I also find that Adolphe
Gueroult, in his paper, the "Press," calls Delsarte _the matchless
artist_, and recognizes _a law_ in his aesthetic discoveries. I shall
have occasion to set down, as opportunity offers, a string of
testimonies no less flattering and no less sincere; but I hasten to
produce these specimens, lest the suspicion of infatuation follow me.
How was it that amidst such warm plaudits, Delsarte failed to win that
popularity which, after all, is the supreme sanction? It must be
acknowledged that he took no great pains to gain the place which was his
due. If he loved glory like the true artist that he was, "he never tired
himself in its pursuit." Perhaps he had an instinctive feeling that it
would come to him some day unsought.
He might, in this regard, be reproached for the tardiness of his
successes; he himself made difficulties and obstacles which might be
considered as the effects of extreme pride.
Halevy once suggested his singing at the Tuilleries before King Louis
Philippe and his family.
"I only sing to my friends," replied the artist.
"That is strange," said the author of "The Jewess," "Lablache and Duprez
go whenever they are asked."
"Delsarte does not."
"But consider! This is to be a party given by the Crown Prince to his
father."
This last consideration touched the obstinate heart.
"Well! I will go," he said, "but it is only on three conditions: I must
be the only singer; I am to have the chorus from the Opera to accompany
me; and I am not to be paid.
Pages:
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260