Their parents at first, however, only laughed at what they considered the gleesome antics of these embryo personators in opera. But, the little girls continuing in the presence of their relatives and playmates their performances, it was ere long discovered that they possessed no small degree of lyrical talent; that their voices, considering their tender years, were remarkably full and resonant; and that they exhibited much fondness for music, and a spirit of great earnestness in all they undertook.
With these manifestations their parents were of course highly pleased; and they at once resolved to give their children such instruction in the rudiments of music as lay within their power.
Thus, then, did those two gifted little girls, Anna Madah and Emma Louise Hyers, early show their devotion to art, and make that beginning, which, in a few years afterward, was to grow into a musical proficiency and a public success in the highest degree creditable to them.
After one year's instruction, it was found that the girls had advanced so rapidly as to have quite "caught up" with their teachers (their parents); and it was therefore found necessary to place them under the instruction of others more advanced in music. Professor Hugo Sank, a German of fine musical ability, became then their next tutor, giving them lessons in vocalization and on the piano-forte. With this gentleman they made much progress. Another change, however, being decided upon, our apt and ambitious pupils were next placed under the direction of Madame Josephine D'Ormy,—a lady of fine talents, an operatic celebrity, and distinguished as a skilful teacher. From this lady the sisters received thorough instruction in the Italian, and were taught some of the rudiments of the German language. It is, in fact, to the rare accomplishments and painstaking efforts of Madame D'Ormy that the Misses Hyers owe mostly their success of to-day. For she it was who taught them that purity of enunciation, and sweetness of intonation, that now are so noticeable in their singing of Italian and other music; while under her guidance, also, they acquired that graceful, winning stage appearance for which they have so often been praised.
Although, as was natural, quite proud of the rich natural gifts possessed by their children, and extremely delighted with the large degree of their acquirements in the art of music, their sensible parents were in no haste to rush them before the public; and it was therefore nearly two years after leaving the immediate musical tutelage of Madame D'Ormy when these young ladies made their début. This they did before an audience of eight hundred people at the Metropolitan Theatre in Sacramento, Cal., April 22, 1867. On this occasion, and on others afterwards in San Francisco and other places in California, their efforts were rewarded with grand success: the musical critics and the press awarded them unstinted praise, and even pronounced them "wonderful." As a sample of all these comments, I here append the following from "The San Francisco Chronicle:"—
"Their musical power is acknowledged; and those who heard them last evening were unanimous in their praises, saying that rare natural gifts would insure for them a leading position among the prime donne of the age.
"Miss Madah has a pure, sweet soprano voice, very true, even, and flexible, of remarkable compass and smoothness. Her rendition of 'Casta Diva,' and her soprano in the tower scene from 'Il Trovatore,' and Verdi's 'Forse e' lui che l'anima,' as also in the ballad, 'The Rhine Maidens,' was almost faultless, and thoroughly established her claims to the universal commendation she has received from all the connoisseurs in melody who have heard her.
"Miss Louise is a natural wonder, being a fine alto-singer, and also the possessor of a pure tenor-voice. Her tenor is of wonderful range; and, in listening to her singing, it is difficult to believe that one is not hearing a talented young man instead of the voice of a young girl. Her character song was one of the greatest 'hits' ever made; and henceforth her position as a favorite with an audience is assured."
After these concerts they retired to severe study, preparatory to making a tour of the States. Finally, deciding to proceed towards the East, they sang to highly-appreciative and enthusiastic audiences in several of the Western towns and cities. At Salt-Lake City they were received with the very highest marks of favor. On the 12th of August, 1871, they gave a grand concert in Salt-Lake Theatre, offering some five operatic selections. At this concert, and for some time afterwards, the ladies were assisted by Mr. Le Count, a baritone singer of excellence. I append the following scientific analysis of the music used, and the manner of its rendition on the occasion just mentioned. It is from the pen of Professor John Tullidge, and is copied from "The Deseret News:"—
Remarks on the Hyers Sisters' Concert on Saturday, Aug. 12, 1871.