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and who was an unmistakable Irishman. " He was a tall, powerful man, with long, curly hair, and a deep basso profundo voice of extraordinary compass and power," says Mr. Mackinlay. And he relates how Foli during the off-season used to spend his time either fishing and shooting in California, or gambling at Monte Carlo, the latter generally with unfortunate results. "One evening he arrived from one of these outings just in time for a concert engagement in London, and stalked into the artists' room with the remark : ' Sure, Oi've lost every penny Oi have. If it wasn't for what Oi'm making to-night, Oi shouldn't have any at all.'"
Singers who have toured with Foli declare that though somewhat brusque in his manner he was a most delightful companion, and a splendid man to have on tour. Foli and Naylor, the accompanist, used to be always playing tricks of one kind or another. The two were very good friends, and one day when on a provincial tour a good-humoured discussion took place between them as to the standing of accompanists, Foli asserting that they were mere figure-heads who did nothing but sit on a music-stool and twiddle their fingers. Naylor laughed, and bet Foli half a crown that he would upset him in one of his numbers that night. What followed may be |
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