I was at your concert last night, and cannot withhold my meed of praise, or refrain from mentioning to you the immense delight it afforded me to hear so truly a magnificent voice, as that which the good Creator has bestowed upon you. It did indeed come “sweetly o’er my senses stealing.” If I was enchanted with your “Entreat me not,” and enraptured with the aria from “Garcia,” how perfectly amazed was I at the basso of the Rover’s song! I trembled for you, thinking every moment that you should fail; while at the same time I knew that one of the chief charms of your voice, is the perfect ease and freedom from effort, which you appeared to possess.
There is one thing which Miss Greenfield must allow a stranger to suggest—and it is on the subject of her dress. The dress itself was handsome, but why wear that white lace bertha? Some bright rich colour would suit so much better—or something darkly delicate; indeed, before a European audience, I think Miss Greenfield might adopt the Oriental style of dress with the best effect.
Hoping, then, for Miss Greenfield the utmost success in her projected European tour, I remain her obedient well-wisher, G.
Laden with all these good wishes and hopes, Miss G. bade farewell to her Buffalo friends and proceeded to New York city, preparatory to her embarkation.—In New York Miss Greenfield had many apprehensions. At Buffalo she had become acquainted with Madam Alboni, who greatly admired her voice, and gave her many useful instructions. Upon her arrival in this city she learned that Madam Alboni had an engagement at the “Niblo Gardens.” Some friends desired to procure for her a private box at the Italian Opera, where she might have the pleasure and advantage of hearing, undisturbed, this famous songstress. But it was refused her.
Nevertheless, her first concert took place at the Metropolitan Hall, on Thursday, March 31st, 1853, in the presence of four thousand people.—Subsequently the following publication was placed in her hand:
New York, April 2d, 1853.
Miss Elizabeth T. Greenfield:—
Madam,—By the suggestion of many enthusiastic admirers of your talents, I have been induced to address you on the subject of another and second concert, prior to your departure for Europe.
Your advent musical in “Gotham” has not been idly heralded among the true lovers of song, and admirers of exalted genius; of which your unprecedented success on Wednesday evening must have sufficiently convinced you; while all are eloquent in the commendation of your superior powers, and engaging method.
Confiding, Madam, in your reported magnanimity and generosity to oblige, I will divest myself of tedious circumlocution, and fervently exhort you to make a second exhibition of your skill; which, there can be no doubt, will be highly successful to you, and as interesting to your admirers.