I came to the theatre as one who has meddled and I quickly recognized the discomforts of my position.

First, there was a search for a singer; then, for a tenor, and they tried several without success.

I found a tenor who, according to all reports, was of the first rank, but, after several days of negotiation, the matter was dropped.

I learned later from the artist that the manager intended to engage him for only four performances, evidently planning that the work should be played only four times.
The choice finally fell on Blum.

He had a fine voice, and was a perfect singer but no actor.