ENCORES.

Evening Star, Issue 4126, 18 May 1876, Page 4

ENCORES.

The following little article from the * Concordia ’ conveys a useful lesson to all whom it may concern:—“A genuine encore is a compliment any artist must value highly. In indicates not only an appreciation of the composition, but approval of the manner in which it is interpreted. It is a testimonial to individual skill, and a recognition of superiority in the singer or player. As such, the act of homage must be grateful to the recipif ut; but to possess any real value it should be both spontaneous and persistent. An encore is, or ought to be, an affair of the public alone; and any undue haste in accepting it, or manoeuvring to bring it about is no proof of good taste in the artist. Those who attend concerts or operatic performances must often deplore the want of reserve, in vocalists especially. The theory of applause—forming the very , meat and drink of the artist—is very well in its way, but he or she need not fish for encores, and force on those demonstrations. It is no rare thing to see a vocalist nursing an encore in the most palpable, and even barefaced, manner. This undignified proceeding renders the compliment valueless; in lact it reduces the whole thing to the level of a vulgar sham and a deception. The less covetous of encores an artist may appear the more true respect he will gain, and the more jealous will he show himself of the honor of his art. A little reserve and modesty in this matter will inevitably pay in the long run, and it is a pity that more of our vocalists do not see things in this light.”