227.—A GORY DRUMSTICK.
A celebrated impresario once had a hard battle with the tenor, Guiglini, concerning the part of "Pollio" in the opera "Norma." The tenor had taken an oath never to sing that part again, and was perfectly willing to put the manager to a great loss by his obstinacy. And all for this reason: When he had last sung that part Mdlle. Titiens was in the title rôle. At a certain place in the progress of the opera "Norma" has to summon, by striking a gong, an assembly which is to pass judgment on the guilt of a prisoner.
Mdlle. Titiens, in giving this gong a lusty blow, drew back the stick with such force that it came into violent contact with the unfortunate nose of "Pollio," who was behind her, and the result was that Signor Guiglini shed his life blood so freely on that occasion that he took an unconquerable hatred to the opera in question. But he was finally brought to time and made to sing his part. This little incident simply gives a hint at the whims and oddities an impresario has to overcome in his singers before the public can enjoy their favorite operas.