Over the weekend, I saw a very amusing local production of a play entitled “Souvenir: A Fantasia on the life of Florence Foster Jenkins”, presented by the Madison Theatre Guild.

Set in 1930’s-1940’s New York, this two person cast production follows the true story of Florence Foster Jenkins, an eccentric, tone-deaf Manhattan socialite who believed she was a coloratura soprano with perfect pitch. The delusion is further propelled for twelve years by her trusted accompanist Cosme McMoon, who doesn’t have the heart to tell her the truth, and feels the need to protect Florence from public humiliation.

Jenkins heart was in the right place, as she was raising money for her charities. She sold out her concerts at the Ritz Carlton ballroom, though not for the reasons she thought. Audiences had a very difficult time maintaining their composure, and I could relate to the feeling as the presentation in this play was quite hysterical.

The grand finale was her infamous sold out concert at Carnegie Hall in 1944 (one month prior to her death). One has to almost admire a person with such confidence, no matter how misguided. It’s hard not to love such a character, especially when the motive was not to be famous, but to help the less fortunate.

Over sixty years later, we’re still amused by similar folly (as demonstrated by the awful auditions of American Idol). Are there that many people out there like this?

The purpose I’m trying to illustrate isn’t to criticize those who try. I’m certainly not interested in crushing someone’s hopes and dreams. What this story does teach us, are two important things about being an artist.

First it’s a lesson in being objective about our music. Remember that family and friends are good for encouragement, but will probably try to protect from harsher reality. An encouraging support system should never be discounted, but keep it all within context.

Secondly, it’s about believing in yourself and maintaining the confidence that led you to pursue performance art in the first place. If you’re going to do something, give it everything you’ve got. As cheesy at that may sound, it’s important. If a tone deaf socialite can sell out a concert in Carnegie Hall, why can’t someone with a little objectivity about their music do well?

So just for your own amusement, I’ve got a few links for you:

Here is a YouTube post on Jenkins’ infamous mangling of Mozart’s “Der Holle Rache” (Queen of the Night):

For a more modern day example, check out the recordings of Wing Han Tsang (as made famous in an episode of South Park). You’ve gotta admire the sincerity of her performance.

Finally, if you want to improve upon on your voice (and avoid this situation altogether), I’ll invite you to check out Singorama, an online vocal training program that we’re currently promoting. It comes with a pitch monitor to ensure you’re staying on key when you sing your scales.

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