But the lessons above mentioned were taken quite privately, and without, at first, the knowledge of her guardian. Elizabeth was rapidly acquiring an acquaintance with music, when some one maliciously informed Mrs. Greenfield, with the expectation of seeing an injunction laid upon the pupil's efforts. The old lady sent for Elizabeth, who came tremblingly into her presence, expecting to be reprimanded for her pursuit of an art forbidden by the Friends' discipline. "Elizabeth," said she, "is it true that thee is learning music, and can play upon the guitar?"—"It is true," was her reply. "Go get thy guitar, and let me hear thee sing." Elizabeth did so; and, when she had concluded her song, she was astonished to hear the kind lady say, "Elizabeth, whatever thee wants thee shall have." From that time her guardian was the patroness of her earnest efforts for skill and knowledge in musical science.
She began to receive invitations to entertain private parties by the exhibition of the gift which the God of nature had bestowed.
"Upon the death of her patroness, in consequence of the contested will she found herself thrown upon her own resources for a maintenance. 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, unmarred by any flaw. The lady passengers, especially the noble Mrs. Gen. P., feeling that the power and sweetness of her voice deserved 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 élite of the city were invited. Elizabeth acquitted herself so admirably, that, two days later, a card of invitation came to her through the public press, signed by the prominent gentlemen of Buffalo, requesting her to give a series of concerts.
"In October, 1851, she sang before the Buffalo Musical Association; and her performances 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 Mlle. Parodi, and she will rank favorably 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 apparently 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 exertion is surprising, and fixes at once the marvellous strength of her vocal organs. Her voice is wholly natural, and, as might be expected, lacks the training and exquisite cultivation that belong 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 Greenfield is on the verge of excellence; and it remains for the public 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 they had much to expect from a concert from this vocalist. The deep interest her first public efforts elicited from them gave occasion to the following certificate:—
Buffalo, Oct. 30, 1851.
Mr. H.E. 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 entirely 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 performance 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.,