remark- able 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 be- stowed 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 Green- field was evidently in better voice than on the night of her first concert, and, it was generally admitted, sung better. She was en- thusiastically 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 re- markable part of the whole matter, possessing as it does a compass and quality in certain of its notes, absolutely unique. MISS ELIZABETH TAYLOR GREENFIELD. 19 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 ac- quired 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 as- tonishing the musical world recently, is to give a concert at Me- chanic 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 per- formance: 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 efibrts. 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. 20 BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCH OF Vox Populi, Lowell, February 13, 1852. 