tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post8547692001313060890..comments2024-03-05T22:44:45.962-05:00Comments on Great Opera Singers: Madame Ernestine Schumann-Heink, Beloved ContraltoUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-86681647598676487652015-06-26T19:38:37.356-04:002015-06-26T19:38:37.356-04:00She was my great grandmother. My mom was the last ...She was my great grandmother. My mom was the last surviving grandchild until she died last October. My mother lived with her as a child until she died and played piano for her for the last song she sang. Thank you for posting this! She was about 5 feet tall, very little. I don't know of any Indian accompanist or of her having a studio in San Francisco. My son carries on the legacy, composing classical music and living in Vienna with a photo of Nona (as the family called her) and Brahms over his piano. Brahms came to her as an old man as they were good friends and told her he wanted her to sing his lullaby as often as she could that he was "giving" it to her because he felt if she sang it because of her fame and how beautifully she sang it he wouldn't be forgotten. <br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07593277003465357241noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-55239114603220653592014-12-12T11:21:13.892-05:002014-12-12T11:21:13.892-05:00Hello. Your blog is a valuable way to learn more ...Hello. Your blog is a valuable way to learn more about opera. Thank you for this.<br /><br />My great-aunt, Marie Shramek Brothers (Marie Brothers) was a student of Madame Schumann Heink. I'm attempting to discover more about her singing career in late 19th century/early 20th century Chicago. Marie Brothers and Madame were born in the same area of Bohemia, and I believe theirs' was a lengthly association.<br /><br />Might there be possible historical information about Marie Brothers in your archives?<br /><br />I'm very appreciative of your time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-45562797573005612652013-06-18T14:24:45.872-04:002013-06-18T14:24:45.872-04:00Thank you very much, Mr. Heink! I am honored to h...Thank you very much, Mr. Heink! I am honored to have a comment from you. I'm glad you enjpyed the article. Madame Schumann-Heink was certainly one of the most beloved singers of her era here in the United States, and still remember very fondly even today. I certainly will forward any appropriate inquires your way, and thanks again! Edmund StAustellEdmund St. Austellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14490721790447218365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-62448506068655175452013-06-18T14:18:35.017-04:002013-06-18T14:18:35.017-04:00I just recently was doing a bit of Family research...I just recently was doing a bit of Family research and came across your website. I am greatly honored that so many people still enjoy her voice and make such nice comments about Madame Schumann-Heink. I am the last living descendant to carry any part of the family name. All others have either passed away or married out of the family and lost the family name. I am still in contact with many of the other descendants and can help answer many of the questions that relate to her personal information. I saw a question about her height and it intrigued me. I have a picture of her in front of a Victrola XVI and I have that same model in my own home. It is my way of knowing her size/height and literally measurable in my own home. <br /><br />Thank you for your responses to so many about her and let me know if I can help you in any way.<br /><br />Karl Heink<br />Heinkman@aol.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-25255527110098436442013-04-05T16:21:06.348-04:002013-04-05T16:21:06.348-04:00Thank you very much indeed for an absolutely fasci...Thank you very much indeed for an absolutely fascinating comment.The historical detail is riveting! Again, many thanks!Edmund St. Austellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14490721790447218365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-77269984418929187302013-04-05T04:03:07.015-04:002013-04-05T04:03:07.015-04:00What a fine and enjoyable article on such a lovely...What a fine and enjoyable article on such a lovely lady of such significant character. Madame Ernestine Schumann-Heink my grandmother knew personally, as Mme. Shumann-Heink was a good friend of my Great-Grandmother Caroline Weyand. They would get together when Mme. Shumann-Heink was either performing or residing in her home in Chicago. After WWI Mme. Shumann-Heink donated her Chicago home to veterans of the war. My Great-Grandfather--who came from Germany to the USA as a Shakesperian actor working the Mississippi paddlewheeler showboats and for awhile the German Theater in Peoria, IL--was once on stage with Mme. Schumann-Heink...but later, in Chicago (when he was manager of his Aunt Louise's costuming business, that being L. Hagemann and Co., which supplied the larger theater's in Chicago and also shipped costumes for the Mississppi showboats in large wicker baskets to keep the costumes fresh via breezes. L. Hagemann and Co. was located close to Hooley's Theater. Hooley's became Powell's and both were strongly associated with the Masons, lodge rooms on upper levels. Paul Shumann, 2nd husband of Mme. Shumann-Heink was a Mason, as were the Weyands. Mme. Shumann-Heink's son Hans married my Grandmother's cousin, Zelda Lina nee Marker (daughter of Peter Marker and Lena/Lina Miller...Lena/Lina being twin of Caroline Weyand's mother). We have a photo of Mme. Shumann-Heink lovingly holding our nation's flag while helping to sell bonds for the war effort. My Grandmother used to recite Mme. Shumann-Heink's poem "A True Home....where even the teakettle sings from happiness..."Elizabeth Hilpertnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-91068573435771963412012-08-12T16:46:37.953-04:002012-08-12T16:46:37.953-04:00Thank you very much, Mr. Wallace, for a most inter...Thank you very much, Mr. Wallace, for a most interesting comment! Personal stories, of this kind, really help bring it all alive, and bring these great artists back to us, if only for a moment. Very much appreciated. Thank you!Edmund St. Austellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14490721790447218365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-24304128319699342822012-08-12T16:27:11.541-04:002012-08-12T16:27:11.541-04:00I thoroughly enjoyed your post and the many clips ...I thoroughly enjoyed your post and the many clips on YouTube. My grandfather's sister was married to a man named Sam Frank, who lived in Louisville. He was totally captivated by Madame Schumann-Heink, and sometime during WWI, when she was touring hospitals and camps entertaining our troops, he was able to get a souvenir from her, a white wool scarf that she wore. The Franks gave it to my grandfather's mother who later gave it to my grandfather. It has since passed down to my father and to me. With the scarf I have a letter hand-written by my grandfather in 1952, telling the story of the scarf. I am very proud to have it, and only wish I could have heard her sing in person.Scott Wallacenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-1002133198841448672012-07-07T19:12:10.581-04:002012-07-07T19:12:10.581-04:00GREAT POST! Such a very useful article. Very inter...GREAT POST! Such a very useful article. Very interesting to read this article.I would like to thank you for the efforts you had made for writing this awesome article. thanks and Good day! *GOD BLESS*Gerhard Santoshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03407517517439439662noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-11815198848867398542012-01-10T17:12:18.307-05:002012-01-10T17:12:18.307-05:00Thank you very much! An elegant comment, and stra...Thank you very much! An elegant comment, and straight to the point! Yes, I agree!Edmund St. Austellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14490721790447218365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-75158612696413412682012-01-10T15:40:13.584-05:002012-01-10T15:40:13.584-05:00I was introduced to Schumann-Heink's singing b...I was introduced to Schumann-Heink's singing by a friend who taught me voice as a young man. It is nice to see that attention has been given this great instrument and person. I love the contralto voice and this is by far the best!S. Sarkisiannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-78192178652764166142011-11-10T17:46:37.737-05:002011-11-10T17:46:37.737-05:00What an interesting story! I wish you well in you...What an interesting story! I wish you well in your research. It will be pleasant one. Schumann-Heink was one of the world's truly great singers, and is remembered fondly even today. You have a lovely task ahead of you!Edmund St. Austellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14490721790447218365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-22146125585433881742011-11-10T17:19:33.003-05:002011-11-10T17:19:33.003-05:00Hello Edmund St. Austell,
I am going to read and...Hello Edmund St. Austell, <br /><br />I am going to read and research as much information about Madam Schumann-Heink. <br /> <br />My grandmother was a very close friend of Madam Schumann-Heink's. I do know the complete information, but I can tell you that my Grandmother was an accomplished concert pianist. Also, my Mother was a concert violinist and performed at Carnegie Hall at the age of 13.<br /><br />The music genes continue in our family. It is definitely a "gift", as my Son completed his degree in classical music performance and plays the trumpet (as well as other instruments). He has performed with orchestra's at the Lincoln Center as well as other locations in New York City.<br /><br />I am now going to look at the You Tube videos as well as ordering Madam Schuman-Heink's updated CD's. <br /><br />I should mention that my grandmother birthplace was Germany in 1882.jehjhkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14694523525157035355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-15564923859195074862011-10-29T16:14:45.455-04:002011-10-29T16:14:45.455-04:00Sorry, I don't know.Sorry, I don't know.Edmund St. Austellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14490721790447218365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-30006123656780686332011-10-29T14:19:46.517-04:002011-10-29T14:19:46.517-04:00Do you happen to know her heigth?Do you happen to know her heigth?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-51898703863951928372011-02-17T20:55:09.225-05:002011-02-17T20:55:09.225-05:00What a most interesting story! Please give me a l...What a most interesting story! Please give me a little time, and I will look into it, and see if I can find any information. If you wish you could contact me at edmundstaustell@gmail.com and give me a working address for you. I hope we can find something!Edmund St. Austellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14490721790447218365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-87168588458278588722011-02-17T20:34:07.164-05:002011-02-17T20:34:07.164-05:00Sir Edmund: Would you happen to have any informati...Sir Edmund: Would you happen to have any information about those who traveled with the Madame in the early 1900's? I grew up hearing stories of this tiny little woman who was born in India to the English Ambassador; predicted the exact date of her death at 93; always wore widows-weeds; and toured with Madame Schumann-Heink as a back-up pianist. I'm embarrased to say, I don't know her full name and there's no one left in my family to ask. She was my great-grandmother and all I ever heard her called was Granny Brown. Would you have any records with this information? If it helps, I once saw an old newsreel with Madame Schumann-Heink disembarking a ship (I think the Queen Mary) and I'm sure Granny Brown was with her. Thank you in advance.Jerry Eilandnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-10503664482497891662011-02-02T06:30:29.633-05:002011-02-02T06:30:29.633-05:00My pleasure! Thank you very much, I appreciate you...My pleasure! Thank you very much, I appreciate your comment.Edmund St. Austellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14490721790447218365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-79515927069952266862011-01-10T18:36:30.425-05:002011-01-10T18:36:30.425-05:00I'm certain she did sing perform in San Franci...I'm certain she did sing perform in San Francisco. She toured the U.S. for years and years. Let me look into it a little bit, and if I can find any specific information, I'll let you know. EdmundEdmund St. Austellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14490721790447218365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-6739484593750979412011-01-10T18:23:34.143-05:002011-01-10T18:23:34.143-05:00Did Madam Heink have a studio in San Francisco, Ca...Did Madam Heink have a studio in San Francisco, California? My father told us that the baby grand pianio that has been in our family for many years ( I am 80 yrs.) was purchased from Mdm Heink when she was moving from a practice studio in San Francisco.PACasohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17786147957030324685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-76899384014035253852011-01-10T18:20:44.542-05:002011-01-10T18:20:44.542-05:00Did Madam Heink ever perform in San Francisco,Cali...Did Madam Heink ever perform in San Francisco,California? We have in our family a baby grand piano that my father said he bought from Madam Heink. According to the family story, Madam was was moving from a practice studio she had in San Francisco and he was able to purchase the instrument from her. If you are able to give me any information regarding this possibility, please write to pacasoteter@sbcglobal.net Thank you Patricia Caso-TeterPACasohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17786147957030324685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-13426590696303581862010-12-17T12:28:01.876-05:002010-12-17T12:28:01.876-05:00Thank you very much. I really appreciate that. M...Thank you very much. I really appreciate that. My best, EdmundEdmund St. Austellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14490721790447218365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-46276672891113286122010-05-11T14:31:39.142-04:002010-05-11T14:31:39.142-04:00Thank you, my friend. Lovely comment, much apprec...Thank you, my friend. Lovely comment, much appreciated. Yes, the voice must have been very fetching indeed. She had, and has, an enormous audience. Her name, like Caruso's, is almost a generic for "opera singer." To judge from one very faint ancient film on Youtube, her presentation was also very dramatic. She was telling stories as well as singing. This comes through especially in Der Erlkoenig, which is such a highly dramatic, even frightening piece.<br /><br />Thanks again. Nice to hear from you.Edmund St. Austellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14490721790447218365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-40302670515405835152010-05-11T14:11:58.963-04:002010-05-11T14:11:58.963-04:00A very moving commentary and choice of selections....A very moving commentary and choice of selections. Her pianissimo is astonishing. And those dramatic moments! I have to mention that her "Silent Night" comes as quite a surprise. I have always felt that there is something quite uncanny about this song, a hard-to-describe depth and essence that are often lost through routine and careless performances. Her legato and rallentandi at the end of the phrases made me feel I was hearing it for the first time. Though so much of the quality and range of this magnificent voice come through on these antique recordings, one can only wonder what more today's technology would have captured.JINGnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-12520700340741895212010-05-10T06:19:04.655-04:002010-05-10T06:19:04.655-04:00My pleasure, my friend. Thank you for commenting....My pleasure, my friend. Thank you for commenting.Edmund St. Austellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14490721790447218365noreply@blogger.com