by ELENA GERHARDT
ANGUS MORRISON FOR many years one of the most notable figures on the British operatic stage was the tenor E. C. Hedmondt. Mrs. Hodmondt's name was not so well known to us in Britain, but in Germany she was one of the most distinguished teachers of singing of her time, and pupils flocked to her studio in Leipzig from many parts of the world. The one whoso renown Mrs. Hedmondt must have counted as the greatest reward of her work is certainly Elena Gerhardt. For more years than it would be quite gallant to mention, she has held a foremost position throughout the world as a singer of the great songs of Schubert, Brahms, Wolf, or Strauss ; her art in these is recognized everywhere as being as nearly ideal as music may ever hope to be. At quite an early age her singing enlisted the interest of Nikisch, who was as wonderful an accompanist as he was a conductor, and for some years her singing to his accompaniment was among the things which no one can forget who was privileged to hear it. But since Nikisch's death, ten years ago, she has shown that her art does not depend on the inspiration of his playing, though she must always acknowledge very gratefully the encouragement and help which he gave her so freely. Some time has passed since listeners had an opportunity of hearing a recital by her, and it is good to see that her programme includes a number of the Schumann, Brahms, Wolf and Strauss songs which she has made specially her own.