Johnson's Social Success

Social recognition is of the utmost importance for a musical success in England. Invitations to entertainments of their lordships are of more importance than good press notices. Edward Johnson during his appearances with the British Opera made huge success both artistic and social. Of course, as Melba's tenor he was a logical candidate for acceptance by the elite. However, he amplified this with a bit of wise strategy.

Many of Melba's tenors have tried to make good use of their position to gain social favors, and have made a disastrous mistake. They have tried first of all to impress the veteran soprano with their merits and importance. This impression they have sought to make in usual operatic ways. They have engaged press agents and a claque, which usually have functioned too well. It is a long standing characteristic of Melba, as of most prima donnas, that she likes to have the lioness' share of the applause at performances and of the complimentary columns in the newspapers. When a tenor sings with her and gets more acclaim than she does or as much, she looks around for a new tenor. The ambitious fellows with their press agents and claques have presently discovered to their sorrow that the hand clappings and press articles which they have manufactured for themselves, instead of impressing Melba favorably and inspiring her to take them around with her to high functions, have made her seek for other tenors with less enchantment for the public.

Johnson, a cool-headed fellow well versed in the tricks of operatic art, understood all of this. When he was engaged to sing with Melba and went to England, he kept clear of both press agents and claques. He sought neither publicity nor applause, contented himself with a modest and sincere acclaim and was genuinely glad when the grand enthusiasm went to Melba. This attitude delighted her, and soon it was known that where she was invited Johnson was to be invited also. Half the time she was indisposed and could not accept invitations, and Johnson went alone.