initial commit of ebook 19748HEADmain

1 files changed, 10569 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/19748.txt b/19748.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..38c03d2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/19748.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,10569 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Story-Lives of Great Musicians, by
+Francis Jameson Rowbotham
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Story-Lives of Great Musicians
+
+Author: Francis Jameson Rowbotham
+
+Release Date: November 10, 2006 [EBook #19748]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STORY-LIVES OF GREAT MUSICIANS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Jeannie Howse and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    +--------------------------------------------------------------+
+    | Transcriber's Note:                                          |
+    |                                                              |
+    | Inconsistent hyphenation and unusual spelling in the         |
+    | original document have been preserved.                       |
+    |                                                              |
+    | A small number of musical symbols (flat, sharp and natural)  |
+    | have been transliterated for this document.                  |
+    |                                                              |
+    | Obvious typographical errors have been corrected in this     |
+    | text. For a complete list, please see the end of this        |
+    | document.                                                    |
+    |                                                              |
+    +--------------------------------------------------------------+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    [Illustration: BEETHOVEN.
+    _Frontispiece._
+    From photo RISCHGITZ.]
+
+
+
+
+                        STORY-LIVES
+
+                             OF
+
+                      GREAT MUSICIANS
+
+
+                             BY
+                 FRANCIS JAMESON ROWBOTHAM
+                         AUTHOR OF
+ 'STORY-LIVES OF GREAT AUTHORS,' 'TALES FROM PLUTARCH,' ETC.
+
+
+                     _ILLUSTRATED_
+
+
+                          NEW YORK
+                FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY
+                     _PUBLISHERS_
+
+
+
+
+                            TO
+                      THE MEMORY OF
+                FREDERICK WESTLAKE, R.A.M.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+
+Following the plan of his previous volume of _Great Authors_, the
+writer has here endeavoured to weave into more or less story form a
+few of the facts and incidents in the lives of some great musicians.
+It is hoped that young readers--and especially those to whom music is
+a subject of study--will take a greater interest in some of the
+masterpieces of composition when they have learnt something about the
+composers themselves, and the circumstances under which they wrote.
+
+The author desires to express his acknowledgments for the assistance
+he has derived from the following works:
+
+Grove's _Dictionary of Music and Musicians_; Bitter's _Life of
+Sebastian Bach_ (translated by J.E. Kay-Shuttleworth); Rockstro's _Life
+of George Frederick Handel_; Williams's _Handel_ in 'The Master
+Musicians'; Townsend's _Haydn_ in 'The Great Musicians'; Jahn's _W.A.
+Mozart_ (translated by P.D. Townsend); Schindler's _Life of Beethoven_;
+Nohl's _Life of Beethoven_; von Hellborn's _Franz Schubert_ (translated
+by A.D. Coleridge); Benedict's _Sketch of the Life and Works of Felix
+Mendelssohn-Bartholdy_; Hensel's _The Mendelssohn Family_; Hiller's
+_Mendelssohn: Letters and Recollections_; Devrient's _Recollections of
+F.M. Bartholdy_ (translated by C.N. Macfarren).
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+                                                             PAGE
+
+BACH                                                            3
+
+HANDEL                                                         37
+
+HAYDN                                                          89
+
+MOZART                                                        151
+
+BEETHOVEN                                                     215
+
+SCHUBERT                                                      269
+
+MENDELSSOHN                                                   315
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+                                                             PAGE
+
+GAZING AT ITS COVERS THROUGH THE LATTICE DOORS OF THE
+CUPBOARD                                                        4
+
+BY THE LIGHT OF THE MOON HE BEGAN HIS TASK                      9
+
+CHRISTOPH SEIZED THE MANUSCRIPT BOOK AND THE COPY              10
+
+DURING THE WINTER MONTHS THE SCHOLARS WERE SENT OUT TO
+SING IN THE STREETS                                            12
+
+THE KING EXCLAIMED REPEATEDLY: 'ONLY ONE BACH! ONLY
+ONE BACH!'                                                     30
+
+HANDEL'S BIRTHPLACE, HALLE, SAXONY                             38
+
+BECKONED SILENTLY TO THE REST TO FOLLOW HIM                    41
+
+HE CALLED TO THE COACHMAN TO STOP                              44
+
+THE DUKE PRAISED HIS PERFORMANCE                               46
+
+A RESORT TO SWORDS                                             55
+
+A GRAND PROCESSION OF DECORATED BARGES FROM WHITEHALL
+TO LIMEHOUSE                                                   63
+
+THE STROKES OF HIS HAMMER ON THE ANVIL KEPT TIME TO
+HIS SONG                                                       66
+
+'DID NOT YOU SAY YOU COULD SING AT SIGHT?' 'YES, SIR,
+BUT NOT AT FIRST SIGHT!'                                       76
+
+HE WAS IMITATING THE PLAYING OF A VIOLIN                       94
+
+ST. STEPHEN'S CATHEDRAL, VIENNA                               101
+
+HE MANAGED TO SAVE SUFFICIENT TO PURCHASE TWO VOLUMES         104
+
+THE TANTALISING PIGTAIL                                       109
+
+'WHOSE MUSIC IS THAT WHICH YOU WERE PLAYING JUST NOW?'        117
+
+HAYDN ENJOYED HIS FIRST SIGHT OF THE WAVES                    133
+
+LISSON GROVE A CENTURY AGO                                    135
+
+HAYDN'S EYES FILLED WITH TEARS                                145
+
+HE PAID NO HEED TO THE ENTRY OF A SERVANT                     152
+
+THEY REMAINED STANDING, ROOTED TO THE SPOT                    160
+
+PLAYED BEFORE THE COURT AT VERSAILLES                         164
+
+CHELSEA AT THAT TIME WAS A RIVERSIDE VILLAGE                  167
+
+THE CARRIAGE WHICH WAS TO CONVEY THE TRAVELLERS DREW
+UP AT THE DOOR                                                188
+
+'THERE IS THE DOOR!'                                          199
+
+'NOW THEN, LUDWIG, TIME FOR PRACTICE!'                        220
+
+'PAY ATTENTION TO THIS YOUNG MAN, FOR HE WILL MAKE A
+NOISE IN THE WORLD SOME DAY'                                  228
+
+SEATED BEFORE AN OLD, WORN-OUT PIANO                          230
+
+HAYDN PRAISED THE COMPOSITION HIGHLY                          233
+
+TAKING HIS HAND, TURNED HIM ROUND TO THE AUDIENCE             255
+
+THEY INDULGED IN JOKES AT THE EXPENSE OF THE
+SPECTACLED BOY                                                273
+
+HIS CLEVER PLAYING ATTRACTED THE ATTENTION OF THE
+LEADER                                                        275
+
+MANY EVENINGS WERE PASSED IN MUSICAL ENJOYMENT                282
+
+THEY FOUND SCHUBERT HARD AT WORK                              291
+
+SCHUBERT FLED FROM THE ROOM                                   302
+
+'HERE IS A GENTLEMAN WHO KNOWS ALL ABOUT THE NEW OPERA'       325
+
+THE TUTOR'S CARRIAGE MET THEM                                 330
+
+'THE SUCCESS WAS BEYOND WHAT I COULD HAVE DREAMED'            348
+
+'WOULD NOT THAT BE SPLENDID FOR AN ORATORIO!'                 362
+
+
+                   PORTRAITS
+
+BEETHOVEN                                          _Frontispiece_
+
+BACH                                                            5
+
+HANDEL                                                         39
+
+HAYDN                                                          91
+
+MOZART                                                        153
+
+SCHUBERT                                                      271
+
+MENDELSSOHN                                                   317
+
+
+
+
+BACH
+
+
+
+
+STORY-LIVES OF GREAT MUSICIANS
+
+
+
+
+BACH
+
+
+'Christoph, I wish you would let me have that book of manuscript music
+which you have in your cupboard--the one which contains pieces by
+Pachelbel, and Frohberger, and Buxtehude, and ever so many others--you
+know which I mean. I will take such care of it if you will only lend
+it to me for a little while.'
+
+Christoph was about to leave the room, but he turned sharply to his
+little brother as the latter put his request.
+
+'No, Sebastian, I will certainly not lend you the book, and I wonder
+that you have the impertinence to ask me such a thing! The idea of
+your thinking that you could study such masters as Buxtehude and
+Frohberger--a child like you! Get on with what I have set you to
+learn, and do not let me hear any more of such fancies!'
+
+With that Christoph shut the door behind him, and Sebastian was left
+to ponder sadly upon his elder brother's harshness in refusing to
+accede to his simple request. The disappointment was very keen, for
+little Sebastian had been longing to get possession of that precious
+volume. For several days past he had spent hours in his brother's
+absence gazing at its covers through the lattice doors of the
+cupboard, and feasting his eyes upon the names of the musicians which
+were written on the back in bold letters in Christoph's hand.
+
+    [Illustration: '_Gazing at its covers through the lattice doors
+    of the cupboard._']
+
+What harm could there be in his _trying_ to play the works of those
+masters? It seemed so unreasonable to the ten-year-old child, for he
+was passionately fond of music, and exceedingly quick at learning; yet
+Christoph persistently kept him to simple pieces such as he could
+master without the slightest difficulty, and which, therefore,
+afforded him no gratification whatever. He longed to be studying more
+advanced works, and there were times when this longing seemed
+insupportable--when the soul of this earnest child-musician rose in
+revolt against the tyrannical treatment of his elder brother.
+Christoph's lack of appreciation of Sebastian's capacity and gift for
+music was, moreover, so marked as to crush the feelings of love and
+respect which otherwise would have found a place in Sebastian's heart
+for the brother whom the sad circumstances of his childhood had made
+his guardian.
+
+    [Illustration: BACH.
+    From photo RISCHGITZ.]
+
+Johann Sebastian Bach, as the young musician was named, was an orphan.
+Ten years before the period at which our story opens--on March 21,
+1685--he had first seen the light in the long, low-roofed cottage,
+which is still standing in the little German town of Eisenach,
+nestling at the foot of the wooded heights which form part of the
+romantically beautiful district of the Thuringer Wald. It is a country
+abounding in legendary lore, which, taking its birth from the recesses
+of the interminable forest, and perpetuated in ballad, has for ages
+found a home in the sequestered valleys lying locked between the
+hills. On one of the latter, overlooking the town, stands the
+Wartburg, in which Luther made his home, and where he translated the
+Bible into the German tongue.
+
+Sebastian's father, Johann Ambrosius Bach, organist of Eisenach, was
+the descendant of a long race of musicians of the name who had
+followed music not merely as a means of livelihood, but with the
+earnest desire of furthering its artistic aims. For close upon two
+hundred years before Sebastian was born the family of Bach had thus
+laboured to develop and improve their art in the only direction in
+which it was practised in the Germany of those days--namely, as a
+fitting accompaniment to the simple, but deeply devotional, services
+of the Lutheran Church. So greatly had the influence of this ancient
+and closely-united family made itself felt in regard to church music
+that at Erfurt, where its members had practised the art for
+generations, all musicians were known as 'the Bachs,' although no Bach
+had actually resided in the town for many years.
+
+That Sebastian should have shown a fondness for music at a very early
+age is not, therefore, to be wondered at; but, beyond learning the
+violin from his father, he had not progressed far in his studies when,
+in his tenth year, he found himself bereft of both his parents and
+taken into the charge of his brother Christoph, who filled the post of
+organist at the neighbouring town of Ohrdruff. Christoph, who was
+fourteen years older than Sebastian, possessed nothing more than an
+ordinary amount of talent for music, and in addition lacked the sense
+to appreciate the gift which his little brother at once began to
+display in response to his teaching. To give Sebastian lessons on the
+clavier and send him to the Lyceum to learn Latin and singing and
+other school subjects seemed to Christoph to comprise the full extent
+of his responsibilities; but that Sebastian possessed genius which
+called for sympathy and encouragement at his hands appears only to
+have aroused in him a feeling of coldness and indifference, amounting
+at times to stern repression.
+
+Beneath this shadow of ill-feeling Sebastian suffered in silence, but,
+fortunately, the force of his genius was too strong to be crushed, and
+the spirit which was lacking in his brother's lessons he supplied for
+himself. The injustice of the denial with which Christoph had met his
+request for the loan of the manuscript music-book had fired him with
+the determination to possess himself of the treasure at all costs, and
+even the drudgery of playing over and over again pieces which he
+already knew by heart appeared to him in the new light of
+stepping-stones to the attainment of his cherished desire. Yet for
+some time it was difficult to see how the book was to be abstracted
+without his brother's knowledge.
+
+One night, long after the other inmates of the house had retired,
+Sebastian stood at the open casement of his chamber, buried in
+thought. The moon was flooding the valley with her silvery light,
+rendering the most distant objects clear and distinct, and throwing
+into still deeper shadow the sombre hills which encompassed the town.
+But the boy had no thoughts to bestow upon the music of the scene thus
+spread before his eyes; his mind was absorbed by a great project which
+he was resolved upon carrying out that night, and to which the
+presence of the moon lent a promise of success. Perfect stillness
+reigned in the house, and Sebastian, deeming that the opportune moment
+had arrived for embarking upon his venture, closed the casement and
+crept softly downstairs to the parlour.
+
+The moonlight shining into the room revealed the position of every
+object, and a glance sufficed to show him that the treasure he sought
+was in its accustomed place, but the cupboard, of course, was locked.
+He squeezed his little hands through the lattice-bars, and after much
+effort managed to reach the manuscript book. To draw it towards him
+required even more dexterity, but at length that was accomplished; and
+then came the crowning feat--to get it through the bars. During this
+time Sebastian had been tormented by fears lest his brother should
+have discovered his absence from his bedroom, and nothing but his firm
+determination to accomplish his purpose prevented him from quitting
+the room and returning to his bed.
+
+For a long time his efforts to pull the book through the bars were in
+vain, but after trying each bar in turn he found one which was weaker
+than the rest, and having brought the book to this spot, he succeeded
+at last in forcing a passage for it by bending the bar, and the
+coveted volume was freed from its prison!
+
+Breathless with exertion and excitement, the child hugged his treasure
+to his breast and stole back to his chamber. On gaining this haven of
+safety, he listened for some time to ascertain whether his movements
+had aroused the household, but finding that everything remained as
+silent as before, he drew a chair to the little table before the
+window, and by the light of the moon, which still streamed into the
+room, he feasted his eyes upon the pages before him. Then, taking his
+pen and some manuscript music-paper with which he had provided
+himself, he began his task of copying out the pieces contained in the
+book.
+
+An hour or more slipped away in this absorbing occupation, and it was
+not until the moon had shifted her position, so that her rays no
+longer afforded the necessary light, that Sebastian ceased to ply his
+pen. Then, having hidden the book away and removed all traces of his
+work, the now wearied little musician sought his pillow and fell fast
+asleep.
+
+This was but the beginning of endless nights of toil pursued whilst
+the house lay hushed in slumber. For six months, whenever the moon
+sent her friendly rays through his casement, did Sebastian prosecute
+his task, until the night arrived when he found himself at the last
+page. The fear of discovery had ceased to haunt him as time went on,
+and now he could only reflect with joy at the accomplishment of his
+long task, and creep into bed utterly unmindful of everything
+else--even of the precaution of putting his work out of sight!
+
+    [Illustration: '_By the light of the moon he began his task._']
+
+Alas, for poor Sebastian! he was to pay dearly for this act of
+forgetfulness. As he lay sleeping--his dreams filled with the
+realization of the fruits of his untiring industry--the books lying
+open on the table where he had left them, and the moonbeams falling
+gently on the page whereon his fingers had traced those last passages
+but a few minutes before, the door opened, and a figure stole softly
+into the room. It was Christoph himself, who, fancying he heard sounds
+proceeding from Sebastian's chamber, had come to seek the cause. His
+glance fell upon the open books. With a stride he was at the table,
+bending over them. The next moment he raised his head and darted an
+angry glance at the child's sleeping figure. But Sebastian only
+smiled, and murmured something in his sleep, and the elder brother
+turned once more to examine the writing. As he scanned the pages which
+witnessed Sebastian's heart-work throughout those long months his face
+hardened. There was no pity in his breast for the child who had thus
+displayed his devotion to the art which he himself must have loved
+after his own fashion--no sympathy for one who had spent so many hours
+snatched from sleep in acquiring that which he, Christoph, had had it
+in his power to bestow as a free gift--only anger and jealousy at the
+thought that he had been outwitted by his little brother. With his
+mouth curved into a cruel smile, Christoph seized the manuscript book
+and the copy, and, taking them from the room, hid them away in a new
+place where Sebastian could not possibly find them.
+
+    [Illustration: '_Christoph seized the manuscript book and the
+    copy._']
+
+It was well for Sebastian that his love of music enabled him to
+overcome the bitter disappointment occasioned by his brother's
+cruelty, and so to continue the struggle for knowledge in the face of
+such terrible odds. But there was one thing which served to comfort
+him in his hour of trial, and of which Christoph was powerless to rob
+him, and that was the _memory_ of the beautiful music he had copied
+with such infinite pains. This in itself must have been a resource of
+priceless value to him in helping him to bear with his brother's
+oppression.
+
+A new life opened for Sebastian when, at the age of fifteen, he
+quitted his brother's roof and, with a school-fellow from Ohrdruff,
+entered the Michael Gymnasium, or Latin School, attached to the Church
+of St. Michael at Lueneburg. The discovery that he possessed a
+beautiful soprano voice gave him a place at once amongst those
+scholars who were selected to sing the principal parts in the Church
+services in return for a free education. Lueneburg possessed two
+schools, attached respectively to the Churches of St. Michael and St.
+John, and the rivalry between the two was so keen that when, as was
+the custom during the winter months, the scholars were sent out to
+sing in the streets in order to collect money for their support, the
+respective routes to be traversed had to be carefully marked out so as
+to prevent a collision.
+
+Bach had not been long at St. Michael's, however, ere his wonderful
+voice, which had attracted much attention at the services of the
+church, began to break; but, fortunately, his knowledge of the violin
+and clavier enabled him to retain his place in the school and to enjoy
+the educational advantages which it offered. He was working hard at
+his musical studies, spending a portion of each day in the convent
+library, where the works of the best composers were to be found. But
+all his thoughts and aspirations were beginning to centre themselves
+upon the instrument which, before all others, had the power to stir
+his musical soul to its depths. His love for the organ soon developed
+into a passion which overcame every obstacle offered to its
+gratification. The extremes of hunger and bodily fatigue were alike
+powerless to restrain his desire to study the capacities of the organ
+as these were brought forth by the ablest hands. His poverty forbade
+the hope of his receiving instruction on the instrument, though later
+on he gained much valuable help from his friendship with the organist
+of St. John's Church at Lueneburg. In those early days, however, Bach
+was almost entirely self-dependent--a penniless scholar, fortunate in
+finding his services rewarded by the plainest and meagrest of fare,
+yet swayed and urged forwards by a fixed determination to conquer and
+attain the knowledge upon which he had set his hopes.
+
+    [Illustration: '_During the winter months the scholars were sent
+    out to sing in the streets._']
+
+Hamburg, which in those days merited the description applied to it of
+the 'Paradise of German music,' is situated at a distance of about
+twenty-five English miles from Lueneburg; but when Bach was told that
+the renowned Johann Adam Reinken, the 'father of German organists,'
+played the organ at St. Katherine's Church in the city, he seized the
+first opportunity that presented itself of tramping the whole way
+thither in order to hear him. With Bach to listen was to learn; but to
+enjoy this privilege he had to secrete himself in a corner of the
+church where he could not be seen, for he had been warned that such
+great players as Reinken resented the intrusion of strangers whilst
+they were practising.
+
+The deep joy of listening to such a master must have seemed to
+Sebastian a fitting reward for his long tramp, and we may picture him
+on his homeward journey, weary and footsore, but with his mind stored
+with the memories of what he has heard. This visit to Hamburg was the
+precursor of many others, though, of course, such expeditions could
+only be undertaken when, by means of street singing, or in some other
+way, he had contrived to save a few shillings to pay for food and
+lodging. But he often went short of food rather than deprive himself
+of a chance of hearing his beloved Reinken. On one occasion he had
+yielded to the temptation of lingering at Hamburg until his funds
+were almost exhausted, and he was confronted by the prospect of a long
+walk with no means of satisfying his hunger until he reached the end
+of his journey. Nevertheless, he set forth with a light heart, for his
+stock of knowledge had been greatly enriched by the prolonged visit,
+and, after all, what were five-and-twenty miles to the young musician,
+possessed of limbs replete with strength and a head full of glorious
+dreams?
+
+He had not proceeded many miles, however, ere the keen wind made his
+want of food painfully apparent, and the music within him became
+drowned by the clamourings of Nature. At this juncture he found
+himself opposite a small hostelry, from the open door of which a most
+savoury odour was issuing--an odour so rich in the promise of all that
+he needed that it brought him to a standstill. The kitchen window was
+nigh, and he could not resist the temptation of peering into the room
+to ascertain what was in preparation. At that moment he heard a window
+above him thrown open, and a couple of herrings' heads were tossed
+into the road. Probably some benevolent guest, attracted by the
+youth's starving looks, had taken this means of bestowing upon him the
+remains of his repast. The herring was a favourite article of food in
+Germany, and poor Bach was only too glad to avail himself of this
+feeble chance of satisfying his cravings. But what was his
+astonishment, upon pulling the heads to pieces, to find that each
+contained a Danish ducat! The acquisition of so much wealth fairly
+took his breath away, and for a moment he almost forgot that he was
+famishing. On realising his good fortune, he lost no time in entering
+the inn and regaling himself at the expense of his unknown benefactor.
+The money did more than this, however, for it enabled him to reckon
+upon another visit to Hamburg in the near future.
+
+That distance formed no obstacle to Bach's ardent desire to obtain
+knowledge is proved by the fact that he performed several journeys on
+foot to Celle, which was distant some forty-five English miles to the
+south of Lueneburg, in order that he might hear the band at the ducal
+Court. The Duke's musicians were chiefly Frenchmen, and French
+instrumental music formed the principal part of their work. There was
+but little opportunity in Germany of hearing this important branch of
+music, and Bach seized upon the first chance that presented itself. He
+was now making rapid progress with his studies, and his friendship
+with Boehm, the organist of St. John's Church at Lueneburg, was a great
+incentive to him in his love for the organ.
+
+After remaining three years at the Lueneburg school, Bach obtained a
+post as violinist in the private band of Prince Johann Ernst, brother
+of the reigning Duke of Saxe-Weimar. This, however, was merely to fill
+up the time until he could secure an appointment in the direction in
+which his affections as well as his genius were guiding him. The
+opportunity for which he sought was not long in coming. A visit to the
+old Thuringian town of Arnstadt, in which three members of his family
+had successively filled the post of organist in past years, took him
+to the new church to inspect the organ which had just been erected by
+the consistory. Arnstadt, in fact, was one of the centres in which the
+influence of the Bach family had made itself felt, and whence several
+of its members had gone forth to other parts of the country. The
+savour of the former presence of the Bachs was still fresh in the
+minds of the townspeople; the consistory of the new church, moreover,
+were on the look out for a thoroughly capable organist, and Bach's
+request to be allowed to try the organ was, therefore, willingly
+granted.
+
+No sooner had they heard him play than they offered him the post, and,
+furthermore, stated their willingness to augment the pay attached to
+it by a contribution from the town funds. Bach, therefore, found
+himself installed as organist with a salary of fifty florins, with, in
+addition, thirty thalers for board and lodging--equivalent in all to
+about eight pounds thirteen shillings of English money--a small enough
+salary indeed! but one which in those days was considered to be a fair
+emolument for the services of a young player. On August 14, 1703,
+Bach, who was then eighteen years old, entered upon his duties, having
+previously taken a 'solemn pledge of diligence and faithfulness, and
+all that appertaineth to an honourable servant and organist before God
+and the worshipful Corporation.'
+
+The requirements of the post left him plenty of leisure in which to
+pursue his studies and improve his playing. Up to this point he had
+done very little in the shape of actual composition, his aim having
+been to perfect himself in a knowledge of the requirements of the
+instrument on which he had fixed his heart's choice, to which end he
+had spared no diligence in studying the works of the greatest masters.
+Now, however, he set about teaching himself the art of composition,
+for which purpose he took a number of concertos written for the violin
+by Vivaldi, and set them for the pianoforte. By this means he learnt
+to grasp the connection of musical ideas and the manner in which they
+should be worked out, and as this exercise implied the rewriting of
+many passages in order to adapt them for the piano, he gradually
+attained facility in expressing his own musical thoughts on paper
+without first playing them on an instrument. Thus, without assistance
+from anybody, he worked on alone, very often till far into the night,
+to perfect himself in this important branch of his art.
+
+From the outset, however, his playing at the new church excited
+attention and admiration, and that it should, nevertheless, have
+failed to entirely satisfy the authorities was due, not to any lack of
+power, but simply to the extraordinary manner in which the services
+were accompanied. The fact is that Bach had no sooner seated himself
+at the organ than he straightway forgot that choir and congregation
+were depending upon him, and began to indulge his fancy to such
+lengths that the singing soon ceased altogether, and the people
+remained mute with astonishment and admiration. Naturally, these
+flights of genius were not exactly in accordance with the wishes of
+the consistory, who, moreover, saw little prospect of their choir
+becoming efficiently trained under the circumstances. Yet,
+notwithstanding there were frequent disputes between Bach and the
+elders of the church with regard to his vagaries, so marvellously were
+the authorities influenced by the power and beauty of his playing that
+they overlooked his faults for the sake of his genius.
+
+That Bach must have tried their patience sorely cannot be denied. On
+one occasion, being specially desirous of visiting Luebeck, in order to
+hear the celebrated organist Buxtehude perform on the organ at the
+Marien-Kirche during Advent, he obtained a month's leave of absence
+for the purpose. Fifty miles lay between Arnstadt and the town which
+formed his destination, but Bach resolutely performed the entire
+journey on foot, so eager was he to profit by the playing of this
+master. Once at Luebeck, he became so wrapped up in the musical
+attractions of the town that he completely forgot his promise to
+return to his post until reminded by his empty purse of the fact that
+he could no longer prolong his stay. By this time he had gratuitously
+extended his leave from one month to three! Hence it is not surprising
+that on his return to Arnstadt the consistory should have expressed
+serious displeasure at his neglect. On the other hand, it affords a
+striking proof of the esteem in which his playing was held that the
+authorities should have allowed him to retain his post in spite of all
+that had happened.
+
+It was not long before the services of the young musician were sought
+by the Church authorities of several important towns, whither the fame
+of his organ-playing had spread. He longed to find a wider scope
+wherein to prosecute his aims for raising the standard of Church
+music. Arnstadt had become too narrow for his desires, and,
+consequently, when, in 1707, he was offered the post of organist of
+St. Blasius', at Muehlhausen, near Eisenach, he accepted it at once.
+The invitation was coupled with a request that he would name his own
+salary--a compliment to his powers to which he modestly responded by
+fixing the sum at that which he had lately received; but, in addition
+to pay, his emolument comprised certain dues of corn, wood, and fish,
+to be delivered free at his door. His post at Arnstadt was filled by
+his cousin, Johann Ernst, to whom, as he was very poor, and had an
+aged mother and a sick sister to support, Bach generously handed over
+the last quarter's salary which was due to him on leaving.
+
+With this improvement in his worldly prospects Bach deemed that he
+might prudently marry. He had been contemplating this step since the
+time, some months before, when he had incurred the displeasure of the
+Arnstadt authorities by introducing a 'stranger maiden' into the
+choir--a proceeding altogether contrary to rule, but one which, like
+the rest of his faults, was condoned for the sake of hearing him play.
+The 'stranger maiden' was no other than his cousin, Maria Barbara, the
+youngest daughter of Michael Bach, of Gehren, with whom he had fallen
+in love, and to whom he was married on October 17, 1707.
+
+It was customary in those days for organists to maintain their
+instruments in repair, and Bach's first duty on entering upon his new
+post was to undertake some extensive alterations in the organ
+committed to his charge. The completion of these repairs, however, was
+left to his successor, for Bach did not retain his position at
+Muehlhausen for more than a year. He was filled with a desire to raise
+the standard of Church music, reverently desirous of clothing the old
+services in a new dress--one which should elevate the thoughts of the
+worshippers to a higher plane by giving to the words of Scripture a
+fuller and more sympathetic interpretation. In this longing for
+freedom from the old modes of Church music, by which, owing to the
+rigid simplicity of the Lutheran services, the truths of religion were
+trammelled and obscured, Bach hoped to have secured the support and
+sympathy of his congregation; but he soon found that his efforts were
+unappreciated. For us, who now see this longing for the first time
+clearly expressed in his life, and who know what important fruits it
+was destined to bear in the future, this stage in the career of
+Sebastian Bach possesses a peculiar interest. In his letter to the
+town council announcing his resignation he explains that he has
+'always striven to make the improvement of Church music, to the honour
+of God, his aim,' but that he has met with opposition such as he sees
+no chance of being enabled to overcome in the future. Moreover, he
+states that, 'poor as is his mode of living, he has not enough to
+subsist on after paying his house-rent and other necessary expenses.'
+
+The shortness of his means, with a wife and the near prospect of a
+family to provide for, no doubt had a good deal to do with Bach's
+decision to resign his post at St. Blasius' at once. He had, in fact,
+already received the offer of a more important engagement. An
+invitation to perform before Duke Wilhelm Ernst of Weimar early in the
+year 1708 had been seized upon in the hope that it might lead to an
+appointment at the Court. The hope was not disappointed, for the Duke
+was so delighted with Bach's playing that he immediately offered him
+the post of Court and Chamber Organist. Bach had always been on the
+best of terms with the elders of St. Blasius' Church, however, and the
+separation was accompanied by marks of friendliness on both sides.
+Thus we see Bach acting once more on his own initiative--choosing his
+path deliberately as he saw the opportunity for furthering the great
+objects he had in view.
+
+The wider scope for which he had been longing was now within his
+grasp, and from the date of his appointment at Weimar he began to
+compose those masterpieces for the organ which in after-years were to
+help to make his name famous. Hitherto we have followed the fortunes
+of Sebastian Bach as a zealous student, self-dependent, and almost
+entirely self-instructed as regards his art, battling against poverty
+with stolid indifference to the drawbacks and discomforts that fell to
+his share, unmindful of fatigue, seeking neither praise nor reward,
+but with his mind wholly set upon the accomplishment of his
+life-purpose--the furtherance of his beloved art. The promise of his
+childish days had been largely sown in sorrow and disappointment. He
+had not been hailed as a prodigy of genius. No crowd of wondering
+admirers had gathered to listen to his childish efforts, and to
+prognosticate for him the favours of fame and fortune in the near
+future. Not even his parents, loving him as they doubtless did, could
+have done more than dared to entertain the hope that he would do
+honour and credit to the musical name which he bore ere they sank into
+their untimely graves, and left him to fight the battle of life alone.
+No; the childhood and youth of Sebastian Bach were stages in the life
+of a genius which were entirely destitute of the advantages of either
+wealth or the patronage of the great, and as such they command our
+interest and respect.
+
+Henceforth we have to picture Bach as settled in his Weimar home, no
+longer as a student, but as a player and composer whose fame was
+gradually spreading throughout the country. So rapid had his progress
+been both on the organ and the pianoforte that he was even led to
+overestimate his own powers, and one day remarked somewhat boastingly
+to a friend that he could play any piece, however difficult, at sight
+without a mistake. The friend, disbelieving his statement, invited him
+to breakfast shortly afterwards, and placed several pieces on the
+pianoforte, amongst them being one which, though apparently simple,
+was in reality extremely difficult. He then left the room to prepare
+breakfast, and Bach, seating himself at the instrument, began to play
+over the pieces. Coming to the difficult work, he struck into it very
+boldly, but after proceeding a little way he came to a stop, then
+tried it again from the beginning, and once more halted at the same
+place. His host then appeared bringing in the breakfast, and Bach,
+turning to him, exclaimed, 'You are right. One cannot play everything
+at sight--it is impossible!'
+
+In August, 1712, Zachau, the organist of the Liebfrauen-Kirche at
+Halle, and Handel's old master, died, and Bach, whose knowledge and
+practical skill in the matter of organ construction had now become
+widely known, was asked to plan a new instrument for the church. He
+accordingly made his plans, and then, induced by the thought of having
+a fine organ under his control, he applied for the vacant post. The
+elders of the church, having heard a sacred cantata which he composed
+for the occasion performed under his direction in the following year,
+were most willing to accede to his application, but Bach, fearing that
+his independence would be threatened by the conditions attached to the
+position, withdrew at the last moment. Nevertheless, so great was the
+appreciation in which his abilities were held that when the new organ
+was completed he was invited to Halle for the purpose of inspecting it
+and testing its capabilities.
+
+In 1714 Duke Wilhelm Ernst raised him to the position of
+Hof-Concertmeister--a step which afforded increased scope for the
+exercise of his powers. Every autumn for several years he utilised his
+leave of absence by journeying to the principal towns in order to give
+performances on the organ and clavier, by means of which his
+reputation was greatly enhanced. It was on one of these tours that he
+found himself in Dresden at a time when expectation was rife
+concerning the powers of a remarkable French player who had just
+arrived in the town. Jean Marchand, as the Frenchman was named, had
+achieved a great reputation in his own country, where, in addition to
+filling the post of organist to the King at Versailles, he was
+regarded as the most fashionable music-master of the day. His
+conceited and overbearing manners, however, had led to his banishment
+from the French Court, and he had undertaken a tour in Italy with
+triumphant success before coming to the German capital. Bach found
+everybody discussing the Frenchman's wonderful playing, and it was
+whispered that he had been already offered an appointment in Dresden.
+The friends of Bach insisted that he should engage Marchand forthwith
+in a contest in defence of the musical honour of his nation, and as
+Bach was by no means indisposed to pit himself against the conceited
+Frenchman, he gave his consent to the challenge being dispatched.
+Marchand, for his part, showed an equal readiness to meet Bach,
+foreseeing an easy victory over his antagonist. The King promised to
+grace the contest with his presence, and the time and place were duly
+fixed. It was agreed that the contestants were to set each other
+problems to be worked out on the piano, the victory to be adjudged by
+the connoisseurs who were present.
+
+The day fixed for the trial arrived. A brilliant company assembled,
+and at the appointed time Bach made his appearance; but his adversary
+had not arrived. The audience awaited his coming for some time with
+impatience, and at length the news was brought that Marchand had left
+the city suddenly that morning! It transpired that on the previous day
+Bach had been performing on the organ in one of the principal churches
+of the town, and Marchand, attracted by the crowd, made his way into
+the building and listened to Bach's wonderful playing. So greatly had
+the music impressed him that, when he learnt who the player was, he
+began to tremble for his success at the coming contest. As the time
+approached his fears grew apace, and at length, without a word to
+anybody concerning his intentions, he fled from the city.
+
+The year 1717, in which the above event took place, was marked by a
+further advancement in Bach's fortunes, for on his return from
+Dresden he was appointed Capellmeister to the young Prince Leopold of
+Anhalt-Coethen. His new position left him abundant leisure in which to
+follow the bent of his genius in regard to the composition of
+instrumental music, and many of his finest works were written at this
+time. His relations with the Prince were of the most cordial
+character. The latter was an enthusiastic lover of music, and on his
+frequent journeys to various towns in order to gratify his taste he
+insisted on having Bach as his travelling companion. Thus, for several
+years Bach continued to lead a life which in every respect brought him
+much happiness, and added not a little to his fame. Then a great
+sorrow befell him, for during one of these expeditions with the
+Prince, when, owing to their movements, he was unable to receive news
+from home, his wife died suddenly, and when he returned to Coethen it
+was to find the family plunged into grief, and the mother already
+buried.
+
+The close of the year 1721 saw Bach married to his second wife, Anna
+Magdalena Wuelkens, a daughter of the Court trumpeter at Weissenfels.
+Anna Magdalena was in every way suited for the wife of a musician, for
+she had a deep love for music, in addition to possessing a beautiful
+voice. Moreover, as time went on, her reverence for her husband's
+genius, which she used every effort to promote and encourage, did not
+fail to make itself felt in influencing the musical tastes of her
+children.
+
+Life, meanwhile, at the Court had not proceeded so happily for Bach as
+heretofore, and in the year of his marriage he made a journey to
+Hamburg with the object of competing for the post of organist at the
+Jacobi-Kirche. His playing on this occasion excited the greatest
+admiration, though, as a matter of fact, this was not the first time
+he had awakened the enthusiasm of Hamburg audiences by his
+performances; but the organ on which he now played was an
+exceptionally fine one, and responded so perfectly to his touch as to
+assist in imparting to his improvisation the character of an inspired
+performance. When the trial came to an end, every one present felt
+certain of the result. Not one of the competitors had approached Bach
+in feeling or execution. Yet, notwithstanding the popular verdict in
+his favour, the prize was snatched from him and given to
+another--younger, unknown, and even insignificant man, who, however,
+was enabled to offer four thousand marks for the position, whilst Bach
+could only present his genius.
+
+Nevertheless, Bach, with his characteristic indifference to fortune,
+made no protest against this unfair treatment, but went quietly on
+with his work at Coethen, waiting for a fresh opportunity to present
+itself. He had now become personally known to the famous and aged
+organist of Hamburg, Reinken. At one of his visits he improvised on a
+theme composed by the master in the latter's presence, and when he had
+finished, Reinken seized him by the hand, and as he shook it exclaimed
+with emotion, 'I thought that this art was dead, but I see that it
+still lives in you!' This was the last meeting between Bach and the
+organist from whose playing he had derived so much profit, for shortly
+afterwards Reinken died at the age of ninety-nine, holding his post up
+to the last.
+
+His life at Coethen was largely devoted to composition. His only pupils
+appear to have been his wife and his sons, in whose musical education
+he evinced the deepest interest, and for whose benefit he wrote many
+works, including several books of studies and his famous 'Art of
+Fugue.'[1] Another of his great works, the 'Wohltemperirte Klavier'
+(Well-tempered Clavichord), better known in England under the title of
+'The Forty-eight Preludes and Fugues,' was begun at this time. It is,
+perhaps, the most popular of all Bach's works, and the idea of writing
+it is said to have occurred to him whilst staying at a place where no
+musical instrument of any kind was available. That he should have sat
+down to write the first part of this monumental work (the second part
+was not completed until twenty years later) in a place where from
+sheer force of circumstances his fingers would otherwise have been
+condemned to idleness is not surprising when we consider the mental
+activity by which Bach's character was distinguished. He could not, in
+fact, be idle. When not playing, or composing, or teaching, he would
+often be found hard at work engraving his compositions on copper, or
+engaged in manufacturing some kind of musical instrument--at least two
+instruments are known to have been of his own inventing. The one idea
+which seems to have pervaded his whole life from beginning to end was
+to be of the greatest use to the greatest number of his
+fellow-creatures, and it was this noble purpose which was urging him
+at this time to discover a wider sphere of work. The Coethen post,
+while it gave him abundant leisure for composition, did not satisfy
+his longing to be of greater use in the furtherance of his art--a
+longing which can only be appreciated when we study the works which at
+this period were occupying his mind. Moreover, the Prince, who had
+recently married, no longer showed the same devotion to music as
+heretofore--a change of feeling that necessarily produced a
+corresponding slackening of the ties of friendship and interest which
+had formerly existed between the Prince and his Capellmeister. The
+opportunity which Bach sought came at length when, in 1723, he was
+appointed cantor of the Thomas-Schule at Leipzig, and director of the
+music in the Churches of St. Thomas and St. Nicholas in the town.
+
+With this appointment Bach entered upon the final stage of his career,
+for he retained the Leipzig post until his death. The story of his
+connection with the Thomas-Schule is one that redounds to his honour,
+for, in spite of considerable opposition at the hands of the
+authorities, who failed to appreciate his genius and hampered his
+activity by petty restrictions and accusations; in spite, also, of the
+poverty of the material with which he was called upon to deal, he
+laboured unceasingly to raise the standard of efficiency in the
+scholars whose training was committed to his charge, and from whose
+ranks the choirs in the two churches under his control had to be
+furnished. Apart from his duties, however, those twenty-seven years of
+Leipzig work and intercourse are marked out for us as comprising the
+period during which he wrote and dedicated to the service of the
+Church those masterpieces of undying beauty--the Passions according to
+St. Matthew[2] and St. John. In these works, and in the 'High Mass in
+B Minor,' which also belongs to this time, but more especially in the
+first-named work, we seem to witness the crowning-point of those
+generations of striving for the advancement of the art which have
+indissolubly linked the name of Bach with the history of music. Bach
+himself stood on the top step of the ladder: with him the vital
+forces of the race exhausted themselves; and further power of
+development stopped short.'
+
+The life at Leipzig was distinguished by the simplicity which had
+always been Bach's chief characteristic. That he was imbued by deeply
+religious feelings is evidenced by the works to which we have just
+referred; his genius, in fact, found its highest and noblest
+expression in the interpretation of the spirit of the sacred writings.
+Next to his art--if, indeed, they can be considered apart--came his
+devotion to his family, in the training and welfare of whom he took an
+absorbing interest. Outside these twin centres of attraction he hardly
+ever ventured, and though his fame brought him notice, and to some
+extent honour as well, his desire for retirement became stronger as
+the years went on.
+
+His modest, retiring disposition is well illustrated by an incident
+which marked the latter period of his busy life. His third son, Carl
+Philip Emanuel, had entered the service of Frederick the Great, and
+was acting as cembalist in the royal orchestra. His Majesty, who was
+exceedingly fond of music, and a considerable player on the flute, had
+repeatedly expressed a wish to see Bach, and from time to time sent
+messages to this effect to the old composer through the latter's son.
+Bach, however, intent upon his work, for a long time ignored these
+intimations of royal favour, until at length, in 1747, Carl brought to
+him an imperative demand from his royal master which Bach saw that he
+could not disobey without incurring the King's displeasure.
+Accordingly, he set out for Potsdam with his son Friedemann. The King
+was about to begin his evening music when a servant brought to him a
+list of the strangers who had arrived at the castle that day.
+Frederick glanced at the paper, and then turned to his musicians with
+a smile. 'Gentlemen,' said he, 'old Bach has come!' and down went his
+flute. Bach was immediately sent for--he had not time even to change
+his travelling-dress--and with many excuses he presented himself to
+the King. His Majesty received him with marked kindness and respect,
+and when the courtiers smiled at the old musician's embarrassment and
+his somewhat flowery speeches, Frederick frowned his disapproval. He
+then conducted Bach through the palace, showing him the various points
+of interest, and insisted on his trying his Silbermann pianofortes, of
+which he had quite a collection. Bach extemporised on each of the
+instruments, and then Frederick gave him a theme which he reproduced
+as a fantasia, to the astonishment of all present. The King next
+requested him to play a six-part fugue, and Bach extemporised one on a
+theme selected by himself. The King, who stood behind the composer's
+chair, clapped his hands with delight, and exclaimed repeatedly, 'Only
+one Bach! Only one Bach!' It was a visit replete with honours for the
+old master, and when he returned home he expressed his gratitude by
+writing down and elaborating the piece which he had composed on the
+King's theme, dedicating it to His Majesty under the title of
+'Musikalisches Opfer' (Musical Offering), and sending it to Potsdam
+with a letter begging its acceptance.
+
+Late in life, and just after he had completed his great work, 'The Art
+of Fugue,' Bach became totally blind--the result, no doubt, of the
+heavy strain to which he had subjected his sight when, in order to
+educate himself, he had copied out entire many of the works of older
+masters. Nor can we overlook the fact that, when a child, his sight
+must have been injured by the long, self-imposed task of copying music
+by moonlight. He suffered a great deal in consequence of the drugs
+which were administered in the hope of restoring his eye-sight, but,
+notwithstanding, he continued to work up to the last. On the morning
+of the day on which he died--July 28, 1750--he startled those about
+him by suddenly regaining his sight, 'but it was the last flickering
+of the expiring flame. He was allowed to see the light of this world
+once more before leaving it for ever.' A few hours later he became
+unconscious, and passed away in his sleep.
+
+    [Illustration: '_The King exclaimed repeatedly, "Only one Bach!
+    Only one Bach!"_']
+
+Considered apart from his works, the life of Sebastian Bach stands out
+as a noble example of untiring industry and perseverance; but we miss
+the brilliancy and fire which in the case of many other great
+musicians have served to render their lives so outwardly striking and
+marvellous. The genius of Bach was a mighty power working unseen,
+buried beneath a simple exterior. Unlike Handel, that other great
+master of his time with whom he has been so often compared, Bach lived
+a life of comparative retirement, never travelling beyond the confines
+of his own country, making no bid for popularity, and to the last
+remaining unaffected by praise or censure. All his life long he was
+seeking knowledge and truth, never contenting himself with a belief in
+his own unaided powers or judgment, but always showing the keenest
+interest in the progress of his art as evinced by the works of other
+musicians of his day. One little instance will serve, perhaps, to
+bring out clearly this marked difference between these two great men:
+Bach was truly desirous of making Handel's acquaintance, and tried on
+several occasions to gratify this wish. On the last occasion he
+travelled to Halle on learning that Handel was revisiting his
+birthplace from the scene of his triumphs in London, only to find on
+his arrival that his contemporary had departed for England earlier in
+the day. Handel, on the other hand, is not known to have expressed the
+least desire to meet the man whose fame rested upon so solid a
+foundation of excellence. The one was self-centred, the other wholly
+centred upon art for art's sake--yet both were great.
+
+It is convenient to speak of Bach's life as having been divided into
+three stages or periods, each marked off from the rest by the nature
+of the works to which it gave birth. Thus, the Weimar period is that
+to which is assigned the major portion of his organ music. The Coethen
+period, on the other hand, produced few compositions for the organ,
+but was mainly devoted to instrumental chamber music; whilst to the
+Leipzig period belongs the production of nearly all his finest Church
+compositions.
+
+Bach was laid to rest in the churchyard of St. John's Church at
+Leipzig, but neither stone nor cross exists to mark the spot. Only the
+register of deaths preserved in the town library remains to tell us
+that 'A man, aged sixty-seven, M. Johann Sebastian Bach, Musical
+Director and Singing Master of the St. Thomas School, was carried to
+his grave in the hearse, July 30, 1750.'
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[1] The word 'fugue' is derived from the Latin _fugare_, 'to put to
+flight,' and aptly expresses the manner in which the various parts of a
+fugue, as they are successively introduced, seem to 'chase the subject,
+or motive, throughout the piece.'
+
+[2] For an account of the revival of this great work, exactly one
+hundred years after its first production, see the story of
+Mendelssohn.
+
+
+
+
+BACH'S PRINCIPAL COMPOSITIONS
+
+Passion Music (St. John). 1724.
+Passion Music (St. Matthew), for double choir. 1729.
+Passion Music (St. Luke). 1734.
+Mass in B minor, 1732-1738.
+4 Short Masses in F, A, G minor, and G.
+      [These consist of settings of the Kyrie and Gloria only, being
+       the parts sung in the Lutheran service.]
+4 Sanctuses in C, D, D minor, and G.
+Magnificat in D. 1723.
+Funeral Ode. 1727.
+Christmas Oratorio, in six sections, for performance on successive
+    days. 1734.
+Easter Oratorio. 1736.
+191 Church Cantatas.
+3 Wedding Cantatas.
+6 Motets for five or eight voices.
+22 Secular Cantatas.
+371 Chorales for four voices, many of them taken from the
+    works named above.
+      [Of these compositions the Matthew Passion, the John Passion,
+       the Christmas Oratorio, the Magnificat, the Motets, and 25 of
+       the Church Cantatas have been printed with English words.]
+The Well-Tempered Clavier (48 Preludes and Fugues).   }
+    1722-1744.                                        }
+Klavier-Uebung, or Clavier Practice, in four parts.   }
+    1731-1742.                                        }
+Musicalisches Opfer (Musical Offering). 1747.         } For clavier
+The Art of Fugue. 1749.                               } alone.
+Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue.                         }
+6 Partitas.                                           }
+6 English Suites.                                     }
+6 French Suites.                                      }
+3 Sonatas for clavier and flute.
+6 Sonatas and 1 Suite for clavier and violin.
+3 Sonatas for clavier and viol da gamba.
+7 Concertos for clavier and orchestra.
+1 Concerto for clavier, violin, and flute.
+6 Concertos ('Brandenburg Concertos') for several instruments.
+2 Concertos for violin and orchestra.
+1 Concerto for 2 violins.
+3 Concertos for 2 claviers.
+2 Concertos for 3 claviers.
+3 Sonatas and 3 Partitas for violin alone.
+6 Suites for violoncello.
+3 Sonatas for flute.
+4 Overtures.            }
+1 Symphony.             } For orchestra.
+6 Sonatas.                    }
+18 Preludes and Fugues.       }
+3 Toccatas.                   } For organ.
+113 Preludes.                 }
+24 Chorales.                  }
+
+
+
+
+HANDEL
+
+
+
+
+HANDEL
+
+
+In a garret choked with lumber of various kinds, to which the dust of
+years had imparted the greyish hue of neglect and decay, a little
+fair-haired boy was seated before a spinet, fingering its yellow keys
+with a tenderness that betokened his fondness for the instrument. The
+level rays of the setting sun streaming through the dimmed casement
+lighted up the child's head with its clustering curls, as he bent over
+the keyboard. The little spinet was almost dumb, and the voice which
+had cheered so many lonely hours spent in its companionship was hardly
+more than a whisper. Yet even so the boy loved to listen to it, for
+the spinet could speak to him as no living voice could speak; its
+sweet, faint sounds stirred the heart within him as nothing else in
+the whole of his childish world had the power to move it, awakening
+and creating fresh sounds that grew ever stronger as the hours flew by
+unheeded. To him the greatest joy of existence was to steal away to
+his garret next the sky and whisper his secrets to the friendly
+spinet.
+
+    [Illustration: _Handel's birthplace, Halle, Saxony._]
+
+George Frederick Handel, as the boy was named, was the son of a
+surgeon of Halle, Lower Saxony, in which town the child was born on
+February 23, 1685. Even before he could speak little George had shown
+a remarkable fondness for music, and the only toys he cared for were
+such as were capable of producing musical sounds. With this love for
+music, however, the father showed no sympathy whatever; he regarded
+the art with contempt, as something beneath the serious notice of one
+who aspired to be a gentleman, and that his child should have
+expressed an earnest desire to be taught to play only served to make
+him angry. He had decided that George was to be a lawyer, and in order
+that nothing should interfere with the carrying out of this intention
+he refused to allow the boy to attend school, lest his fondness for
+music should induce some one to teach him his notes. Poor George was
+therefore compelled to stifle his longing whilst in his father's
+presence, and content himself with 'making music' in the seclusion of
+his own chamber. It may seem strange that Handel's mother should not
+have interposed in order that her boy should be taught music, but
+there is no doubt that the elderly surgeon ruled his household with a
+firm hand, which not even his wife's intercession would have made him
+relax. Moreover, Dorothea Handel was by nature far too gentle and
+submissive to seek to turn her husband from his decision. 'Meister
+Goerge,' as he was styled, had been twice married. Dorothea, his second
+wife, was much younger than her husband, and possessed a gentle
+disposition that served to win her a place in the hearts of all who
+knew her, and that little George Frederick had his mother's sympathy
+in his love for music we cannot doubt.
+
+    [Illustration: HANDEL.
+    From photo RISCHGITZ.]
+
+Handel was about five years of age when the wistful glances which he
+bestowed upon other children who were more fortunate than he in being
+permitted to learn music aroused the active sympathy of a kind friend,
+who procured for him a dumb spinet--a small harpsichord having its
+sound deadened by strips of cloth tied round the strings. The
+instrument was secretly conveyed to a lumber-room in the surgeon's
+house, where a corner had been cleared for its reception, and thither
+would Handel delightedly repair at such times as he could do so
+without attracting notice. Hour after hour would pass whilst thus
+enrapt, until the shades of evening fell, or the moonbeams creeping
+across the instrument aroused him from his reverie. Often when the
+house was hushed in slumber the child would leave his bed, and steal
+away to the garret in order to commune with his beloved art. Day after
+day he laboured thus, mastering his difficulties one by one, his love
+and his genius preventing him from feeling the hardest work a
+drudgery.
+
+For some time this secret practising continued without arousing
+suspicion on the part of the other inmates of the house. One night,
+however, when the child had resorted to his favourite spot, he was
+suddenly missed by those below, and, as it was known that he had been
+sent to bed, some fears were felt as to what could have become of him.
+The servants were summoned, but could give no account of him; the
+father was fetched from his study, whither he had retired, and a
+search began. The alarm increased when it was ascertained that the
+child was in none of the living-rooms of the house, and it was decided
+that the garrets and lofts must be searched. Calling for a lantern,
+the surgeon ascended the stairs leading to the lumber-room; it was
+possible that the boy might have found his way thither on some
+childish expedition, and there fallen asleep. Great was the father's
+surprise, on reaching the top-most landing, to hear faint musical
+sounds proceeding from behind the closed door. Noiselessly retracing
+his steps, he summoned the rest of the household, and then, ascending
+the stairs in a body, they paused outside to listen. Sure enough the
+old garret was full of melodic sounds! Now near, now far off, they
+seemed to the listeners to be wafted from another world; there was
+something uncanny about it, and the maids gazed into each other's
+faces with a scared expression, as the master softly lifted the latch,
+and, having peeped into the room, beckoned silently to the rest to
+follow him.
+
+It might have been one of the angel choir itself whom these good
+people of the under-world had stumbled upon unawares! 'Meister Goerge,'
+lifting his lantern above his head, peered forward into the darkness,
+whilst the women clasped their hands in astonishment at the vision
+presented to their gaze. For there, seated before the spinet, was the
+white-robed figure of the child, his face half turned towards them,
+and his eyes, as they caught the light of the lantern, revealing the
+dreamy, rapt expression of one who is lost to every earthly
+surrounding.
+
+    [Illustration: '_Beckoned silently to the rest to follow him._']
+
+This discovery does not seem to have produced any outburst of anger
+on the part of the father. Possibly he was touched by the child's
+devotion, or by his entreaties, and felt unwilling to deprive him of
+what, after all, he could only regard in the light of an amusement. At
+any rate, little Handel appears to have continued his practising
+without interruption. The progress which he made with his studies,
+however, made him long for an opportunity of hearing others play, and,
+very naturally, of being allowed to express his musical thoughts upon
+an instrument capable of responding with a fuller sound, though the
+fulfilment of this latter wish was more than he dared hope for whilst
+his father remained obdurate. One day, when Handel was seven years
+old, his father announced his intention of paying a visit to the
+castle of the Duke of Saxe-Weissenfels to see his son--a step-brother
+of George Frederick--who acted as valet de chambre to the Duke. Handel
+was most anxious to be allowed to accompany his father, because he had
+heard that the Duke kept a great company of musicians to perform in
+his chapel. But the father refused his consent, and the boy turned
+away with a look of fixed determination in his eyes, which it was
+well, perhaps, that the elderly surgeon did not perceive. 'I will go,'
+muttered the boy to himself, as he sought the seclusion of his garret;
+'I will go, even if I have to run every inch of the way!'
+
+Handel did not know then that no fewer than forty miles lay between
+his home and the ducal castle, but having formed his bold resolution
+he awaited the moment when his father set forth on his journey, and
+then, running behind the closed carriage, he did his best to keep pace
+with it. The roads were long and muddy, and although he panted on
+bravely for a long distance, the child's strength began at last to
+fail, and, fearing that he would be left behind, he called to the
+coachman to stop. At the sound of the boy's voice his father thrust
+his head out of the window, and was about to give vent to his anger at
+George's disobedience; but a glance at the poor little bedraggled
+figure in the road, with its pleading face, melted the surgeon's
+heart. They were at too great a distance from home to turn back, and
+so Handel was lifted into the carriage and carried to Weissenfels,
+where he arrived tired and footsore, but supremely happy at having won
+his point.
+
+Handel had certainly not formed too bright a picture of the musical
+delights of the Duke's home. The musicians were most friendly towards
+him, and, as he was by no means shy where his beloved art was
+concerned, they soon became good friends. His delight was great when
+he was told that he might try the beautiful organ in the chapel. The
+organist stood beside him and arranged the stops, whilst the child,
+with a feeling of coming joy that was almost akin to fear, placed his
+fingers upon the keys. The next moment his hesitation had vanished,
+and the sounds were coming in response--one minute low and deep, then
+mysteriously calling to him from distant corners of the dim galleries,
+like sweet angel voices which he had the power to summon by the
+pressure of his fingers. In his lonely garret, fingering his spinet,
+he had longed for such an opportunity as this, to be enabled to make
+the great organ-pipes sing to him in whispers, or to thunder back to
+him in grand, deep chords that would set the whole air vibrating with
+music. And now the opportunity he craved for had come, and he could
+speak his musical thoughts into this noble instrument, which had the
+power to draw from the depths of his soul all that that soul
+contained. Ah, Handel was glad now that he had persevered and worked
+so hard at his music. He was glad, too, that he had undertaken that
+long, toilsome run behind his father's carriage, for it had brought to
+him the greatest joy of his life.
+
+    [Illustration: '_He called to the coachman to stop._']
+
+On several occasions after this the organist came to the chapel on
+purpose to listen to Handel as the latter played, and he was so struck
+by the boy's genius that he determined to surprise the Duke by letting
+Handel play His Highness out of chapel. Accordingly, on the following
+Sunday, when the service was concluded, the organist lifted Handel on
+to the organ-stool, and desired him to play. If the young player had
+needed courage and self-confidence, it must have been at this moment
+when bidden to perform before the Duke and all his people. But he
+needed neither, for he instantly forgot all else but the music which
+he was burning to express, and without a moment's hesitation complied
+with the organist's request.
+
+The Duke and his friends had risen to their feet as Handel began to
+play, but the former, who was a good musician himself, instantly
+detected a difference in the playing, and, glancing towards the
+organ-loft, he was astonished to behold the figure of a child bending
+over the keys. But as he listened his astonishment became greater, for
+it was no longer the child's figure that arrested his attention, but
+the melody which was pouring forth from the instrument. Instead of
+walking out of the chapel, the Duke remained standing where he had
+risen, with his gaze riveted upon the child player, and of course the
+members of the household likewise kept their places. At length, when
+Handel ceased to play, the Duke turned to those about him with the
+inquiry: 'Who is that child? Does anybody know his name?' As no one
+present seemed to know, the organist was sent for to explain matters.
+After a few words from this official the Duke commanded that Handel
+should be brought before him. When the boy appeared he patted him on
+the head, and praised his performance, telling him that he was sure
+that he would make a good musician. At this point, however, the
+organist interposed with the remark that he understood that the boy's
+father had refused to let him follow up his musical studies. 'What!'
+cried the Duke in astonishment, 'is it possible that he can
+contemplate anything so foolish and unjust as to stifle the genius of
+his own son! I cannot believe it. Who is the father? Where does he
+live?' On being told that the surgeon was staying in the palace, the
+Duke sent for him, and having told him how much he admired his son's
+performance, he pointed out to him that he would be doing a great
+wrong to the child if he persisted in placing any obstacle in the way
+of his advancement. 'I need hardly say,' concluded the kindly Duke,
+'that such action on your part would, in my opinion, be quite unworthy
+of a member of your own honourable profession.' The father listened
+with respect to what the Duke had to say, and then (though with
+obvious reluctance) consented to allow the boy to pursue his studies.
+'Come,' said the Duke, as he saw that his point was won, 'that is
+good, and, believe me, you will never regret it.' He finally turned to
+little Handel, and, patting him once more on the head, bade him work
+hard at his music, and then took his leave. The child would have
+thanked him, but his heart was too full for words, and tears of
+gratitude started to his eyes as the kindly nobleman turned away. At
+last the wish of his heart would be fulfilled. Happy was the journey
+that had so happy an ending for the young musician.
+
+    [Illustration: '_The Duke praised his performance._']
+
+As it was now settled that Handel should devote himself to music, it
+became necessary to place him with a good teacher. Friederich Zachau,
+an excellent musician, and the organist of the cathedral at Halle, was
+chosen to instruct the boy in composition as well as to give him
+lessons on the organ, harpsichord, violin, and hautboy. Zachau was
+extremely pleased with his pupil, and, perceiving his extraordinary
+aptitude and genius, he did his best to bring him on. The organist
+possessed a large collection of music by composers of different
+countries, and he showed Handel how one nation differed from another
+in its style of musical expression, or, to put it another way, how
+the people of a particular country felt with regard to the art. Zachau
+also taught him to compare the work of various composers, so that he
+might recognise the various styles, as well as the faults and
+excellencies of each. All this time, too, Handel was set work in
+composition. Before long he was actually composing the regular weekly
+services for the church, in addition to playing the organ whenever
+Zachau desired to absent himself--yet at this time Handel could not
+have been more than eight years old.
+
+It was at the end of three years' hard work that Zachau took his pupil
+by the hand, and said: 'You must now find another teacher, for I can
+teach you no more.' Well and faithfully indeed had Zachau discharged
+his duty toward the pupil for whom, to use his own words, he felt he
+could never do enough, and grateful must Handel have been for all his
+care and attention. The parting was sad for both master and pupil, but
+with both the art which they loved stood before all else, and so
+Handel was sent to Berlin to pursue his studies.
+
+It is hardly to be wondered at that the people of Berlin should have
+regarded as a prodigy a child of eleven who was capable of composing
+music for Church services, as well as of playing the organ and
+harpsichord in a masterly fashion. There were two well-known musicians
+living in Berlin at the time, named Ariosti and Buononcini, to whom
+Handel was of course introduced. The former received the boy very
+kindly and gave him every encouragement, but Buononcini took a dislike
+to him from the first, and seems to have done his best to injure the
+little player's reputation. Under the pretence of testing Handel's
+powers he composed a most difficult piece for the harpsichord, and,
+setting it before the child, requested him to play it at sight. The
+piece bristled with complications, and Buononcini confidently
+anticipated that Handel would break down over its performance. To his
+chagrin, however, the boy played it through with perfect ease and
+correctness, and from that moment Buononcini regarded him as a serious
+rival. Indeed, Handel's skill in improvising both on the organ and
+pianoforte created astonishment in all who heard him, and despite
+Buononcini's hostility he made many friends. The Elector himself was
+so delighted with his playing that he offered him a post at Court, and
+even expressed his willingness to send him to Italy to pursue his
+studies. Handel's father, however, refused his consent to both
+proposals; no doubt he thought that if the boy developed according to
+the promise which he showed it would be necessary to keep him free
+from Court engagements, since it had happened in the case of others
+that great difficulty had been experienced in breaking away from such
+connections. The royal patrons of music were most anxious to obtain
+the services of the best musicians, and naturally were very loath to
+part with them when once secured. It was therefore determined that
+Handel should return to Halle, and be placed once more under the care
+of his old master. As may be imagined, Zachau was delighted to receive
+his pupil back again, and, with no less joy on his part, Handel set to
+work with increased energy to master the science of composition.
+
+Whilst Handel was delighting the people of Berlin with his playing, a
+little boy, who was destined to become one of the greatest of
+musicians, was injuring his sight by copying out by moonlight the
+manuscript music which he had taken from his elder brother's cupboard,
+and helping to support himself by singing in the street, and at
+weddings and funerals, snatching every moment that could be spared
+from such work for adding to his knowledge of composition and
+playing. That little boy was Johann Sebastian Bach.
+
+About this time Handel formed a friendship with a young student named
+Telemann, who was studying law at Leipzig. Curiously enough,
+Telemann's history up to this point bore a close resemblance to that
+of Handel. From a child he had been passionately devoted to music, but
+it was his parents' wish that he should study law, and now, in
+obedience to his mother's desire, he had come to Leipzig University.
+The love of music, however, was strong within him, and the meeting
+with Handel seems to have fired his passion anew. Yet he resolutely
+set his face against the temptation to stray from the path laid down
+for him, and to strengthen his resistance he put all his manuscript
+compositions in the fire--all save one, which lay forgotten in an old
+desk. It happened that a friend lighted upon this solitary manuscript
+by accident, and recognising its beauty showed it to the Church
+authorities of Leipzig. They in turn were so delighted with it that
+they immediately offered the composer the post of organist at the
+Neukirche, at the same time sending him a sum of money for the
+manuscript, and requesting him to compose regularly for the Church. At
+this juncture Telemann abandoned the struggle against his love for the
+art, and to his mother, who was supplying him with the means of
+living, he wrote, saying that he could no longer hold out against what
+he felt to be his true sphere of work, and mentioning that he had
+already begun to receive remuneration for the compositions. At the
+same time he returned the money which she had sent towards his
+education, and begged her not to think too hardly of him. The fact
+that his talent for music could produce money seems to have melted the
+mother's heart, for she instantly wrote to her son, and not only
+returned the money he had sent, but gave him her blessing into the
+bargain.
+
+From this point Handel and Telemann became fast friends, and worked
+together at their musical studies, and it is interesting to record
+that the latter afterwards became one of the most celebrated German
+composers of his day. So numerous were his compositions, in fact, that
+it is told that he could not reckon them, and perhaps no other
+composer ever possessed such a facility in composition, especially in
+Church music. When reminded of his extraordinary talent, however, he
+used to say laughingly that a good composer ought to be able to set a
+placard to music.
+
+The death of Handel's father, which took place at this period, left
+his mother with very small means, and Handel at once determined that
+he must work for his own living, so as not to deprive his mother of
+any portion of her limited income, to which, indeed, he hoped to make
+some addition ere long. But for the present, it was necessary that his
+education should be completed in accordance with his father's
+injunction, and so Handel continued to attend the University classes
+in classics. From this time he acted as deputy organist at the
+Cathedral and Castle of Halle, and a few years later, when the post
+fell vacant, he was duly appointed organist, with a salary of L7 10s.
+a year and free lodging. The duties were many, and included attendance
+on Sundays, festivals, and extra occasions, the care of the organ, and
+obedience to the priests and elders of the church. The organ was of
+the old-fashioned kind, in which the bellows were worked by the feet
+of the blower, who for this reason was called a 'bellows-treader'
+(_Baelgentreter_). Handel was now seventeen, and longing for greater
+things; but he could not expect to earn much in so small a town as
+Halle, and so, in January, 1703, he said good-bye to his mother and
+his old friend Zachau, and set out for Hamburg to seek his fortune.
+
+His first engagement at Hamburg was a very small one. The Opera House
+orchestra needed a _ripieno_ (supplementary violin), and Handel
+accepted the post. What reason he had for letting it be understood
+that he possessed only a slight skill in playing is not shown, for to
+play _ripieno_ meant that he was expected simply to help out the
+orchestra when additional harmonies were required, and to give support
+to the solo parts. As may be imagined, this must have seemed very easy
+work to Handel, nor was it long before he found an opportunity of
+showing what he was capable of doing. At that time it was the custom
+for the conductor to preside at the harpsichord, where, with the score
+of the piece before him, he kept a check upon the players, and, where
+necessary, beat the time. One day the conductor was absent through
+some accidental cause, and no arrangement had been made to fill his
+place. Handel thereupon without a word stepped up and took his seat at
+the instrument, and conducted so ably as to excite the astonishment of
+the other performers. Having thus revealed his powers, he was
+thereafter permanently established in the post.
+
+Handel had not been long in Hamburg before he made the acquaintance of
+a most remarkable man named Mattheson. In addition to being an
+exceedingly clever musician and composer, Mattheson was a good
+linguist and a writer on a variety of musical subjects. He had formed
+a resolve to write a book for every year of his life, and he
+accomplished more than this, for he lived to be eighty-three years of
+age, and at the time of his death he had published no fewer than
+eighty-eight volumes. Despite the vanity which formed so large a part
+of his character, Handel could not fail to be attracted by so
+accomplished a man, and their acquaintance soon ripened into a
+friendship which lasted for many years. Shortly after they became
+known to each other the post of organist in the church of Luebeck fell
+vacant, and Handel and his friend determined to compete for it.
+Accordingly, they set out together in the coach, with the evident
+intention of enjoying themselves. They had a poulterer as
+fellow-traveller, who seems to have been quite of the same opinion,
+and as they journeyed to Luebeck they told stories, composed 'double
+fugues,' (which it is to be hoped the poulterer appreciated), and
+altogether had a very merry time. On reaching their destination they
+paid a round of visits to the organs and harpsichords in the town,
+trying them all in succession, and it was then arranged between them
+that Handel should compete only on the organ and Mattheson on the
+harpsichord. Matters, however, were not destined to be carried to the
+point of actual trial, for they suddenly discovered that the
+successful competitor would be required to wed the daughter of the
+retiring organist, and as neither musician contemplated taking so
+serious a step, they promptly retreated to Hamburg without even
+seeking an audience of the would-be bride!
+
+The self-will and determination which marked the character of Handel
+as a child clung to him through life, and not even the closest ties of
+friendship prevented his obstinate temper from asserting itself
+whenever occasion arose. Handel's temper, opposed to Mattheson's
+vanity, gave rise to a quarrel between the two friends which might
+have been attended by very serious consequences. Mattheson had written
+an opera called 'Cleopatra,' in which he himself took the part of
+Antony, and it had been his custom after the death of this character
+to take his place at the harpsichord and conduct the rest of the
+opera. This had been the arrangement with the former conductor, and
+Mattheson did not doubt that it would be adhered to when Handel
+presided at the pianoforte. But Mattheson had clearly reckoned without
+his host, for when the actor-composer, having departed this life on
+the stage, suddenly reappeared through the orchestra door and walked
+up to Handel's side with the request that the latter would yield his
+place to him, he was met by a flat refusal on the part of the
+conductor in possession. Possibly Handel may have been struck by the
+absurdity of a personage whose decease had only a few moments before
+been witnessed by the audience desiring to reassume his mortal dress
+in the orchestra. Mattheson's vanity, on the other hand, was no doubt
+deeply injured by his being made to look foolish, and he left the
+theatre in a rage.
+
+At the conclusion of the piece Handel found his friend awaiting him at
+the entrance. An altercation took place, and it is said that Mattheson
+went so far as to box Handel's ears. A public insult such as this
+could only be wiped out by a resort to swords, and the belligerents at
+once adjourned to the market-place, where, surrounded by a ring of
+curious onlookers, they drew their weapons. After several angry
+thrusts on either side, the point of Mattheson's sword actually
+touched his adversary's breast, but, fortunately, was turned aside by
+a large metal button which Handel wore on his coat. The consciousness
+of how narrowly he had missed injuring, if not actually killing, his
+friend brought Mattheson suddenly to his senses, and, the bystanders
+at this juncture interposing between them, the duellists shook hands,
+and thenceforth, it is said, became better friends than ever.
+
+    [Illustration: '_A resort to swords._']
+
+The life at Hamburg was a very busy one--full of teaching, study, and
+composition. With the growth of his fame the number of his pupils
+increased, and Handel was enabled not only to be independent of his
+mother's help, but even to send her money from time to time. He now
+began to practise a habit which remained with him always--that of
+saving money whenever he could. Unlike most students of his age, he
+was impressed by the fact that, in order to produce with success works
+which were essentially works of art, one should be to some extent
+independent. It was during these student days that he composed his
+first opera, 'Almira, Queen of Castile,' which was produced in Hamburg
+on January 8, 1705. Its success induced him to follow it up with
+others, and then, in the following year, he set out for Italy. It was
+a journey he had been looking forward to during these years of hard
+work--ever since the time, in fact, when the Elector's offer had been
+refused by his father. Now he could go with the feeling that he was a
+composer of some note, confident that his works would at least obtain
+a hearing from the Italians. But this tour was not undertaken with the
+idea of making a holiday: it was to be a time of hard, continuous work
+as regards both operas and sacred music, by which his fame as a
+composer was to be greatly enhanced.
+
+At Florence, where he stayed for some time, he composed the opera
+'Rodrigo,' which was received with great applause. The Grand Duke was
+so delighted with it that he presented Handel on the first performance
+with fifty pounds and a service of plate. At Venice he brought out
+another opera, 'Agrippina,' the success of which was even greater than
+any previously produced. The audience were most enthusiastic, rising
+from their seats and waving their arms, whilst cries of 'Viva il caro
+Sassone!' (Long live the dear Saxon) resounded through the house. That
+a German composer should thus have taken Italian audiences by storm is
+an indication of the power which Handel wielded through his music,
+especially when we consider the rivalry which existed between the two
+countries in regard to the art. At the same time it must be remembered
+that the works of Handel which were performed in Italy were composed
+under Italian skies, after close study of the productions and methods
+of the masters of Italian opera, and when the composer himself was
+imbued with what he had observed of the tastes and customs of the
+people. The quality of his works, however, must have served to
+convince the Italians of the strength which the sister country was
+capable of putting forth in support of her claim to be regarded as a
+home of musical art.
+
+Whilst on this tour Handel was present at a masked ball when
+Scarlatti, the celebrated Italian performer, aroused great applause by
+his playing on the harpsichord. Handel, whose identity was unknown to
+both Scarlatti and the audience, was next invited to play, and excited
+so much astonishment by his performance that Scarlatti, who had been
+listening intently, exclaimed aloud, 'It is either the famous Saxon
+himself, or the devil!' Later on, at Rome, the two performers competed
+in a friendly manner on the organ and pianoforte, and though it was
+undecided as to which should have the palm for the latter instrument,
+Scarlatti himself admitted Handel's superiority on the organ, and ever
+afterwards, when people praised him for his playing, he would tell
+them how Handel played, and at the same time cross himself in token of
+his great reverence for his gifted rival.
+
+In Rome itself Handel's interest was deeply aroused, and he returned
+for a second visit to the city in 1709. It was here that he composed
+and produced his first oratorio, the 'Resurrection,' which added to
+his fame as a writer of sacred music. During this second visit he
+witnessed the arrival of the Pifferari, a band of shepherd-fifers, who
+each year left their flocks on the Calabrian hills, and journeyed to
+Rome to celebrate the birth of Christ by singing and playing an
+ancient chant in memory of the shepherds of Bethlehem. Handel must
+have retained this simple melody in his mind, for many years later he
+introduced a version of it into his great oratorio, the 'Messiah,'
+where, under the title of the 'Pastoral Symphony,' it accompanies the
+scene of 'the shepherds abiding in the field.'
+
+The following year Handel returned to Germany, and went to Hanover,
+where he was most kindly received by the Elector (afterwards King
+George I. of England). The post of Capellmeister, with a salary of
+about L300, was offered and accepted, but Handel had a further favour
+to prefer. He had for long cherished a desire to visit England,
+whither the noise of his fame had already extended, and whence he had
+received many pressing invitations. His request for leave of absence
+for this purpose was at once granted by his royal master, but ere
+Handel could turn his steps to these shores a stronger claim upon him
+remained to be satisfied: this was to visit his mother and his old
+master, Zachau. We may imagine the meeting--the mother proud of her
+son, Zachau equally proud of his pupil. How glad the hearts of both
+must have been to welcome back one who had so abundantly justified
+their confidence in his powers! Short as the time had been, the young
+musician had accomplished a great work for his country, for his
+compositions had sufficed to show the Italians the height to which the
+music of Germany had risen. It now remained for him to bring the
+English under his subjection, and of his success in this direction he
+had little fear. When the autumn came Handel took leave of his dear
+ones, and, with the sorrow of parting tempered by joyful
+anticipations, he set sail for England.
+
+Italian opera had of late become the fashion in the musical world of
+London, but so much dissatisfaction had been aroused by the manner in
+which it was produced that it needed all the genius and power of such
+a master as Handel had shown himself to be to restore it to popular
+favour. We have, therefore, to think of Handel coming to London, with
+the fame of his Italian tour clinging to him, to a people longing for
+music which they could appreciate. That fame had paved the way for a
+cordial reception; he must next show them what he could do. In the
+February following his arrival Handel produced his opera 'Rinaldo' at
+the Queen's Theatre in the Haymarket, having expended just a fortnight
+in composing and completing it! The opera was a triumphant success.
+For fifteen nights in succession (a long run in those days) the house
+was crowded with an enthusiastic audience, and the charming airs which
+were first uttered within the walls of the Haymarket Theatre were
+afterwards wafted to the furthest corners of the three kingdoms. Even
+to-day, when many of us hear for the first time the airs 'Lascia ch'io
+pianga' and 'Cara sposa,' we seem to fall at once under the spell of
+their charm; and can we not imagine the effect which these beautiful
+songs produced upon the Londoners of nearly two centuries ago, as they
+were voiced by the great singer Nicolini? We have mentioned but two of
+the airs which have ever remained popular, but the opera abounded in
+graceful melodies that could not fail to captivate the ear of a people
+who had been languishing for the sunshine.
+
+It is interesting to recall the manner in which the opera was put upon
+the stage in those days. Every effort seems to have been made to
+render the scenes as realistic as possible, though occasionally this
+straining after effect was carried to an excess that excited ridicule.
+Thus, in the scene for Act II of 'Rinaldo,' representing the garden of
+Armida, the stage was filled with living birds, which were let loose
+from cages. As the opera was produced in the winter months, the only
+birds available were sparrows--a fact which gave rise to sarcastic
+comments in the papers. The practice, however, might have been justly
+condemned on account of its cruelty.
+
+Handel was now firmly established in the favour of English
+music-lovers. They had expected great things of him, and they were
+not disappointed. There was a body of true musicians in London at that
+time to whom the presence of the composer must have given special
+delight. Regular concerts, where amateur musicians could meet for the
+purpose of playing and hearing the best music, were unknown, and it
+was left to the enterprising zeal of one humble individual to
+originate the idea of the regular weekly concerts in London which
+later on became so widely known and appreciated. In a small shop near
+Clerkenwell Green lived a small-coal dealer named Thomas Britton. In
+those days 'small-coal,' or charcoal, was extensively used amongst the
+poorer classes, and regularly each morning Britton would shoulder his
+large sack of the fuel and go his round through the streets, disposing
+of his burden in pennyworths to the inhabitants. When the round was
+finished he returned home, changed his clothes, forgot that he was a
+small-coal man, and became a musician. Nor were there wanting many
+belonging to far higher stations in life who were ready to testify to
+the deep love for the art which distinguished the small-coal dealer.
+In a long, low-pitched room above the shop, which had originally
+formed part of a stable, Britton had collected a large number of
+musical instruments of various kinds, as well as the scores of some of
+the best music of the day. To this humble apartment would repair
+numbers of amateur and professional musicians belonging to all ranks
+of society, from the highest to the lowest. No one paid for admission,
+and the sole qualification expected of the visitor was that he or she
+should be a lover of the art. Thus, at the weekly gatherings in the
+small-coal man's loft, might have been seen peers of the realm, poets
+and artists, singers and performers, both known and unknown, mingling
+freely together, drinking coffee provided by the host at one penny
+per dish, and settling themselves down to enjoy the best chamber music
+of the day. Handel was not long in finding his way thither, and he
+became a regular attendant, always presiding at the harpsichord. The
+fame of Britton's assemblies grew apace, and led eventually to the
+establishment of regular weekly chamber concerts in London.
+
+This first visit to England seems to have implanted in Handel a
+sincere affection for the country and its people, and although he
+returned to Hanover and took up his duties again at Court, he felt
+convinced that London was the centre in which his genius could have
+its fullest play. It was not long, therefore, before he obtained fresh
+leave of absence to visit England, giving in return a promise to
+present himself at his post within a 'reasonable' time. How he carried
+out this promise we shall see from what follows. London was only too
+glad to see him again, and his acquaintances became more numerous than
+ever. Lord Burlington invited him to stay at his seat, Burlington
+House (now the Royal Academy), in Piccadilly, where the only duty
+expected of him in return for the comforts of a luxurious home and the
+society of the great was that he should conduct the Earl's chamber
+concerts. It is difficult to realise that Burlington House stood then
+in the midst of fields, whilst Piccadilly itself was considered to be
+so far from town that surprise was felt that Lord Burlington should
+have removed himself to such a distance from the centre of life and
+fashion. The loneliness of Piccadilly at that period may be surmised
+from the fact that it was not safe to traverse the thoroughfare after
+nightfall unless protected by an escort strong enough to repell the
+attacks of highwaymen who haunted the neighbourhood.
+
+The time passed so quickly amidst the pleasures of society and the
+unceasing devotion to composition that Handel himself probably failed
+to realise that he was gratuitously extending his leave of absence
+beyond all 'reasonable' bounds. His fame had made great progress all
+this while, and when the wars in Flanders at length came to an end
+with the signing of the peace of Utrecht, he was called upon to
+compose the _Te Deum_ and _Jubilate_, which were performed at the
+Thanksgiving Service held at St. Paul's, and attended by the Queen in
+state. To signalise this great event, as well as to mark the royal
+favour in which the composer was held, Queen Anne awarded Handel a
+life pension of L200. It is small wonder, then, that he should have
+been slow to sever, even for a time, his connection with the world of
+London. Amongst his numerous acquaintance of this time was a certain
+Dr. Greene, a musician of some ability, but more perseverance, whose
+attentions to the composer were so persistent as to partake of the
+nature of persecution. Handel was never the man to cultivate an
+acquaintance for which he had no liking, and it was a part of his
+character to make no effort to conceal his dislikes either for persons
+or things. When, therefore, Dr. Greene sent him a manuscript anthem of
+his own to look over, Handel put it on one side and forgot it. Some
+time afterwards Dr. Greene went to take coffee with the great man, and
+having waited vainly for some reference to his manuscript until his
+patience was exhausted, he burst out with: 'Well, Mr. Handel, and what
+do you think of my anthem?' 'Your antum?' cried Handel in his broken
+English. 'Ah, yes, I do recollect, I did tink dat it vanted air,'
+'_Air!_' exclaimed the astonished and indignant composer. 'Yes, air,'
+responded Handel, 'and so I did hang it out of de vindow.'
+
+    [Illustration: '_A grand procession of decorated barges from
+    Whitehall to Limehouse._']
+
+The death of the Queen must have awakened Handel with a shock to a
+sense of his neglect of duty, for the Elector of Hanover thereupon
+came to England as her successor. That King George would be likely to
+receive Handel with favour was out of the question, notwithstanding
+the monarch's love of music and the fame which had grown about his
+Capellmeister's name. The offence lay far too deep for that, and
+Handel realised that he must employ some special means of grace to
+secure his master's pardon. The opportunity he sought for came ere
+long. A royal entertainment on the Thames was arranged, in which there
+was to be a grand procession of decorated barges from Whitehall to
+Limehouse. An orchestra was provided, and Handel was requested by the
+Lord Chamberlain to compose the music for the fete, in the hope that
+by so doing he might pave the way towards a reconciliation. Handel
+acquiesced, and the result was the series of pieces which have since
+been known as the 'Water Music,' The King was so delighted with the
+performance that he had it repeated, and, learning that Handel was
+conducting it in person, he sent for him, and not only granted him a
+full pardon, but conferred upon him an additional pension of L200. Nor
+did the royal favour stop here, for he was shortly afterwards
+appointed music-master to the daughters of the Prince of Wales at a
+salary of L200 a year. Handel was thus raised to a position of
+independence, for as the original grant from Queen Anne continued in
+force he enjoyed a total income of L600 a year, a sum which in those
+days was equivalent to a considerable fortune.
+
+It was not long after this that Handel was appointed chapel-master to
+the Duke of Chandos, at the latter's palace of Cannons, near Edgware.
+The post up till then had been held by a certain Dr. Pepusch, but he
+resigned at once in favour of Handel. Anything more princely in style
+than Cannons could hardly be imagined; its size and magnificence were
+the talk of the country for miles around, whilst the fabulous riches
+of its owner and his luxuriousness of living earned for him the title
+of 'The Grand Duke,' The palace itself has long since disappeared, but
+the chapel originally attached to it has been preserved, and now forms
+the parish church of Whitchurch, or Little Stanmore. The interior is
+furnished and decorated after the fashion of the Italian churches, but
+it is not on account of its structural beauty that the church has
+become the object of interest to thousands of pilgrims who annually
+make their way to the village of Edgware; it is the knowledge that it
+was here that Handel composed his first English oratorio, 'Esther,' as
+well as numerous anthems and other minor works. The manuscript score
+of this fine work--which is but rarely heard now--is to be seen in the
+Royal Collection of Handel manuscripts at Buckingham Palace, though a
+portion of it is missing. No one who finds his way to the church of
+Little Stanmore should fail to notice the organ, for it is the
+instrument used by Handel from 1718 to 1721, and on which he played
+the organ parts of 'Esther,' when the oratorio was performed for the
+first time in the Duke's chapel. With the lavishness that was his
+chief characteristic the Duke handed to the composer on this occasion
+L1,000, but in so doing he may have been actuated by a sincere desire
+to add to Handel's independence. Those were very happy and busy years
+which Handel passed at Cannons. Amongst the numerous compositions for
+the harpsichord belonging to this period is the suite of pieces which
+includes the air, with variations, popularly known as 'The Harmonious
+Blacksmith,' The origin of this title has for long been a matter of
+discussion; it is quite certain that Handel himself did not so name
+the piece, for the manuscript bears the title only of 'Air et
+Doubles,' nor was it ever known by any other name during the
+composer's lifetime. Yet there are few of us, perhaps, who willingly
+reject as fable the story which for many years after Handel's death
+was believed to have given a true account of its origin. According to
+this story Handel was one day walking to Cannons through the village
+of Edgware, when he was overtaken by a heavy shower of rain, and
+sought shelter within the smithy. The blacksmith was singing at his
+work, and the strokes of his hammer on the anvil kept time to his
+song. Handel, it is said, was so struck both by the air and its
+accompaniment that on reaching home he wrote down the tune with a set
+of variations upon it. Assuming this story to have no foundation in
+fact, no satisfactory explanation has been forthcoming to account for
+the origin of the title, and when, in 1835, the story was
+investigated, it was claimed that both anvil and hammer had been
+traced as having passed through several hands. The blacksmith's name
+was said to have been Powell, and the anvil is described as bearing a
+capital P, and, further, that 'when struck with the hammer it gives,
+first, the note B, but immediately afterwards sounds E. These notes
+correspond very nearly with the B-flat and E-flat of our present
+concert pitch, and therefore coincide very closely with the E-natural
+and B-natural of Handel's times,'[3] Again, with regard to the air
+itself, the contention that Handel took it from another composer has
+never been proved, and there is 'absolutely nothing to show that it is
+not the work of Handel.'[4]
+
+    [Illustration: '_The strokes of his hammer on the anvil kept
+    time to his song._']
+
+It is difficult for us to imagine the road leading from the Marble
+Arch (then called Tyburn) to Edgware as being infested by highwaymen.
+This fact, like that regarding the condition of Piccadilly, serves to
+show in a striking manner how circumscribed the London of those days
+must have been. Handel must often have had to travel between Cannons
+and London, but we do not hear of his having been robbed by the way.
+The Duke, however, was attacked on more than one occasion, and he
+always performed the journey with an escort of his favourite Swiss
+Guards, of whom a body was kept to protect the palace.
+
+For several years the production of opera 'after the Italian style,'
+which Handel on his coming over had done so much to stimulate, had
+languished for lack of funds. To many Londoners who were fond of music
+the sight of the closed doors of the King's Theatre in the Haymarket
+imparted a feeling of regret and loss. When, therefore, a number of
+rich patrons of music met together and decided to form themselves into
+a society for the purpose of reviving the opera in London, the project
+was received with signs of general pleasure. The King was greatly
+interested, and subscribed L1,000 to the venture. Handel was at once
+engaged in the double capacity of composer and 'impressario,' the
+latter duty charging him with the selection and engagement of singers.
+The new society was to be called the Royal Academy of Music, but we
+must not confuse this body with the Royal Academy of Music existing
+at the present day, which was founded in 1822.
+
+Handel now set out for Germany with the object of visiting Dresden,
+where the Elector of Saxony was maintaining a company of the best
+singers for the performance of Italian opera. On his return journey he
+paid a visit to Halle, where he found his mother alive, and overjoyed
+to see him, though the cheery welcome of his old master Zachau could
+no longer be heard, for the old man had gone to his rest. There was
+another sad note about this visit, for on the very day that Handel
+left for England Sebastian Bach, filled with a longing to meet his
+great contemporary, arrived at Halle, whither he had journeyed from
+Coethen, only to find that he was a few hours too late. This was the
+last chance of their meeting, for when Handel paid his next visit to
+Germany Bach was dead.
+
+Early in the following year the doors of the theatre in the Haymarket
+were besieged by a huge crowd, anxious to secure seats for the
+performance of Handel's new opera, 'Radamisto,' which was being
+produced by the Royal Academy of Music. The applause was deafening,
+and the success of the opera was assured. But Handel was not to be
+left to enjoy his honours in peace; an opposition party had already
+arisen, who were moved to do him evil partly from envy, and partly
+because he had stirred them up to resentment by his dominancy and
+self-will. From Hamburg came his old enemy, Buononcini, to try his
+fortune with the new society, and it was not long ere the rival
+composers were engaged with a third musician, whose name is uncertain
+(though some state it to have been that of Handel's friend of his
+Hamburg days--Ariosti), in the composition of a new opera. It was
+arranged that this work should form a kind of competition, with the
+object of determining whether Handel or Buononcini was the better
+composer. Thus Handel wrote the third act, and Buononcini the second,
+the first act being committed to the hands of the third musician,
+whose claim to be regarded as a rival was very small in comparison
+with the others. When the new work, 'Muzio Scaevola,' was performed
+Handel's act was pronounced by the principal judges to be much
+superior to that of Buononcini's; the latter's friends, however,
+refused to accept a defeat, and being joined by others, the battle
+waxed exceedingly hot. The newspapers took it up, and very soon
+nothing else was talked about but the rival merits of the two
+composers. Numerous verses were composed on either side, as well as
+others which poked fun at both parties. Amongst the latter was an
+epigram written by John Byrom, the Lancashire poet, which, without the
+knowledge of the author, got into all the papers, and was considered
+to hit off the situation more neatly than any which had gone before.
+Thus it runs:
+
+    'Some say, compar'd to Buononcini,
+    That Mynheer Handel's but a Ninny;
+    Others aver, that he to Handel
+    Is scarcely fit to hold a Candle;
+    Strange all this Difference should be,
+    'Twixt Tweedle-dum and Tweedle-dee!'
+
+That Handel showed scant consideration for those who differed from him
+in regard to his works is proved by his treatment of the artists who
+were engaged to perform for him. He could not be thwarted from his
+bent, nor cajoled into doing anything that he disliked, whilst his
+stubborn pride prevented him from yielding to any, whether great or
+small. When, in 1723, his opera 'Ottone' was about to be produced, he
+had engaged as prima donna the great Continental singer, Francesca
+Cuzzoni. The lady does not appear to have possessed the sweetest of
+tempers, and she showed her independence by not putting in an
+appearance in England until the rehearsals were far advanced. This
+could not have been pleasing to the composer, but when on her
+presenting herself at the theatre she flatly refused to sing the aria
+'Falsa Immagine' in the way Handel had written it, he burst into a
+rage, and seizing her in his arms, cried: 'Madam, you are a very
+she-devil, but I vill have you know dat I am Beelzebub, de prince of
+devils!' with which he made as if to throw her out of the window.
+Cuzzoni was so frightened by his fury that she promised to do as she
+was bid. Accordingly, she sang as he directed, and made one of her
+greatest successes with the song. How much the public appreciated the
+singing of this gifted artist we may guess when it is told that the
+directors obtained as much as five guineas for each seat when she was
+advertised to sing.
+
+Although he would brook no contradiction on the part of those who were
+engaged to execute his works, Handel spared no pains to help them over
+a difficulty, or to show how his music should be expressed. At times,
+however, his temper took the form of the most unsparing sarcasm. One
+day a singer at rehearsal protested against the manner in which Handel
+was accompanying him on the harpsichord, and in a fit of anger
+exclaimed: 'If you continue to accompany me in that fashion I will
+jump from the platform on to the harpsichord, and smash it!' 'Vat!'
+cried Handel, looking up in surprise, 'do you say you vill jump? Den I
+vill advertise it at once, for people vould come to see you jump dat
+vill never come to hear you sing!'
+
+We have not space to describe the whole of the works which Handel
+wrote for the Royal Academy of Music. His industry was untiring, and
+the fertility of his genius was such that within a period of eight
+years from the beginning of the Society's work he had composed and
+produced no fewer than fourteen operas. Amongst this number was the
+opera called 'Scipione,' in which is to be found a 'Triumphal March in
+D,' which the Grenadier Guards claim to have been specially composed
+for their regiment by Handel before its inclusion in the opera. The
+Guards are very proud of their march, and the band still plays it
+under the title of the 'Royal Guards March.'
+
+During the whole of this time, however, Handel's enemies never ceased
+their opposition, and, despite successes, it was soon apparent that
+the rival parties were bent on destroying each other. The enormous
+cost incurred in producing operatic works, added to the losses
+occasioned by quarrels and dissensions amongst the singers, many of
+whom deserted Handel to join his enemies, at length brought the Royal
+Academy to the end of its resources. In 1727, when the society was
+tottering to its fall, the rival theatre in Lincoln's Inn Fields
+brought out the famous work called 'The Beggar's Opera,' written by
+John Gay, which formed the first English ballad opera. Its success was
+stupendous; London was taken completely by storm, and everybody was
+soon singing and humming its catching airs. Fickle as the public taste
+had hitherto shown itself to be in regard to musical productions, it
+now became fixed on the new work, and opera in the 'Italian style' was
+completely deserted. What was the secret of this wonderful success?
+Simply this: a poet seized upon a number of the most entrancing airs
+which the musical genius of England and Scotland had produced, many of
+them belonging to ancient times, together with the favourite melodies
+of the day, and he set them to words which were utterly unworthy of
+the sentiment inspired by these beautiful compositions. The richest
+stores of ballad music were pillaged for this degrading work; the
+march in Handel's 'Rinaldo' was stolen to form a robber's chorus,
+whilst the exploits of Captain Macheath and his highwaymen companions
+were held up as models of daring and gallantry when performed to the
+most captivating of airs. The public hailed the piece with delight;
+the ladies modelled their dresses on the stage costume of 'Polly,' the
+heroine, and decorated their fans with the words of her songs, and for
+sixty-two nights the walls of the Lincoln's Inn Fields theatre shook
+with thunders of applause from gallery, pit, and stalls. In thus
+speaking of a work which not only held London captive for so long, but
+was afterwards performed in every part of the kingdom, we must not
+forget that its remarkable popularity was due in some measure to the
+brightness of its dialogue; to its witty sayings hitting off men and
+manners of the day; but, above all, to the exquisite beauty of its
+melodies, which served to lay a glamour over what otherwise would have
+undoubtedly been condemned as vulgar.
+
+The success of the 'Beggar's Opera' completed the ruin of the Royal
+Academy of Music, but Handel, undismayed by the failure of this great
+scheme, and setting his enemies at defiance, went once more to Italy
+to collect a new company of singers, for he was determined to carry on
+the work himself with the fortune which his operas had brought him. On
+his way home he paid a visit to Halle, where he found his aged mother
+stricken by illness. She lingered until the following year (1730),
+when she died at the age of eighty. For several years Handel struggled
+to build up the fortunes of Italian opera in London, but the
+persistent rivalry and opposition of his enemies, combined with the
+decadence of musical taste on the part of the public, caused his
+losses to accumulate, until, in 1737, he found himself, after repeated
+failures, deeply in debt, and with his health broken down by overwork
+and anxiety. The whole of his fortune of L10,000 had been swallowed up
+in this disastrous enterprise, and it was a poor consolation for him
+to know that his rivals failed in the same year with a loss of
+L12,000. Not even at this juncture, however, would his indomitable
+will submit to the force of circumstances. After a brief rest at Aix
+la Chapelle, with a course of vapour baths, he returned to London
+prepared to begin the battle afresh, and although he had lost to a
+great extent the favour of the rich, his popularity was such that a
+statue of himself was executed by public subscription, and erected in
+Vauxhall Gardens, an honour which, as has been truly observed, had
+been paid to no other composer during his lifetime.
+
+It was only after several failures that Handel was at length convinced
+that it was useless to attempt to re-awaken the interest of English
+audiences in Italian opera, and yet, although he made no concealment
+of his regret at the abandonment of a line of composition in which he
+had so greatly excelled, it was with no diminished vigour or
+determination that he now, at the age of fifty-five, turned his
+attention to work of a serious character. And if we admit that Handel
+excelled in operatic work, what shall we say of the oratorios which
+formed the later creations of his genius? To many of us, perhaps, his
+name is so intimately associated with the titles of his religious
+works that we are almost ready to believe that all which had gone
+before was merely in the nature of preparation for such noble works as
+'Saul,' 'Israel in Egypt,' 'Samson,' 'Jephtha,' and, above all, the
+'Messiah.' It is on the 'Messiah' alone that our space permits us to
+dwell, and we will endeavour to relate the story of how this great
+oratorio came to be written.
+
+It was in 1741 that the plan of writing the 'Messiah' was formed, but
+it is not known whether the subject originated with Handel himself, or
+was suggested to him by a friend named Mr. Charles Jennens, a man of
+great literary tastes and acquirements, who lived a retired life in
+the country. It is certain, however, that Mr. Jennens selected and
+wrote out the passages from the Scriptures, and sent them to Handel to
+set to music, and for the care and choice exercised in this
+compilation we owe to Mr. Jennens a deep debt of gratitude. Towards
+the end of this year Handel received an invitation from the
+Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland to visit Dublin, as the Irish people were
+very desirous of hearing some of his compositions performed in their
+country. Handel accepted the invitation very willingly, for he saw in
+the tone in which it was conveyed an assurance of the sympathy of the
+sister isle, as well as a prospect of being enabled to retrieve his
+fallen fortunes. He left England at the beginning of November, having
+previously sent a promise to Dublin that he would devote a portion of
+the money realised by his performances to three charitable
+institutions in that city. The music of the 'Messiah' must have been
+actually composed before he set foot upon the ship at Chester, for at
+the end of the following month we find him writing to Mr. Jennens from
+Dublin, and referring to the latter's oratorio, '"Messiah," which I
+set to music before I left England,'[5] Moreover, he must have had the
+manuscript score with him on his voyage, though his friends in London
+were ignorant of the fact; for we learn that being detained at
+Chester for some days by contrary winds, he got together at his inn
+several of the choir boys from the cathedral in order to try over some
+of the choral passages in the work. Needless to say, the title of the
+oratorio was not allowed to transpire on this occasion, but many of us
+may feel curious to know whether any of these young singers felt
+impressed by the beauty of the parts which it was their envied lot to
+'try over' in the composer's room at the hostelry. One at least of
+these trial performers must have carried away an unpleasant experience
+of the great man's impetuous temper. 'Can you sing at sight?' was the
+question put to each before he was asked to sing, and one broke down
+lamentably at the start. 'What de devil you mean!' cried Handel,
+snatching the music from his hands. 'Did not you say you could sing at
+sight?' 'Yes, sir, I did,' responded the confused singer, 'but not at
+_first_ sight!'
+
+The welcome extended to Handel by the people of Dublin was a very warm
+one; the performances were a great success, and then we get the first
+public mention of the new oratorio. At the 'Musick Hall in Fishamble
+Street, Dublin' is to be performed 'Mr. Handel's new grand Oratorio,
+called the "Messiah," in which the Gentlemen of the Choirs of both
+Cathedrals will assist, with some Concertos on the Organ, by Mr.
+Handel.' It was further announced that the proceeds would be devoted
+to two charitable institutions, and 'for the Relief of the Prisoners
+in the several Gaols.' These latter were miserable persons who had
+been imprisoned for debt, and whose sufferings through neglect and
+poverty were such as to excite deep compassion. Four hundred pounds
+was the sum realised by this performance, which took place on Monday,
+April 13, 1742, and no doubt the poor prisoners felt very grateful to
+the composer, who had thus put into practice the very precepts which
+his sacred work inspired. So great was the success of this first
+performance that a second was called for, the announcement of which
+contained an earnest appeal to the ladies to leave their hoops behind
+them. This singular request was obeyed, with the result that
+accommodation was found for one hundred more persons than on the first
+occasion.
+
+    [Illustration: '"_Did not you say you could sing at sight?_"'
+    '"_Yes, sir, but not at_ first _sight!_"']
+
+The citizens of Dublin seem to have been very loath to part with
+Handel, whilst he, for his part, must have felt in the warmth of his
+reception some recompense for the neglect from which he had been made
+to suffer in London. The visit was therefore prolonged for many
+months, and it was not until March 23, 1743, that a London audience
+gathered to witness their first performance of the 'Messiah'. How is
+it possible to give, in a few words, an idea of this great work? When
+we hear the 'Messiah' performed we are struck by its magnificence and
+beauty of expression; the language of Scripture seems to be clothed,
+as it were, in a beautiful garment of music which, ever changing as
+the oratorio proceeds, appears to give the fullest and most exact
+expression to each portion of the sacred story. At one time the music
+blazes forth like a jewelled crown when it catches the sun; at another
+it soars heavenwards like the song of the lark; once again it pours
+forth like the thunderous roar of a huge cataract, filling our ears
+with the majesty of its volume; then, again, it sinks to the tender
+moan of the wind as it sweeps through the trees; but everywhere and at
+all times it seems to exactly fit the words, and to give them their
+noblest expression. The oratorio opens with an overture, grand, yet
+simple, and designed to prepare our minds for the story which follows.
+Then we hear the words of the prophet Isaiah, 'Comfort ye my people,'
+telling of the coming of the Messiah, and relating the signs by which
+His approach is to be heralded--'Ev'ry valley shall be exalted,'
+etc.--and leading up to the revelation, 'The people that walked in
+darkness have seen a great light,' and so to the mighty outburst of
+harmony--'Wonderful! Counsellor!'--with which the prophecy reaches its
+culminating point. When these words are thundered forth in chorus we
+seem to have suddenly presented to our eyes a picture of the Messiah
+as He was revealed to the mind of the Prophet. But note attentively
+what follows. With the concluding notes of that grand choral outburst
+still ringing in our ears--the designation of a mighty Prince, a great
+Counsellor--we find ourselves, at the ushering in of the Nativity,
+not, as the words of the chorus would seem to predict, at the
+welcoming scene of a great Prince in all his splendour, but in the
+presence of a group of lowly shepherds tending their flocks in the
+quiet fields of Judaea. How wonderfully striking is the contrast
+between the grandeur of the concluding chorus and the simplicity and
+quiet beauty of the scene now presented to us by the Pastoral
+Symphony! It is founded upon the ancient melody which Handel had heard
+the Calabrian shepherds play at Rome[6] many years before, and soon
+the air is ringing with the chorus of the heavenly host, 'Glory to God
+in the highest,' followed by the joyful outburst, 'Rejoice greatly.'
+Then comes the revelation of what Christ shall be to His people--'He
+shall feed His flock like a Shepherd,' 'His yoke is easy and His
+burthen is light--' with which the first part comes to an end.
+
+In the second part we are shown the incidents leading up to the
+Passion, and our emotions are deeply stirred by the pathetic music
+indicating the sufferings of our Lord. What could be more touchingly
+beautiful than the air, 'He was despised and rejected of men'? in the
+writing of which Handel is said to have burst into tears. Then, the
+Passion past, we have the realisation of all that that sacrifice
+meant, the awakening of hope, followed by the triumphal chorus, 'Lift
+up your heads, O ye gates!' and after a succession of beautiful airs
+and choruses we reach the culminating point of the Recognition in that
+grand hymn of praise, the 'Hallelujah Chorus,' with which the second
+part concludes.
+
+Scarcely have the glorious hallelujahs of the last chorus died away
+ere the beautiful strains of the air, 'I know that my Redeemer
+liveth,' are ringing in our ears; from this we are led to the chorus,
+'Worthy is the Lamb,' indicating the glorification of the sacrifice,
+and the marvellous concluding chorus of the 'Amen,' which strikingly
+portrays the unified assent of heaven and earth to the Godhead of
+Christ.
+
+On the occasion of the first performance of the 'Messiah' in London,
+at which the King was present, the vast audience were so impressed by
+the grandeur of the music and the reverence which it inspired that
+when the 'Hallelujah Chorus' began, and the words, 'For the Lord God
+omnipotent reigneth,' rang out, they one and all, including the King,
+sprang to their feet as if by a given signal, and stood until the last
+notes of the chorus had been sounded. From that time forward it has
+been the custom at performances of the oratorio to stand during the
+'Hallelujah Chorus.'
+
+No other sacred musical work has been the means of securing for the
+sick and needy so much relief as that which the 'Messiah' has effected
+by its frequent performances in various parts of England and on the
+Continent. Handel, as we have seen, gave the proceeds of its first
+performance to help the sick and miserable, and his good example has
+been followed by many others. Later on his compassion was aroused by
+the poor, helpless little inmates of the Foundling Hospital. We all
+know the Foundling Hospital, in Guilford Street, Russell Square, but
+perhaps we do not all know why it is that Handel's portrait is there
+accorded the place of honour, or why the foundlings should hold the
+composer's memory in such reverence. Handel did not, it is true,
+establish the hospital; it was founded in 1741 by one Captain Coram,
+out of the profits of a trading vessel of which he was the master. But
+nine years later (in 1750) he presented the hospital with a fine
+organ, and, in order to inaugurate the opening of the instrument, he
+announced that he would perform upon it the music of the 'Messiah.' So
+great was the demand for seats upon this occasion that it was found
+necessary to repeat the performance. Handel afterwards presented a
+manuscript score of the oratorio to the Foundling, and undertook to
+give an annual performance of the work for the benefit of the charity.
+Eleven performances under his direction were given at the Foundling
+before his death, by which a sum of L6,955 was added to the hospital
+funds. Nor did this good work cease with the composer's death, for we
+learn that the annual performances continued to be given, and that
+seventeen of these brought the total amount by which the 'Messiah'
+benefited the hospital up to L10,299, a fact which of itself speaks
+volumes for the appreciation in which the oratorio was held.
+
+In connection with the gift of the 'Messiah' score to the Foundling an
+amusing story is told, which serves to illustrate the imperiousness of
+Handel's temper. The directors of the hospital were desirous of
+retaining for themselves the exclusive right to perform the 'Messiah,'
+and with this idea they sought to obtain an Act of Parliament
+confirming their rights. When Handel heard of the proposal, however,
+he burst out in a rage with, 'Te teufel! for what sall de Foundlings
+put mein moosic in de Parliament? Te teufel! mein moosic sall not go
+to de Parliament!' And it is hardly necessary to add that 'de moosic'
+did not go to 'de Parliament.'
+
+It is difficult, within the compass of this little story, to convey a
+just idea of the extraordinary amount of work which Handel's life
+comprised. One oratorio after another followed the 'Messiah,' none of
+them entitled to rank with that great work for either loftiness of
+subject or grandeur of expression, yet many containing passages of
+unrivalled beauty. 'Jephtha,' which was the last oratorio he composed,
+contains the magnificent recitative, 'Deeper and deeper still,' and
+the beautiful song, 'Waft her, angels.' It was while writing 'Jephtha'
+that Handel became blind, but, though greatly affected by this loss,
+it did not daunt his courage or lessen his power of work. He was then
+in his sixty-eighth year, and had lived down most of the hostility
+which formerly had been so rife against him. Who, indeed, could for
+long withstand so imperious a will, backed by such unquenchable
+genius? With increased fame, moreover, his fortunes had built
+themselves up once more, so that when he died he left L20,000 to be
+disposed of by his executors.
+
+The range of Handel's compositions was gigantic; there was no branch
+of the art which his genius did not penetrate and adorn, but it is as
+a writer of choruses that his power is seen at its best. 'No one,'
+writes Mr. Julian Marshall, in his biography of the composer, 'before
+or since has so well understood how to extract from a body of voices
+such grand results by such artfully simple means as those he used.' No
+master, we may add, has given us music which expresses with greater
+clearness, beauty, or force the passages of Scripture it is intended
+to illumine than that which is to be found in the choral parts of
+Handel's oratorios. Handel was the greatest master of counterpoint the
+world has ever seen, and this power enabled him to give musical
+expression to written words with an ease and fluency which can only be
+described as marvellous. Yet it is not its marvellous character which
+strikes us when we hear his work for the first time so much as its
+oneness with the subject it portrays; we feel that it is like some
+grand painting, in which colour and form are so charmingly blended as
+to make a perfect and indivisible whole.
+
+It is often alleged that Handel copied from other composers, and that
+such was the case there is abundant evidence to show. It must be
+remembered, however, that in his day people did not attach to
+originality of ideas the value which we allow to them now. Handel,
+however, did more than this: he not only borrowed ideas or themes
+which--to a great extent, at least--were regarded as common property,
+but he actually embodied in some of his works _entire passages_ taken
+from the compositions of comparatively unknown composers. For this no
+justification is possible; nor, on the other hand, can it be urged
+that Handel stole other men's brains because he lacked power to use
+his own. The only thing that it seems possible to say by way of
+explaining a practice which must be condemned as dishonest is that
+Handel in all probability did not realise his offence or view it in
+the light in which we view it at the present day. Everything in his
+life and character argues against the idea of his committing an action
+which he held to be mean or dishonest. No man could have been more
+fearlessly independent, either in thought or action, and, whatever
+other faults he possessed, his character has always been regarded as
+strictly honourable.
+
+Handel was a big man, with a very commanding presence and a fiery
+temper, which, as we have seen, was apt to explode at trifles. He did
+not hesitate to launch the most virulent abuse at the heads of those
+who ventured to talk whilst he was conducting, and at such times not
+even the presence of royalty could make him restrain his anger. But
+when Handel raved the Princess of Wales would turn to her friends, and
+say softly, 'Hush, hush! Handel is angry.' He had a rooted dislike to
+hearing his orchestra tune up in his presence, and he gave strict
+orders that the performers were to get this business over before he
+arrived. One night, however, when the Prince of Wales was to be
+present, a wag gained access to the orchestra and secretly untuned
+every instrument. When the Prince arrived and the audience were all
+seated, Handel 'gave the signal to begin _con spirito_, when such a
+discord arose that the enraged musician started from his seat,
+overturned the double-bass, seized a kettledrum, threw it at the
+leader of the orchestra, and lost his wig. He advanced bareheaded to
+the front of the orchestra, but was so choked with passion that he
+could not speak. Here he stood, staring and stamping, amidst general
+convulsions of laughter, until the Prince presently, with much
+difficulty, appeased his wrath, and prevailed on him to resume his
+seat.'
+
+Handel's fondness for the pleasures of the table was one of the
+weaknesses which his enemies did not fail to make the most of, and
+which has given rise to more than one story. For instance, it is told
+that he went into a dining-house one day and ordered 'dinner for
+three.' The waiter, having received the order, disappeared, and was
+absent so long that Handel lost patience, and, ringing the bell,
+demanded to know why the meal was delayed. 'Sir,' replied the waiter,
+'I was awaiting the arrival of the company.' 'De gompany!' cried the
+famished musician, in a voice which made the glasses jingle, and
+caused the waiter to start back in dismay, 'I am de gompany!'
+
+Dr. Burney, the eminent musician and friend of Handel, has described
+the composer's countenance as having been 'full of fire and dignity.'
+'His general look,' continues the doctor, 'was somewhat heavy and
+sour, but when he did smile it was the sun bursting out of a black
+cloud. There was a sudden flash of intelligence, wit, and good humour
+beaming in his countenance which I hardly ever saw in any other.' His
+sense of humour was keen, and he could relish a joke--especially when
+it was not directed towards himself. When visiting Dublin he was
+accompanied by the celebrated violinist Dubourg, who was engaged to
+play at his performances. One evening Dubourg was delighting the
+audience with an extempore cadenza, and wandered so far away from the
+original key that he found it no easy matter to return to it. At
+length, after some moments of suspense, the shake was heard which
+announced that the violinist was about to return to the theme; Handel
+thereupon looked up from the harpsichord, and, in a voice loud enough
+to be heard throughout the hall, exclaimed, with significant emphasis,
+'Velcome _home_ again, Mr. Dubourg!'
+
+In bringing our story of Handel's life to a close, we are tempted to
+make a brief comparison between Handel and that other great master who
+lived and worked at the same time--Sebastian Bach. When we compare the
+two men we perceive this marked difference between them--namely, that,
+while Bach evinced a complete indifference with regard to public
+praise, but a very deep interest in the works of other musicians,
+Handel cared a great deal for what the public thought of his works,
+and was too much absorbed in his own music to give much attention to
+the compositions of others. The one wrote for posterity; he published
+but little, and it was only when half a century had passed since his
+death that the musical world awoke to a sense of the inestimable value
+which attached to the works which that life had produced. Handel, on
+the other hand, studied the tastes of his own day as regards both
+sacred and secular music, and devoted the whole of his life to the
+supply of that demand on the part of the public which he had done so
+much to create and develop.
+
+Full as was Handel's life as regards the fulfilment of its great
+object, it was in other ways extremely simple. Few things outside his
+incessant round of work interested him, but he was fond of going to
+the theatre, and he had a passion for attending picture sales. Of his
+charity we have spoken, but we may add that he was always ready to
+help those in distress, and he helped to found the Society for Aiding
+Distressed Musicians. The last occasion in which he appeared in public
+was at a performance of the 'Messiah' at Covent Garden, on April 6,
+1759. On the 14th of the same month his death took place at the house
+in Brook Street where he had resided for many years. He was buried in
+Westminster Abbey, where a grand monument was later on erected to his
+memory. His chief manuscripts came into the possession of King George
+III., and are preserved in the musical library at Buckingham Palace.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[3] Rockstro's 'Life of G.F. Handel,' 1883.
+
+[4] Grove's 'Dictionary of Music.'
+
+[5] It is a fact that this stupendous work was completed in twenty-four
+days!
+
+[6] In the manuscript score preserved at Buckingham Palace the symphony
+is marked 'Pifa,' a shortening of the Italian word 'Pifferare,' to play
+on the fife.
+
+
+
+
+HANDEL'S PRINCIPAL COMPOSITIONS
+
+
+8 ORATORIOS, etc.
+    La Resurrezione (1708); two Passions (1704 and 1716); Acis and
+     Galatea (1720); Esther (1720); Deborah (1733); Athalia (1733);
+     Alexander's Feast (1736); Saul (1738); Israel in Egypt (1738);
+     Ode for St. Cecilia's Day (1739); L'Allegro, il Penseroso, ed
+     il Moderato (1740); The Messiah (1741); Samson (1741); Joseph
+     (1743); Semele (1743); Belshazzar (1744); Hercules (1744);
+     Occasional Oratorio (1746); Judas Maccabaeus (1746); Alexander
+     Balus (1747); Joshua (1747); Solomon (1748); Susanna (1748);
+     Theodora (1749); The Choice of Hercules (1750); Jephtha
+     (1751); The Triumph of Time and Truth (1757).
+Utrecht Te Deum and Jubilate. 1713.
+12 Chandos Anthems. 1718-1720.
+2 Chandos Te Deums. 1718-1720.
+4 Coronation Anthems (Let thy Hand be Strengthened, My Heart is
+     inditing, The King shall Rejoice, and Zadok the Priest). 1727.
+Funeral Anthem (The Ways of Zion do Mourn). 1737.
+Dettingen Te Deum. 1743.
+40 OPERAS, mostly remembered only by a single aria. The following may
+     be named:
+    Almira (1705); Rodrigo (1707); Agrippina (1709); Rinaldo (1711);
+     Radamisto (1720); Muzio Scaevola (Act III. only--1721); Ottone
+     (1722); Scipione (1726); Admeto (1726); Ezio (1732); Serse (1738).
+Water Music. 1715.
+17 Suites de Pieces for the clavecin.
+40 Concertos for various instruments.
+
+
+
+
+HAYDN
+
+
+
+
+HAYDN
+
+
+The Cathedral of St. Stephen, standing in the central square of
+Vienna, looked grey and cheerless in the misty atmosphere of a
+November evening. Evensong had just concluded, the worshippers had
+dispersed, and the great square itself was silent and deserted, save
+for one or two hurrying pedestrians crossing it on their homeward way.
+One of these, however, formed an exception to the rest, for he seemed
+to be in no hurry to leave the square. On reaching the further side he
+hesitated, glanced up at the clock, and then, turning about, paced
+listlessly up and down, as if uncertain whether to go or remain. Not
+even the rain, which now began to fall in that silent, hopeless
+fashion which predicts a thoroughly wet evening, appeared to assist
+the wanderer in coming to a decision. He was a mere stripling, short
+of stature, shabbily clothed, and with a keen look on his pale face
+that betokened a want of food and rest.
+
+The square was dimly lighted by lamps stationed at wide intervals, and
+the shadows cast by the great building effectually concealed the form
+of the youth as he entered them in the course of his restless walk.
+It was evident that he was in a state of acute distress, and equally
+evident that this spot held some peculiar attraction for him, for now
+and again he cast a glance at the church walls, or lingered beside the
+closed door which was used by the members of the choir. Presently, as
+he was passing, the door opened, emitting a stream of yellow light
+across the wet pavement, and a number of youths sallied forth, talking
+and laughing together as they came. At the sound of the creaking
+hinges the destitute boy shrank back into the shadow, as if he were
+afraid of being recognised--which, indeed, was the case. Nevertheless,
+on catching a glimpse of one young face, as the figure of its owner
+almost brushed against him, he could not refrain from exclaiming under
+his breath, 'Michael!'
+
+So low was the tone in which the name was uttered, that, although the
+chorister's face, with the light from the doorway falling upon it, was
+turned for a second in the speaker's direction, the boy failed to
+grasp the meaning of the sound, and hurried on with his companions;
+and with a deep sigh the poor wanderer turned away.
+
+At that moment a young man who was crossing the square from the
+opposite side paused to turn up the collar of his coat. In so doing he
+became aware that a pair of eyes was regarding him with a sorrowful,
+appealing gaze from the depths of the shadows. In another moment he
+had advanced to the youth's side and laid his hand upon his shoulder.
+
+'Joseph! can it be you? Man, how wet you are!' The outcast shivered
+under the friendly touch. 'What are you doing? Where have you been
+living?' continued the questioner, drawing the youth into the light of
+a lamp, and regarding his pale, tired face with astonishment.
+
+    [Illustration: HAYDN.
+    From photo RISCHGITZ.]
+
+'Nothing--nowhere. I am starving, that is all,' was the reply.
+
+'Starving--you! This is Reutter's handiwork,' said the other angrily.
+'Have you seen your brother Michael? I met them coming out just now.
+Was he not with the rest?' he added in a gentler tone, still keeping
+his hand on the lad's shoulder.
+
+'Yes, he was there; but he didn't see me,' replied the wanderer
+hesitatingly, adding, 'I was afraid the others might notice my
+distress.'
+
+The friend bit his lip and seemed to be meditating. At last he spoke.
+'Well, see here, Joseph, we cannot stand longer in the rain; come home
+with me. You know I haven't a palace to offer you, but such as it is
+you are welcome to a share of it for one night at least.' And so
+saying he drew Joseph's arm within his own, and, bidding him walk
+fast, the pair quitted the square.
+
+Well might honest Franz Spangler, who held no higher or more lucrative
+post than that of tenor singer in the choir of St. Michael's Church,
+warn his young friend not to expect the luxury of a home replete with
+comforts. Indeed, anyone comparing the two young men as they threaded
+the narrow streets leading to Spangler's abode would have found it no
+easy matter to determine which presented the shabbier appearance;
+though, having decided this point to his satisfaction, he would have
+been at no trouble in estimating the sort of house to which the
+chorister would be likely to introduce his friend.
+
+Situated in the poorest quarter of the town, the house presented a
+sufficiently poverty-stricken appearance to warrant the meanest
+opinion being entertained with regard to Spangler's powers of
+hospitality. The kind-hearted singer was, in fact, almost as poor as
+the youth whom he had befriended, with the additional responsibility
+entailed by a wife and child. Nevertheless, to the homeless, starving
+lad who now followed his protector up the crazy stairs leading to the
+garret which comprised the latter's home, the chorister seemed by
+comparison prosperous and well-to-do. Was it not luxury to be invited
+to seat himself beside the scanty fire burning in the stove, and to
+feel its warmth slowly penetrating to his chilled bones? Was it not
+luxury to one who had tramped the streets--those endless, pitiless
+streets--during the past eight-and-forty hours, without food or
+shelter, to taste the warm bread-and-milk which his kindly hostess had
+contrived to eke out of her small stock? Finally, was it not the
+height of luxury to such an one to stretch his weary limbs beside the
+dying embers, and sleep the sleep which exhausted nature demanded?
+
+The heart of Spangler might well have been touched by the distress
+into which his young friend had fallen, seeing that he was already
+acquainted with some of the circumstances to which his forlorn
+condition was due. And life had promised so differently for poor
+Joseph but a short while ago! When, some four years prior to this
+meeting, he had welcomed the coming of his younger brother Michael to
+the Cantorei, or choir-school of St. Stephen's, he could not have
+divined that this brother would, indirectly, be the cause of his being
+turned adrift into the streets. Yet such was the melancholy fact, and
+as to the manner in which this was brought about we may properly
+inquire while the subject of this history lies wrapped in slumber
+beside the garret stove.
+
+About fifteen leagues to the southward of Vienna, and amidst the
+marshy flats bordering upon the River Leitha, lies the little village
+of Rohrau, which derives its name from its situation. At the extreme
+end of the long, straggling street which comprises the village
+stands, close to the river banks, a low, thatched building--half
+house, half cottage--with a wheelwright's shop adjoining. The house
+stands back a little way from the road, with a patch of greensward
+before it, on which, in the days to which our story belongs, one might
+have seen a waggon or two in process of repair, and possibly have
+caught a glimpse of the worthy wheelwright himself at his work.
+
+Mathias Haydn, master wheelwright, and sexton of the little church
+standing on the hill outside the village, was in the fullest sense
+entitled to rank as a worthy: he was not only a deeply religious man,
+but one who was looked up to and respected by every one in the village
+and for many a mile around. There was an air of refinement about his
+home which raised it far above the level of the homes by which it was
+surrounded. A strong taste for music formed a part of Mathias's
+nature, and it was shared to a great extent by his wife Maria.
+Regularly each Sunday evening, when the duties of the day were
+finished, he would bring out his harp, which he had learnt to play by
+ear, and accompany himself in songs and hymns. He had a pleasing tenor
+voice, and sang with great expression. The wife also sang well, and,
+joining in with her husband on these occasions, their example soon
+induced the children to add their voices to the concert.
+
+The long winter evenings were those specially devoted to music. It was
+at one of such times, when the village street was deserted, and the
+keen wind was sweeping it from end to end, sporting with the snow,
+lifting it in whirling clouds, and building up drifts at every corner;
+whilst away on the lonely marshes the ice-bound river lay shimmering
+in the frosty moonlight, and the blast soughed through the tall reeds
+and grasses, that the following little scene was being enacted within
+the kitchen of the wheelwright's cottage.
+
+    [Illustration: '_He was imitating the playing of a violin._']
+
+On the oaken settle next the stove sat a child of about five years of
+age, following with the closest attention his father's performance on
+the harp. In his hands were two sticks, with which he was imitating
+the playing of a violin, keeping accurate time with his bow to the
+rhythm of the music. The rapt expression on the boy's face was not
+lost upon the father, and thoughts which more than once had occupied
+Mathias's mind as he watched his child's clever imitation of the
+village schoolmaster's playing of the violin were recurring with
+redoubled force on this occasion. And when the boy lifted up his sweet
+treble voice in unison with the rest its beauty sent a thrill through
+the father's heart. His own life had been a keen disappointment with
+respect to his passionate love for music--a love which had made him
+yearn to know more of the art for which he had so profound a
+reverence. Hence the determination that his child should have every
+chance that he could afford of developing such talents as he possessed
+gathered strength as he perceived the manifestations of delight on the
+part of little Joseph every time the harp was produced, and as he
+noted the quickness and accuracy with which the boy learnt the simple
+melodies that were played to him. And as time went on these thoughts
+kindled a hope in the father's breast that his little Joseph might one
+day become a musician, and perhaps--who could tell?--he might even
+rise to be a Capellmeister!
+
+Joseph Haydn, the subject of our story and the centre of his father's
+hopes, was born on March 31, 1732, and had attained his sixth year
+when the first step towards the settlement of his future was taken by
+his parents. Previous to this event Mathias had confided to his wife
+the hopes which he entertained with regard to Joseph's musical career,
+in the expectation that she would share them. Maria, however, did not
+incline to her husband's views on the subject. She cherished a strong
+desire that Joseph should eventually join the priesthood, and fancied
+that she detected in the boy's reverence for sacred music a natural
+leaning in that direction.
+
+Matters were at this juncture when an unexpected visit was paid to the
+cottage by a distant relative named Johann Mathias Frankh, the
+schoolmaster of Hainburg, a small town about four leagues from Rohrau.
+Frankh, who was himself a fair musician, happened to visit the family
+at the moment when they were engaged in their evening concert, and the
+sight of Joseph with his toy violin at once attracted his attention.
+The purity and accuracy of the child's singing, moreover, soon
+convinced the schoolmaster that he had in him the makings of a good
+musician, and without knowing anything of the parents' wishes or
+intentions, he immediately proposed that Joseph should be placed under
+his instruction. 'If you will let Sepperl (the Austrian diminutive for
+Joseph) come to me,' said he, 'I will take care that he is properly
+taught. I can see that he promises well.'
+
+Mathias gave a willing consent to the proposition, and Maria's
+objections having been overruled (she kept to herself the hope that
+this might, after all, prove to be but a stepping-stone to the
+fulfilment of her wishes), in a very short time Joseph and his father
+were seated in the waggon and jogging on their way to Hainburg.
+
+The new world into which Joseph found himself launched had many
+drawbacks, but one excellent side. His 'cousin,' as he termed Frankh,
+was a strict but careful teacher, and under his care the boy not only
+learned to sing well, but also acquired a good deal of knowledge
+regarding the various musical instruments in use at that time. In
+other respects, too, his education was looked after; and as his
+quickness at learning was remarkable, and his cousin did not scruple
+to employ physical force to enable his pupil to master his
+difficulties, Joseph made rapid progress, despite the fact that he was
+often flogged when he should have been fed. The strict discipline to
+which he was subjected may not have been without its value in inducing
+habits of method and order in the boy's studies; but in many ways his
+life was rendered unnecessarily hard. The schoolmaster was a married
+man, but his wife showed the utmost indifference towards the little
+fellow who had hoped to find in her a second mother, but who found
+instead that he was neglected in every way. Next to religion itself,
+Mathias and Maria had instilled into their children a positive
+reverence for personal cleanliness. Joseph's distress, therefore, at
+finding himself bereft of a mother's care became greater day by day as
+he saw the rents in his clothing passed over and the means of keeping
+his body in the state to which he had been accustomed unprovided. What
+this meant to a sensitive child with a rooted aversion to dirt may be
+imagined; nor were his sufferings in any way reduced by the attention
+which his destitute, neglected state drew upon him. Try as he might to
+forget his misery in his books, he could not but be aware of the
+pitying glances which were cast at him by those whom he encountered in
+his walks, or who passed by as he sat reading on the step outside his
+cousin's door.
+
+Though ashamed of his appearance, Joseph was in no danger of losing
+his self-respect--the love of cleanliness and order had been too
+deeply implanted to be easily uprooted; moreover, his childish reason
+whispered to him that the present state of things could not last for
+ever, and in the meantime he bravely resolved to make the best of it.
+He was receiving lessons on the clavier and violin, but the training
+of his voice occupied the foremost place, and when not in school the
+boy was nearly always to be found in the church, listening to the
+organ or the singing. In a very short time he had made such progress
+as to be admitted to the choir, where he joined his sweet young voice
+in the singing of the Masses.
+
+Already his mind was beginning to feed upon those higher branches of
+music which his natural gifts enabled him to appreciate. His
+reverential nature was strongly shown in regard to his music, and it
+was in the church alone that he could obtain the gratification of a
+sense which was surely leading him on to greater things. As the days
+went by he was conscious of a yearning for something that his present
+surroundings could not supply. His thoughts were constantly travelling
+towards a city wherein he had centred his hopes, and where he knew he
+should find his heart's desires. That city was Vienna. It was before
+his eyes as he stood in the choir of Hainburg Church; it came between
+him and his book as he sat in the schoolroom conning his lesson; it
+was in his dreams as he slept, as it was foremost in his thoughts on
+waking. But Vienna lay afar off; and looking down at his ragged
+clothing, and reflecting upon the poverty that surrounded him, Joseph
+wondered if it would ever be possible for him to realise his dream.
+
+'Sepperl, come here; I want you.' It was his cousin Frankh's voice,
+calling to him as he was leaving the schoolroom one morning. 'There is
+to be a procession through the town next week, in honour of a
+respected citizen who died yesterday. They have asked me to supply a
+drummer, and I thought of you at once. Come, I will show you how to
+make the stroke,' and, taking Joseph by the hand, he led him into the
+yard where, having improvised a drum by turning a tub bottom
+uppermost, Frankh placed a stick in the boy's hand and bade him beat
+the time of a march. A few attempts sufficed to convince Frankh of his
+pupil's proficiency, and Joseph was duly installed in the drummer's
+place. Owing, however, to his small stature, it was found necessary to
+call in the help of a schoolboy of his own height, and as this boy
+happened to be a hunchback, he was enabled to carry the drums on his
+back at the proper level for Joseph to beat them. The comical effect
+thus produced proved too much for the gravity of many of the
+bystanders, but Joseph went through his business with solemnity,
+secretly deriving much pleasure from this public exhibition of his
+skill, and thereafter he always retained an affection for the
+instrument as well as a knowledge of how it should be played.[7]
+
+Haydn had just completed the second year of his school life at
+Hainburg, when an event happened which brought the realisation of his
+dreams suddenly within his grasp. The Capellmeister of St. Stephen's
+Cathedral, in Vienna, George Reutter, was paying a visit to his
+friend, the pastor of Hainburg, and in the course of conversation he
+mentioned that he was in want of some good voices for the cathedral
+choir. 'Then I think I can find you one at least,' replied his friend;
+'he is a scholar of Frankh's, the schoolmaster here, and possesses an
+excellent voice. Shall we send for him?' Reutter agreed, and a message
+was accordingly dispatched to Frankh.
+
+In due course the schoolmaster appeared, leading Haydn by the hand,
+and the pair were ushered into the presence of Reutter.
+
+The Capellmeister eyed the boy kindly, and, drawing him to his knee,
+said, 'Well, my little fellow, can you make a shake?'
+
+Joseph looked up brightly. 'No, sir; but, then, no more can my cousin
+Frankh here.'
+
+Reutter laughed at this outspokenness, and then, telling Haydn to
+attend to him, he proceeded to show him how the shake was to be
+performed. After a few attempts Joseph succeeded in satisfying his
+instructor, who praised him for his quickness. During the experiment
+the boy's eyes had been fixed on a dish of cherries standing on the
+pastor's table. Reutter, perceiving the longing thus silently
+expressed, reached out his hand for the dish, and telling Joseph that
+he had earned his reward, he emptied the contents into the boy's
+pockets.
+
+Haydn was next requested to sing a portion of a Mass which he knew by
+heart, and when this trial was finished the Capellmeister expressed
+his willingness to take him into the Cantorei of St. Stephen's.
+
+The boy's heart leapt within him as he heard the words. It was so
+unexpected; it seemed almost too good to be true! Then suddenly the
+thought of his ragged clothing swept across his mind, and the tears
+started to his eyes. Surely, they would never admit such an urchin as
+he to the famous choir-school! Reutter, however, did not seem to heed
+his untidy state, and Haydn took heart of hope that after all this
+might be remedied. In the letter which he wrote to his parents, asking
+for their consent, he included an appeal for money wherewith to
+purchase new clothing. Mathias had a large family to support on his
+slender earnings, but he contrived to send a few florins for the
+purpose, and as both parents at the same time gave a willing assent to
+his leaving Hainburg, Joseph felt that every obstacle to the
+fulfilment of his happiness had now been removed. The parting with his
+teacher, however, was not accomplished without some regrets, for,
+after all, Frankh, despite his severity, had done well by his pupil,
+and that pupil was not slow in expressing his gratitude for all that
+he owed to his relative's instruction.
+
+Possibly, if Joseph could have looked across the leagues which lay
+between him and the city to which he was journeying with a power of
+prophetic vision that enabled him to realise a portion of the future
+that awaited him, he might have experienced some degree of misgiving.
+But, happily for him, no cloud arose to obscure the sunny picture
+which his imagination had drawn of the life that was opening before
+him. Roseate, indeed, were the hues in which his fancy had painted
+that picture, and foremost of all the objects that it contained was
+the famous cathedral, with its magnificent spire pointing into the
+clouds, its richly-sculptured stones, its glorious nave, flanked by
+noble pillars, and its lofty vaulted roof, echoing to the voices of
+the choir, or reverberating to the notes of the organ, the whole
+flooded by the soft light falling from the painted windows. To picture
+all this from the descriptions which had been given to him was to
+conjure up a vision of indescribable beauty. And then, the Cantorei
+itself--had not his cousin Frankh assured him that he would be taught
+singing and to play the clavier and violin by the best masters, in
+addition to Latin, writing, and cyphering? Lastly, there was the life
+which went on outside the cathedral and the choir-school--the life of
+a city within whose walls music had established a home, wherein she
+flourished as nowhere else in the wide world could she be said to
+flourish.
+
+    [Illustration: _St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna._]
+
+All this, and more, had the eight-year-old musician learnt from
+conversation and report during his two years' sojourn at Hainburg; and
+of all this was he thinking as he travelled to Vienna with a heart and
+mind yearning to enter into the joys and labours of such an existence.
+
+With what fervour he embarked upon his studies at the Cantorei, as
+well as how quickly he progressed under the care of his teachers, may
+be imagined. Child though he was, nothing in the shape of learning
+came hard to him, and difficulties seemed to be created only in order
+to be successfully overcome. Very soon came the desire to compose; but
+just here the toughest obstacle of all, perhaps, presented itself--the
+studies comprised no instruction in counterpoint. Still, Joseph was
+not to be daunted. Seizing upon every scrap of music-paper that he
+could find, he covered it with notes. 'If only the paper is nice and
+full, it must be right,' he said to himself, as he bent his energies
+to the task.
+
+Reutter, however, gave him no encouragement to proceed in this
+direction. 'What are you about, Haydn?' inquired the Capellmeister
+one day, as he lighted upon the boy suddenly in the midst of a
+composition. Joseph looked up with a flush mantling in his cheeks. 'I
+am composing, sir,' he answered. 'Let me see it,' requested the
+master. It was a sketch of a 'Salve Regina' for twelve voices. Reutter
+glanced at the work, and then tossed it back. 'Why don't you try to
+write it for _two_ voices before attempting it in twelve?' was his
+only comment, uttered in a sharp tone, in which sarcasm was too
+plainly apparent. Joseph blushed deeper than before. 'Oh,' he said
+simply; it was all he could say, for the master's sneer had struck
+home. 'And if you must try your hand at composition,' continued
+Reutter in a somewhat kinder tone than before, as he observed the
+tears spring to the boy's eyes, 'let me advise you to write variations
+on the motets and vespers which are played in the church.' With this
+parting piece of counsel he passed on, leaving poor Haydn as much in
+the dark as before with regard to how he ought to proceed. 'If only he
+would instruct me in counterpoint, how I would thank him!' was the
+thought uppermost in Joseph's mind, as he put his despised work out of
+sight.
+
+But no instruction in the art of composition was forthcoming from
+either the Capellmeister or any of the teachers, and Haydn was thrown
+back upon his own resources. He possessed the talent, however, as well
+as the perseverance, and of neither of these qualifications could they
+dispossess him, and so, taking to heart Reutter's well-meant
+admonition, he set to work afresh. His resources in the shape of
+pocket-money were almost nil, yet by dint of scraping and denying
+himself he managed to save sufficient to purchase two volumes, upon
+the outsides of which his eyes had often feasted as the books lay
+temptingly displayed upon the shelf of the second-hand bookseller.
+One of these works was Fux's 'Gradus ad Parnassum' (a treatise on
+composition and counterpoint), and the other Mattheson's 'Vollkommene
+Capellmeister' (the Complete Chapel-master).
+
+    [Illustration: '_He managed to save sufficient to purchase two
+    volumes._']
+
+Precious indeed were these hardly-acquired volumes. Every moment that
+could be snatched from schoolwork or choir-practice was devoted to
+mastering the difficulties of the 'Gradus,' and in acquiring knowledge
+concerning the high office which he had secretly set his heart upon
+obtaining. There was unconscious humour in the fact that, following
+upon Reutter's reproof to his over-ambitious strivings, the chorister
+should have set himself to study the duties of his master's post. Yet
+the temptation to smile is checked by the thought of the lonely
+student giving up his play-hours to self-imposed study, battling in
+grim earnest with problems that might well have turned the edge of a
+determination less keen than that which was set to conquer them, and
+battling thus unassisted and often, no doubt, against the craving for
+food and fresh air which is inseparable from boyhood.
+
+It would be wrong, however, to suppose that Haydn absented himself
+wholly from his companions and their merry games. There was within him
+a soul for play as well as for work, and there were occasions when the
+spirit of mischief obtained the ascendancy. The choir was frequently
+required to perform in the Royal Chapel when the Court was in
+residence at Schoenbrunn. The palace there had been newly erected, and
+the workmen had not removed the scaffolding, a fact which was hailed
+with delight by the choir-boys as affording an unlooked-for means of
+relaxation. One after another climbed the poles, each striving to
+outdo the rest in attaining the highest point. In vain did the Empress
+Maria Theresa, who had perceived them from her windows, issue
+prohibitions and threaten dire punishment to the offenders--the sport
+went on unchecked. At length a moment arrived when Joseph, who had
+beaten his companions by climbing to the top of the tallest pole, and
+was daring them to come up to him, was detected by the Empress in the
+very act. The Hofcompositor was sent for, and the figure of Haydn
+rocking himself to and fro on the pole duly pointed out. 'Give that
+fair-haired blockhead einen recenten Schilling' (slang for a 'good
+hiding'); 'he is the ringleader of them all,' said the Empress. The
+descent of Joseph from his elevated perch, and the descent of the
+Hofcompositor's rod, were events which speedily followed the royal
+command.
+
+A love of fun formed an essential part of Haydn's nature, but music
+came before anything else. Even when playing with his fellow-choristers
+in the cathedral square he would break away from the game at the first
+sound of the organ, and enter the church to listen. His desire to
+perfect himself in music was so strong that to the ordinary hours of
+study and practice he voluntarily added several more each day, with the
+result that he was often working sixteen or eighteen hours out of the
+twenty-four.
+
+Five years had passed amidst these happy surroundings when Haydn awoke
+one morning with the joyous thought that that day was to witness the
+arrival of his younger brother Michael at the Cantorei. How eagerly he
+had looked forward to this break in his life, with what zeal he had
+planned how he was to assist Michael in his work, when he had smoothed
+the young one's entry, helped him over his shyness, and shown him all
+the delightful scenes and circumstances which his new life would
+comprise. It had infused new vigour into his resolutions, and fired
+him with fresh ardour for his own work, this coming of his brother to
+share with him the pleasures which he had possessed for so long alone.
+
+Joseph's unselfish and generous feelings may have helped to blind his
+vision to the little cloud which, almost from the moment when
+Michael's pure young treble notes first soared aloft into the
+cathedral's vast recesses, had begun to shut out some of the sunshine
+that had gladdened his own existence. Certain it is that he had no
+inkling of the sorrow which his brother's advent was destined to bring
+upon him. Michael's progress was remarkably rapid, and it was soon
+apparent that Joseph's prospects were as surely declining. The voice
+which hitherto had enabled him to hold the chief place in the choir
+showed signs of breaking, and one after another of the solo parts
+which formerly he alone had been selected to sing were assigned to the
+new chorister. Joseph's failing powers were unmistakably betrayed when
+he sang before the Court, and, though intended only as a joke, the
+Empress's remark to Reutter that Haydn's singing had come to resemble
+the crowing of a cock, sufficed to open the Capellmeister's eyes to
+the fact that Joseph must be put back. Consequently, at the
+celebration of St. Leopold in the presence of the Emperor and Empress,
+the singing of the 'Salve Regina' fell to the lot of Michael, whose
+rendering so entranced his royal hearers that they presented the young
+chorister with a sum of twenty ducats.
+
+To no one could it have been plainer than to poor Joseph himself that
+the sun of his glory at St. Stephen's had set never to rise again. His
+place was now virtually taken by the brother whose coming he had
+welcomed, and the royal favours which heretofore had been allotted to
+him were transferred to Michael for good. Mortified as he must have
+felt at the slight thus accorded to him, Haydn cherished no feelings
+of resentment towards the brother by whom he had been supplanted. He
+had the good sense to attribute his misfortune to his failing voice
+alone and to fall back upon the belief in his own powers to make his
+way as a musician, which formed his one unfailing resource and comfort
+during those darkening hours.
+
+How long Haydn might have remained at the Cantorei, in spite of his
+breaking voice, and the consequent lessening of his importance as a
+member of the choir, cannot be told; but an incident which happened at
+this period settled his future as far as St. Stephen's was concerned,
+in a manner as summary as it was unexpected.
+
+It is odd that Haydn's actual dismissal from the school must be laid
+at the door of his love of fun, and that one who was so hard-working
+and so wrapped up in his music should have been unable to resist the
+temptation to play off a practical joke upon one of his colleagues
+under the very eyes of the Capellmeister. Nevertheless, such was the
+case, and a bright new pair of scissors, which had found their way
+into his possession, was the means by which Joseph executed his joke,
+and at the same time severed his connection with the Cantorei. It was
+the fashion in those days for boys to wear pigtails, and Haydn's gaze
+was one day riveted upon the movements of a pigtail belonging to the
+chorister seated immediately in front of him. The pigtail was twitched
+to and fro, or jerked up and down, in accordance with the movements of
+its owner's head, with a vivacity which was at once fascinating and
+exasperating to behold. The new scissors were being opened and closed
+in Joseph's fingers--the itching to cut something was too strong to be
+resisted--the tantalising pigtail was twitching under his very
+nose--and the next moment, ere the owner of the scissors could realise
+the crime he was committing, the once active pigtail lay as dead as
+any doornail upon the floor.
+
+The punishment meted out to Haydn for this offence was slight--a mere
+caning on the hand; but the indignity and disgrace of being caned
+before the whole school was not to be borne. He pleaded for
+forgiveness: 'Rather than submit to such a disgrace he would leave the
+school.' Reutter had for long been seeking an excuse for turning the
+lad adrift; a chorister without a voice was useless to him, and here
+was his chance. 'You must take your caning first, and then you shall
+have your dismissal,' he said, with cruel meaning in his tone, for he
+knew Haydn's spirit.
+
+Joseph underwent the disgrace, and then, whilst the physical pain of
+it yet lingered, he packed up his two precious volumes, placed the
+remainder of his belongings on his brother's bed, and choking back the
+rage that was almost suffocating him, he walked quickly out of the
+building into the street.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    [Illustration: _The tantalising pigtail._']
+
+Having thus related the manner in which our hero was launched upon the
+sea of adversity, without means of subsistence, and with no better
+companion in his misery than the wrath aroused by the sense of his
+harsh and unjust treatment, we must return to the point at which we
+left him stretched beside the stove in Spangler's garret. At the same
+time we desire to correct an impression which the reader may have
+formed from the opening portion of our story that, at the moment of
+his chancing upon this friend in need, Joseph was longing to return to
+the comfortable quarters which he had quitted in such fiery haste.
+Such an impression would be far from representing the true state of
+Haydn's feelings at the time. He had, indeed, hoped to encounter
+Michael--to speak a word with him, to beg of him, in fact, a crust of
+bread; but his heart failed him when he saw his brother amongst his
+companions, and pride stepped in as well to prevent him from exposing
+his distress to so many curious eyes. Thus far he had yielded to the
+promptings of hunger, but his resolution not to re-enter the school
+had stood firm, in spite of the cravings of nature, in spite of his
+friendless position, in spite of the long dreary vista of want which
+the past eight-and-forty hours had opened to his eyes. He had acted
+upon the impulse of the moment, but the bitterness of the cause which
+prompted that action remained--nay, more, it was already acting like a
+tonic upon a nature disciplined to look difficulties bravely in the
+face. Those few hours of sound sleep put new life into his frame, and
+when he awoke it was with the resolve to refrain from any further
+attempt to see his brother, lest his desperate condition should
+unsettle the younger one and render him unhappy. It would be a hard,
+uphill fight, but he would fight it alone--not even his parents should
+hear of him again unless he succeeded.
+
+'Now, Joseph, what do you propose to do?' was the inquiry of his host,
+when the morning fast had been broken by a porringer of
+bread-and-milk. 'Have you made up your mind to go back to the school?
+or will you send word to your people that you intend to return home?'
+
+'I will never go back to the school,' answered Joseph firmly, 'and as
+for going home, that is even further from my intentions than the
+other.' And then he told his friend of the poverty which reigned at
+home in consequence of the large and growing family, and the disgrace
+which he should feel in casting himself as a burden upon those he
+loved, especially after what had occurred. 'Sooner than do that,' he
+exclaimed, 'I would rather starve in the streets. But, indeed, I
+believe it will not be so bad as that; I have made up my mind to
+support myself by music, and _I will never give in!_'
+
+Now Spangler, albeit a man of humble attainments, and a being,
+moreover, who had set no very high ideals before his eyes, was not, as
+we have seen, destitute of the quality of sympathy, nor could he
+entirely obliterate from his memory a time when he himself had been
+fired by a spark of ambition, and had recognised a longing to
+accomplish something great. True, the spark had been but a feeble one
+at best, and the unceasing demands upon his powers to supply the bare
+necessaries of life, occasioned by an early and imprudent marriage,
+had done their best to crush it out of existence. Nevertheless, the
+memory of that time remained, and being freshly stirred by the
+contemplation of his young friend's forlorn state, it united itself
+with the stronger germ of sympathy, and blossomed out into a generous
+proposal that Haydn should continue to occupy a corner of his garret
+until such time as he could obtain employment.
+
+Haydn gratefully accepted the kindly offer, assuring Spangler that he
+would repay his hospitality both in money and thanks. He gave this
+assurance in the belief that its fulfilment could only be a question
+of a short time. But many weary months, spent in fruitless
+applications for employment and equally futile endeavours to secure
+pupils, were destined to pass ere the first vestiges of success made
+themselves apparent. Haydn was now seventeen, and possessed of the
+appetite of a schoolboy; how to satisfy his natural cravings,
+therefore, must have been almost as difficult a problem as that of
+obtaining work. The rigours of an Austrian winter, too, added not a
+little to his miseries, ill-fed and thinly clad as he was, but still
+he struggled on, hopeful that the advent of spring would bring good
+luck with the sunshine.
+
+Spring came at last, and found him still without means of subsistence,
+yet not without the solace of hope. Notwithstanding the uncongeniality
+of his surroundings, he had found opportunities for study, and never
+had his treasured volumes seemed more precious to him than during
+those long winter months, when despair haunted him like a shadow from
+which there seemed no means of escape. His sole earnings had been the
+pence flung to him from the windows as he stood singing in the
+snow-covered streets, either alone or in the company of other youths
+as destitute as himself. But now spring had come; the glorious sun had
+chased away the snow and the biting frost, and the poor chorister felt
+its genial rays quickening the life-blood in his veins, and awakening
+his cramped muscles to action. It is only the pinched and starved
+human beings of this great Northern Hemisphere who really know what a
+beneficent food-giver is the sun.
+
+One morning, as Haydn stood idly wondering what he should do next, a
+procession of men and women, headed by several priests, passed by,
+bound for the shrine of the Virgin at Mariazell. Struck with an idea,
+Haydn joined the cavalcade, and on reaching the church in which the
+pilgrims were to assemble, he sought out the choirmaster, and, telling
+him how and where he had been trained, begged for employment. With a
+contemptuous glance at the ex-chorister's ragged clothing, however,
+the master bade him begone, saying 'that he had had enough of lazy
+rascals such as he coming from Vienna to seek for work.' The tears
+started to the lad's eyes as he turned away. Would nobody hold out a
+helping hand? He had been speculating upon this opportunity as he
+trudged along the road until it seemed almost a certainty; and must
+this cup, too, be dashed from his lips?
+
+A few minutes later he perceived the choristers entering the church by
+a side-door, and, emboldened by hunger, he slipped in amongst them,
+donned a surplice, and took his place in the stalls. Finding himself
+next to the principal soloist, he requested that he might be allowed
+to share the latter's copy. The request was indignantly refused, but
+Haydn, who knew the service almost by heart, resolved to await his
+opportunity. When the moment arrived for the singing of the solo, he
+snatched the copy from the chorister's hands, and, lifting up his
+voice, sang the part with such exquisite finish and beauty of
+expression as to electrify the rest of the choir and excite the
+admiration of the master.
+
+At the conclusion of the service Haydn was sent for by the
+choirmaster, who, after expressing his regret for his former
+abruptness, asked him to stay with them until the following day. Poor
+starving Haydn was only too glad to accept the invitation, and when
+the morrow arrived he was told that he might extend his stay for
+several days longer. When, therefore, he finally returned to Vienna,
+it was with a small sum of money jingling in his pockets and a frame
+invigorated by a liberal supply of such food as it had not been his
+privilege to taste since the day when he quitted the Cantorei of St.
+Stephen's.
+
+It was the first gleam of sunshine that had crossed his path since
+those happy days, and it served to dispel some of the gloomy
+desperation which, during the long, dark days of winter, had laid
+constant siege to his resolutions, which had, indeed, once or twice
+nearly shaken them from that bed-rock of belief in his own unaided
+powers which, coupled with his simple faith in God, had sustained him
+and sent him forward from day to day. Often had he lain, shivering and
+famished, beneath his scanty coverlet in the corner of the garret
+allotted to him, watching the stars shining through the skylight above
+his head, and praying, with all the earnestness of a warrior-knight of
+the Middle Ages, for strength to battle with the temptation of
+despair. If music--the music that raises and ennobles, that
+strengthens, and uplifts the soul of man to heights which bring him
+nearer and ever nearer to a true conception of God--were destined to
+find a voice in Haydn's soul, that music must have owed its inception
+to those midnight hours of silent communion--those struggles with
+natural want--which were passed beneath the rafters of his miserable
+lodging.
+
+And gradually his determination prevailed. The tide of fortune sent
+some ripples of success to his feet. A few pupils were induced by the
+trifling charge which he made to let him give them lessons on the
+clavier; a like desire for economy probably induced others to employ
+his services occasionally as violin-player at balls and other
+entertainments; whilst one or two aspirants for musical honours
+permitted him to undertake the revision and arrangement of their
+compositions at a small fee. Such cheering signs of improved
+prospects, feeble in themselves, assumed in Haydn's eyes the aspect of
+rewards for which he could not be sufficiently grateful.
+
+And then the tide of success came with something like a rush. A worthy
+tradesman, named Buchholz, who loved music, and had occasionally
+invited Haydn to sing and play to him after business hours, was
+touched by his distress, and as a proof of his faith in the struggling
+musician's honour, as well as with a desire to help him on his way, he
+lent him the sum of a hundred and fifty florins, to be repaid,
+without interest, when opportunity permitted.
+
+To Haydn such a sum seemed a veritable fortune, and, indeed, it
+brought with it the power of effecting great changes in his life. He
+was now enabled to quit the tenement of Spangler and take a garret of
+his own, or what was, in truth, a portion partitioned off from a
+larger garret. As an exchange the new abode was not without its
+drawbacks. Semi-darkness prevailed even at midday; there was no stove,
+and as the summer had come and gone and winter was once more upon the
+city its discomforts were speedily made manifest by the rain and snow,
+which found their way through the broken roof. Nor were his neighbours
+in the least inclined to respect his desire for quietude.
+Nevertheless, in spite of these hardships, Haydn was happy--'too
+happy,' as he himself put it, 'to envy the lot of Kings'; for had he
+not added to his priceless treasures the first six sonatas of Emmanuel
+Bach, which he lost no time in mastering? More than this, he had
+become the possessor of a little clavier--a poor, worm-eaten
+instrument, it is true, but one which brought much solace to him in
+his loneliness.
+
+On the third story of the house in which Haydn was living lodged an
+Italian poet of some celebrity--Metastasio by name--between whom and
+the friendless ex-chorister an acquaintance sprang up which resulted
+in Haydn's introduction as music-teacher to the poet's favourite
+pupil, Marianne Martinez. Upon the heels of this piece of good fortune
+followed a second. Through Metastasio's interest Haydn became
+acquainted with Nicolo Porpora, the most eminent teacher of singing
+and composition of his day, who was at the time giving singing-lessons
+to Marianne. But before sufficient time had elapsed for the latter
+introduction to produce any definite result, Haydn had found
+employment in a new and unlooked-for direction.
+
+It was a common fashion in Vienna at that day for poor and struggling
+musicians to earn a few florins by serenading personages of note in
+the town; but as the number of would-be serenaders was always far in
+excess of the number of celebrities who aspired to be thus honoured,
+the pecuniary advantages, as a rule, were very small. It happened,
+however, that Felix Kurz, the manager of one of the principal Viennese
+theatres, had lately married a beautiful woman, whose charms were the
+theme of conversation in fashionable circles, and it occurred to Haydn
+and two of his companions to serenade the lady with music of the
+former's own composing. Accordingly, the trio repaired one night to
+Madame Kurz's windows and began their performance. Presently the door
+opened, and the figure of Kurz appeared, enfolded in a dressing-gown.
+Beckoning to Haydn, he inquired, 'Whose music is that which you were
+playing just now?' 'My own,' replied the serenader. 'Indeed!'
+responded Kurz, opening his eyes in surprise. 'Then just step inside,
+if you please,' Haydn obeyed wonderingly, and having been first
+introduced to madame, who complimented him on his performance, he was
+conducted by the manager to the parlour, where refreshments were
+produced for himself and his companions. 'Come and see me to-morrow,'
+said Kurz to Haydn at parting. 'I think I have some work for you.'
+
+When Haydn put in an appearance on the following day the manager at
+once proceeded to business. He explained that he had just written a
+comic opera, to which he had given the title of 'The Devil on Two
+Sticks,' and was looking out for a musician to set it to music. He had
+been struck by Haydn's serenade on the previous night, and believed
+that he would do. 'Now,' he continued, 'there is a tempest scene at
+sea for which appropriate music is needed. Let me hear what you would
+suggest.'
+
+    [Illustration: '"_Whose music is that which you were playing
+    just now?_"']
+
+Haydn seated himself at the harpsichord, but as he had never seen the
+sea in his life, he felt at a loss how to begin. After trying a few
+chords he mentioned his difficulty to Kurz. 'Oh, I haven't seen it,
+either,' responded the manager airily; 'but I imagine it is something
+like this'--and he began to throw his arms into the air as he paced up
+and down. 'Picture a mountain rising, then a valley sinking; then a
+second mountain, and another valley--mountains and abysses following
+one another--there you are!'
+
+In vain Haydn grappled with the subject--trying it in fifths, in
+fourths, then in octaves--the excited manager meanwhile tossing his
+arms about, and shouting and gesticulating. It was all to no purpose.
+At length, losing all patience, Haydn cried, 'The devil take the
+tempest!' at the same moment plumping his hands with a crash on to the
+extreme ends of the keyboard, and then rapidly bringing them together.
+'That's it, that's it! You've got it now!' cried the delighted Kurz,
+springing at the astonished composer and embracing him with fervour.
+
+From that moment all went well, and the opera was completed to the
+author's satisfaction, albeit Haydn, glad as he was to receive his
+reward, felt that he had little cause for self-congratulation at the
+results from a musicianly point of view. The opera was duly produced,
+and received with some measure of approval; but its life was no longer
+than its merits deserved, and Haydn himself was not desirous of
+delaying its interment, for he had higher work in view.
+
+We must now return to his acquaintanceship with Porpora. The
+singing-master had observed Haydn's skill in playing the harpsichord,
+and thinking that he saw his way to turning the poor musician's
+abilities to a useful purpose, he offered to employ him as
+accompanist. Haydn gladly accepted the proposal, hoping that he would
+thus be enabled to pick up something of the master's method. Though
+ostensibly engaged to play the accompaniments of Porpora's songs when
+the latter was giving his pupils their lessons, Joseph soon found that
+he was regarded in no higher light than that of an ordinary
+serving-man. The discovery of this fact, however, occasioned him no
+dismay, nor did he exhibit the slightest repugnance at being called
+upon to clean his master's shoes, brush his coat, or dress his
+periwig. In vain did the sour old man hurl such epithets as 'fool,'
+'blockhead,' 'dolt,' at his musical valet in return for the latter's
+attempts to minister to his personal comforts. Haydn's sole object was
+to be near Porpora in order that he might garner each crumb of
+knowledge--each hint, however small--that the great man chanced to let
+fall from his stores of learning; and the master, noting his
+perseverance and also the gentleness with which he took his buffetings
+and sarcasms, gradually softened towards his dependent, and, beginning
+by giving him a stray piece of advice now and then, ended by answering
+all his questions, and setting him right where he needed correction in
+his compositions. To crown all, Porpora brought Haydn under the notice
+of the nobleman in whose house he was teaching, with the result that,
+when the nobleman took his family to the baths of Mannersdorf for
+several months, Haydn, to his delight, was allowed to accompany the
+party in the capacity of Porpora's accompanist.
+
+This piece of good fortune proved to be the turning-point in his
+career, for the eminent musicians whom he met at Mannersdorf not only
+received him very kindly, but evinced the greatest interest in his
+compositions, many of which were performed during this visit. His
+acquaintance with one of these musicians--a well-known violinist named
+Dittersdorf--ripened into friendship, and led to Haydn's receiving
+violin lessons at this master's hands. Another solid advantage
+accruing from his association with Porpora lay in the fact that the
+nobleman himself, struck by Haydn's progress, and desirous of helping
+on one who showed so great a talent for art, allotted him a pension of
+six sequins (L3) a month. Haydn's action on receiving the first
+instalment of this generous bounty was consistent with his desire to
+maintain a neat appearance, as well as an indication of the distress
+which his privations had hitherto caused him to suffer: he instantly
+repaired to the nearest tailor's and purchased a suit of black.
+
+On his return to Vienna fortune continued to smile upon him, as if
+anxious to atone for her neglect in the past. One after another sought
+his aid in teaching and composing, with the result that he was enabled
+to raise his terms and move into decent lodgings. His struggles, if
+not actually ended, had become so lightened as to leave his mind free
+to pursue the higher walks of his art in comparative peace. From
+another quarter, too, the hand of friendship was extended to him. He
+received a summons to present himself at the house of the Countess
+Thun, whose devotion to music was only equalled by her generous
+patronage of those in whom she discerned the signs of genius. The
+Countess had lately heard one of Haydn's clavier sonatas performed,
+manuscript copies of which had, in accordance with the custom
+prevailing amongst unknown composers, been sent to the houses of the
+aristocracy, and, being charmed with the beauty of the work, she had
+inquired the name of the composer, with the object of engaging his
+services.
+
+It is probable that the Countess had formed a very different
+conception of Haydn's appearance from his work, for she could scarcely
+conceal her surprise when he was ushered into her presence. That one
+so ill-dressed and--it must be confessed--so uncouth of manner could
+be the composer of such charming music seemed impossible. Her face
+showed this so plainly that Haydn, knowing her generous character,
+ventured to relate the story of his struggles. As he proceeded with
+his simple narrative, the Countess's eyes filled with tears. She was
+one of the noblest of women, and her heart was touched by the
+reflection that the art which she loved should demand so much
+sacrifice and suffering from those whose lives were wholly given up to
+its ennoblement. She had supposed that one who could write such music
+must have the command of money and the influence of wealthy
+patrons--yet how different were the facts! Haydn's relation ended, the
+Countess assured him that thenceforth he might count upon her as his
+friend and well-wisher as well as pupil, and the happy young musician,
+having attempted to express his thanks, withdrew with a heart
+overflowing with gratitude.
+
+A future bright with promise had now dawned for Haydn. His works were
+to be heard in the best musical circles of Vienna, and praise and
+encouragement flowed in from every quarter. A wealthy music patron,
+Karl von Fuernberg, who had recognised his genius, persuaded him to
+compose his first quartet, and thus turned his attention to the branch
+of composition in which he was later on to excel. At the instance of
+this patron Haydn, in 1759, received the appointment of music-director
+to a rich Bohemian nobleman named Count Ferdinand Morzin, who was an
+ardent lover of music, and maintained a small orchestra at his country
+seat. This was a great step in his advancement, and the year which
+witnessed it is also memorable as having been that in which he
+composed his first symphony.
+
+Haydn was now twenty-six, and no longer an unknown musician. One point
+with regard to his compositions had already struck many whose judgment
+carried weight, and had aroused some criticism on the part of the
+connoisseurs: this point was their originality. He appeared to have
+marked out for himself an independent line of work, and to be
+following it up with a boldness that, in the eyes of certain of his
+critics, savoured of an open defiance of established rules. But the
+fact was overlooked by these critics that the circumstances of Haydn's
+life had thrown him back upon himself and compelled him to be
+original. His knowledge of counterpoint, to the rules of which he
+showed a seeming disregard, had been derived almost entirely from
+self-study. Without a single helping hand to guide him, he had
+mastered the formidable difficulties of his 'Gradus'; and lighted only
+by his inborn genius, he had deliberately chosen the path which he
+felt to be that which would conduct him to the highest levels of his
+art. The independence thus gained--and which speedily showed itself in
+all that he wrote--was a possession born of suffering and solitude,
+though never of ignorance, and as such it represented the truest as
+well as the freest expression of his musical soul. With the dawn of
+brighter days he had procured and studied all the works on theory that
+were to be obtained, only to find himself strengthened in his
+determination to adhere to the line which those hours of lonely study
+and reflection had shown him to be the right one for him to adopt.
+Few, indeed, of those who had risen to be masters in music could claim
+to have been less influenced by the composers of their own or a
+previous day than could Joseph Haydn; and the progress of our story
+will show in what manner opportunity favoured the further growth and
+development of that independence which even at the present stage had
+impressed its stamp upon his works.
+
+We must first of all, however, relate what befell our hero in a very
+different sphere from that in which we have hitherto followed his
+fortunes.
+
+Some time before the period at which our story has arrived, Haydn had
+been engaged to teach the harpsichord to the two daughters of a
+wig-maker named Keller. As the lessons progressed the teacher became
+conscious of a growing attachment for the younger of his pupils. There
+was something spiritual about the character of this maiden which
+appealed strongly to his musical temperament, though probably the
+loneliness of his life at the time may have added force to his longing
+to possess her for his wife. His poverty, however, must have convinced
+him of the hopelessness of declaring himself at the moment, and for
+some time his love remained as a cherished secret, fed by the hope
+which formed almost his sole resource. But now that fortune had smiled
+upon him he ventured to press his cause with assurance--albeit it must
+be confessed that this assurance rested on no more secure basis than a
+salary of some twenty pounds a year and the prospect of an extended
+teaching connection. But his hopes were doomed to disappointment, for
+the maiden had in the meantime elected to take the veil, prompted so
+to do, most probably, by the very same leanings which had rendered her
+nature so attractive to poor Haydn.
+
+Could he but have been content to bear with his disappointment,
+seeking in his art the consolation which she had it in her power to
+bestow, Haydn would have been saved much unhappiness in the future.
+Most likely he would have adopted this course in the end, had his will
+and his self-regard been stronger; but neither, it seems, was proof
+against the blandishments of the match-making perruquier. Anxious to
+secure an alliance with one who showed so much promise, Keller brought
+all his powers of persuasion to bear in favour of Haydn's accepting
+the hand of his eldest daughter, and, sad to relate, he succeeded.
+Maria Anna was not only three years older than the man who pledged his
+faith to her before the altar of St. Stephen's, but she comprised in
+her nature as much of the quality of the virago as her younger sister
+had exhibited of the angel. She was heartless and extravagant, prone
+to outbursts of uncontrollable temper, and in every way utterly
+unfitted to be the wife of a man whose fame had yet to be compassed.
+Indeed, she soon showed that she had not the slightest reverence
+either for her husband or his art; for all she cared, Haydn might just
+as well have been a cobbler as an artist, provided he supplied her
+with money to satisfy her extravagant desires.
+
+Fortunately for Haydn, the circumstances of his life were about to
+undergo an important change. Count Morzin was compelled to reduce his
+establishment, and hence dismissed his band and its director. What
+might otherwise have proved a great misfortune for Haydn was, however,
+the means of securing for him a post which not only raised him to the
+position which he had set his heart on attaining, but precluded the
+possibility of his wife's living with him. Amongst those who had
+visited Count Morzin's house and listened with delight to the
+performance of Haydn's compositions was the then reigning Prince of
+Hungary, Paul Anton Esterhazy. No sooner had the Prince been made
+aware of Count Morzin's intentions than he offered Haydn the post of
+second Capellmeister at his country seat of Eisenstadt. The chief
+Capellmeister, whose name was Werner, was old and infirm, but the
+Prince retained him in his position on account of his length of
+service. To Haydn, however, was assigned the sole control of the
+orchestra, as well as a free hand in regard to most of the musical
+arrangements.
+
+It is needless to recount the joyful feelings with which Haydn
+received the news of his appointment, offering as it did the most
+exceptional opportunities for prosecuting his beloved art. Not even in
+his wildest dreams could he have pictured such magnificence as that
+which greeted him on his arrival at the Palace of Eisenstadt. For
+generations past the Esterhazys had been devotedly attached to music,
+and the reigning Prince had spared neither pains nor expense to equip
+his establishment with the means of performing not only the fullest
+Church services, but complete operas as well. The sight of the huge
+building, with its spacious halls and apartments and its troops of
+servants; the enchanting grounds, decked with parterres of choicest
+flowers; and the lakes and fountains scintillating in the sunshine,
+must have presented to the young musician, fresh from his lodging in
+the crowded city, a vision of endless beauty. The very air of the
+place breathed a music of its own, as, laden with the perfumes of
+countless blossoms, it was wafted into the apartments set aside for
+his use. Hard work lay before him; but what work could be too hard
+when performed amidst such exquisite surroundings as these, and for a
+master whose unstinting generosity and fatherly care for those about
+him were so widely known? From the outset Haydn realised that here he
+would enjoy the freest scope for the exercise of his gifts, with the
+additional advantage, for which the greatest masters might well have
+envied him, of being able to give practical effect to whatever he
+wrote before committing it to the judgment of the world outside.
+
+No wonder, then, that under such favouring conditions as these
+compositions poured from his pen; nor was it long ere the musicians
+whom he commanded had learnt to regard him with affection, and to vie
+with each other in their eagerness to fulfil his wishes.
+
+In about a year from the date of Haydn's engagement Prince Paul Anton
+died, and the event marked a further advancement in the composer's
+fortunes. Prince Nicolaus, who succeeded his brother, was a passionate
+lover of the arts and sciences, in addition to being one of the most
+generous and warm-hearted of men. His succession implied an added
+magnificence and pomp to what seemed already perfect. To Haydn he gave
+an assurance of his good-will and appreciation by raising his salary
+from four hundred to six hundred florins, and, later, to seven hundred
+and eighty-two florins (or L78), allowed him to select additional
+musicians, and at the same time gave him to understand that he should
+look for an increase in the number of performances. The Prince himself
+played the baryton, or viola di bardone--a stringed instrument of
+sweet, resonant tone, which, like the viol da gamba, to which it bore
+some resemblance, has long since ceased to be heard. As the Prince
+prided himself on his playing, Haydn was required to produce endless
+pieces for the instrument, and he was even at considerable pains to
+acquire a knowledge of the baryton itself, thinking thereby to afford
+his master pleasure. To his chagrin, however, he discovered that his
+efforts in this direction were not at all appreciated by the royal
+performer, who had no fancy to see himself outskilled.
+
+In 1766 Werner died, and Haydn succeeded to the full title. He had
+thus reached the summit of his boyish ambition, and could look back
+with pride to those early days when he studied the 'Complete
+Chapel-master' in his lonely garret, and longed for the day to come
+when his father's dream might be realised. And what of the parents
+whom he had left behind in the little village? How had they fared
+during these long years of struggle and success? The mother died seven
+years before Haydn received his appointment to the Esterhazy family,
+and while he was still striving to make his way; and the pleasure
+which success had brought to him must have been tinged with the regret
+that she had not lived to witness it. Mathias had married again, but
+he managed to find his way to Eisenstadt, where, to his pride and joy,
+he heard Joseph addressed as 'Herr Capellmeister!' Thither, also, came
+Michael, who had been appointed director and concertmeister to
+Archbishop Sigismund of Salzburg, to spend several happy days with his
+elder brother.
+
+Haydn's fame as a composer had spread far beyond the walls of
+Eisenstadt. Musicians of Leipzig, Paris, Amsterdam, and even London,
+were playing his symphonies, trios, and quartets, whilst the _Wiener
+Diarium_--the Austrian official gazette--for 1766 refers to him as
+'the favourite of our nation,' and pays him the high compliment of
+comparing him with Gellert, the most esteemed poet of the day. 'What
+Gellert is to poetry Haydn is to music,' writes the critic.
+
+Werner's death was shortly followed by an event which implied a still
+greater change in Haydn's surroundings. Prince Nicolaus had been
+engaged in carrying out a scheme for the rebuilding of his
+shooting-box near Suettoer on a scale of magnificence rivalling that of
+Versailles in its palmiest days, and, the works being completed, the
+Prince moved thither with the major portion of his household. No more
+lonely spot or one more unhealthy in its natural state, could have
+been chosen than that which formed the site of the new residence.
+Standing in the middle of a salt marsh, forming the southern extremity
+of the great lake called the Neusiedler-See, Esterhaz, as the palace
+was named, was quite cut off from the outside world. The work of
+draining and reclaiming the land, however, had effected such an
+improvement that what in its primitive condition had been little
+better than desolate swamp, resounding to the harsh cries of
+wild-fowl, was now become a scene of veritable enchantment. The thick
+wood which lay behind the house had been transformed into shady groves
+and open glades for deer, whilst the front windows of the palace
+looked upon extensive flower-gardens, with a profusion of hothouses,
+summerhouses, arbours, and temples. The castle itself comprised a
+hundred and sixty-two apartments, splendidly decorated, and filled
+with costly collections of art. Even Eisenstadt itself paled before
+the beauty and magnificence of this new palace of Aladdin which the
+genie of wealth had raised on the dismal marsh.
+
+The provision for music and acting was on a scale as elaborate as that
+of the rest of the palace. A splendid theatre, designed and equipped
+for the performance of operas and dramatic works, had been reared near
+the castle, and beside this stood a smaller theatre, fitted up for the
+marionette performances, to the perfecting of which the Prince had
+devoted much attention. The orchestra was reinforced by travelling
+players of eminence, whilst, in addition to singers especially engaged
+from Italy, various strolling companies were invited to give their
+services from time to time. It was an essential part of the scheme
+that this body of musicians and actors--temporary as well as
+permanent--should form one family, with Haydn as its head; but the
+appellation of 'Father Haydn,' by which the Capellmeister was known to
+the members of his orchestra, had its origin in an affection which
+owed nothing to discipline or arrangement. 'Friend, go back to the
+first _allegro_,' was the wording of a direction written by Haydn on
+the cover of one of his confrere's music-books, and it may be taken as
+an indication of the happy relations which existed between the chief
+of orchestra and his men.
+
+A picture of the daily life at Esterhaz from spring to autumn would
+show a constant round of life in its fullest and gayest sense.
+Visitors poured in at its hospitable gates in an unbroken stream; and
+the strain upon those whose duty it was to provide amusement for the
+pleasure-seekers must have been enormous. If there was abundance of
+work, however, there was no lack of helpers, and thus Esterhaz became
+a little world in itself--a centre of music and acting, as well as an
+emporium of art treasures. Thither came the Empress Maria Theresa on a
+visit, and Haydn seized the opportunity of reminding her of the
+chastisement which she had ordered him to receive when, as a
+fair-haired chorister, he had clambered up the scaffolding-poles of
+the royal palace. 'Ah, well!' replied the Empress with a smile; 'you
+must see yourself, my dear Haydn, that the whipping has produced good
+fruit!'
+
+Prince Nicolaus, though an excellent master, and one for whom Haydn
+entertained a deep affection, was, nevertheless, somewhat unreasonable
+in expecting his Capelle to share his devotion to Esterhaz as an
+almost continuous residence. The visits to Vienna were getting fewer
+and shorter--even the winter at Eisenstadt had been reduced to its
+shortest limits--and, admitting the attractions of the new palace as a
+summer residence, the musicians were pining to see their wives and
+families, and to breathe once more the air of the city. In 1772 the
+stay at Esterhaz was prolonged so far into the autumn that the
+musicians became impatient. The Prince had made no announcement of
+the date of his departure, and Haydn at length resolved to convey to
+his royal master a delicate hint of the orchestra's desire to be set
+free. He therefore announced the performance of what he called 'The
+Farewell Symphony'; and when the evening arrived, sixteen performers
+took their seats in the orchestra to carry out the Capellmeister's
+scheme, whilst the Prince, having no suspicion of what was intended,
+occupied his accustomed place. All went as usual until the last
+movement was reached, when one pair of performers rose from their
+chairs, extinguished their candles, and quietly left the orchestra.
+The music proceeded, and a little later a second pair arose, went
+through the same pantomime, and disappeared, the Prince watching their
+movements with a puzzled expression that almost destroyed the gravity
+of the rest of the performers. Pair after pair thus left the building,
+until at last only Tomasini (the Prince's favourite violinist) and
+Haydn remained. Finally, Tomasini blew out his candle, bowed to the
+Prince, and retreated, and as Haydn prepared to follow his example,
+the Prince's eyes were opened to their drift. Good-humouredly
+regarding the whole thing in the light of a joke, he exclaimed, 'If
+all go, we may as well go too!' and immediately quitting the theatre,
+he gave directions for the departure of the household.
+
+We must pass over the years which intervened between the date of the
+'Farewell Symphony' (the merits of which as a musical work must not be
+confused with the circumstances under which it was written), and the
+year 1790, when, to his great grief, Haydn lost the master to whom he
+had become so deeply attached. The Prince left Haydn a pension of one
+thousand florins, on condition that he retained his post as
+Capellmeister to the family. Prince Anton, however, who succeeded his
+brother, had no taste for music. The Capelle was practically
+disbanded, and though Haydn kept his official position, his constant
+presence at the palace was no longer necessary, and he took up his
+residence in Vienna.
+
+Some three years before this event several attempts had been made by
+English musicians of eminence to induce him to come to London and play
+at the professional concerts, but he had resisted these offers with
+one and the same excuse--he could not leave the master whom he loved.
+On the last occasion Salomon, the well-known musician and
+concert-director, had dispatched a publisher named Bland to Esterhaz
+to endeavour to persuade Haydn to alter his mind. Bland was shown into
+a room adjoining that in which Haydn happened to be shaving, and
+whilst seated there he overheard the composer growling to himself over
+the bluntness of his razors. At length Bland caught the exclamation,
+'Ach! I would give my best quartet for a good razor!' and without more
+ado, he rushed off to his lodgings and returned in a few minutes with
+a pair of razors, which he presented to Haydn. The Capellmeister
+accepted the gift with a smile, and rewarded the enterprising
+publisher with a copy of his latest quartet, which, later on, was
+produced in London, and has ever since been known by the title of the
+'Rasirmesser' (Razor) quartet.
+
+The death of Prince Nicolaus removed the only obstacle to Haydn's
+undertaking a journey to London; consequently, when one morning he
+found a visitor awaiting him at his house, who announced his business
+thus: 'My name is Salomon; I have come from London to fetch you; we
+will settle terms to-morrow,' Haydn regarded the matter as practically
+settled.
+
+Mozart was in Vienna at the date of Salomon's visit. Haydn had been
+strongly drawn towards the young musician ever since the time, five
+years before, when, after listening to one of Mozart's quartets, he
+had delighted the heart of Leopold Mozart by declaring that his son
+was the greatest composer he had ever heard. Mozart's affection for
+Haydn was equally warm, and now, on hearing that the latter
+contemplated a journey to England, he tried to persuade him against
+it, urging that he was advanced in years and unacquainted with the
+English language. Haydn listened to his friend's objections, and then
+observed with a smile, 'No matter; I speak a language which is
+understood all over the world.' 'Then,' said Mozart, grasping Haydn's
+hand as he spoke, it is good-bye, for we shall never meet again!' The
+words were prophetic, for only a year later Haydn in London was
+stunned by the news of Mozart's death.
+
+It was a stormy December day when Haydn and Salomon set sail from
+Calais, and the passage to Dover was a long and trying one for the
+travellers. Nevertheless, Haydn, taking his stand on the deck, enjoyed
+his first sight of the waves, and as the spray dashed in his face he
+recalled with a smile how he had attempted to write the tempest music
+for the actor-manager Kurz. A long interval separated him from those
+days of keen want and fierce struggle, when he strove, almost against
+hope, to establish a foothold for himself in the music-loving city of
+Vienna! Now he was travelling to a greater city, not as an unknown,
+struggling student, but with the assurance of a welcome befitting one
+whom fame had already claimed for her own.
+
+    [Illustration: '_Haydn enjoyed his first sight of the waves._']
+
+The night of his arrival in London was passed at Bland's music
+warehouse, No. 45, High Holborn,[8] but the following day he went to
+live with Salomon at the latter's lodgings, No. 18, Great Pulteney
+Street, Golden Square.[9] Salomon had by no means overestimated the
+warmth of the welcome which London was prepared to give to the
+composer whose works were already familiar to English music-lovers.
+From every quarter admiration and attentions were lavished upon him;
+all the most celebrated people besought his acquaintance, and he was
+invited everywhere. Yet his equanimity never deserted him. He took
+everything very simply, and as if it were his due, and thoroughly
+enjoyed the river parties and picnics which were arranged in his
+honour. Not so, however, the lengthy dinners or evening entertainments
+in town, where his ignorance of the language and customs of his hosts
+made him feel less at his ease. The incessant noise of the streets was
+a source of great discomfort to one who had been so long accustomed to
+the silence of the country; and he positively refused to fashion
+himself to the late hours of London. When, later on, he removed his
+lodging to Lisson Grove, he writes in a strain of rejoicing to a
+Vienna friend that he has at length found himself in the country amid
+lovely scenery, where he lives as if he were in a monastery! It is
+difficult for us to imagine the Lisson Grove of a century ago, when
+the road stretched away through green fields and woodland spaces.
+
+The first of Salomon's concerts was held on March 11, 1791, at the
+Hanover Square Rooms. The hall was crowded, and the performance of
+Haydn's 'Symphony' (Salomon, No. 2) was received with great applause;
+nor would the audience remain satisfied until the _adagio_ movement
+had been repeated--an event of such rare occurrence in those days as
+to call for comment in the newspapers. This marked the beginning of a
+most successful series of concerts, at each of which Haydn received a
+great ovation. His benefit took place on May 16, and realized L350.
+
+The Handel Commemoration Festival--the fifth and last of the
+century--was held in Westminster Abbey during this visit, and it must
+have been a moving sight to Haydn to observe the crowds flocking to
+the Abbey early on that summer morning in order to hear the master's
+greatest work. Haydn had secured a seat close to the King's box--a
+position which commanded a view of the nave and the vast concourse of
+listeners. Rarely had those venerable walls looked down upon such a
+sea of expectant faces as that which was turned towards the distant
+bank of musicians and singers when the moment drew nigh for the
+performance to begin. There was reverence expressed in the hushed
+silence which pervaded every nook and corner of the Abbey at that
+supreme moment--a befitting reverence both for the dead composer whose
+immortal work was to be celebrated, and for the sacredness of the
+subject which he had chosen for illustration. As the oratorio
+proceeded Haydn became more and more impressed. He had never heard the
+'Messiah' performed on so grand a scale before, and when the opening
+chords of the 'Hallelujah Chorus' rang through the nave and the entire
+audience sprang to their feet, he burst into tears, exclaiming to
+those around him, 'He is the master of us all!'
+
+    [Illustration: '_Lisson Grove a century ago._']
+
+The first week in July found him at Oxford, at Commemoration, whither
+he had gone to receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Music. Three
+grand concerts were given in his honour, the principal singers and
+performers having been brought from London, and on each occasion his
+compositions were greeted with great applause. He appeared at the
+third concert clad in his Doctor's gown, and met with an enthusiastic
+reception. It was evident, however, that he was not feeling quite at
+home in his new vestment, for when the students clapped their hands
+and shouted he raised the gown as high as he could, exclaiming as he
+did so, 'I thank you,' whereupon the applause was redoubled. Haydn
+writes to a friend that he had to walk about for three whole days clad
+in this guise, and he only wishes that his Vienna friends could have
+seen him.
+
+Amidst the wealth of incident which signalised his visit two little
+scenes found a cherished corner in Haydn's memory. He was invited by
+the Prince of Wales to visit Oatlands Park as the guest of the Duke of
+York, who was spending his honeymoon there with his young bride, the
+Princess of Prussia. The seventeen-year-old bride welcomed the sight
+of Haydn's kindly face and the familiar sound of the German tongue,
+and in one of his letters he describes how the _liebe Kleine_ sat
+beside him as he played his 'Symphony,' humming the well-known airs to
+herself, and urging him to go on playing until long past midnight. The
+Princess also sang and played to him, whilst the Prince of Wales
+played the violoncello, their attention being entirely given to
+Haydn's works. It was during this visit that the portrait by Hoppner
+was painted, which hangs in the gallery at Hampton Court.
+
+The second picture, though one of a very different kind, he himself
+described as having afforded him one of the greatest pleasures of his
+visit. He went to St. Paul's to witness the gathering of the charity
+children at their anniversary meeting, and the sight of the children's
+faces and the sound of their young voices echoing through the vast
+building touched him deeply, and no doubt recalled to his mind the
+singing of the choristers in St. Stephen's Cathedral in bygone days.
+
+Frau Haydn had evidently heard reports of her husband's successes, for
+she troubled him with a letter at this time, in which she related how
+she had found a small house and garden in the suburbs of Vienna, which
+she felt would exactly suit her requirements when she became a widow.
+She therefore begged that he would send her the money--a matter of two
+thousand gulden--to complete the purchase. Haydn did not comply with
+this simple request, but on his return journey to Vienna he inspected
+the house, approved it, and bought it for himself!
+
+It was in passing through Bonn, on his homeward journey, that Haydn
+met Beethoven, and praised the composition which the young assistant
+Hof-organist submitted to him.[10] The reception accorded to the
+composer on his arrival at Vienna was in every way worthy of the fame
+which his London visit had added to his reputation, and every one was
+anxious to hear the symphonies which had taken the Londoners by storm.
+
+The success of this visit led to a repetition in 1794. On this
+occasion Haydn was accompanied by his faithful copyist and servant,
+Johann Elssler, a son of the copyist to Prince Esterhazy, to whom,
+since his birth, Haydn had acted as benefactor. Elssler's attachment
+to his master was coupled with the greatest veneration for his genius,
+and it was even reported that at such times as he thought himself
+unobserved he would stop with the censer before his master's portrait,
+as if it were an altar.
+
+Once more Haydn was to pass through a series of successes under
+Salomon's direction. His symphonies formed part of all the London
+programmes. His popularity reached a height that rendered him the
+'lion' of the season. He was frequently invited to Buckingham Palace
+to perform to the King and Queen, and he was not allowed to depart
+without a pressing request on the part of her Majesty that he would
+settle in England. When London went to Bath, Haydn went there too, in
+company with Dr. Burney, the eminent musician, and at once became the
+centre of fashion and interest.
+
+A description of all the incidents which this second visit comprised
+would extend our story to an undue length. We will therefore content
+ourselves by describing a touching little incident that marked his
+homeward journey in August of the following year. To Haydn's complete
+surprise he was invited by Count Harrach and a party of noblemen and
+gentlemen to accompany them to the Count's park, situated close to
+Rohrau, where a monument and bust of himself had been erected. He was
+next taken to Rohrau itself, to inspect his old home and birthplace,
+which had been preserved with every mark of loving care by those who
+held the composer in such high esteem.
+
+Haydn's emotions were deeply stirred by this action on the part of his
+countrymen, as well as by the sight of his dear old home. Memories of
+his happy childhood crowded upon him as he stood before the door, and,
+prompted by a sudden impulse, he stooped and imprinted a kiss upon the
+threshold; then, bidding his friends enter the cottage, he pointed to
+the settle which stood beside the stove, and told them that it was
+when seated on that settle, listening to his parents' singing, that
+his musical career had begun. What, after all, were the grand palaces,
+in which he had passed so many years of his life, with their costly
+furniture and troops of servants, compared with that dear old cottage
+home in which he had dreamed his childish dreams of music, and
+listened to the hammers in the workshop beating out the time as he
+played on his toy violin?
+
+During his London visits Haydn had often expressed his admiration for
+the English 'God save the King,' and he regretted that his own country
+had no National Anthem of its own. This thought weighed the more with
+him after his return because war had broken out with France, and he
+felt that the people needed a means of giving expression to their
+loyalty. He accordingly wrote the song 'Gott erhalte Franz den
+Kaiser,' or 'The Emperor's Hymn,' which was performed for the first
+time simultaneously at the Vienna National Theatre and the principal
+theatres of the country on the Emperor's birthday, February 12, 1797.
+This beautiful air was always a favourite one with Haydn during the
+remainder of his life.
+
+A portrait of Haydn at this time shows a man of short, substantial
+build, and a somewhat ill-proportioned frame. The face, of which the
+aquiline nose, projecting under-lip, and massive jaw were strongly
+marked features, was very dark, and its habitual expression was
+dignified and earnest, with an inclination to sternness. The dark grey
+eyes, however, shone with a benevolent light that afforded an insight
+into their owner's true nature--indeed, he used to say of himself
+humorously that 'anyone could see by the look of him that he was a
+good-natured sort of fellow.' He always wore a wig, with side-curls
+and a pigtail, and the wig partly concealed his broad forehead. His
+dignified expression relaxed in conversation, but although he was not
+at all averse to joking, his laughter was always moderate and
+controlled. Towards children he showed a love and sympathy that never
+failed to win their confidence and affection. The title of 'Papa
+Haydn,' by which he was known both to young and old during his
+lifetime and with which his memory has ever since been coupled, was
+the natural outcome of the universal affection in which he was held by
+all classes. He was the 'father' of his chapel, sympathising with them
+in their difficulties, and interceding in their behalf with the Prince
+whenever occasion arose. In the same way his interest went out to all
+young and struggling men of talent, to whom he gave advice and help.
+But the title 'Papa Haydn' may claim to possess a further significance
+in its use at the present time, 'as if musicians of all countries
+claimed descent from him.'
+
+Along with his indomitable industry went a love of order and method by
+which every action was ruled, every habit framed. He rose very early
+to begin work, for Nature seemed sweetest to him in her waking hours;
+but he would never put a pen to paper or see a visitor until he was
+fully dressed; and even when old age prevented his leaving the house
+he maintained the same degree of punctiliousness in regard to his
+appearance. His devoutness formed an indissoluble part of his nature,
+and he regarded his genius as a gift of God which he was bound to use
+thankfully for the benefit of mankind and to the glory of Him who gave
+it. He never wrote a score without the words 'In nomine Domini'
+appearing as an inscription, whilst 'Laus Deo' came at the end.
+
+Haydn's love of humour is brought out in many of his compositions,
+notably in the 'Surprise Symphony,' where the drums come in with a
+tremendous bang at the end of the _andante_ movement. He is said to
+have invented this part in order to arouse the attention of the
+audience and make the ladies scream. Again, in the 'Toy Symphony,' he
+shows a child-like appreciation of drollery in producing genuine music
+out of such toy instruments as tin whistles, jew's-harps, toy
+trumpets, etc. The 'Toy Symphony' was composed at Eisenstadt, where,
+having visited a village fair and purchased a number of toy
+instruments, Haydn was seized with the idea of making his orchestra
+play upon them--an order which upset their gravity so much that they
+could hardly keep time for laughing. A little story illustrative of
+his love of fun may be told here. During his second visit to London he
+came in contact with a certain amateur violinist whose professed
+fondness for the extreme upper notes of his instrument was such as to
+incite Haydn to perpetrate a joke at his expense. He therefore wrote a
+seemingly simple sonata for piano and violin, which he called 'Jacob's
+Dream,' and dispatched it anonymously to the conceited violinist. The
+player was charmed with the manner in which the piece began. It was
+apparent that the composer thoroughly understood the instrument! As he
+proceeded, however, the notes rose higher and higher, like the steps
+of a ladder, and at length, seeing that there was no prospect of their
+ever descending again, the perspiration broke out on his forehead,
+and, flinging the music from him with disgust, he declared that the
+writer knew nothing whatever of the violin!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Haydn was now sixty-five, but the crowning work of his life had yet to
+be achieved. Whilst in London Salomon had shown him a poem, founded
+upon 'Paradise Lost,' which had been written many years before, in the
+hope that Handel would have set it to music. Haydn carried the poem
+home, and later on conceived the idea of writing an oratorio on the
+subject. From the moment of its inception the task of composing the
+'Creation,' as the new work was called, became a labour of increasing
+love with Haydn. 'Never was I so pious,' he writes, 'as when composing
+the "Creation." I knelt down every day and prayed God to strengthen
+me for the work.' The oratorio was first publicly performed in Vienna
+on March 19, 1799, and created a profound impression. Haydn himself
+was almost overcome by the sensations which the occasion aroused. In a
+short time the 'Creation' was heard in every principal city of Europe.
+In places where no means existed for its production choral societies
+were formed for this special object, so that for many years the work
+took equal rank in popular favour with the 'Messiah.' As a work of
+art, however, the 'Creation' differs essentially, both in character
+and style, from Handel's masterpiece. We have here none of the
+declamatory passages which are so prominent in the 'Messiah,' the
+story of the Creation being unfolded to us in a series of wonderful
+tone-pictures--strengthened where necessary by choruses, but keeping
+throughout to the epic character of the poem. Many of the passages are
+strikingly beautiful. Who that has heard them can ever forget the
+airs, 'With Verdure Clad,' and 'In Native Worth,' or the splendid
+chorus, 'The Heavens are telling the Glory of God'?
+
+Whilst music-lovers were descanting on the beauties of the 'Creation,'
+Haydn was busily composing a second oratorio founded upon Thomson's
+famous poem, 'The Seasons.' The desire for work was as strong as ever,
+but his health was declining, and the strain involved by so great an
+undertaking proved too much for his strength. '"The Seasons" gave me
+my finishing stroke,' was Haydn's often-repeated remark to his friends
+after the oratorio had left his hands. But no trace of diminished
+power is visible in the work itself, and the success which attended
+its production was such as to place it on a level with the 'Creation.'
+
+With these two great works the flow of composition from the master's
+pen fittingly closed. Upon the subject of his life-work as a whole we
+may not dwell in this brief story. The history of music has accorded
+to Haydn the high position which his works entitled him to occupy, and
+the feeling of gratitude for those great gifts having been vouchsafed
+to us is one that has grown deeper and deeper with the passing years.
+Musicians and music-lovers all the world over give expression to this
+gratitude by pointing to what he has accomplished for the symphony,
+the quartet, and the sonata--to mention the three branches of
+composition to which his genius was specially directed. Acknowledged
+on every hand as the father of instrumental music, Haydn compels our
+admiration by 'his inexhaustible invention as shown in the originality
+of his themes and melodies; the life and spontaneity of the ideas; the
+clearness which makes his compositions as interesting to the amateur
+as to the artist; the child-like cheerfulness and drollery which charm
+away trouble and care.' His insistence on the importance of melody was
+a marked characteristic. 'It is the air which is the charm of music,'
+he once remarked to the composer Kelly, 'and it is that which is most
+difficult to produce. The invention of a fine melody is a work of
+genius.'
+
+The honourable peace which should have been the companion of his old
+age was marred by much physical suffering, through which, however, at
+intervals his genial nature forced its way like sunshine through
+clouds. Nor were his declining years without the solace of numerous
+friends--indeed, by none to whom his great gifts and kindly
+personality had brought pleasure and instruction was the old composer
+forgotten, and nothing gave him keener delight than to gather his
+friends about him to talk over the chief events of his life, and to
+exhibit his collection of diplomas, souvenirs, and other mementoes,
+which had been presented to him by his royal and noble patrons.
+
+Perhaps no more touching example could be given of the affectionate
+esteem in which Haydn was held by all classes of music-lovers than
+that afforded by the last occasion on which he appeared in public. He
+had been for a long time living in retirement in the house which he
+purchased on the outskirts of Vienna, but having expressed a wish to
+be present at a performance of the 'Creation' at the University on
+March 27, 1808, he was carried to the hall in his arm-chair. The
+enthusiasm evoked by the spectacle of the aged composer being borne
+into the arena was in itself a convincing proof that his popularity
+had not lessened. But the emotions of the audience were more deeply
+stirred when, at the passage 'And there was light,' Haydn lifted his
+hand and, pointing upwards, exclaimed, 'It came from thence!' At this
+point his agitation was so great that it was deemed prudent to remove
+him to his home; and as the carriers lifted him up and bore him
+towards the door, the people flocked about his chair to touch his hand
+and bid him farewell. At the door itself the crowd was denser than
+ever, and pressing through the throng came Beethoven, who, bending
+over his old master, kissed him fervently on the hand and forehead. As
+he passed through the exit Haydn turned to take a last look at those
+who were standing and waving their farewells, and as he did so he
+raised his hands as if in the act of blessing them. The next moment
+the heavy portiere fell, and Haydn passed for ever from the public
+sight.
+
+A year later the old musician lay stretched upon his bed listening to
+the booming of the French cannon, which were bombarding the city.
+Presently the crash of a ball which fell close to his house caused the
+servants to utter a cry of fear, whereupon their master called out to
+them, 'Children, don't be frightened. No harm can happen to you while
+Haydn is by.'
+
+One day, shortly after this event, when Vienna was in the occupation
+of the French, the faithful Elssler reported that a French officer
+desired to pay his respects to the composer whom France held in such
+veneration. The interview was granted, and the officer, before taking
+his leave, sang 'In Native Worth,' from the 'Creation,' with so much
+feeling and expression that Haydn's eyes filled with tears, and he
+embraced the singer with warmth and tenderness.
+
+    [Illustration: '_Haydn's eyes filled with tears._']
+
+The end was now very near, and Haydn awaited the dread summons with
+the resignation that was born of his implicit and child-like faith in
+God. On May 26, 1809, he summoned the members of his household to his
+presence, and, having been carried to the piano, he played his
+favourite composition, 'The Emperor's Hymn,' three times over, with
+great solemnity. There was something inexpressibly touching in the
+master's selection of this air, which had been inspired by his love of
+country and his loyalty to his Sovereign; for none knew better than
+they who now stood around his chair how deeply he had suffered by
+reason of the indignities which had been offered to his country. These
+faithful friends realised that this solemn expression of devotion to
+his King was intended to be a personal farewell, and as the familiar
+strains of their noble anthem rang through the apartment, their silent
+tears gave expression to the love and reverence in which the master
+was held. Five days later, as dawn hovered on the sable fringe of
+night, Haydn sank to rest.
+
+Owing to the fact that Vienna at the time of Haydn's death was in the
+hands of the French, his funeral was conducted without the ostentation
+by which, under happier circumstances, it would have been marked.
+Nevertheless, there were many mourners, and amongst them a number of
+French officers of high rank, whilst a guard of honour was formed
+around the coffin by the French soldiers. A performance of Mozart's
+'Requiem' was given in his honour at the Schotten-Kirche, and as the
+news of his death spread abroad funeral services were held in all the
+principal cities of Europe. The burial took place in the Hundsthurm
+churchyard, near the suburb in which he lived; but in 1820 Prince
+Esterhazy commanded the remains to be exhumed and reinterred, with
+fitting ceremonial, in the upper parish church at Eisenstadt, where 'a
+simple stone with a Latin inscription is inserted in the wall over the
+vault, to inform the passer-by that a great man rests below.'
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[7] The drums on which Haydn performed on this occasion are still
+preserved in the choir of the church at Hainburg.
+
+[8] Since included in the building of the First Avenue Hotel.
+
+[9] The house has since been rebuilt to form the warehouse of Messrs.
+Chatto and Windus.
+
+[10] See story of Beethoven, p. 233.
+
+
+
+
+HAYDEN'S PRINCIPAL COMPOSITIONS
+
+
+OPERAS:
+    The Devil on Two Sticks. 1752 (?)
+    Acis und Galatea. 1762.
+    La Vera Costanza. 1776.
+    Orfeo ed Euridice. 1793.
+ORATORIOS:
+    Il Ritorno di Tobia. 1775.
+      [The well-known motet 'Insanae et vanae curae' is taken from this
+       oratorio.]
+    The Seven Words from the Cross. 1794.
+    [Originally composed as a series of pieces for orchestra in 1787.]
+    The Creation. 1798.
+    The Seasons. 1801.
+MASSES:
+    Mass in F (Novello, No. 11). 1751 (?)
+    Mass of B.V.M. in E-flat (No. 12). 1766.
+    Mass of St. Nicholas in G (No. 7). 1772.
+    Mass of St. John in B-flat (No. 8). 1778.
+    Mass of St. Cecilia in C (No. 5). 1780.
+    Mass of Mariazell in C (No. 15). 1782.
+    Mass in C (No. 2). 1790.
+    Mass in B-flat (No. 1). 1796.
+    Imperial Mass in D (No. 3). 1798.
+      [Known in Germany as the 'Nelson Mass.']
+    Mass in B-flat (No. 4). 1801.
+    Mass in B-flat (No. 6). 1801.
+    Mass in B-flat (No. 16).
+    Two other Masses not printed.
+    The four Masses, No. 9 (in C), No. 10 (in C minor), No. 13 (in C),
+     and No. 14 (Kyrie and Gloria only, in D), are not authentic.
+Stabat Mater. 1773.
+2 Te Deums.
+12 Canzonets. 1790.
+142 Symphonies.
+      [It will be sufficient to mention the 12 'Grand' Symphonies,
+       composed for Salomon's concerts, and a few others with
+       distinguishing names.]
+    Grand No. 1 in C. 1791-1792.
+    Grand No. 2 in D. 1791.
+    Grand No. 3 in G (The Surprise). 1791.
+    Grand No. 4 in B-flat. 1791-1792.
+    Grand No. 5 in C minor. 1791.
+    Grand No. 6 in D. 1791.
+    Grand No. 7 in D minor. 1795.
+    Grand No. 8 in E-flat. 1795 (?)
+    Grand No. 9 in B-flat. 1795.
+    Grand No. 10 in E-flat. 1793.
+    Grand No. 11 in D minor (The Clock). 1794.
+    Grand No. 12 in G (Military). 1794.
+    Symphony in C (Le Midi). 1761.
+    Symphony in G (Le Soir). 1761 (?)
+    Symphony in D (Le Matin). 1767 (?)
+    Symphony in A (The Farewell--Letter B). 1772.
+    Symphony in E minor (Trauer-symphonie--Letter I). 1772 (?)
+    Symphony in D minor (Lamentations). 1772.
+    Symphony in C (Maria Theresa). 1773.
+    Symphony in E-flat (The Schoolmaster). 1774.
+    Symphony in A (Feuer-symphonie). 1774.
+    Symphony in C (Roxelane). 1777 (?)
+    Symphony in D (La Chasse). 1781 (?)
+    Symphony in C (L'Ours). 1784-1786.
+    Symphony in G minor (La Poule). 1784-1786.
+    Symphony in B-flat (La Reine de France). 1786 (?)
+    Symphony in G (Letter V). 1787.
+    Symphony in C (Letter R). 1788.
+    Symphony in G (Letter Q--The Oxford). 1788 (?)
+    Symphony in C (Toy Symphony). 1788 (?)
+83 Quartets for strings.
+      [The earliest were composed in 1753. The quartet including
+       variations on Haydn's 'Emperor's Hymn' (Op. 76, No. 3) was
+       composed in 1797.]
+21 Trios for strings.
+31 Trios for clavier and strings.
+3 Concertos for pianoforte and orchestra. 1790.
+9 Concertos for violin and orchestra.
+22 Concertos for other instruments.
+8 Sonatas for clavier and violin.
+34 Sonatas for clavier solo.
+
+
+
+
+MOZART
+
+
+
+
+MOZART
+
+
+In a small, barely-furnished apartment in the Archbishop's palace at
+Salzburg, in Austria-Hungary, on a winter's morning in the year 1766,
+a boy of ten years of age was seated at a table, his head resting upon
+his hand and his eyes turned towards the window. Before him were
+scattered a number of sheets of manuscript music-paper, several of
+which were covered with notes, which his childish fingers had
+patiently traced amidst a plentiful sprinkling of blots and smears.
+
+There was something pathetic about the appearance of the motionless
+little figure, with its pale face, surmounted by a profusion of brown
+curls, and the fixed, earnest expression in the large dark eyes--a
+pathetic seriousness that implied a depth of reflection far beyond his
+years, and to which the work upon which he was engaged lent additional
+significance. Thus absorbed, the child paid no heed to the entry of a
+servant bearing a tray, upon which was spread a simple breakfast; and,
+following the instructions which he had received, the man laid the
+tray on the table and quitted the room in silence. Outside the door,
+however, the old servant paused for a moment in a listening attitude,
+as if to catch the chink of moving cup and platter, and thus be
+assured that the child had begun his meal. But as no sound came from
+within, old Hans shook his head gravely, turned the key in the lock,
+and, muttering to himself, descended the stairs.
+
+    [Illustration: '_He paid no heed to the entry of a servant._']
+
+The old servitor was puzzled, and somewhat troubled in mind as well,
+by the boy's deep abstraction. That his master the Archbishop
+cherished any feelings of harshness or resentment towards the solitary
+little prisoner Hans refused to believe. Indeed, the Archbishop had
+confided to him that he merely desired to test the child's powers of
+writing original music. But to the old man's mind such a test was far
+too severe to be applied to one so young, and something in the boy's
+far-away look had touched his heart and tempted him to disobey the
+stringent command which he had received not to converse with the
+little writer. Even now, as he was descending the stairs, he felt
+almost like a criminal in leaving the boy locked in his room without a
+word of comfort or encouragement, and he was half inclined to turn
+back on some excuse to speak with the prisoner and inquire how he
+felt. At that moment, however, the ringing of a distant bell summoned
+him to his master's presence.
+
+    [Illustration: MOZART.
+    From photo RISCHGITZ.]
+
+Archbishop Sigismund was pacing to and fro in the dining-room when his
+servant entered, his forehead puckered with a frown, and his eyes
+fixed on the carpet. But he at once checked himself in his walk, and,
+turning to Hans, said abruptly: 'Have you taken the child his food?'
+'Yes, your Grace,' was the reply. 'And--er--how did he seem--well,
+eh?' 'Quite well, your Grace.' 'You are sure of that?' a trifle
+anxiously. 'Perfectly sure, your Grace,' replied the old man, though
+he would have liked to have added a word as to his doubts concerning
+the child's happiness; but the Archbishop dismissed him with a wave of
+the hand, and, turning away, seated himself at the breakfast-table.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Several floors above that on which Archbishop Sigismund was eating his
+breakfast the little captive sat patiently toiling at his allotted
+task. In a sense the old man was right; for the test was as severe a
+one as the mind of a man who was a good judge of music, and who
+doubted the truth of what he had heard concerning his little captive's
+astonishing genius, could well have devised. The boy was required to
+set to music the first part of a sacred cantata founded upon the
+'First and greatest Commandment'--'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God
+with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and
+with all thy strength' (Mark xii. 30). The Archbishop fully realised
+the magnitude of the test, and he expected failure--he looked for the
+child to break down. The time allotted for its fulfilment was one
+week, at the expiration of which he would find a few boyish attempts
+at composition, and nothing more.
+
+And why was Archbishop Sigismund so desirous of testing the boy's
+powers of composition? A short time before the date at which our story
+opens Leopold Mozart, Vice-Capellmeister at the Archbishop's court,
+had related to his master some wonderful stories of his little son
+Wolfgang--how the child had astonished and delighted every one by his
+playing; how, when the father carried him and his sister Marianne to
+Vienna and Paris and London, they had been invited to play at the
+Courts, and how little Wolfgang had been praised by the royal families
+and loaded with presents; and how he had already composed some
+wonderful things, including several sonatas for the pianoforte, and a
+symphony--the latter when he was only eight years old.
+
+There was no exaggeration in Leopold Mozart's description of his
+child's powers, as to which, indeed, accounts from less partial
+sources had already reached the Archbishop's ears. None the less,
+however, was the old ecclesiastic inclined to attribute to a parent's
+pardonable pride the anticipations which the father had formed with
+regard to the boy's future, and more especially as those anticipations
+rested upon the assumption that the child was a miraculous genius.
+That Wolfgang could play remarkably well for a child of his age was
+sufficient in itself to justify the extraordinary praise which he had
+received; but that he was gifted to the extent of writing original
+music of a sort worthy to be recorded the Archbishop may be excused
+for doubting. At any rate, he resolved to settle the matter to his own
+satisfaction by setting the boy to work under conditions which
+precluded every chance of his being enabled to copy from the works of
+other composers, and also--and this was a great point with the
+Archbishop--of his being helped by his father. Leopold readily
+assented to the conditions of the test proposed by his master, and so
+little Wolfgang was duly installed as a close prisoner in the palace,
+and supplied with music-paper, pens, and ink, and a subject on which
+to write, in the manner in which we have already described.
+
+And now we must leave him for a space weaving harmonies in his attic
+chamber whilst we recount his history up to the present point.
+
+Born on January 27, 1756, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart had attained his
+third year when the father's attention was first drawn to his fondness
+for music. In his little daughter Marianne, who was five years older
+than Wolfgang, he had rejoiced to discover an extraordinary gift for
+playing, and it was not long ere her music-lessons from her father
+became a source of attraction for her little brother, who would cast
+aside his toys and take his stand beside the piano as soon as he
+perceived that Marianne's lesson was about to begin. There he would
+remain until the lesson was finished, listening intently to everything
+that was played or spoken. At other times he would amuse himself by
+finding simple chords on the instrument, striking them over and over
+again, and bending his head to catch the harmonies thus produced. At
+length Leopold Mozart began to teach him, half in fun at first, but
+very soon in earnest, for it was apparent that the child regarded the
+lessons seriously.
+
+The father could not conceal his joy at the discovery of such early
+promise on the part of his little son, whose progress, indeed, was so
+rapid as to call for special care to prevent his learning too fast.
+Marianne had a manuscript book in which her father used to write
+simple pieces for her to learn, and very soon he was entering in the
+book similar pieces for Wolfgang.[11] The rapidity and ease with which
+the boy mastered these tasks opened his father's eyes to the fact that
+Wolfgang possessed capacities far above those of an ordinary child. In
+a short time the boy began to write in the book little compositions of
+his own, some of them plainly showing that his skill in composing had
+forged beyond the point at which his tiny fingers had the power to
+express his ideas.
+
+One day, when Leopold Mozart had brought Herr Schachtner, the Court
+trumpeter, home to dinner, they found Wolfgang busily employed with
+his pen. In answer to his father's inquiry what he was doing, Wolfgang
+replied that he was writing a concerto for the pianoforte. Leopold
+asked to see it, but the boy was not anxious to have his work
+inspected, and objected that it was not finished. 'Never mind,' said
+Leopold, 'let me see it. It must be something very fine.' Taking the
+paper into his hand, the father and his friend glanced at it
+curiously. The sheet was bedaubed with ink-smears which almost
+concealed the notes; the child had dipped his pen each time to the
+bottom of the ink-bottle, so that when it reached the paper it had
+dropped a huge blot. This had not disturbed him in the least, however,
+for he had merely rubbed his hand over the offending blot and
+proceeded with his writing.
+
+At first sight both Leopold and his friend laughed to see the manner
+in which the composer had traced the notes over the smudges, but soon
+Schachtner observed the father's eyes fill with tears of delight and
+wonderment as he began to follow out the theme. 'Look, Herr
+Schachtner!' he cried. 'See how correct and orderly it is! Only it
+could never be of any use, for it is so extraordinarily difficult that
+no one in the world could play it.'
+
+Wolfgang at this looked up quickly into his father's face. 'That is
+why it is a concerto,' he explained, with flushed cheeks. 'People must
+practise until they can play it perfectly. Look! This is how it goes;'
+and he began to play it on the piano, but only succeeded in bringing
+out sufficient to show his hearers what he meant it to be.
+
+His ear for music was wonderfully fine, for when only seven years old
+he could detect the difference of half a quarter of a tone between two
+violins. It was an ear of such extreme delicacy, in fact, that
+anything in the shape of rude or harsh sounds caused him positive
+distress. On one occasion Schachtner, at the request of Leopold
+Mozart, who imagined that Wolfgang's aversion to loud sounds was a
+mere childish fancy, blew a blast upon the trumpet towards the child,
+but he regretted it the next moment, for the boy nearly fainted away
+at the shock.
+
+'What took others months of practice to achieve came to him as a gift
+of God,' his father used to say; and truly there seems to have been
+something of the miraculous about Wolfgang's powers. His violin
+lessons had hardly begun when one evening, as Leopold Mozart, Herr
+Schachtner, and Herr Wentzl were about to play a set of six trios
+composed by the last-named musician, Wolfgang put in a plea that he
+might be allowed to play second violin! Needless to say, his request
+was refused as a matter of course. The child, however, persisted, and
+at length he was told that if he were careful to make no sound he
+might sit beside Herr Schachtner with his violin and bow, to make
+believe that he was playing.
+
+The first trio began, but it had not proceeded far ere Schachtner's
+attention was drawn to the boy at his side. He was actually playing
+the part--and playing it correctly! The second violin ceased bowing in
+astonishment, and allowed Wolfgang to go on alone, which he did to the
+end. Schachtner and the father exchanged glances, and the former
+perceived that Leopold's eyes were full of tears. After this trial the
+boy was allowed to play in the remaining pieces, unaccompanied by
+Schachtner. At the conclusion, emboldened by success, he volunteered
+to play the first violin's part--an offer which was greeted with
+laughter; but, nothing daunted, he seized his violin and began, and
+although he made many mistakes, and was on the point of breaking down
+several times, he persisted to the end.
+
+With his devotion to music and all that concerned the art, Wolfgang
+possessed a lovable, affectionate nature that yielded a ready
+obedience to his parents' wishes. For his mother, Anna Maria, and his
+sister Marianne he showed great fondness, but before either of these
+he placed his father. 'Next to God comes papa,' he used to say. He
+could be very merry on occasions, but a natural seriousness which
+showed itself in connection with his love for music gave rise to fears
+that he would not survive his childhood. Music to him was
+all-absorbing--everything else had to yield to it, and nothing could
+take its place. When Herr Schachtner, who had grown very fond of the
+child, carried him from one room to another the march had to be
+accompanied by the beating of a drum, and the only toys he cared for
+were such as could make music. When musical sounds were not actually
+forthcoming the rhythmical movements of his body and limbs implied
+their existence beneath the surface.
+
+The family were in poor circumstances, for Leopold Mozart had no means
+beyond the salary which he received from the Court. The discovery of
+his children's gifts, therefore, offered the father a strong
+inducement to turn their powers to advantage, both for the supply of
+the family's needs and to provide for Wolfgang and Marianne a sound
+education in music. With this object he determined to travel with the
+children, as Salzburg itself offered no facilities for making their
+talents known. A first experiment in January, 1762, proved so
+successful that in the following September they set out for Vienna
+with the object of playing before the Imperial Court. Wolfgang was at
+this time six years old, and Marianne eleven. At Linz, where they
+stopped for several days, they gave a successful concert under the
+patronage of the Governor-General of the province. Every one was
+delighted with the playing of the children, and they were fortunate in
+securing the presence of a young nobleman who happened to be visiting
+at the Governor's house on his way to Vienna, for he was sure to carry
+the news of what he had heard to the capital. From this point they
+continued their journey by water as far as the monastery of Ips, where
+they purposed resting for the night.
+
+The grey old building, seated on the banks of the Danube, with the
+waters of the river lapping the base of its walls, looked invitingly
+restful to the travellers who sought its seclusion on that sultry
+September afternoon. Three friars who formed part of the travelling
+party entered the monastery at the same time, and on their retiring to
+say Mass in the chapel Wolfgang contrived to slip in behind them
+unperceived and to make his way into the organ-loft. Shortly
+afterwards the Franciscan monks, who were entertaining a party of
+guests in the refectory, were startled at hearing the organ pealing
+forth from the chapel. One of the hosts left the table to ascertain
+who the player could be, and, hastily returning, beckoned the company
+to follow him. On reaching the chapel they paused to listen, holding
+their breath, as their companion pointed to the tiny figure of a child
+seated in the loft. Was it possible, they asked themselves, that a
+child could produce such beautiful music? They remained standing,
+rooted to the spot by the enchanting strains which poured from the
+organ, until Wolfgang, happening to espy them, brought his voluntary
+to a close and crept meekly down from his perch.
+
+    [Illustration: '_They remained standing, rooted to the spot._']
+
+Throughout the remainder of their journey to Vienna Wolfgang was the
+life of the party, full of spirits and eager curiosity to learn the
+name and history of everything they met. At the customs-house on the
+frontier he made friends with the officials, and secured an easy pass
+for the party by playing an air on his violin. Every one was charmed
+with his conversation and sprightly intelligence, and, above all, with
+his music.
+
+When they reached Vienna it was to find that the fame of the
+children's playing had preceded them through the reports of those who
+had witnessed the performance at Linz. A Court introduction was easily
+obtained, for the royal family were desirous of hearing the prodigies,
+and an early day was fixed for the visit to Schoenbrunn. It was
+fortunate for Leopold Mozart that the Imperial family were devoted to
+art. Charles VI. was an accomplished musician; his daughter, the
+afterwards Empress Maria Theresa (of whom we have already heard in our
+story of Haydn), had from an early age shown a fondness and talent for
+music; whilst the Emperor Joseph not only sang well, but played the
+harpsichord and violoncello.
+
+A kind and gracious welcome awaited the party on their arrival at the
+palace. The Emperor took to Wolfgang at once, and was so delighted
+with his performance that he called him 'kleinen Hexenmeister' (little
+magician), and forthwith set to work to test his powers to the
+uttermost. Not only was the boy made to play difficult pieces at
+sight, but he instantly complied with the Emperor's joking suggestion
+that he should play with one finger. The keyboard was then covered
+with a cloth, so as to conceal the notes, but Wolfgang played just as
+finely as before, receiving for this crowning feat the loud applause
+of the company. The children were treated with great kindness by both
+the Emperor and Empress; and Wolfgang showed his affection for the
+august lady by climbing into her lap and giving her a hug, just as he
+might have done to his mother. The performance at Court was repeated
+on several occasions, each time with greater applause; and amongst the
+audience was the beautiful Marie Antoinette, who, later on, became
+Queen of the French. The boy evinced a strong fancy for the Princess,
+and one day, when he happened to slip on the polished floor and was
+helped to his feet by the Princess's hand, he turned to her with a
+grave air and said, 'You are very good, and I will marry you,' 'Why,
+pray?' inquired Marie, with a smile. 'Out of gratitude, of course,'
+responded Wolfgang, still more gravely.
+
+He was not in the least shy at being called upon to perform before
+personages of the highest rank, his behaviour to all being that of a
+simple, unspoilt child. But when it came to the point of playing, the
+serious concentration of which we have before spoken would take
+possession of him, and everything else had to take a secondary place.
+Not even the Emperor himself could then claim precedence of the
+composer, should the latter happen to be present. 'Where is Herr
+Wagenseil? Is he here?' inquired Wolfgang on one occasion, when about
+to play a concerto composed by the Court musician. 'Pray let him come;
+he knows something about it.' The father understood this request to be
+in keeping with the boy's desire to play before a capable judge--a
+condition upon which he invariably insisted whenever practicable. At
+the bidding of the youthful performer Herr Wagenseil approached. 'Ah,
+Herr Wagenseil!' said Mozart, turning to him, 'I am about to play one
+of your concertos, and I want you to turn over for me.' The Emperor
+happened to be standing next to the boy, but he smilingly made way for
+the composer at once.
+
+Needless to say, after the favours shown them at Court, the children
+at once became the rage in Vienna society. Invitations poured in from
+every quarter, and as for Wolfgang, all the ladies lost their hearts
+to the little fellow. The visit, however, was not without alloy, for
+Wolfgang contracted scarlet fever, and on recovery was shunned for
+fear of infection; but, on the whole, Leopold Mozart had good reason
+to be satisfied with the success of his experiment. The children were
+loaded with presents, but they valued none more than those which were
+bestowed by the hands of the royal family, Wolfgang's present
+consisting of a violet-coloured suit, trimmed with broad gold braid,
+which had been made for the Archduke Maximilian; and Marianne's of a
+pretty white silk dress. A painting of Wolfgang in his gala suit,
+which was executed at the time of their visit, is still preserved.
+
+The following year Leopold Mozart undertook a longer journey, with the
+object of making Paris the end of their travels, but they stopped at
+various towns by the way for the purpose of giving concerts. At
+Frankfort the first performance was so successful that it was decided
+to give three more. An announcement in the newspaper at the time
+describes Mozart as capable of naming 'all notes played at a distance,
+whether singly or in chords, on the clavier, or on any other
+instrument, bell, glass, or clock.' Leopold also gave out as an
+additional attraction that Wolfgang would play with the keyboard
+covered--a fact which shows that the Emperor's test had not been
+forgotten. It was whilst they were at Frankfort that a boy of fourteen
+came to one of the concerts and saw Mozart in his frizzled wig and
+sword, and heard him play. That boy was Goethe the poet.
+
+They stayed five months in Paris, played before the Court at
+Versailles, and excited astonishment and enthusiasm both there and
+wherever else they performed. The mother accompanied them on this
+long expedition, and on New Year's Day the family were conducted to
+the royal supper-room, where the Queen drew Wolfgang to her side, fed
+him with sweetmeats, and conversed with him in German.
+
+    [Illustration: '_Played before the Court at Versailles._']
+
+From Paris they journeyed, in April, 1764, to London, finding lodgings
+in Cecil Court, St. Martin's Lane. London, with its crowded, busy
+thoroughfares, its thronged markets, and its discordant street-cries,
+must have seemed a strange place to the little travellers after their
+experience of Continental cities. In regard to music itself, also, the
+contrast must have been equally striking. The English were not
+reckoned to be a musical nation, however much we loved music in our
+homes and in the simple services of our churches; moreover, there was
+an absence of the patronage extended to the art by the rich and
+powerful classes, such as one would have met with on the Continent.
+Hence its cultivation was slow, and pursued under immense
+disadvantages. Nevertheless, the English knew how to appreciate good
+music, and London was the centre to which all the greatest performers
+were attracted, because they were sure, not only of receiving the
+heartiest of welcomes, but of reaping more money by their performances
+as well. English liberality and English appreciation have always
+secured for our country the very best that the arts could produce.
+
+Leopold's first care on reaching London was to obtain an introduction
+at Court. In this he was again fortunate, for King George III. and his
+Consort were exceedingly fond of music, and it was not long before an
+invitation came for the children to attend at the royal palace. King
+George showed the greatest interest in Wolfgang, placing before him a
+number of difficult pieces by Bach and Handel, with the request that
+he would play them at sight. The manner in which the boy fulfilled
+his tasks evoked the enthusiastic applause of the great company
+present at the performance, and the plaudits were redoubled when,
+after accompanying the Queen in a song, he selected the bass part of
+one of Handel's airs and improvised a charming melody to it. The King
+was so impressed with his powers that he would not let him go until he
+had tried the organ, in the playing of which Wolfgang achieved a
+further triumph.
+
+June 4 was fixed for celebrating the King's birthday, and for several
+days before this event the coaches had been arriving in London loaded
+with passengers from all parts of the country. Leopold Mozart had
+fixed the following day--June 5--as the date for his first public
+concert, and as the fame of the young musicians had by this time been
+noised abroad, the hall was filled to overflowing. The father was
+staggered by the success of the concert. 'To think,' he wrote home the
+next day, 'that we took one hundred guineas in three hours!' That so
+great a sum should be willingly paid in order to hear a child of eight
+perform must, indeed, have been astonishing to one who had hitherto
+had no experience of English munificence. Many of the performers,
+moreover, declined to take any fee for their services--a fact which
+served to add to the father's gratitude and astonishment. The
+advertisement of the concert described Wolfgang and Marianne as
+'prodigies of Nature,' and expressed the hope that Wolfgang would meet
+with success in a country which had afforded such marked appreciation
+and protection to his countryman Handel.
+
+A few weeks later Wolfgang played the harpsichord and organ at
+Ranelagh Gardens, a celebrated pleasure resort of the Londoners of
+those days, on behalf of a public charity, and held the delighted
+attention of a huge crowd which had gathered to hear him. Not long
+after this Leopold Mozart was seized with severe illness, and when he
+was recovering, the family removed to Chelsea for the sake of the air
+and quiet. Chelsea at that time was a riverside village, and the
+lodgings of the Mozarts were in Five Fields, a name which conveys a
+pleasant suggestion of the country, but, alas! it has long since lost
+its ancient signification with its change to Lower Ebury Street,
+Pimlico.
+
+    [Illustration: '_Chelsea at that time was a riverside
+    village._']
+
+As the children were not allowed to play any instrument, Wolfgang
+spent the time in composition, and one day he confided to Marianne
+that he was composing a symphony, and begged her not to forget to
+remind him to give a good part to the horns, the horn being a very
+favourite instrument with him in those days. The great work was duly
+completed, and the father having regained his strength, the family
+returned to town. They were accorded a further gracious reception at
+Court, and in token of his gratitude Leopold Mozart printed six of
+Wolfgang's sonatas for harpsichord and violin, and dedicated them to
+the Queen, whose acceptance of the works was accompanied by a present
+of fifty guineas. At the concerts which followed the overtures were
+all of Wolfgang's composing, and on one occasion the children won
+great applause by the performance of a duet for four hands, written by
+Wolfgang, a style of composition which was then quite new. The novelty
+of the prodigies, however, had to some extent worn off, and the public
+were by no means so eager to patronise their performances. Leopold
+endeavoured to reawaken interest in their doings by announcing private
+exhibitions of the children's skill 'every day from twelve to
+three--admittance two shillings and sixpence each person,' but despite
+the smallness of the fee, and the fact that it included the privilege
+of testing the powers of the performers by the audience, the number of
+visitors was very small.
+
+In July, 1765, the family left London to visit the Hague, but now for
+the first time heavy misfortune attended their journey. Both Wolfgang
+and Marianne fell ill--the latter so dangerously as to cause Leopold
+the deepest anxiety. No sooner had Marianne recovered than Wolfgang
+was struck down a second time with violent fever, and it was several
+weeks before he was sufficiently strong to resume his travels. During
+his convalescence, however, he was so eager to pursue his studies that
+he had a board laid across the bed to serve as a table on which to
+compose. Their reception at the Hague was gracious and kindly, both
+the Prince of Orange and his sister, Princess Caroline of
+Nassau-Weilburg, showing a deep interest in their playing. After
+leaving the Hague they paid a second visit to Paris, where they added
+to their former triumphs, in addition to playing at many towns by the
+way, and, finally, the long tour was brought to a close by the return
+of the family to Salzburg in November, 1766.
+
+Up till now we have seen Mozart chiefly in the light of a musical
+prodigy, exciting delight and astonishment by the exhibition of his
+marvellous powers. By those around him, however, Wolfgang was beloved
+for his own sake--for the simple, affectionate boy that he was.
+Notwithstanding the praise which had been lavished upon him during his
+travels, he remained unspoilt, and, apart from his music, as
+child-like as ever. When not engaged in actual composition, his mind,
+in the course of his long journeys, had been occupied with the
+creation of an imaginary kingdom, peopled entirely by children, to
+which he had given the title of 'Ruecken.' Of this kingdom he supposed
+himself to be king, and he was never tired of planning and arranging
+its buildings, drawing maps of the towns, framing the laws under which
+it was to be governed, and generally providing for the comfort and
+happiness of his subjects. It was all the outcome of a natural
+tenderness of heart which was equally shown in his relations with
+strangers and friends--a desire to place others before himself.
+
+At times, however, he could assert himself with considerable force. On
+one occasion, shortly after his return to Salzburg, a gentleman of
+rank in the town called upon the family, and being desirous of
+conversing with Wolfgang, was at a loss how to address him. The formal
+pronoun _sie_ could hardly be used to a child; _du_, on the other
+hand, implied a familiarity which might be resented by so celebrated
+an artist; the gentleman, therefore, took refuge in _wir_, and thus
+began: 'So _we_ have been in France and England,' '_we_ have been
+introduced at Court'; '_we_ have been honoured'; when Wolfgang
+interrupted him hastily. 'And yet, sir, I do not remember to have seen
+you anywhere but in Salzburg!'
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+We must now return to the point at which we left our hero in his room
+in the Archbishop's palace. The little musician realises that upon his
+shoulders rests the burden of justifying to the Archbishop his
+father's expressed belief in his powers, and love and gratitude
+whisper to him that he cannot do too much in striving to uphold the
+judgment of his beloved parent. His gratitude to his father was only
+what might have been looked for in one so naturally thoughtful for
+others. Leopold Mozart had, indeed, made great sacrifices for his
+children, and he was prepared to go to even greater lengths of
+self-denial in order to procure for them a good education, and to
+found a musical career for the son in whose God-sent gifts he placed
+the most implicit faith. 'I offer my children to my country,' he wrote
+to a friend at this time. 'If it will have none of them, that is not
+my fault, and will be my country's loss.'
+
+And so, prompted by love and gratitude, Wolfgang works on until at
+last the long task is finished, and the composer lays down his pen
+with a sigh of relief. 'What will the Archbishop think of the work?
+Will he laugh at it, and tell the father that he is mistaken in
+believing that his son can write good music? Would this week of toil
+be thrown away, and the sheets be cast into the fire?'
+
+Such are the thoughts of the child-musician as he glances anxiously
+through the manuscript. 'Yet, no; it has some good points--as a
+musician he is sure of that--and surely his Grace will not fail to
+observe those good points.'
+
+Mozart's fears were groundless. When the old Archbishop came to
+inspect the work, his face showed the pleasure and astonishment which
+he felt. Boyish the workmanship may have been, yet there was nothing
+of boyishness about the music itself. Wolfgang had taken the Italian
+oratorio as his model, and the result showed how completely he had
+mastered its forms. Such was the verdict which the connoisseurs passed
+upon the work, nor did those judges fail to call attention to its
+dignity and delicacy of expression, its well-chosen harmonies, and the
+flowing melodies that were a foreshadowing of the Mozart of later
+years. The cantata--the two remaining parts of which were composed by
+the Court musicians--was performed with great success during Lent,
+1767, by the students of Salzburg University, and in the programme the
+eye of the composer met the words, 'The first part of this work was
+set to music by Herr Wolfgang Mozart, aged ten years.'
+
+Wolfgang's studies had been much interrupted by travel, and now that
+they were home again his father began to give him regular instruction
+in counterpoint as a solid groundwork for future composition. There
+were many little breaks in these studies, however, and one which
+afforded Wolfgang immense delight whenever it came round was to visit
+the monastery of Seeon, with the monks of which he was on a footing of
+firm friendship. For one of the priests, known as Father Johannes, the
+boy had a deep affection; and whenever the good man made his
+appearance, Wolfgang would spring to embrace him, and, stroking his
+cheeks, would sing his greeting to a little air of his own:
+
+    [Illustration: Mein Han-serl! liebs Han-serl! liebs Han-serl!]
+
+The monks were always teasing Wolfgang about his tune. On Father
+Johannes' fete-day the boy presented him with an offertory of his own
+composing, in which he introduced the little melody as a birthday
+greeting. The caressing little air runs through the piece, and is
+'twice interrupted by the words, "Ecce Agnus Dei, qui tollit peccata
+mundi" (Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the
+world), given in a quiet, serious manner that has a charming effect.'
+Good Father Johannes had no need to feel ashamed of the moisture which
+gathered in his eyes as he scanned this tender little offering of his
+child-friend on his birthday morning.
+
+But the visits to the old monastery were to be interrupted by a
+further period of travel. Vienna was making great preparations for
+celebrating the betrothal of the Archduchess Josepha, who had made
+herself beloved of the people, and Leopold Mozart was desirous of
+being present with his children at the festivities. Accordingly, they
+set out in September, 1767, but no sooner had they arrived at the
+capital than they were met by the news that the Princess had been
+struck down with small-pox. A few days later the tidings of her death
+spread grief and consternation throughout the city. The dread of
+infection caused the nobility to flee the place, and Leopold hastened
+to remove the children to Olmuetz. Their efforts to escape, however,
+were vain, for both children developed the disease, and for nine days
+Wolfgang was quite blind. A good Samaritan, in the person of Count von
+Podstatzky, Dean of Olmuetz, received the family into his house, with a
+noble indifference to the risk which he incurred, and treated them
+with every kindness and consideration, so that with good nursing
+Wolfgang and Marianne soon recovered.
+
+It was with renewed hopes that Leopold and his children once more bent
+their steps to Vienna, only, however, to meet with fresh
+disappointments. The Imperial family received them very kindly, but
+the public evinced little desire to attend their performances. The
+Empress lived in retirement, and the Emperor was practising a rigid
+economy in regard to matters of entertainment and display--an example
+which was followed as a matter of course by the nobility. Moreover,
+the public taste for art was at a very low ebb, the preference being
+for music of the lightest description. As if these were not
+sufficiently serious obstacles to contend with, the twelve-year-old
+musician was subjected to marked hostility on the part of the chief
+performers of the city, who not only held aloof from his performances,
+but did not scruple to vent their envy by speaking disparagingly of
+his powers. That his son should be thus slighted without being heard
+seemed to fill Leopold's cup of bitterness to overflowing. To oppose
+such a phalanx of jealous rivals was impossible, and he had made up
+his mind to shake the dust of Vienna from his feet and return home,
+when the arrival of a messenger from the palace turned his sorrow into
+joy.
+
+'See here, Wolfgang,' cried the delighted father, as he sought the
+boy's side after the departure of the royal messenger, 'is not this a
+recompense for our trials and waiting? Here are the Emperor's commands
+to you to compose an opera--an opera, mark you!--for performance at
+the Royal Theatre!' and Leopold gave the astonished Wolfgang a hearty
+embrace, as he thrust the important missive into the boy's hand.
+
+Wolfgang read the letter through with the seriousness which always
+characterised his manner when his beloved art was mentioned, and then,
+lifting his face to his father's, he threw his arms around Leopold's
+neck, exclaiming as he did so, 'It shall be done, papa--the Emperor's
+commands shall be obeyed!'
+
+Fired with zeal to deserve the confidence thus reposed in his powers,
+Mozart set himself to work to accomplish his gigantic task. In a short
+time, with assiduous labour, he had produced no fewer than five
+hundred and fifty-eight pages of music, and 'La finta Semplice,' as
+the opera was called, was ready for rehearsal. In the meanwhile,
+however, the envious ones had formed themselves into a cabal with the
+object of hindering, and, if possible, preventing its production. All
+kinds of mean and untrue things were whispered about the work, of
+which not a single note had yet been seen or heard by any of these
+detractors. The music was declared to be worthless, and when this
+slander had been disproved by the testimony of those who were capable
+judges, another sprang up to the effect that the work was the
+production, not of Mozart himself, but of his father. This, too, was
+swept aside only to be supplanted by a fresh outburst of jealousy.
+Before long these evil reports found their way to the singers and
+performers, who, from being at first loud in their praises of the
+opera, began to express a disinclination to take part in the
+performance, for fear of losing their reputation. Then Affligio, the
+manager who had undertaken to produce the work, in like manner began
+to draw back, and put off the rehearsals from time to time. Finally,
+after a series of such postponements, when brought to bay by Leopold's
+insistence, the manager declared that he would produce the opera if
+the father desired it, but that it should not benefit the Mozarts, as
+he would take care that it should be hissed off the stage. The Emperor
+was powerless to interfere, as Affligio held the theatre independently
+of the Court, and nothing remained to be done but to withdraw the
+opera.
+
+This was a great blow to Mozart and his father, but, though
+momentarily crushed by disappointment, they comforted each other with
+the hope that the work would see the light at a later period. It was
+now imperative that they should return to Salzburg immediately, more
+especially as Leopold had received an intimation from the Archbishop
+that his salary must cease so long as he stayed away. Their
+circumstances were, in fact, much straitened owing to the ill success
+of their visit, and during the weary months of suspense and waiting
+they had been living upon the profits of their previous travels. They
+were not allowed to leave Vienna, however, without a ray of sunshine
+to cheer them on their homeward journey. Wolfgang had written an
+operetta, 'Bastien und Bastienne,' founded upon a burlesque of one of
+Rousseau's operas, and he had the pleasure of hearing his little work
+performed before a select company of connoisseurs, and of receiving
+their praises. Nor would the Emperor let him depart without a further
+sign of royal favour, for he was commanded to write a Mass, an
+offertorium, and a trumpet concerto to celebrate the dedication of a
+new chapel in the city. The occasion was an important one, for the
+ceremony was graced by the presence of the Imperial Court, and it must
+have been a happy moment for Wolfgang when, having conducted his
+compositions, he bowed his acknowledgments of the hearty applause
+which followed. With this comforting assurance of the royal regard was
+brought to a close an expedition which to both father and son had been
+filled with trial and disappointment.
+
+Old Archbishop Sigismund, too, was forward in showing his sympathy
+with Wolfgang on his return to Salzburg; for with a kindness which was
+unexpected even at the hands of one who had already proved himself to
+be a true friend, he gave orders that 'La finta Semplice' should be
+performed in his palace. It was a fitting reward for the Archbishop to
+bestow upon one whom he had subjected to so severe a test, and both
+Mozart and his father were full of gratitude. Sigismund, moreover,
+showed his appreciation of Mozart's genius by making him his
+concertmeister, though no salary was attached to the appointment. As
+regards the opera itself, as Mozart was shortly to write a work of a
+much higher character, not much need be said; at the same time, when
+we learn that the best judges of the day pronounced it to be in many
+respects superior to the operas which were then in possession of the
+stage, and that it pointed 'unmistakably to a glorious future for its
+composer,' we may appreciate the remark with which one who was himself
+a great musical judge sums up the opinion passed upon Mozart's first
+opera: 'Surely, this is extraordinary praise for the work of a boy!'
+
+Leopold Mozart was now resolved upon undertaking a journey to Italy
+with a view to completing Wolfgang's musical education. At that day
+Italy stood foremost in the world as the home of music. Of Italy could
+it be truly said, as it could be said of no other country, that music
+was native to the soil. The craving for music pervaded every class--to
+prince, and peer, and peasant alike, music was as natural a possession
+as the very air they breathed. It was bound up with the people's
+sentiments and passions, to which it afforded the truest expression,
+and it was connected to an equal degree with their surroundings and
+conditions of life. Consequently, every facility existed for the
+development and encouragement of the art, whilst on every hand there
+was a steady demand for the best that that art could produce. Thus, as
+has been well said, there came to be formed in Italy 'a sort of
+musical climate, in which artists found it easy to breathe.' More
+than this, it became evident to musicians of other countries, as the
+years went on, that he who aspired to do great things with his art,
+and to establish a reputation for himself as singer, player, or
+composer, must imbibe this atmosphere--for a time, at least--and put
+the finishing touches to his education under the influence of the
+Italian schools of composition and execution.
+
+In respect to musical art Germany and Italy were rivals. The music of
+Germany was to a very great extent independent; but the spirit of
+creation in Germany was not so universally diffused as in Italy,
+being, as a matter of fact, chiefly confined to the northern
+Protestant portion of the country. Again, the operas performed at the
+German Courts were Italian; the music to be heard in the German
+Catholic churches was written by Italian composers; whilst both
+singers and performers were either drawn from, or had been educated
+in, Italy. The two countries, as we have said, were rivals, and every
+succeeding year witnessed the growth of this spirit in Germany; but
+for long Italy held the supremacy in instrumental as well as in every
+other class of music, as the result of that inborn love of music which
+pervaded every grade of society throughout the country.
+
+And so in December, 1769, Mozart, who was now thirteen years of age,
+came to Italy to listen to the brightly-clad peasants singing at their
+work in the sunny fields; to watch them dancing on the vine-trellised
+terraces that overlooked the deep blue waters of the lakes; to witness
+the wonderful processions of the priests through the narrow streets of
+the towns; and, above all, to hear the grand music in the cathedrals.
+
+Mozart's bright, happy nature was never more in evidence than on the
+occasion of this journey, which he seemed to regard as having been
+planned solely for pleasure. His merry jokes and light-hearted
+conversation served to ingratiate him in the affections of all.
+Leopold kept up a regular correspondence with those at home, but
+Wolfgang never failed to add a little letter of his own, addressed
+either to his mother or to Marianne, in which he joked about the
+incidents of the journey, the people whom they met, or the friends
+they had left behind. The letters were a mixture of German and
+Italian, with an occasional bit of Salzburg _patois_ thrown in to make
+Marianne laugh. But he relapsed into a serious style whenever he
+referred to his playing or the performers whom they had heard in the
+course of their travels.
+
+The young musician had, indeed, no lack of work before him, for, in
+addition to the regular performances which formed the chief business
+of the tour, he was set difficult problems to solve at sight by the
+various professors who desired to test his powers. The fame of his
+playing preceded him everywhere, so that the further they penetrated
+into Italy the more numerous became the demands to hear him. At
+Roveredo, where it was announced that he would play the organ at St.
+Thomas's Church, the crowd was so great that the monks of the
+adjoining monastery had to form a circle around Mozart to keep back
+the press until the steps leading to the organ-loft had been gained.
+The vast audience listened spellbound to the performance, and then
+refused to disperse until they had gained a glimpse of the boy-player.
+At Verona, where another triumph awaited him, and where one of his
+symphonies was performed, the Receiver-General ordered his portrait to
+be painted, and wrote a letter to the mother full of warm praise of
+her wonderful son.
+
+On reaching Milan the chief musician of the city subjected Mozart to
+the severest tests, from which he emerged victorious, and after
+astonishing everybody by his playing and improvisation, he was
+commissioned to write an opera for the ensuing season. It was at
+Bologna, however, that he met with the most flattering reception. The
+city contained many artists of the highest rank, over whom Padre
+Martini, the famous composer of Church music and the first connoisseur
+of the country, reigned like a king. Martini was, in fact, worshipped
+by Italian lovers of the art, who deferred to his opinion in all
+questions affecting music. But the Padre was very old, and had given
+up attending concerts, so that every one was astonished when the
+coming of Mozart brought the aged musician from his retirement to form
+one of the brilliant gathering assembled at Count Pallavicini's
+mansion to witness the boy's playing. It was a great compliment to
+Mozart, but an even greater compliment to the country from which he
+came, and Wolfgang put forth his best powers, with the result that he
+earned the judge's warmly expressed commendation. Leopold was
+overjoyed at Wolfgang's success, and opined that Bologna would form a
+centre from which the boy's fame would spread all over Italy, an
+opinion that was justified by the results. As for Martini, he took to
+Wolfgang at once, insisted that he should visit him regularly whilst
+they remained in Milan, and gave him fugue subjects to work out at his
+lodgings. Mozart worked hard at these tasks, and the Padre expressed
+himself as perfectly satisfied with the boy's knowledge of
+composition.
+
+The journey to Rome, in fact, was a succession of triumphs, which it
+would require a volume by itself to attempt to describe in detail. At
+Florence he was invited to play before the Court of the Archduke
+Leopold, and solved, 'as easily as if he were eating a bit of bread,'
+the difficult problems proposed by the Court music-director, who was
+regarded as one of the best contrapuntists of the day. Here he met
+Thomas Linley, a boy of about his own age, the son of the English
+composer, who was studying the violin under Nardini. Linley's playing
+was already exciting much attention, and as he showed great promise in
+his compositions as well, people were building high hopes as to his
+future. Mozart and he instantly became close friends, and when the
+time came for parting neither could restrain his tears. They were
+destined never to meet again, for a few years later poor Linley was
+drowned through the upsetting of a boat whilst on a pleasure excursion
+in Lincolnshire. Mozart never forgot the bright friendship which had
+flashed into his life during those few days spent at Florence, and
+many years afterwards he would refer in terms of endearment to the
+young genius whose career had been thus untimely cut off.
+
+It was Holy Week when Mozart and his father reached Rome, and the city
+lay under the spell of that solemn time. The travellers at once bent
+their steps to the Sistine Chapel in order to hear the celebrated
+_Miserere_, written by Allegri, performed. Wolfgang had been looking
+forward to this moment during the latter stages of his journey with
+the deepest interest. He had heard from his father of the jealous
+guarding of this wonderful work by the Romans; how it was expressly
+forbidden to be performed in any other building than the Sistine; and
+how the choristers were under strict injunctions not to remove their
+parts of the score from the chapel. His anxiety, therefore, to hear a
+work of which the fame had spread throughout the whole of Europe, had
+hastened his progress to the Holy City.
+
+It would, indeed, be difficult to imagine anything more beautiful and
+impressive than the singing of this wonderful _Miserere_.[12] It is
+introduced into the solemn service called 'Tenebrae' (Darkness), during
+which the six tall altar candles, by which the chapel is illuminated,
+are extinguished one by one, until only a single candle is left, and
+this is removed to a space behind the altar. Then, in almost complete
+darkness, the _Miserere_ begins. A single voice is heard singing the
+beautiful antiphon, as the short piece which ushers in the _Miserere_
+is called; the sweet notes die away into silence--a silence so
+profound that the listener hardly dares to breathe lest he should
+disturb it. Then at length the first sad notes of the Supplication are
+heard, like the softest wailing of an anguished spirit; they gradually
+increase in force until the whole building is ringing with the
+plaintive melody in all its thrilling intensity.
+
+The solemnity of the service and the beauty of the music left a deep
+impression on the mind of the young musician who heard it for the
+first time. Leopold Mozart, too, was greatly affected by what he had
+heard, and when they left the chapel to seek their lodgings neither of
+them spoke a word. Once within doors, however, Wolfgang asked for pen
+and paper, and, sitting down there and then, he wrote out the whole of
+the _Miserere_ from memory. On Good Friday, when the work was to be
+performed for the second time, he took his copy with him to the
+Sistine, and, concealing it in his cocked hat, he made one or two
+corrections in pencil as the service proceeded. It was not long before
+the news of this extraordinary feat reached the ears of the Papal
+musicians, and Wolfgang received orders to perform his version in the
+presence of Christoforo, the principal soprano of the Sistine, who
+could not conceal his amazement at finding it correct in every
+particular.
+
+No better introduction than this was needed to secure for Mozart a
+cordial welcome at the houses of the great, and during their stay in
+Rome they were feted to their hearts' content.
+
+At Naples, which was their next stopping-place, Wolfgang played at the
+Conservatorio alla Pieta before a brilliant gathering, and excited so
+much astonishment that several of the audience openly declared that
+his powers were derived from a ring which he wore upon his finger. 'He
+wears a charm!' they cried; and when Mozart, hearing their remarks,
+smilingly laid aside the supposed magic ring, and played even more
+brilliantly than before, the enthusiasm was redoubled. After this the
+Neapolitans vied with one another to show them honour and attention. A
+carriage was provided for their use, in which they drove about amongst
+the fashionable crowds on the Strada Nuova and the quay, on which
+occasions Leopold wore a maroon-coloured coat of watered silk, with
+sky-blue facings, and Wolfgang one of apple-green, with rose-coloured
+facings and silver buttons.
+
+We have not space, however, in which to describe all the events of
+Mozart's wonderful tour, and so we may only mention how they returned
+to Rome at the instance of the Pope, who not only granted Wolfgang a
+private audience, but bestowed upon him the Order of the Golden Spur,
+thus entitling him to be styled 'Signor Cavaliere Amadeo'; how, when
+next he wrote to Marianne, he jokingly concluded his letter as
+follows: 'Mademoiselle, j'ai l'honneur d'etre votre tres-humble
+serviteur et frere, Chevalier de Mozart'; and how his portrait was
+once more painted in Rome by Battoni. A still greater distinction was
+conferred upon him on his arrival at Bologna, for the Accademia
+Filarmonica admitted him to their ranks as 'compositore,'
+notwithstanding that their statutes required that members should be at
+least twenty years of age. To test his qualifications for election he
+was given an antiphon to set in four parts, and locked up in a room to
+fulfil his task. At the expiration of half an hour he asked to be let
+out, to the astonishment of the officials, who could scarcely credit
+that he had completed the work in so short a time. The composition was
+then examined by the professors, who next voted upon it, and finally,
+amidst clapping of hands, it was declared that Mozart had been duly
+elected.
+
+After some further intercourse with Padre Martini, who, before
+leaving, presented Mozart with a testimonial, the travellers proceeded
+to Milan, where Wolfgang set to work at once on the opera which he had
+been commissioned to write. It was a great task, and we find him
+writing to his mother and sister, begging them to pray for its
+success, 'so that they may all live happily together again,'
+'Mitridate,' as the work was called, was at length finished, after
+three months' hard labour, some of which was devoted to fighting the
+opposition emanating from both singers and rivals. The first
+performance took place on December 26, 1770, and was conducted by
+Wolfgang, whose appearance in the orchestra was the signal for a great
+outburst of cheering, to be repeated again and again as the opera
+proceeded. Then came loud cries of 'Evviva il Maestro! Evviva il
+Maestrino!' in response to which Mozart gravely bowed his
+acknowledgments, and at the same time bent his glance towards the spot
+where his father sat with his eyes covered with his hand, in order to
+hide the tears of pride and joy which filled them to overflowing.
+Mingled with these feelings, however, Leopold felt a deep
+thankfulness in his heart that he had been spared to watch over his
+son's career, and to be a witness of his success.
+
+'Mitridate' had indeed succeeded even beyond their utmost hopes; it
+was repeated twenty times before crowded houses, and its success
+brought with it the honour of election as 'Maestro di Capella' (the
+Italian equivalent of the German title 'Capellmeister') by the
+Accademia Filarmonica. Mozart's position was now assured, and he had
+nothing more to fear from intrigues or cabals. So that when, in
+August, 1771, we find him once more in Milan, he is on cordial terms
+with all his fellow-artists, and hard at work composing a dramatic
+serenata for the approaching marriage of the Archduke Ferdinand with
+Princess Beatrice of Modena. He is working amidst a Babel of sounds,
+for in the room above dwells a violinist, in the room below another,
+whilst a singing-master lives next door, and an oboist opposite. But
+he is not dismayed. 'It is capital for composing,' he writes to
+Marianne; 'it gives one new ideas.'
+
+The serenata, 'Ascanio in Alba'--an allegorical pastoral play--was a
+great success, and Hasse, a master of opera, who had also composed a
+work for the occasion, was fain to admit that he stood nowhere
+compared with Mozart. 'This boy,' he exclaimed, 'will cause us all to
+be forgotten.' The Empress, who had commissioned Mozart to write the
+work, was so pleased with the result that, in addition to the
+stipulated fee, she presented the composer with a gold watch with her
+portrait set in diamonds at the back.
+
+Our story of Mozart's life has now reached the point which marks the
+beginning of a series of misfortunes and trials of a far more serious
+character than those with which his earlier struggles for fame had
+been associated. There was no foreshadowing of these troubles at the
+moment when the travellers set out on their return journey to
+Salzburg, whither they were carrying the hopes which had been built
+upon their successes in Milan. Shortly after their return, however, to
+their great grief the good Archbishop Sigismund died, and both Leopold
+and Wolfgang realised that they had lost their best protector and
+friend. The news of the appointment of Hieronymus, Count von
+Colloredo, as his successor was received by the townspeople with
+feelings of displeasure and even dismay, for it was well known that
+the character of Hieronymus was almost entirely opposite to that which
+had made Sigismund beloved by his subjects. The Mozarts, father and
+son, were soon made to taste the bitterness of the change.
+Appreciation for art formed no part of the new Archbishop's nature,
+and he lost no opportunity of showing his contempt for those who
+followed it as a profession. Notwithstanding the fame which had now
+gathered about Mozart, whose latest opera, 'La finta Giardiniera,' had
+been produced in Munich, at the carnival of 1775, with the greatest
+success, the Archbishop persistently refused to recognise his genius,
+or to grant any facilities for enabling his dependents to better their
+condition of life. Once, during his master's absence in Vienna,
+Leopold had gone to the capital with Wolfgang, hoping to be able to
+secure some appointment at the Court which might relieve them of their
+necessities, but the effort was in vain. To his wife he wrote: 'Things
+will and must alter; take comfort, God will help us.' But they
+returned empty-handed.
+
+Despite the fact that monetary anxieties were daily growing more
+pressing, and the aspect of affairs at the Salzburg Court remained as
+hopeless as ever, Wolfgang worked at his compositions with untiring
+diligence, and by the time he had attained his twenty-first year he
+had accumulated a mass of music that embraced every branch of the art,
+in addition to numberless carefully worked out studies of other
+masters. But Hieronymus viewed his Concertmeister's industry with
+disdain. Even when, by happening to be in Vienna shortly after 'La
+finta Giardiniera' had taken the Viennese by storm, he had been made
+the unwilling recipient of congratulations at the hands of the
+nobility upon the possession of so gifted a composer, he had contrived
+to evade an admission of Mozart's genius by protesting, with a
+sardonic smile and outspread hands, that he knew nothing about such
+matters. Even this disclaimer, however, did not prevent the Archbishop
+from making use of Wolfgang's powers whenever their display could be
+made to add to his own glorification. But nothing softened his
+ill-nature; no degree of praise which was justly awarded either to
+Mozart as a composer, or to his father for the care with which he had
+conducted his son's musical training, availed to remove or even to
+mitigate the deeply-rooted dislike which Hieronymus bore to father and
+son. He professed to regard them both in the light of professional
+beggars, and he never lost an opportunity of speaking slightingly of
+Wolfgang's compositions.
+
+It was not long before the relations with the Archbishop became
+strained to breaking-point. Wolfgang was now twenty-one, with a
+reputation as a composer, but with no settled future; it was clear
+that nothing was to be hoped for by his remaining in Salzburg, and
+Leopold therefore resolved to undertake a professional tour with his
+son. For this purpose a prolonged leave of absence was necessary; but
+the Archbishop met Leopold's application with a curt refusal.
+
+Even Wolfgang's docile nature would bend no further under such
+treatment, and he forthwith requested to be relieved of his duties.
+The salary connected with his post of Concertmeister was trifling in
+amount, and Hieronymus was fully aware of the value of the services
+which he professed to estimate so lightly. But that one for whom he
+had expressed contempt should thus presume to take action on his own
+behalf rendered him furious. He would have nothing to do with either
+father or son. 'After the Gospel, you are both free to seek your
+fortunes wherever you please!' was his reply to Wolfgang's
+application. This hasty decision, however, he afterwards retracted
+with respect to Leopold, and the father realised that the only course
+left open to him was to allow Wolfgang and his mother to travel
+together.
+
+Arrangements were accordingly made, and early in the morning of
+September 23, 1777, the carriage which was to convey the travellers
+drew up at the door of Leopold's house. Now that the actual moment of
+parting had arrived the father could with difficulty restrain his
+emotion, and it was only when the carriage had driven off that he
+remembered that he had forgotten to bestow a blessing on his dear
+ones. Rushing to the window, he stretched forth his hand, to find that
+he was too late--the travellers were already out of sight.
+
+Wolfgang's spirits, however, rose as the towers of Salzburg faded into
+the haze of that September morning. No sorrow of parting could stifle
+the sense of freedom that was springing up in his breast; he had
+escaped from a town which was intimately associated in his mind with
+tyranny and oppression, to seek his fortune in a new and wider world,
+where he was confident that his gifts would meet with the recognition
+they deserved. Thus buoyed with hope and confidence he entered upon a
+sea of difficulty and trouble.
+
+    [Illustration: '_The carriage which was to convey the travellers
+    drew up at the door._']
+
+At Munich, where they first halted, Wolfgang endeavoured to secure an
+engagement at the Elector's Court; but there was no vacancy, and
+although his playing brought forth many promises of future help in
+addition to applause, the prospect of obtaining immediate engagements
+fell empty to the ground. 'Fine words and bravissimos pay neither the
+postboy nor the host,' wrote the practical Leopold Mozart, when
+Wolfgang applied to him for advice, and so mother and son went on to
+Mannheim. Here, indeed, the prospects seemed to be much brighter.
+Mannheim was a thoroughly musical town, and Mozart soon won both
+esteem and admiration at the hands of the musicians. The Elector, Karl
+Theodor, maintained an excellent orchestra, and with Cannabich, the
+conductor, Wolfgang soon became great friends, giving music-lessons
+to his daughter Rose. Nevertheless, albeit so gifted, and capable of
+winning applause wherever he played, Mozart was constantly looking for
+work that would bring in sufficient ready-money to maintain himself
+and his mother, until something of a permanent nature could be found
+for him. But here again disappointment followed disappointment. He was
+desirous of staying the winter in Mannheim, in order to join some
+friends who were leaving for Paris in the spring, but he must first
+find something to do. He seized upon the opportunity of playing before
+the Elector and the Electress as a possible means of securing their
+children as pupils, and for some time success in this direction seemed
+imminent. But his application was put off from day to day; weeks
+passed over, and nothing was settled.
+
+Amidst these hopes and delays Leopold Mozart was writing from Salzburg
+urging Wolfgang to decide upon a course of action. He reminded him
+that he had put his time to but little use up to the present, and that
+it was becoming increasingly difficult for him to supply the money for
+their maintenance. Wolfgang must give him longer notice of their
+change of plans, as 'otherwise all will go wrong'; and he warns his
+son to be careful lest he be stranded without money--and 'no money
+meant no friends.'
+
+There was justice in these urgings and warnings, for it was a fact
+that to Wolfgang life in Mannheim had become so pleasant and
+easy-going that it was time that he should be reminded of the call of
+duty. In the midst of intercourse with friends, who were only too
+willing to second his wishes to remain in Mannheim, Mozart was in
+danger of forgetting the sacrifices which were being made for him at
+home. Both father and daughter were indeed denying themselves and
+working hard to keep up the supplies of money. In addition to being
+heavily in debt on Wolfgang's account, Leopold had increased his
+labours by giving music-lessons at a small fee, whilst Marianne was
+practising all manner of shifts to make ends meet. Each fresh
+disappointment which her brother's letters conveyed caused 'Nannerl's'
+tears to flow with sympathy and vexation, and added to her father's
+anxieties.
+
+The latest letter had brought the depressing intelligence that, after
+tedious delays, the Elector had decided that he could not see his way
+to offering Mozart the engagement which he sought. Nothing remained to
+be done, therefore, but to relinquish the idea of wintering in
+Mannheim. But coupled with this announcement of failure, Wolfgang had
+let drop some complaints on the subject of lesson-giving which aroused
+his father to the pitch of administering a severe rebuke. Wolfgang's
+protest was to the effect that so long as he was called upon to seek
+work in the shape of music-lessons at small fees, the time which he
+felt ought to be given to composition must suffer serious curtailment,
+with the result that his progress would inevitably be hindered, if it
+were not brought to an actual standstill. There was doubtless sound
+sense behind this protest, for who could deny that Wolfgang's aims
+were high, or that he possessed the power to accomplish great things
+with his art? It is, however, easy to understand that his expressed
+disinclination to give music-lessons touched his father on a tender
+point. 'And so,' Leopold writes, with more bitterness than he has ever
+shown before in his letters--'and so you will throw away chances of
+earning money, whilst your old father has to run from house to house
+for a wretched pittance in order to support himself and his daughter,
+and to send the little that remains to you, instead of paying his
+debts!' He begs Wolfgang to reflect whether he was not treating him
+as hardly as the Archbishop himself. Then follows a remark which
+refers to Mozart's proneness to place undue reliance on promises,
+instead of using his own judgment. 'You have judgment,' says Leopold,
+'but a trifle too much of conceit and self-love, and you are inclined
+to be over-confiding, and to open your heart to every one you meet.'
+
+However, Wolfgang's stay in Mannheim was, after all, prolonged over
+the winter, through the efforts which his friends made to procure him
+work; but when the spring came round, and the three musicians whom he
+had promised to accompany to Paris were ready to start upon their
+journey, he found an excuse for letting them go without him. Leopold
+Mozart was a deeply religious man, and when he learnt from Wolfgang
+that his reason for breaking off his intended journey was that his
+three companions had not a particle of religion in them, he approved
+his son's judgment without expressing any surprise at the tardiness of
+his discovery.
+
+But Mozart had a deeper reason, which he was not so anxious to
+disclose, and which perhaps he could not, without knowing his mind
+exactly at the time, have explained. Be this as it may, however,
+Mozart could never have been surer of anything than that his father
+would have disapproved in the strongest manner of the feelings which
+were swaying him at that moment. Yet if Leopold had but read between
+the lines of his son's letters he must have seen why it was that
+Wolfgang was seemingly so blind to his own interests, and so forgetful
+of his duty to those who loved him at home. The fact is Wolfgang was
+in love. And if the vigilant eye of the kindest and tenderest father
+that ever watched with unremitting care over the welfare of a gifted
+son could have pierced the space that separated him from Wolfgang at
+the moment when he was perusing that letter of excuse, it might have
+lighted upon the following little scene which was being enacted in the
+parlour of a small house in Mannheim.
+
+A young man is seated at the harpsichord playing the accompaniment of
+a song from the manuscript before him. Every now and then he lifts his
+eyes from the music-sheet to let them rest upon the fair young face of
+the maiden standing beside him, and that oft-repeated glance reveals
+more than admiration for the singer's notes, pure and melodious as her
+singing is--more than a recognition of the singer's charms, sweet
+beyond question as those charms are; it reveals, in a word, the love
+which is burning within the player's breast, a love as yet unspoken,
+but beside which even art herself must for the time sink her
+supremacy.
+
+Aloysia Weber, the fifteen-year-old maiden for whom Mozart had
+conceived this attachment, was the second daughter of Fridolin Weber,
+a member of the Elector's band. The young composer had been attracted
+first by her voice, and later by her personal beauty, and both of
+these gifts had gained in power through the sympathy he felt for the
+family who were in poor circumstances. He longed to be able to help
+them; Aloysia's singing was of a high order, and only needed to be
+heard in public to secure the approval of the connoisseurs; he had
+already written a song specially for her, and she sang it as well as
+he could wish. Thus he wrote to his father, in the hope of enlisting
+the latter's interest in his protege, adding that he only wished his
+father could hear her sing. But he gave no indication in the letter of
+those deeper feelings which animated his desire to be of use to the
+family.
+
+The father, however, was soon to receive a communication which
+startled him into a knowledge of the true state of affairs. Wolfgang
+had formed a project for helping the Webers by undertaking a journey
+to Italy in company with Aloysia and her father, with the object of
+writing an opera in which Aloysia should appear as prima donna. Their
+plans would embrace, with Leopold's sanction, a visit to Salzburg by
+the way, when Wolfgang would have the pleasure of introducing the fair
+singer to his parent and 'Nannerl,' by whom he was sure she would be
+welcomed and beloved. Leopold was distracted by the proposal. 'What!'
+he writes, in reply to Wolfgang's letter, 'are you so mad as to prefer
+a vagabond life to Mannheim and fame! Away with you to Paris, and that
+immediately. Take up your position among those who are really
+great--_aut Caesar aut nihil_. From Paris the name and fame of a man of
+talent spreads throughout the world.' The father wisely refrained from
+making any direct allusion to the subject of Mozart's attachment,
+trusting to the latter's sense of what was due to one who had made
+such sacrifices on his behalf. His trust was not misplaced; duty and
+affection prevailed, and with a heavy heart Mozart yielded to his
+father's wishes, and his love-dream came to an end. His ready
+compliance brought a most affectionate letter from Leopold, in which
+he assures his dear Wolfgang that he does not entertain the least
+mistrust of him; on the contrary, he has perfect confidence and hope
+in his filial love. His good judgment, if he will only listen to it,
+will direct him how to act. As for himself, he is resigned to
+separation, and he adjures Wolfgang to live the life of a good
+Catholic Christian. 'Love God and fear Him,' he continues; 'pray to
+Him sincerely and devoutly, and let your conduct be such that, should
+I never see you again, my death-bed may be free from anxiety. From my
+heart I bless you.'
+
+The departure for Paris was now fixed, but the leave-taking with the
+Webers was not accomplished without tears, for the family insisted on
+regarding Wolfgang as their 'greatest benefactor.' Aloysia was
+encouraged to hope for better things, for she had already been heard
+in public on several occasions through Mozart's influence, and now she
+was to be placed under the care of a celebrated singer named Raaff,
+who had undertaken to carry on the training of her beautiful voice,
+and to assist in bringing her out.
+
+The hopes which Leopold Mozart had built upon Wolfgang's prospects of
+success in Paris were not destined to be fulfilled. The enthusiasm
+which he had evoked as a marvellous prodigy was not to be elicited by
+his matured powers as a young man, and the influence necessary to
+enforce his claims to be recognised as a composer of standing was
+lacking. Three months passed away in more or less unsuccessful
+endeavour, and then the mother, who had been his companion and
+comforter throughout this long period of trial and travel, was struck
+down by serious illness, and on July 3, 1778, she breathed her last in
+her son's arms. Wolfgang's first thought in the hour of sorrow was for
+his father, and he wrote to an old friend at Salzburg, begging him to
+break the sad news as gently as possible. When he knew that this had
+been done he himself wrote a letter to his father, full of sympathy
+and affection.
+
+Mozart now determined to leave Paris at once, and his father was the
+more willing to acquiesce in this step because an offer had been made
+by Archbishop Hieronymus to instal Wolfgang in the place of the Court
+organist, who had just died, and to give him a salary of five hundred
+florins, with permission to absent himself whenever he might be called
+upon to conduct one of his own operas. The offer had also attached to
+it the near prospect of being made full Capellmeister at the
+Archbishop's Court. Leopold urged Wolfgang's acceptance, pointing out
+that their joint income would in such case amount to one thousand
+florins a year--a sum that would enable them to discharge their debts
+and live in comparative comfort.
+
+Mozart, it must be owned, viewed the prospect of a return to Salzburg
+under the implied conditions with positive dismay, but he could not
+withstand his father's appeal. He set out from Paris immediately,
+promising himself only one indulgence before entering upon the bondage
+which lay before him--and that was to take Mannheim on his homeward
+journey. Arrived at Mannheim, however, he found that the Webers had
+migrated to Munich, whither the Elector had already gone to take up
+his new residence. After exchanging greetings with a few old friends,
+therefore, he bent his steps to Munich, hoping to find consolation in
+a brief renewal of the happy hours which had left so strong an
+impression on his memory. But, alas! his disappointments found their
+crown within the Webers' dwelling. The family, it is true, received
+him as warmly as of old; but she to whom his glance was first directed
+showed in her eyes nothing more than a friendly welcome, and Mozart
+was quick to perceive that his hopes had here no abiding-place.
+Aloysia was fickle, and her affection had so far waned as to be unable
+to withstand even the test afforded by Mozart's change of dress. When
+he appeared before her with black buttons sewn upon his red coat,
+after the French fashion, to indicate that he was in mourning, she
+resented the innovation; and, after a brief intercourse, in which she
+plainly showed that she had forgotten him for whom her tears had
+flowed some months before, they parted.
+
+It was with a mind stored with invaluable experience, but with a heart
+saddened and sore by disappointed love and ambition, that Mozart once
+more entered the portal of his Salzburg home. If anything could have
+cheered him at that moment and served to dispel the clouds which
+seemed to obscure his future, it would have been the warmth of the
+welcome bestowed upon him by the inmates of that home which he had
+left nearly two years before filled with the brightest anticipations.
+And, indeed, it was little short of triumphant, this greeting and
+homage which poured in upon him from father, sister, and friends. In
+_their_ eyes, at least, his successes were unshadowed by his failures;
+to them he was still the Mozart, the genius amongst musicians, who was
+yet to leave his mark upon the roll of fame. But, grateful as he felt
+for these proofs of sincere affection and esteem, his aversion to
+Salzburg and his duties at the Court remained in full force, and it
+was with a new-kindled joy that he set forth once more for Munich, in
+November, 1780, to complete and produce the opera which he had been
+commissioned to write for the carnival of the following year.
+
+To the realisation of these the first-fruits of his previous sojourn
+at Munich Mozart was to owe the establishment of his fame as a
+dramatic composer of the first rank. 'Idomeneo,' as the new opera was
+called, fulfilled the high expectations which his Munich friends had
+formed from the composer's powers. Its reception at the rehearsals
+rendered success a certainty, and the Elector, who was present, joined
+with the performers in expressing his unqualified approval. At home
+the progress of the work was watched with the deepest interest. 'The
+universal subject of conversation here,' writes Leopold to his son,
+'is your opera.' The first performance took place on January 29, and
+as the Archbishop was then staying in Vienna, Leopold and Marianne
+journeyed to Munich to witness Wolfgang's triumph. It was a proud and
+happy moment for all three, and the enthusiastic applause which shook
+the theatre at the close of the performance must have seemed to the
+old father, who stood gazing with swimming eyes at the sea of waving
+hands around him, to set the seal of greatness upon his son's career.
+
+Mozart was soon, however, to taste the bitterness of his bondage by
+receiving orders from the Archbishop to attend him in Vienna. From the
+moment of his arrival the arrogant ecclesiastic gave him to understand
+that, except when his services were required for his master's
+glorification, he would be expected to take his place amongst the
+servants of the household, to dine at their table, and to receive the
+like treatment and consideration. The indignities to which he was
+subjected beneath the Archbishop's roof, however, did not for a time
+prevent Mozart from feeling happy, for the aristocracy as a body
+welcomed him with enthusiasm, and invited him to their houses to dine.
+To Hieronymus, on the other hand, who was cordially detested by the
+nobility, and especially by the Emperor Joseph, the fact that one of
+his musicians--a mere domestic of his establishment--was made the
+object of all this attention on the part of the great people of
+Vienna, was in itself sufficient to rekindle the hatred which he had
+always felt towards Mozart. It was a purely selfish feeling which had
+induced the Archbishop to reattach Mozart to his Court; and now, when
+he found that requests were flowing in from the nobility to be allowed
+to hear the composer play at their own houses, where Hieronymus
+himself was far from being a welcome guest, he gave full rein to his
+spite, with the result that Mozart's life speedily became unbearable.
+
+The culminating point was reached when the Emperor purposely left the
+Archbishop out of the list of guests invited to his summer residence
+at Laxenburg. Enraged at the slight thus offered to him, Hieronymus
+before leaving Vienna sought to gratify a portion of his revenge by
+turning Mozart from his doors. Mozart had just before made up his mind
+to quit the Archbishop's service, for his treatment had of late become
+unendurable, and there was every prospect of his being able to make a
+living in Vienna. He now requested an audience for the purpose of
+ascertaining his position. Hieronymus seized the occasion for
+showering upon the head of his Concertmeister all the abuse which he
+could summon to his aid. Calling him 'villain,' 'low wretch,' 'low
+fellow of the streets,' the Archbishop declared that none of his
+servants treated him so badly. 'Your Grace is dissatisfied with me,
+then?' said Mozart. 'What! you dare to employ threats! Fex! there is
+the door! I will have nothing more to do with such a vile wretch!'
+'Nor I with, you,' was Mozart's retort, as he quitted the room.
+
+Mozart was now virtually free from the intolerable burden under which
+he had suffered, but his actual discharge was not obtained without
+further indignity and insult. Leopold Mozart received the news of the
+rupture with alarm, and endeavoured to induce Wolfgang to reconsider
+his decision not to return to Salzburg. But even though an official
+acceptance of his resignation was not then forthcoming, Mozart made a
+stand for his independence. 'Do not ask it,' he wrote to his father in
+reply. 'Demand of me anything but that. The very thought of it makes
+me tremble with rage. I hate the Archbishop almost to frenzy!'
+
+We must pass over the time of struggle which followed the severance of
+Mozart's connection with the Archbishop, when he found himself with
+only a single pupil as a visible means of support, but, fortunately,
+not without friends, and come to the point when, for the second time,
+he fell in love. He was lodging with his old friends the Webers.
+Fridolin Weber was dead; Aloysia had married, and was well known as a
+professional singer; and Madame Weber, with her two unmarried
+daughters, was living, in reduced circumstances, in Vienna. Mozart's
+prospects had greatly improved, for his latest opera, 'Entfuehrung aus
+dem Serail,' had brought him increased fame, both in Vienna and in
+Prague, and he had secured the patronage of many distinguished
+personages, in addition to that of the Emperor Joseph. Bachelorhood to
+him now seemed insupportable. 'To my mind,' he says in a letter to his
+father, 'a bachelor lives only half a life,' and so he had determined
+to marry. The object of his choice was Constanze Weber, the third
+daughter, and, despite Leopold's remonstrances, Mozart made her his
+bride on August 16, 1782.
+
+    [Illustration: "_There is the door!_"]
+
+His marriage marked the beginning of a new era of struggle, for
+Constanze, though a devoted wife, was incapable of managing a home,
+and as their means were uncertain to start with, they were soon
+involved in a sea of monetary troubles, from which there seemed to be
+no prospect of their extricating themselves. An unpropitious note had
+been struck on the very day of the wedding, when it must have appeared
+to Mozart that he had committed a crime in robbing the family of one
+of its members. 'As soon as we were married,' he wrote to his father,
+'my wife and I both began to weep. All present, even the priest, were
+touched at seeing us so moved, and wept too.'
+
+With the friends and influence which Mozart's genius had ranged upon
+his side it was hoped that a post of importance would by this time
+have been found for him in Vienna. The bestowal of a Court appointment
+would have relieved him of much of the drudgery of teaching and the
+anxiety of tiding over periods when pupils and engagements were
+scarce, but the Emperor, despite his sincere interest in all that
+concerned the composer, showed a seeming disinclination to make a
+proposal. Yet there could be no doubt of the appreciation in which
+Mozart was held at the Court, for in a letter to his father at this
+time he quotes a remark made by Prince Kaunitz to the Archduke
+Maximilian on the subject of the Emperor's inaction with regard to
+retaining Mozart's services: 'That men of that stamp only came into
+the world once in a hundred years, and that they ought not to be
+driven out of Germany, especially when, as good luck would have it,
+they were already in the capital.'
+
+Mozart was, indeed, seriously contemplating a journey to London and
+Paris, and had even begun to make his preparations, but his father's
+urgent appeals for patience and further effort had the effect of
+postponing for the time the carrying out of his schemes. In the
+meantime Mozart seized the opportunity for which he had been longing
+of paying a visit to Salzburg to present Constanze to his father, and
+at the same time of fulfilling a vow which he had made that, if
+Constanze became his wife, he would have a Mass composed by him for
+the occasion performed in her honour. It was, on the whole, a very
+happy visit, and later on, when Mozart and his wife had once more
+settled down in Vienna, they had the pleasure of welcoming the father
+on a return visit. Leopold found his son immersed in work, and it
+gladdened his heart to witness the appreciation in which his playing
+and compositions were held. One never-to-be-forgotten evening they
+spent together in the company of Haydn, when, after hearing several of
+Mozart's quartets performed, Leopold was made the happy recipient of a
+testimony to his son's greatness, which he treasured above all else
+that had been spoken or written in his favour, and which came as a
+fitting reward for the unremitting care and solicitude which he had
+bestowed upon Mozart's welfare and training. Haydn took the old man
+aside at the close of the evening, and said: 'I declare to you before
+God as a man of honour that your son is the greatest composer that I
+know, either personally or by reputation. He has taste, and, beyond
+that, the most consummate knowledge of the art of composition.'
+
+This pleasant time was rendered the happier by the fact that Leopold
+found Wolfgang and his wife in somewhat better circumstances, and
+their home brightened by the presence of a little grandson, Karl, who
+clambered upon his grandfather's knee, and filled the old man's mind
+with tender recollections of a little son whom he had lost before
+Wolfgang's birth. But it was destined to be the last meeting between
+Mozart and his father, for shortly after Leopold's return he was
+seized with illness, on hearing of which Wolfgang wrote to him a
+letter, in which he expressed his own views on death. 'As death,
+strictly speaking, is the true end and aim of our lives, I have
+accustomed myself during the last two years to so close a
+contemplation of this, our best and truest friend, that he possesses
+no more terrors for me--nothing but peace and consolation. And I thank
+God for enabling me to discern in death the _key_ to our true
+blessedness. I never lie down in bed without remembering that,
+perhaps, young as I am, I may never see another day, and yet no one
+who knows me can say that I am melancholy or fanciful. For this
+blessing I thank God daily, and desire nothing more than to share it
+with my fellow-men.'
+
+The news of his father's death, which occurred on May 28, 1787,
+reached Mozart shortly after he had accomplished one of the greatest
+successes of his life. The name of his latest opera, 'Le Nozze di
+Figaro,' was on every one's lips; its performances in Vienna and
+Prague had been hailed with enthusiastic delight by crowded audiences;
+its songs were to be heard in every street, and wandering minstrels in
+the country, as they halted at the village alehouses, were compelled
+to satisfy their groups of listeners with selections from its
+entrancing airs. Michael Kelly, the singer and friend of Mozart, who
+took part in the opera, has thus described its reception by the
+orchestra and performers: 'Never was anything more complete than the
+triumph of Mozart, and his "Nozze di Figaro," to which numerous
+overflowing audiences bore witness. Even at the first full-band
+rehearsal all present were roused to enthusiasm, and when Benucci came
+to the fine passage, "Cherubino, alla vittoria, alla gloria militar,"
+which he gave with stentorian lungs, the effect was electric, for the
+whole of the performers on the stage, and those in the orchestra, as
+if actuated by one feeling of delight, vociferated, "Bravo! bravo!
+Maestro! Viva, viva, grande Mozart!" Those in the orchestra I thought
+would never have ceased applauding by beating the bows of their
+violins against the music-desks.' As for Mozart himself: 'I never
+shall forget his little animated countenance when lighted up with the
+glowing rays of genius; it is as impossible to describe it as it would
+be to paint sunbeams.'
+
+Despite the success of 'Figaro' Mozart still remained a poor
+man--still was he compelled to earn a living by the hated drudgery of
+teaching. 'You happy man,' he said to a young musician who was leaving
+for a tour in Italy; 'as for me, I am off now to give a lesson to earn
+my bread.' The desire to visit England was once more uppermost in his
+mind, and when the Emperor, with a view to retaining him in Germany,
+appointed him Kammer-compositor at a salary of eight hundred gulden
+(about eighty pounds sterling), it must have occurred to many besides
+Mozart himself that such a 'beggarly dole' but poorly represented the
+value which his Majesty professed to set upon the composer's services
+to art. This feeling was accentuated in Mozart when he discovered how
+trivial were the requirements of his royal master in connection with
+the position. 'Too much for what I produce, too little for what I
+could produce,' were the bitter words which he penned on the official
+return stating the amount of his salary.
+
+The 'beggarly dole,' indeed, brought small relief to the domestic
+anxieties which now more than ever oppressed Mozart and his wife. The
+latter's ill-health necessitated frequent change of air, and in this
+way tended to increase their embarrassments. Applications to friends
+for assistance became more and more numerous. 'I am still most
+unfortunate,' he writes in one of these appeals. 'Always hovering
+between hope and anxiety.' Repeated attempts were made at reform.
+Mozart even commenced to keep strict accounts of their expenditure,
+but they came to nothing, for the want of management was always
+apparent in every detail of his domestic life. Yet, despite all, the
+merry side of Mozart's nature refused to succumb to the stress of
+adversity; amidst his difficulties he retained the sunshine of his
+boyish days, being as merry-hearted, and full of jokes, and as open as
+a child. One winter day an old friend found him and his wife dancing
+madly about the room; knowing Mozart's fondness for this pastime--his
+favourite of all forms of amusement--the friend expressed his pleasure
+at finding them so light-hearted, when Mozart, pointing to the empty
+stove, explained that they were dancing in order to keep themselves
+warm, as they had no money to purchase fuel. Horror-struck, the caller
+darted from the house, and returned in a few minutes with his arms
+laden with logs.
+
+To some extent a natural leaning to extravagance may be held
+accountable for Mozart's embarrassments, for he was extremely fond of
+dress, and had a great weakness for lace and watch-chains. But if he
+indulged his tastes overmuch in this particular, he was no less lavish
+in regard to giving where he thought help was needed. He could never
+turn a deaf ear to the appeal of a beggar, and his kindness was
+frequently imposed upon; even when monetary help was not forthcoming
+to meet the request of a brother-musician, he would contrive to find
+time amidst the pressure of his own work to compose a concerto for the
+latter's benefit. To the animal world, also, his affectionate nature
+went forth in no small degree, and he became deeply attached to a
+starling, which had learnt to pipe the subject of the Rondo of his
+'Pianoforte Concerto in G Major.'
+
+And if his distresses failed to diminish his joy in the very fact of
+living, even less did they affect his powers of work. His father had
+declared that 'procrastination was his besetting sin,' and Mozart was
+certainly given to putting off the evil day as far as possible; but no
+one knew better than Leopold Mozart himself how tireless was Mozart's
+industry, or how boundless his powers of coping with a gigantic task
+which he had set his mind to accomplish. When, in September, 1787, he
+was at Prague, writing the score of 'Don Giovanni,' his favourite
+resort was the vineyard belonging to his friend Duschek, situated
+close to the city; here he would be seated at his work[13] whilst
+conversation or skittle-playing went on around him, often quitting his
+task to join in one or the other. The time was short, for the opera
+was to be produced on October 29, and when the evening of the 28th
+arrived it found the overture still unwritten. Nothing daunted,
+however, Mozart bade his wife brew him some punch, and bring her book
+of fairy-stories, and then, for hour after hour, he wrote on, whilst
+Constanze read aloud to keep him awake. When sleep could no longer be
+resisted he lay down for an hour or two, but when the copyist came for
+the score at seven o'clock in the morning it was ready for him. His
+musical memory was so marvellous that the merest scraps of notes,
+jotted down whilst driving, conversing, or soothing his wife in her
+pain, were sufficient to recall to mind without the slightest effort
+the exact ideas which he desired to reproduce. An entire work would
+thus be completed in his brain before he began to write a single note
+on paper, and it was no unusual thing for him to be thinking out a
+second part whilst writing down the first. 'He never composed at the
+clavier,' says his wife, in speaking of his manner of work, 'but wrote
+music like letters, and never tried a movement until it was finished.'
+
+The limits of our story forbid even a mention of the compositions
+which made up the life-work of Mozart; the few to which we have found
+space to refer are those connected with the chief episodes of his
+career. Much less can we convey an idea of his powers of
+improvisation. Hours snatched from sleep would be spent at the piano,
+and into the silence of the night drifted many a divine melody which
+no ear but his own was destined to hear. One who lived to be eighty,
+speaking of those wonderful improvisations, says: 'I still, in my old
+age, seem to hear the echo of those heavenly harmonies, and I go to my
+grave with the full conviction that there can never be another
+Mozart.'
+
+It was at such times that the inspiration of true genius shone forth
+in his expression. Ordinarily there was nothing distinguished about
+his appearance; the head, with its profusion of fine hair, was
+somewhat too large for the body, which was short and slim; the face
+was pale, and the nose a rather too prominent feature; the eyes were
+large, well-shaped, and shaded by long lashes and bushy eyebrows, but
+the expression was absent and restless. When seated at the piano,
+however, the whole countenance changed; the eye became calm and fixed,
+and every movement of his muscles spoke the emotion which his playing
+expressed.
+
+Even the success of 'Don Giovanni'--at the performance of which the
+Prague audience greeted Mozart's appearance in the orchestra with
+thunders of applause and a triple flourish of trumpets--failed to
+remedy the desperate condition into which his affairs had fallen; and
+when his pupil and patron, Prince Karl Lichnowsky, proposed that he
+should accompany him to Berlin, Mozart gladly accepted the invitation.
+The visit, however, was productive of much honour, but very little
+money, and at its conclusion he wrote to his wife: 'On my return you
+must be glad to have _me_, and not think about money.' The King of
+Prussia received Mozart with every mark of kindness and respect, and
+being himself very musical, and desirous of having the best musicians
+about him, he sought Mozart's advice regarding the proficiency of his
+band. 'It contains some great players,' replied Mozart; 'but if the
+gentlemen would _play together_ they would make a better effect.' The
+King was evidently much impressed by this remark, for before Mozart
+left he offered him the post of Capellmeister, with a salary of three
+thousand thalers (equal to about six hundred pounds sterling). Mozart
+was deeply affected by the munificent offer, and for the moment he
+hardly knew how to reply; then, reflecting how much he owed to the
+Emperor Joseph for the latter's friendship and interest, he said: 'How
+could I abandon my good Emperor?'
+
+Though his loyalty had thus withstood the temptation of an offer
+which, if accepted, would have ensured his liberation from the 'net of
+embarrassments' in which he was so hopelessly entangled, the feeling
+of resistance weakened later on, when his return to Vienna revealed no
+improvement in the situation of affairs. Yielding therefore to the
+advice of others, he told the Emperor of the King of Prussia's offer,
+and at the same time tendered his resignation. Dismayed by this
+unlooked-for resolution, the Emperor exclaimed: 'What, Mozart, do you
+mean to forsake me?' The tone in which this remonstrance was uttered,
+and the expression which accompanied it had their effect upon the
+tender-hearted, grateful Mozart, and with emotion he answered: 'Your
+Majesty, I throw myself upon your kindness--I remain.'
+
+Thus perished the only chance which was destined to fall within
+Mozart's grasp of freeing himself from his troubles, for soon
+afterwards the Emperor fell ill and died, and no renewal of the Berlin
+offer was forthcoming.
+
+The coronation of the Emperor Joseph's successor, the Emperor Leopold,
+took place at Frankfort, on October 9, 1790, and Mozart journeyed
+thither for the occasion, having first pawned all his valuables in
+order to raise the necessary funds. Whatever hopes Mozart may have
+built upon the results of this tour were doomed to disappointment, for
+though he visited and played at several towns on his return journey,
+and was the recipient of numerous honours, his efforts produced no
+permanent fruit, and the horizon remained as dark as ever. His arrival
+in Vienna was timed with the departure of Haydn, whom Salomon, the
+impressario, had come to carry off to London, and it was with a heart
+heavy with gloomy forebodings that Mozart said good-bye to his truest
+friend.
+
+The month of July, 1791, found Mozart hard at work writing a magic
+opera to help a friend who had taken a little theatre in the suburb of
+Wieden. Whilst thus engaged he was visited by a stranger, 'a tall,
+thin grave-looking man, dressed from head to foot in grey,' who
+refused to divulge his name, but stated that his business was to
+commission Mozart to compose a Requiem for a personage whose identity
+must likewise remain concealed.[14] After a brief colloquy the terms
+were arranged, and the mysterious stranger rose to take his leave. As
+he did so he looked fixedly at Mozart, and said warningly: 'Make no
+effort to discover the identity either of myself or your patron; it
+will be in vain.'
+
+Though somewhat disconcerted by the stranger's mysterious injunction,
+Mozart felt all his love for Church music reawakened by the new
+commission, and he set to work upon the Requiem without delay. His
+labours on this composition, as well as on the magic opera, however,
+were interrupted by a pressing request from the Estates of Bohemia
+that he would compose an opera for the coronation of Leopold II. at
+Prague. As the ceremony was fixed for September 6 no time was to be
+lost, and, banishing every other thought from his mind, Mozart
+prepared to set out at once for Prague. The travelling carriage was at
+the door, and he was about to step into it when the mysterious
+stranger suddenly appeared, and inquired after the Requiem. Startled
+by the suddenness of the man's appearance, and at a loss to explain
+his remissness, Mozart could only promise to fulfil the commission on
+his return, and, hastily entering his carriage, he drove away.
+
+The strain involved by his arduous labours at Prague was increased by
+the indifference with which his opera, 'La Clemenza di Tito,' was
+received, and Mozart returned to Vienna with spirits depressed, and
+mind and body exhausted by overwork. Nevertheless, he braced himself
+anew, and on September 30 the new opera, 'Die Zauberfloete' (the Magic
+Flute) was produced. Though somewhat coldly received at first, the
+work increased in popularity at each subsequent representation, until
+its success was everything that could be desired. A friend who had a
+place in the orchestra on the first performance relates that he was so
+enchanted with the overture that he crept up to the chair in which
+Mozart sat conducting, and, seizing the composer's hand, pressed it to
+his lips. Mozart glanced kindly at him, and, extending his right hand,
+gently stroked his cheek.
+
+The Requiem was still far from finished, and to this work Mozart now
+turned his attention. But it was too late; the strain and excitement
+which he had undergone during the past few months had done their work,
+a succession of fainting fits followed, and it was evident that the
+marvellous powers which he had controlled in the past were no longer
+under his command. With fast-fleeting strength came the oppressive
+thought, haunting him from day to day, that he would not live to
+complete the work. 'It is for myself that I am writing this Requiem,'
+he said one day to Constanze, whilst his eyes filled with tears.
+Vainly she endeavoured to comfort him; he declared that he felt his
+end approaching, and, indeed, death--the 'best and truest
+friend'--was very near him now, far nearer than they who gathered
+about his bed, and sought to cheer him with the news that his freedom
+from anxiety was at last to be assured by the combined action of the
+nobility in securing to him an annuity--far nearer than they, or other
+well-wishers, whose tardy recognition of his claims had come too late,
+imagined. He who had 'always hovered between hope and anxiety' was now
+hovering between life and death, soon to be released from all earthly
+travail.
+
+On the evening of December 4 they brought the score of the Requiem to
+him at his request, and, propped up by pillows, he began to sing one
+of the passages, in company with three of his friends. They had not
+proceeded far, however, before Mozart laid the manuscript aside, and,
+bursting into tears, declared that it would never be finished. A few
+hours later, at one o'clock in the morning of December 5, 1791, he
+passed away in sleep.
+
+The body was removed from the house on the following day,[15] and
+taken to St. Stephen's Church, where it received benediction. The
+hearse, with the few mourners, then proceeded to St. Mark's
+Churchyard, but before the burial-place was reached a terrific storm
+of snow and rain burst overhead, and with one accord the followers
+turned back, and left the hearse to proceed alone. And thus the master
+of whom it was prophesied that he would cause all others to be
+forgotten--he whose triumphs had caused him to be acclaimed by
+thousands as 'grande Mozart'--was left to be buried by the hands of
+strangers in a pauper's grave, without even a stone to mark the spot
+where he was laid.
+
+And to this day no one knows exactly which is the resting-place of
+Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[11] This manuscript book is preserved in the Mozart Museum at
+Salzburg, and beneath several of the pieces may be seen the notes made
+by the father at the time. For example, 'Wolfgang learnt this Minuet
+and Trio in half an hour, when he was five.' or 'Wolfgang learnt this
+Minuet when he was four.'
+
+[12] 'Have mercy'--a psalm of supplication.
+
+[13] The room and the stone table at which he worked are still shown to
+visitors at the Villa Bertramka, Koschirz.
+
+[14] It was ascertained after Mozart's death that this personage was a
+certain Count Walsegg, who desired a Requiem to be performed in memory
+of his wife. The messenger was his steward. The reason for secrecy was
+that the Count intended to pass off the Requiem as his own composition,
+and in this he actually succeeded.
+
+[15] Mozart died of malignant typhus fever.
+
+
+
+
+MOZART'S PRINCIPAL COMPOSITIONS
+
+
+OPERAS, ETC.:
+    Bastien und Bastienne. 1768.
+    La finta Semplice. 1768.
+    Mitridate, Re di Ponto. 1770.
+    Ascanio in Alba. 1771.
+    La finta Giardiniera. 1774.
+    Il Re Pastore. 1775.
+    Zaida. 1780.
+    King Thamos. 1780.
+      [The three motets, 'Splendente Te Deus,' 'Ne pulvis et cinis,'
+       and 'Deus Tibi laus et honor,' are adaptations from this work.]
+    Idomeneo, Re di Creta. 1781.
+    Die Entfuehrung aus dem Serail. 1782.
+    Der Schauspieldirector. 1786.
+    Le Nozze di Figaro. 1786.
+    Il Don Giovanni. 1787.
+    Cosi fan tutte. 1790.
+    Die Zauberfloete. 1791.
+    La Clemenza di Tito. 1791.
+15 Masses (1768-1783) and 1 Requiem (1791).
+      [The masses published by Novello as No. 7 (B-flat), No. 8 (C),
+       No. 9 (G), No. 12 (G), Nos. 13 and 16 (E-flat--one Mass), and
+       No. 17 (C), are not considered authentic. The same may be said
+       of the Requiem in D minor (No. 18). The celebrated Requiem
+       (also in D minor, Novello, No. 15) was completed by Suessmayer
+       after Mozart's death. The well-known Novello No. 1 (in C) and
+       No. 2 (also in C) were composed in 1779 and 1776.]
+4 Litanies.
+2 Vespers. 1779 and 1780.
+      [The 'Laudate Dominum' (in A) of the earlier setting is well
+        known.]
+Te Deum in C. 1772.
+Motet, Ave verum. 1791.
+Cantata, Davidde Penitente. 1785.
+41 Arias for different voices.
+6 Vocal Trios and 1 Quartet.
+41 Symphonies.
+      [The earliest symphony was in E-flat (1764). Mention may also be
+       made of three in the key of D--the Parisian (1778), the Haffner
+       (1782), and the Prague (1786)--and of his three last and
+       greatest--in E-flat, G minor, and C, the Jupiter--all composed
+       in 1788.]
+31 Divertimenti, Serenades, etc.
+Masonic Dirge in C minor. 1785.
+8 Quintets for strings.
+1 Quintet for clarinet and strings. 1789.
+26 Quartets for strings. 1770-1790.
+      [The six quartets dedicated to Haydn were composed in 1782-85.]
+6 Concertos for violin.
+4 Concertos for horn.
+1 Concerto for clarinet. 1791.
+25 Concertos for pianoforte.
+    [We may mention the Concerto in D (1773), in D minor (1784), that
+     in G (1784), two in C (1784 and 1786), and one in C minor (1786).]
+Concerto for two pianofortes in E-flat. 1780.
+Concerto for three pianofortes in F. 1776.
+2 Quartets for pianoforte and strings.
+7 Trios for pianoforte and strings.
+42 Sonatas for pianoforte and violin.
+      [The sonata in B-flat, dedicated to Mlle. Strinasacchi, was
+       composed in 1784.]
+17 Sonatas for pianoforte solo.
+5 Sonatas for pianoforte, four hands.
+Rondo in A minor for pianoforte. 1787.
+17 Sonatas for organ, with accompaniment.
+
+
+
+
+BEETHOVEN
+
+
+
+
+BEETHOVEN
+
+
+It was a beautiful spring morning; the sun shone in a cloudless sky,
+and the birds were singing blithely on the branches of the trees just
+outside the window, as if inviting the child who stood within to come
+out into the sunshine and be as free and happy as themselves. But he
+could not respond to their call, for he was not yet half-way through
+his long task. A pitiful little figure he made, mounted on a footstool
+in front of the pianoforte, with his head resting wearily on his hand,
+and his absent, dreamy gaze fixed upon the window. Scarcely five years
+old, and yet condemned to practise endless finger-exercises until his
+eyes grew dim with straining over the notes; kept a prisoner indoors,
+apart from his playmates, when the sun was shining and the birds were
+singing--and all because he happened to possess a great gift for
+music, and because his father, realising this fact, had determined to
+use the child's talents for the support of the family.
+
+Suddenly the door of the sitting-room opened, and a stern face was
+thrust inside.
+
+'Ludwig!'--the tone was harsh and severe, and at the well-known sound
+the boy awoke from his reverie--'Ludwig! what are you doing? Go on
+with your exercise at once, and remember there will be no soup for you
+until it is finished.'
+
+Then the door closed again, and Ludwig turned with a sigh to his
+monotonous task. Why should his life be made so much harder than that
+of other children? he might have asked himself bitterly. It was not
+that he disliked music--no, he loved it--but he yearned for the
+brightness and sympathy which seemed to be given freely to others, and
+yet were denied to him. And as he strove to master his long exercise
+his eyes wandered from the music to a portrait which hung over the
+piano. It represented an elderly gentleman with a kindly face, bushy
+dark hair, and large dark eyes. It was a humorous face, not handsome,
+yet frank and pleasant, and decidedly clever. How clearly Ludwig could
+recall the bright blue coat, with its large gilt buttons, which the
+artist had faithfully portrayed! As the boy's glance rested upon the
+portrait the recollection of the merry times he had spent with his
+grandfather was presented to his mind. Once more he heard the old
+man's genial laugh, and felt the gentle pressure of his hand upon his
+curls. And then his playing! How little Ludwig had listened enrapt
+whilst Grandfather Ludwig charmed forth those mysterious melodies
+which seemed to be locked up at other times in the silent, prim little
+clavier! Those were delicious day-dreams that Grandfather Ludwig had
+the power to conjure up in his grandson's mind. But two years had
+passed since the kindly old musician had gone to his rest, and during
+those years the surroundings of Ludwig's childhood had changed for the
+worse.
+
+The parents of Ludwig van Beethoven, as the boy was named, were
+extremely poor. Johann Beethoven, the father, was a member of the
+Court band of the Elector of Cologne, at Bonn, in which town Ludwig
+was born on December 16, 1770. The German Princes of those days
+maintained companies of musicians for the performance of Divine
+service in their chapels, as well as for their private entertainment,
+and such companies frequently comprised musicians of considerable
+ability. Johann's position as tenor singer was but a humble one,
+bringing in not more than L25 a year. The grandfather, who also
+belonged to the band, first as bass singer, and later as music
+director, had, on the other hand, achieved a considerable reputation,
+both as performer and composer, and during his latter years his
+earnings had gone far to support Johann's family, with whom he lived.
+With the old man's death, however, this help ceased, and the family
+means became greatly reduced.
+
+It was, no doubt, in consequence of the privation felt at this time
+that the father was induced to keep Ludwig so hard at work. Mozart as
+a boy had exhibited marvellous powers, and his performances in public
+at an early age were attended by success. Johann, therefore, seemed to
+think that his little son would have a chance of earning money by his
+forced capacities for music. That a child of such tender years should
+have been regarded in the light of a bread-winner for the family
+appears unreasonable and hard; and it is not to be wondered at that
+Ludwig failed to understand the necessity which led to such pressure
+being put upon him. In his mother, Marie Magdalena, however, he could
+always find a ready sympathy and a tenderness which must have served
+to counteract, to some degree, the unhappiness occasioned by the
+father's severity. But not even a mother's love could make up for the
+loss the child had sustained by his grandfather's death, for the
+excellent qualities of head and heart which the old man had exhibited
+were just those which the boy missed in his father. To Ludwig music
+meant everything--or, rather, it would have meant everything, even at
+that early time, had its development only been continued under the
+same kindly influence.
+
+Despite his severity and unreasonableness, however, Johann must be
+credited with the determination that his boy's knowledge of music
+should be as thorough as it was possible to make it with the means at
+his command, and to this end he spared no pains. Moreover, in order
+that Ludwig should not grow up in complete ignorance of subjects which
+lay outside his art, he was sent to the public school of Bonn to pick
+up what learning he could, though this chiefly comprised reading and
+writing. With his schoolfellows Ludwig had little in common. They
+thought him shy, because he kept to himself, and showed no desire to
+join in their games. The truth was his mind was almost wholly absorbed
+by music, and the consciousness that this great love had taken
+possession of his soul, and was growing stronger day by day may have
+made him inapt for games or boyish society, and thus may have led to
+his taking refuge in his own thoughts. In the companionship of music
+he could never have felt lonely, and in his walks between school hours
+he found plenty to interest him. He never tired of sounding Nature for
+her harmonies, and as he pursued his way through the fields and lanes
+he listened to the peasants singing at their work, and then, catching
+up the simple tunes, he fitted his own notes to them, so as to produce
+beautiful and subtle effects of harmony. Many of those old folk-tunes
+were closely connected with the history of the country to which they
+belonged; they were often the musical expression of the feelings,
+struggles, and passions of the people, and to Beethoven's sensitive
+ear they conveyed a deeper meaning than they did to the simple
+peasants who hummed or carolled them to the whirr of the
+spinning-wheel, the blows of the forge-hammer, or the speeding of the
+plough.
+
+Thus, with the drudgery of unremitting toil and constant reproof, the
+years passed away until Ludwig was nearly nine. Hard as the lessons of
+those years had been, there could be no doubt as to the progress which
+he had made. Not even the severity and harshness of his father could
+lessen or abate his yearning for musical knowledge; and so it came
+about that one day Johann, regarding him with an expression more akin
+to pride and satisfaction than that which Ludwig was accustomed to
+read in his father's face, said, 'I can teach you no more; we must see
+about finding you another master.'
+
+But how this was to be accomplished it is as difficult for us as it
+must have been to Johann himself to imagine; for, so far from the
+family circumstances having improved, the poverty was even more acute
+than before, and such further efforts as the father may have been
+induced to make to increase their comforts were negatived by his
+growing addiction to drink--a fact which must of itself have caused a
+further reduction in their resources. Fortunately, at this critical
+period help was forthcoming in the shape of a musician boarder, who
+agreed to give instruction to Ludwig in part return for his
+accommodation.
+
+The coming of Tobias Pfeiffer, as the new boarder was named, must have
+been regarded by Ludwig with some curiosity. Would he turn out an even
+harder task-master than his own father had been? This question was
+soon settled by the glimpse which Tobias early gave to his pupil of
+his peculiar method of imparting instruction. Johann's evenings were
+now chiefly spent at some tavern resort, whither it became the custom
+for Tobias to repair at a very late hour, in order that he might give
+his drunken landlord a safe convoy home. By this friendly help the
+erring Johann escaped falling into the hands of the police--an
+eventuality which would have resulted in his losing his employment.
+Having fulfilled his friendly mission, Pfeiffer would betake himself
+to Ludwig's bedside, and, with a shake which soon became familiar,
+would arouse the boy with, 'Now then, Ludwig, time for practice!' At
+this gentle admonition the sleepy child would rise obediently, rubbing
+his eyes, and master and pupil descended to the sitting-room, where
+they would play together till the early hours of the morning--Pfeiffer
+giving out a theme, and Beethoven extemporising upon it, and then
+Ludwig in his turn giving the lead to Pfeiffer. Extemporisation would
+be followed by duets, until the approach of day gave warning that it
+was time to retire to bed. Such music as these two players made in
+the still hours of the night was, no doubt, but rarely heard in the
+district in which they lived, and on the other side of the open
+window, in the early dawn of the summer morning, a small knot of
+listeners frequently gathered, attracted by the unusual performance
+proceeding within.
+
+    [Illustration: '"_Now then, Ludwig, time for practice!_"']
+
+For about a year this curious mode of instruction continued, and
+during this time Ludwig's education received a stimulus in the shape
+of lessons in Latin, French, Italian, and Logic, given by a man named
+Zambona. This Zambona was an eccentric personage, whose peculiarities
+would appear to have been well adapted to the condition of things
+prevailing in the Beethoven home. He apparently considered himself
+qualified to fill a variety of posts, as he had acted as innkeeper,
+chamber-porter at the Court, and book-keeper, in addition to being a
+teacher of languages; but his worth was proved by the fact that
+Beethoven made good progress under his tuition. Hitherto Ludwig's
+playing had been confined to the pianoforte and violin, but at this
+point a friendly hand was held out to him by an old friend of his
+grandfather, named Van den Eeden, who for many years had held the post
+of organist at the Court. 'Come to me, and I will teach you the
+organ,' the kindly old musician said to Ludwig, and the boy's heart
+leapt with pleasure at the generous offer. No doubt Van den Eeden saw
+in the young player the signs of genius such as his old friend had
+exhibited in no small degree in past years, and felt drawn towards him
+in consequence. A new field was thus opened to Beethoven, and when, at
+the end of a year, Van den Eeden resigned on account of ill-health,
+and the post was given to Christian Neefe, Ludwig was happy in the
+discovery of a new friend, who not only expressed his willingness to
+carry on the instruction, but was quick to recognise the boy's
+extraordinary talent. At this point of our story we get our first
+glimpse of the fruits of Beethoven's work at composition. The death of
+a friend who had assisted the family with money gifts inspired him to
+write a cantata in his honour; but though it was performed at the
+funeral, no trace exists for us of this little outcome of gratitude on
+Beethoven's part.
+
+Ludwig was now ten years old, and in the winter of 1781 he made his
+first essay at bread-winning for the family. The state of things at
+home was wretched in the extreme, and the hopelessness of looking to
+the father to retrieve the condition into which they had fallen
+decided Ludwig's mother upon undertaking a tour through Holland with
+the boy, in the hope that his playing at the houses of the rich might
+bring in money. We may well believe that sheer necessity alone
+impelled the gentle, ailing woman to such a step. Her faith in her
+son's powers was evidently of a higher order than that of Johann, and
+she must have seen that this exhibition of his talents at so early an
+age not only implied an interruption to his studies, but also, to some
+extent, a debasing of the art which she felt that he loved for its own
+sake. The tour produced money--that chiefest need of the moment--and,
+so far, it was a success; but Ludwig himself did not carry away any
+pleasing recollections of his visit. 'The Dutch are very stingy, and I
+shall take care not to trouble them again,' he afterwards remarked to
+a friend; and there was no repetition of the experiment.
+
+In the following year a notice appeared in _Cramer's Magazine_,
+calling the attention of music-lovers to a young player who, though
+not more than eleven years old, could play with force and finish, read
+well at sight, and--most remarkable of all--play the greater part of
+Bach's 'Wohltemperirte Klavier' (Well-tempered Clavier), 'a feat,'
+declared the writer, 'which will be understood by the initiated.'
+'This young genius,' the article went on to say, 'deserves some
+assistance that he may travel. If he goes on as he has begun, he will
+certainly become a second Mozart.'
+
+The writer of this notice was Christian Neefe, and the subject of his
+praise was none other than his pupil, Ludwig Beethoven. That the boy
+should have mastered a work of such extraordinary difficulty as Bach's
+collection of preludes and fugues may well have excited the
+astonishment of his friend and teacher, whose praise was thus
+deservedly given. But Neefe's confidence in his pupil's abilities was
+shown in a more substantial manner during this same year. Van den
+Eeden's death took place in June, and when the Court band had played
+the old organist to his last resting-place Neefe received orders to
+proceed with the rest of the performers to Muenster, whither the
+Elector had already gone. Two days before the band left Bonn Neefe
+called Beethoven to his side, and told him that he was going away for
+a time. 'I must have a deputy to take my place at the organ here,'
+continued the organist, looking keenly into his pupil's face as he
+spoke. 'Now, tell me, who do you think I ought to appoint to the
+post?'
+
+Ludwig's face was crossed by a shade of trouble. If his kind tutor was
+going away, how did he know whether he would find his deputy equally
+willing to teach him? But Christian Neefe was waiting for his answer,
+and his eyes were shining with a kindly, half-amused light. 'I do not
+know,' Ludwig began hesitatingly. But Neefe's eyes had grown serious,
+and he now spoke with earnestness.
+
+'I have thought of a deputy, Ludwig, and I think I can trust
+him--yes, I am sure I may trust him. The deputy shall be yourself!'
+
+Beethoven's surprise and delight may be imagined. But Neefe knew what
+he was about, and in this preferment we may mark the first step in the
+recognition of Beethoven's genius. The honour was great. To be
+entrusted with the conduct of Divine service at the chapel, and to
+receive the deference due to the position of organist--it must have
+seemed incredible to Ludwig at first; and he was only eleven and a
+half! To his mother he must first have carried the good news, and if
+the father's expression had in it less of joy and thankfulness than
+hers it must be attributed to the fact that no pay was attached to the
+exalted position which Ludwig had obtained.
+
+Beethoven had now practically the choice of three instruments to
+select from; but his heart did not waver for long, ere it became fixed
+upon the pianoforte as the fittest interpreter of his genius, and he
+was true to his first love to the end. His 'Three Sonatas for the
+Pianoforte,' written about this time, gives us the first record of his
+published works. Evidently those terrible finger exercises were
+beginning to bear fruit, for the young musician had acquired
+considerable command over the instrument of his choice--indeed, his
+musical life was now beginning to open itself before him, and the
+longing to do great things had taken possession of his soul. There
+were no more tears at being forced to work, for the greatest
+incentives to work--love and ambition--were now swaying him and
+impelling him onwards at a speed which nothing could check. Neefe's
+confidence and praise were more than justified, and before he had
+completed his thirteenth year Beethoven received his first official
+appointment at the hands of the Elector. He could now sign himself
+'Ludwig van Beethoven, Cembalist im Orchester,' and his duties
+comprised not only the playing of the pianoforte in the orchestra, but
+the conducting of the band at rehearsals. With this accession,
+however, there was still the fact staring him in the face of no money
+coming in. Just at this time, too, the Elector Max Friedrich died; and
+it was not until a year later, when Beethoven was appointed second
+organist to the Court, under the new Elector Max Franz, that he began
+to receive a small salary in return for his services. Thirteen pounds
+a year sounds very little for so much work and responsibility, but
+Ludwig was overjoyed to think that he could back up his announcement
+to his parents with so substantial a fact as the receipt of an income.
+For the poverty at home was keener than ever; Johann's earnings did
+not exceed L25 a year, and as his voice was steadily declining, the
+outlook for the family had become exceedingly black.
+
+The time would not appear to have been propitious for joking;
+nevertheless, Beethoven sat in the organ-loft one day planning a joke.
+He had just had a conversation with one of the chief singers of the
+band--a tenor named Heller--and the latter had been boasting that his
+knowledge of singing was so great that he could easily surmount any
+difficulty as it presented itself. Beethoven inherited from his
+grandfather a love of joking, and the temptation to lower the singer's
+vanity was too great to be resisted. Accordingly, on the following
+Sunday, whilst Heller was singing a solo to Ludwig's accompaniment,
+the latter adroitly introduced a modulation of his own. Heller
+unsuspectingly followed his lead, and fell into the trap devised for
+him, with the result that, after attempting to keep up with the
+organist, he lost himself entirely and, to the astonishment of the
+congregation, came to a dead stop; and it was only when Beethoven
+returned to the original key that the disconcerted singer could
+proceed. Heller was naturally furious at the trick played upon him,
+and lodged a complaint with the Elector. The latter, however, was too
+good a musician himself to be angry at this exhibition of skill on the
+part of his youngest performer, and he contented himself with
+admonishing Beethoven not to attempt any more clever tricks.
+
+There was a dream which had taken possession of young Beethoven's mind
+at this time. It was constantly recurring during the hours of work,
+and when he lay down to sleep in his poorly-furnished attic it was
+with the hope that the dawning of a new day might bring him nearer to
+its realisation. Yet for some time the dream remained only a shadowy
+companion to his working thoughts, ever present, it is true, and
+sometimes glowing in brighter colours that seemed to give to it the
+semblance of reality--but still, only a dream. But the vision seen
+afar off was to be realised at length--Beethoven was to visit Vienna!
+It was the city of his dreams, the centre of his longings, this
+Vienna, just as it was the centre of the musical world of Germany at
+that time. A kind friend had come forward with the offer to pay his
+expenses for the journey, and Ludwig knew that his dream had come
+true.
+
+As we have seen, the dire straits into which the family had fallen had
+not hindered Beethoven's pursuit of musical knowledge. His genius had
+steadily asserted itself under the most adverse conditions; and now we
+are to picture the young musician, at the age of seventeen, full of
+fire and energy, setting out on a journey which must have been fraught
+with the brightest anticipations. He was to meet in Vienna the
+greatest composer of the day. Mozart--the divine Mozart--was staying
+in the city, planning the production of his opera, 'Don Giovanni,'
+and it had been arranged that he should receive Beethoven and put his
+powers to the test.
+
+On reaching Vienna, Ludwig made his way to Mozart's house, and with a
+heart beating high with expectancy, and a face aglow with excitement,
+he was ushered into the presence of the maestro. Mozart received him
+kindly, but it was evident that his thoughts were preoccupied, for,
+after desiring Beethoven to play, he began to turn over his papers in
+a listless fashion. 'Ah!' thought Beethoven; 'he imagines that I have
+merely come to play him something which I have practised for the
+occasion.' Dismayed by this reflection, he took his hands from the
+keyboard and, turning to Mozart, said, 'Will you give me a theme on
+which to extemporise?' Aroused by his appeal, and the earnest look
+which accompanied it, Mozart sat down and played a simple theme; and
+then Beethoven, taking up the slender thread, improvised so
+finely--allowing his feelings to flow into the music as he went
+on--that a bystander could not fail to have been struck by the change
+which came over Mozart's face as he listened. The abstracted look gave
+place to one of pure astonishment. Then he arose from his seat, and,
+stepping softly into an adjoining room, where a number of his friends
+were waiting to see him, he exclaimed, 'Pay attention to this young
+man, for he will make a noise in the world some day.' Beethoven,
+meanwhile, played on and on, lost in the intricate melodies which he
+was weaving out of the single thread, until the touch of Mozart's hand
+upon his shoulder recalled him to earth to hear the master's praises
+sounding in his ear.
+
+Vanished in a moment were the memories of the trials and hardships
+which he had undergone in order to perfect himself for this day of
+trial, for Beethoven realised that he possessed the power of
+impressing so great a judge as Mozart; and praise and encouragement
+were needed at that time, when he was trying to do his best, rather
+than later on, when his powers were assured. Nor was this the only
+recognition which his talents received on his visit. The fame of the
+young player had reached the ears of royalty itself, and he was
+granted an audience of the Emperor Joseph, whose love of music had
+made him desirous of hearing for himself what the Bonn performer could
+do.
+
+    [Illustration: "_Pay attention to this young man, for he will
+    make a noise in the world some day._"]
+
+Beethoven's happiness, however, was soon to be clouded by sorrow, for
+shortly after his return to Bonn his mother died--the mother to whom
+he owed so much gentleness and sympathy in his childhood; she who was
+always ready to forgive his outbursts of temper and impatience, and
+to cheer and encourage him to further effort. How deeply he felt her
+loss may be gathered from the letter which he wrote to a friend at the
+time. 'She was, indeed, a kind, loving mother to me, and my best
+friend. Ah! who was happier than I, when I could still utter the sweet
+name of mother, and it was heard? But to whom can I now say it? Only
+to the silent form resembling her, evoked by the power of
+imagination.' That her death inspired some of his most beautiful
+compositions we may suppose, for it is natural that his grief should
+have found its best expression in music. A few months later his little
+sister Margaretha died, and the sense of loneliness deepened.
+
+And then something bright came into his life. He made the acquaintance
+of a family named Breuning, comprising a widow lady and her four
+children--three boys and a girl--all of about his own age. The
+youngest boy and the daughter became his pupils, and a close
+friendship sprang up between them. He stayed at the house for several
+days at a time, joined in their excursions, and in every way was
+treated as one of the family. As the Breunings were intellectual
+people, their friendship was a great help to Beethoven; his whole
+nature expanded in the sunshine of their society, and very soon he
+found himself taking a deep interest in the literature of his
+country--a subject of which he had previously been ignorant. An
+affection for English authors likewise grew from this intimacy with a
+family of wide tastes and acquirements--indeed, new interests and
+fresh paths of pleasant intercourse were opening to him every day,
+whilst the separation from the miserable surroundings of his own home
+invigorated him for work. Every hour that could be spared from his
+official duties or his teaching was devoted to study and composition.
+Most of his composing was done in the open air; and for this purpose
+he provided himself with rough sketch-books, one of which he always
+carried with him, so that he might jot down in it such musical ideas
+as occurred to him during his rambles through the lanes and fields.
+
+    [Illustration: '_Seated before an old, worn-out piano._']
+
+It was during this happy intercourse with the Breuning family that
+Beethoven made the acquaintance of a generous young nobleman, with
+whom he not only became on the most friendly terms, but who both
+helped him and encouraged his talents. Count von Waldstein, as the
+nobleman was named, called one day on Beethoven in his poor room, and
+found the composer, whose works he so much admired, seated before an
+old, worn-out piano, on which he was elaborating one of his
+compositions. The Count said nothing at the time, but shortly
+afterwards Beethoven was astonished and delighted at receiving a fine
+new instrument, accompanied by a message from his friend praying his
+acceptance of the gift. It went to the Count's heart to observe the
+poverty-stricken conditions under which the composer worked. That he
+himself should be surrounded by every luxury, whilst the gifted
+musician who laboured for his enjoyment was driven to practise all
+manner of shifts to maintain himself in food and clothing, seemed
+intolerably unjust. Yet Waldstein knew and respected Beethoven too
+well to offend his pride by offering presents of money where no
+service was required in return; and so he hit upon the harmless device
+of helping his poor friend under the pretence that the Elector was
+making him an allowance. But though he opened his purse in another's
+name, he took care to let Beethoven see into his own heart, in order
+that he might there read the sympathy and affection for which,
+happily, no cloak was needed.
+
+How deeply Beethoven was moved by this friendship we may understand
+when we listen to the grand sonata which, though it was not composed
+until some years later, he dedicated to the Count. We want no better
+title for this exquisitely beautiful work than that by which it is
+known to the world--the 'Waldstein Sonata.' As the grand chords which
+follow the opening bars strike the ear it seems as if Beethoven were
+speaking to his friend--speaking to him out of the fullness of his
+heart, out of his poverty and mean surroundings--and rising by the
+strengthening influence of love to a height of eloquence and grandeur
+which no spoken words could have attained.
+
+The conditions at home, meanwhile, were growing worse. Carl and
+Johann, Beethoven's two younger brothers, of whom no previous mention
+has been made, were engaged, the one in studying music, and the other
+as apprentice to the Court apothecary, but neither was bringing grist
+to the mill. The father had sunk still deeper under the degrading
+influence of drink, and his voice was almost ruined by his excesses,
+so that it had become increasingly difficult to maintain for the
+family even the appearance of respectability. On more than one
+occasion Beethoven, in returning home at night, had encountered his
+drunken father in the hands of the police, from whose custody he had
+succeeded in rescuing him only after much persuasion, and it seemed as
+if his discharge from the band must be merely a question of time. The
+state of affairs, in fact, could no longer be concealed from the
+Elector, who, knowing the circumstances with which Beethoven had to
+contend, finally ordered that a portion of the father's salary should
+be paid over to Ludwig, in order that the money might be properly
+expended for the support of the family.
+
+Meanwhile, at the Court itself great changes had been effected in
+regard to the band. With a view to encouraging the growth of operatic
+art, the Elector had established a national theatre, and Beethoven was
+appointed viola player in the orchestra, in addition to retaining the
+post of second organist to the chapel. The numerous performances of
+operatic works by the company must have given Beethoven an insight
+into what was to him a new branch of his art, from which he did not
+fail to profit later on. His work in the band was not increased by the
+changes which had been made, and as the Elector was frequently absent
+from Bonn, he found ample leisure to pursue his studies in
+composition, and to enjoy the intellectual society of his friends.
+Four years thus slipped away, until the month of July, 1792, saw the
+Bonn musicians preparing to receive a distinguished visitor. Haydn
+was to pass through Bonn on his way to Vienna from London, where his
+compositions and playing had created a sensation, and the band had
+arranged a grand reception in his honour. Beethoven, of course, was
+amongst the invited guests on the occasion, and he seized the
+opportunity of submitting to the master a cantata which he had lately
+composed. Haydn praised the composition highly, and warmly encouraged
+Beethoven to go on with his studies--words which sent the young
+composer back to his work with glowing cheeks and a determination to
+accomplish greater things.
+
+    [Illustration: '_Haydn praised the composition highly._']
+
+The commendation of so renowned a master as Haydn must have gone far
+towards convincing the Elector that by keeping Beethoven at Bonn he
+was burying talent and cramping powers that only required a wider
+scope in order to produce great works, and that, therefore, some step
+should now be taken to develop his genius. It was with a heart
+overflowing with joy and gratitude that Ludwig learnt that the kindly
+Max Franz had decided to send him to Vienna, at his own expense, to
+take lessons in strict counterpoint from Haydn. Surely this could mean
+nothing less than that the days of adversity and struggling with
+poverty had closed behind him for ever, and that a future bright with
+hope had opened, upon which, though he might not forecast its results,
+he could enter with courage and determination. He was now twenty-two,
+and his compositions--published and in manuscript--had brought him
+such fame and appreciation as the small German town could give to one
+born and reared within its narrow sphere. Now, however, the bonds
+which hitherto had fettered his genius were to be broken, and, freed
+from the restraint of Court duties, he would be able to give full vent
+to the powers which he was burning to express.
+
+In November of this year he bade farewell to Bonn and his friends, and
+set forth on his journey, though not, we may be sure, without regrets
+at parting with such true helpers and sympathisers as Count Waldstein,
+the Breunings, and the man to whom he owed so much--Christian Neefe.
+With the last named he left these words of thanks: 'Thank you for the
+counsel you have so often given me on my progress in my divine art.
+Should I ever become a great man you will certainly have assisted in
+it.' In an album provided for the purpose his musical brethren
+inscribed their farewells, and Waldstein's message ran as follows:
+
+     'DEAR BEETHOVEN,
+
+     'You are travelling to Vienna in fulfilment of your
+     long-cherished wish. The genius of Mozart is still weeping and
+     bewailing the death of her favourite.[16] With the
+     inexhaustible Haydn she found a refuge, but no occupation, and
+     is now waiting to leave him and join herself to some one else.
+     Labour assiduously, and receive Mozart's spirit from the hands
+     of Haydn.
+
+                    'Your old friend,
+                         'WALDSTEIN.
+
+    'BONN,
+  '_October 29, 1792._
+
+Little did either Beethoven or his friends imagine that he would never
+set foot in Bonn again, but so it was to be. Two years later war had
+broken out with France, Bonn was captured by the French Republican
+army, and the Elector and his retinue were forced to fly the town.
+Those two years had witnessed great strides in the march of
+Beethoven's career. He had arrived in Vienna as a comparatively
+unknown musician--though not, it is true, without recommendations from
+Count Waldstein--but his marvellous command of the pianoforte, and,
+more especially, his powers of extemporisation, had electrified his
+hearers to such a degree as to secure for him a place in the front
+rank of performers of the day. He was a constant visitor at the houses
+of the aristocracy, with several members of whom he had become on
+terms of intimacy. In the Prince and Princess Karl Lichnowsky he had
+found true friends and sincere admirers, who not only welcomed him as
+one of the family, but provided apartments for him in their house, and
+bestowed upon him an annuity of L60. Many who had heard him play
+forthwith engaged him as teacher, and on every hand his genius and
+powers were the theme of the hour.
+
+It is hardly to be wondered at that with all this praise and
+patronage on the part of the wealthy aristocracy (and it is necessary
+to bear in mind that in Vienna at that time the musical profession was
+entirely dependent upon the patronage of the nobility), Beethoven
+should have encountered considerable hostility from other members of
+his profession. For a good deal of the enmity which his success
+aroused he himself was no doubt to blame; he took no pains to please
+or conciliate, and he showed even more independence towards the rich
+and great than towards those of his own rank. The result was that only
+those who could afford to overlook his faults for the sake of his
+genius--and for the sake of something else which lay beneath his crust
+of obstinate pride and openly expressed disregard for rank and
+wealth--remained constant to him. Of his obstinacy and self-will
+several instances will be given in the course of our story; but it is
+necessary at this point to draw attention to the early period at which
+this determined force of character began to assert itself. It is an
+astonishing fact, and one that demonstrates the extraordinary power of
+Beethoven's genius, that in spite of everything that could be urged
+against him--his origin, rudeness of manner and speech, refusal to pay
+homage to the great--even his youth and the comparative shortness of
+the time during which he had been before the public--Beethoven should
+have not only won a front place as a performer, but also retained the
+sincere regard and respect of men and women belonging to the worthiest
+as well as the highest ranks of society.
+
+In the midst of the whirl of work and entertainment into which the
+musical life of Vienna had plunged him, Beethoven was constant to
+those whom he had left behind him at Bonn. He had not been absent more
+than a month before he received news of his father's death. There had
+been very little affection in his heart for the parent whose severity
+had called forth his childish tears, and whose selfish indulgence had
+increased the burden of his mother's existence, nor was Beethoven the
+man to pretend what he did not feel. But with the father's death the
+allowance which had been paid through Ludwig for the support of the
+two sons, Carl and Johann, ceased, and this fact awoke Beethoven to
+instant action. He wrote to the Elector begging that the grant might
+be continued for his sake, and the request was granted. Later on we
+shall see to what extent he carried his affection for at least one of
+these brothers.
+
+With the Prince and Princess Lichnowsky Beethoven shortly became, as
+we have said, on terms of the greatest intimacy. All Vienna looked to
+the house of Lichnowsky for patronage and help wherever art or science
+was concerned, and none looked in vain. To Beethoven--young, rough,
+and almost untutored in the usages of society, but with his commanding
+genius and his equally remarkable personality--the Lichnowskys were
+kindness itself. The Princess saw to his comforts, and arranged his
+engagements in the same motherly fashion as Madame Breuning had done
+after his mother's death, whilst the Prince even went so far in his
+consideration for Beethoven's sensitiveness as to direct his servants
+to attend to the musician's bell before answering his own. Extreme
+sensibility to what he deemed indifference or neglect on the part of
+his friends was undoubtedly one of Ludwig's chief weaknesses; but he
+resented angrily the Prince's discovery of the fact, and to mark his
+displeasure he immediately engaged a servant of his own to wait upon
+him. The regularity of the household arrangements at the palace was
+another matter which grated against Beethoven's love of Bohemianism;
+to be forced to dress for dinner, especially at a set hour of the
+day, was to him an abomination not to be suffered. The workings of his
+genius were not to be regulated by the clockwork contrivances of
+civilised life, and hence he first took to dining out at some tavern,
+where he could be at his ease, and finally went altogether into
+lodgings. But the Prince and Princess, like the good, sensible people
+they were, only smiled at the vagaries of their favourite, and if his
+seat at their table was henceforth but too frequently vacant, they
+kept for him a warm corner in their hearts; whilst, as for Beethoven
+himself, his affection for his kind friends remained as strong as
+ever.
+
+Careless as he was with regard both to dress and manners, there was no
+trace of either carelessness or haste in his compositions, and he was
+most insistent in having the latter performed in exact accordance with
+his plans. One night, when his great work 'Leonore' was to be
+rehearsed, the third bassoon failed to put in an appearance, and
+Beethoven stamped about in a fury, heaping execrations upon the head
+of the absent player. Prince Lobkowitz, who was present, and who was
+one of Beethoven's chief patrons, laughed heartily at the composer's
+outburst, and then tried to calm him by saying: 'Well, well, what does
+it matter? You have the first and second bassoons safely here, surely
+the third man doesn't count for much.' The rehearsal was at length
+allowed to proceed, but Beethoven could not forget that his judgment
+had been questioned by the Prince's mocking laughter, and as soon as
+the performance had ended and the company had dispersed, he rushed
+across the Platz to the gates of the Lobkowitz Palace, and shouted at
+the top of his voice: 'Lobkowitzscher Esel! Lobkowitzscher Esel!'
+('Ass of a Lobkowitz! Ass of a Lobkowitz!')
+
+Beethoven's temper was of the passionate order that is apt to explode
+at the slightest provocation, and when once aroused he seemed to lose
+all power of self-control. As one of his greatest friends[17] has
+remarked, he needed at his elbow some one who possessed the ability to
+give a humorous turn to what was spoken in the heat of the moment, so
+as to put them all on good terms with one another again. As it was, he
+would say the unkindest things even to his greatest friends, and
+afterwards bitterly regret having said them. His manners were rude and
+abrupt, but his great genius, combined with the absolute simplicity
+and straightforwardness of his character, won him his way everywhere.
+A personality so rare as Beethoven's had a charm for those who
+worshipped genius, and thus he was forgiven speeches which no one else
+in his position would have dared to utter. He manifested complete
+indifference with regard to what people said of him or of his
+works--only when his honour was in any way impeached did he blaze
+forth in his own defence. He hated deception of any kind; in both
+heart and action he was as open as the day, and he was quick to resent
+a suspicion of deception on the part of others. On one occasion a
+hitch occurred with regard to a performance of his works, and he
+suddenly suspected three of his friends of having created the obstacle
+for their own ends, although they had in reality been working hard to
+overcome the difficulty. He accordingly sat down and wrote to each as
+follows:
+
+     '_To Count Lichnowsky._
+
+     'Falsehoods I despise. Visit me no more. There will be no
+     concert.
+
+     'BEETHOVEN.'
+
+  '_To Herr Schindler._
+
+  'Visit me no more until I send for you. No concert.
+
+  'BEETHOVEN.'
+
+  '_To Herr Schuppanzigh._
+
+  'Visit me no more. I give no concert.
+
+  'BEETHOVEN.'
+
+Haydn and Beethoven did not get on well together; there seems to have
+been something antagonistic in their natures which prevented anything
+approaching to reciprocal feeling between them. Beethoven from the
+first considered that he had a grievance against his master in the
+fact that he did not make sufficient progress, owing to Haydn's being
+so much occupied with his own work. This dissatisfaction led to his
+seeking guidance in other quarters; but for about a year after his
+arrival in Vienna he refrained from doing this openly, until Haydn's
+departure for England gave him the opportunity of changing masters.
+Thereafter he took lessons every day of the week from several of the
+best musicians in the city both in playing and composition.
+Albrechtsberger was the famous contrapuntist of his day, and Beethoven
+derived much from his teaching; he does not appear to have impressed
+his master, however, with a high opinion of his powers, for the old
+man advised one of his pupils to have nothing to do with the young man
+from Bonn. 'He has learnt nothing,' Albrechtsberger added, 'and will
+never do anything in decent style.' This was in allusion to
+Beethoven's wilfulness in persistently transgressing certain
+established rules of composition. The old teacher failed to see that
+Beethoven's refusal to be bound by hard-and-fast rules arose, not from
+mere caprice, but from the force of a genius which would not submit to
+be trammelled by any kind of artificial limitations. The wisdom of
+Beethoven is, however, shown by the fact that he wrote out his
+exercises with the most scrupulous care, and in exact accordance with
+what were regarded as the laws of composition, for his genius, great
+and original as it was, would not presume upon ignorance.
+
+But who could resist the young player when he seated himself at the
+pianoforte and began one of those wonderful improvisations about which
+so much has been written, but of the effect of which we can only
+faintly judge by the fact that the hearers were held spellbound until
+the finish? Who amongst that audience, gathered from the best and most
+critical followers and lovers of the art that Vienna contained, gave a
+thought to how many rules had been broken, or were likely to be
+broken, by the player, or, indeed, had room for any other thought but
+one of admiration for the music which was filling their ears and
+charming their senses? 'His improvisation was most brilliant and
+striking,' wrote Karl Czerny, the player and composer, and pupil of
+Beethoven; 'in whatever company he might chance to be he knew how to
+produce such an effect upon every hearer that frequently not an eye
+remained dry, while many would break out into loud sobs; for there was
+something wonderful in his expression, in addition to the beauty and
+originality of his ideas, and his spirited style of rendering them.'
+Ferdinand Ries, another of his pupils, has declared that no other
+artist that he ever heard could approach Beethoven in extemporisation.
+'The wealth of ideas which forced themselves on him, the caprices to
+which he surrendered himself, the variety of treatment, the
+difficulties, were inexhaustible,' And it must be borne in mind that
+in respect to this art Beethoven was brought into competition with
+several older and undoubtedly brilliant performers of the day, who,
+until he came amongst them, had swayed their respective circles of
+admirers.
+
+Yet, strangely enough, the emotion aroused in his hearers seemed to
+find no response in Beethoven himself. Frequently when he discovered
+how deeply he had moved his audience he would burst into roars of
+laughter; at other times the sight of their emotion stirred him up to
+angry resentment, and he would shout, 'We artists don't want tears, we
+want applause!' That a player should open his soul in his music and
+then abuse his audience for their inability to suppress the feelings
+which he had aroused appears strange indeed. But the caprice and
+wilfulness which marked his public playing are shown equally in his
+relations with people in everyday life. What may have been his true
+feelings is concealed--it is only the mask which is seen; and the mask
+was so constantly worn that it no doubt deceived many. Every now and
+again, however, we get a glimpse of his true nature in his intercourse
+with those who knew him best. Irritable to a degree, and occasionally
+outrageous as his conduct appears to have been, it needed but the
+touch of another's grief to draw from him the golden thread of
+sympathy. On one occasion he offended the susceptibilities of the
+company assembled in one of the most fashionable drawing-rooms of
+Vienna by using his hostess's snuffers as a toothpick! Yet, later on,
+when that household was plunged into mourning by the loss of a beloved
+child, and visitors were denied, it was Beethoven to whom the bereaved
+mother opened her doors, and to whom she turned for sympathy.
+
+It is much to be regretted that the nobility of nature which was
+really and truly Beethoven's attribute should have been so constantly
+overshadowed and dominated by something else which, without being a
+superior force, seemed by a strange perversity to be always to the
+fore. Whilst, however, we would wish to give to every instance of his
+goodness of heart its fullest weight, it would be useless, as well as
+wrong, to endeavour to hide the fact that his conduct, even towards
+those who desired to be his friends, and to whom he owed obligations
+for acts of sympathy and kindness, frequently admitted of no excuse.
+His anger, though sharp, was short, and left no sting behind; but his
+unjust suspicions and scornful treatment of men whose confidence he
+had won by his genius and force of character, were the cause of sorrow
+and suffering to those whom he attacked, as well as of remorse to
+himself, whereby his whole life was embittered, and his better nature
+warped to ignoble ends.
+
+The good people of Vienna must, indeed, have been somewhat at a loss
+how to take the genius who had thus burst into their midst and laid
+them under captivity. Attempts at conciliation were more often than
+not frustrated by his variable temperament; for though none was apter
+than Beethoven to take offence, there was no one quicker to resent any
+effort at mediation by a third party, on whose unfortunate head it was
+only too likely that the irate composer would empty the vials of his
+wrath. Nevertheless, his erratic behaviour did not sensibly lessen the
+circle of his admirers or diminish the popularity which his fame had
+brought him. Many of the fashionable ladies of Vienna came to him for
+lessons instead of requiring his attendance at their houses; but such
+condescension made no difference to the man who held that mind and
+character alone were the qualifications by which men and women were to
+be weighed in the social balance. If, therefore, the young ladies
+talked or showed inattention during their lessons, he became furious,
+and would tear up the music and scatter it over the floor. His rage,
+indeed, seems to have been quite ungovernable at times. On one
+occasion he was playing a duet with his pupil Ries when his ear caught
+some fragments of a conversation which a young nobleman was carrying
+on with a lady at the further end of the room. Instantly he jumped up
+from the piano in a rage, and, taking Ries's hands off the keyboard,
+he bellowed, 'I play no longer for such hogs!' nor could either
+apologies or entreaties induce him to resume the performance.
+
+It was often a matter of some difficulty to get him to play,
+especially when he was not in the humour. On such occasions he would
+preface the performance by striking the keys with the palm of his
+hand, or draw his finger along the keyboard from end to end, roaring
+with laughter, and in other ways behave like a spoiled child. He would
+not bear being pressed beyond a certain point. Once, it is related, he
+was asked to play before strangers at the country-house of one of his
+rich patrons, and flatly refused to comply; whereupon the host
+jokingly threatened that, if he would not play, he should be confined
+as a prisoner in the house. Beethoven on this jumped up and ran out of
+the mansion, and though it was night, he walked three miles to the
+next town, and thence posted to Vienna. The next day a bust of this
+patron which stood on Beethoven's bookcase fell to the ground, and was
+shattered to pieces![18]
+
+His views as to the superiority of mind and character over everything
+else were certainly borne out by his actions. One day, when he was
+walking with the poet Goethe near Uplitz, the Imperial family were
+observed to be approaching. Goethe at once stood aside and removed his
+hat, at the same time plucking his friend by the sleeve, to remind
+him that they were in the presence of royalty. Beethoven, however,
+seemed to regard this as a fitting opportunity for illustrating his
+views on the independence of art, for, shaking off the hand that
+detained him, he buttoned up his coat in a determined manner, planted
+his hat firmly on his head, and, folding his arms behind him, marched
+straight into the ranks of the Imperial party! If Goethe felt dismayed
+at his friend's lack of respect, he must have been astonished to note
+the result; for the Archduke Rodolph not only made way for Beethoven
+to pass, but removed his hat, whilst the Empress was the first to bow
+to him.
+
+In appearance Beethoven was short, broad, and strong-looking. His face
+was not prepossessing. 'He was meanly dressed, and very ugly to look
+at,' wrote a lady who knew and admired him, 'but full of nobility and
+fine feeling, and highly cultivated.' It must have been difficult to
+describe a face which was subject to such frequent changes of
+expression, but its forcefulness must have been apparent to every
+beholder. The eyes were black and bright, and they had a way of
+dilating when the composer was buried in thought so as to impart to
+his face an expression of being inspired. Gloomily abstracted as he
+would be at times, when possessed by some absorbing train of ideas,
+nothing could have been more cordial or more winning than the smile
+which lighted up his face at the sight of a friend. With a mass of
+dark hair surmounting a high and broad forehead, and the quick,
+penetrative glance which shot from beneath the large overhanging
+eyebrows, Beethoven's face must have struck the observer with a sense
+of its strong individuality. Nevertheless, only a few of the portraits
+have succeeded in conveying a true likeness of the man who was so
+unlike every one else. His hands were hairy, and the fingers 'strong
+and short, and pressed out with long practising.' He was very
+particular about the position of his hands when playing, and as a rule
+he kept his body quite still. When conducting, however, his movements
+were constant and curious. At a _pianissimo_ passage 'he would crouch
+down so as to be hidden by the desk, and then, as the _crescendo_
+increased, would gradually rise, beating all the time, until at the
+_fortissimo_ he would spring into the air with his arms extended, as
+if wishing to float on the clouds.'[19]
+
+It was one of the most striking of Beethoven's characteristics that he
+dearly loved a joke. Ever since the time when he played off the rather
+unkind joke on the singer Heller the passion for joking had grown upon
+him to such an extent that evidence of its ruling force appears in
+every chapter of his life. He occasionally introduced a joke into his
+compositions. Thus, in the 'Pastoral Symphony,' we come across a trio
+between a nightingale, a quail, and a cuckoo. Again, in other works,
+such as the No. 8 Symphony, the bassoons are brought in unexpectedly,
+in such a manner as to produce a humorous effect. He never missed an
+opportunity of playing off a joke upon any of his friends, both in
+season and out of season, and he always showed his appreciation of the
+victim's discomfiture by roars of laughter. His letters are full of
+puns, and he bestows uncomplimentary nicknames upon his intimates. One
+day his brother Johann, who had acquired a small property in the
+neighbourhood of Vienna, called upon him in his absence, and left his
+card, bearing the inscription, 'Johann van Beethoven, Gutsbesitzer'
+(Land proprietor). Beethoven was so tickled with the conceit of this
+designation that he could not resist returning the card to his
+brother with the following inscription scrawled upon the back: 'L. van
+Beethoven, Hirnbesitzer' (Brain proprietor). Some of his jokes,
+however, were in extremely bad taste. On one occasion a lady admirer
+preferred a request for a lock of his hair as a keepsake, and he sent
+her instead a wisp cut from the beard of a goat! With his inordinate
+love of joking, however, he was a poor hand at bearing a joke that
+told against himself. It is related that, having once been rude enough
+to interrupt a player named Himmel in the midst of the latter's
+improvisation by asking when he was going to begin, Himmel afterwards
+wrote to him that 'the latest invention in Berlin was a lantern for
+the blind'--a joke which Beethoven not only failed to see, but 'when
+it was pointed out to him he was furious, and would have nothing more
+to do with his correspondent.'
+
+His carelessness in matters of dress was very noticeable. Czerny, his
+pupil, has described how he found him at home on his first visit, with
+his shock of black hair and his unshaven chin, and his ears stuffed
+with cotton-wool, whilst his clothes seemed to be made of so rough a
+material, and were so ill-fitting that he resembled nothing so much as
+a Robinson Crusoe. It is related that once, when he was engaging a
+servant, the man stated as a reason for leaving his last situation
+that he failed to dress his master's hair to the latter's
+satisfaction. 'It is no object to me to have my hair dressed,'
+remarked Beethoven, as he signified his approval of the engagement. He
+always described himself as 'a disorderly creature,' and he certainly
+merited the designation. He was clumsy and awkward in his movements;
+he could not shave without cutting himself, or handle delicate things
+without breaking them; and whilst composing he invariably spilt the
+ink over the pianoforte. His handwriting was so illegible as to call
+forth objurgations from himself whenever he was called upon to
+decipher it. 'Yesterday,' he writes to a friend, 'I took a letter
+myself to the post office, and was asked where it was meant to go to;
+from which I see that my writing is as often misunderstood as I am
+myself,' Nevertheless, he was very fond of letter-writing, as the
+collections which have been preserved abundantly testify.
+
+The letters of great men are often valued for the opinions they
+contain on persons and subjects of the day, as well as for the insight
+they afford into the private thoughts and feelings of the writers.
+Beethoven's letters contain no word-pictures of scenery or events; nor
+do they express his views on questions or matters in which the world
+at large might be supposed to take an interest. But they are none the
+less valuable on that account; for they reflect the openness and
+simplicity of his character, and lay bare his wishes, his hopes and
+his disappointments, his joys and his sorrows--and especially his love
+of fun--just as one or another of these feelings or aspirations was
+uppermost at the moment.
+
+As a teacher Beethoven exhibited none of the carelessness or
+impatience that characterised his personal habits. If the rendering of
+a passage was not in accordance with his own ideas of what it should
+be, he insisted upon the pupil playing it over and over again until he
+was satisfied. He was comparatively indifferent to the playing of
+wrong notes, but failure on the part of a pupil to give the right
+shade of expression, or to grasp the true character of a piece, never
+failed to arouse his anger. The one, he would say, might be an
+accident, but the other showed a want of knowledge, or feeling, or
+attention.
+
+Beethoven was by nature exceedingly unpunctual, and frequently kept
+his pupils waiting for their lessons. Even Madame von Breuning, for
+whom he had a strong affection, and who was one of the few people who
+could be said to have managed him, often failed in persuading him to
+be in time. 'Ah! I may not disturb him--he is in his _raptus_,' she
+would exclaim despairingly, in allusion to his habit of relapsing into
+gloomy reverie. And not even his dearest friend dared to intrude upon
+him at such moments. His absent-mindedness was the subject of many a
+joke. He often forgot to come home to dinner--a fact which, seeing
+that he was a man, deserves to be recorded; and it is even said that,
+on one occasion, he insisted on tendering money for a meal which he
+had not ordered, under the belief that he had dined. At another time
+he composed a set of variations on a Russian dance for the wife of an
+officer in the Russian service--a compliment which was acknowledged by
+the gift of a horse. Straightway Beethoven forgot all about the horse
+until he was reminded of its existence by a long bill presented for
+its keep. He persisted in shaving himself at his bedroom window,
+without a blind, and exposed to the view of passers-by; and when he
+discovered that this habit caused a crowd of jeering idlers to collect
+in front of the house, he flew into a rage, and exchanged his lodgings
+for others situated in a more retired spot, rather than discontinue
+the practice. His explosive temper has furnished many amusing
+anecdotes. One day his cook, who, in consideration of her master's
+incurable unpunctuality, must be regarded as an aggrieved personage,
+served up some eggs which were not to his taste, and he emphasised his
+displeasure by throwing the entire batch at the head of the
+unfortunate domestic. On another occasion a waiter who mistook his
+order was rewarded by having the contents of a dish of stew poured
+over his head. Even where his temper was not concerned his manners
+were directly opposed to those prevailing in polite society--though,
+in a large measure, this may have been due to his perfect simplicity
+and his ignorance of what was expected of him. Thus, it is told that,
+returning from one of his long walks in the pouring rain, he would
+make straight for the sitting-room of the house in which he happened
+to be staying and calmly proceed to shake the water from his hat over
+the carpet and chairs, after the fashion of a retriever just emerged
+from a pond, humming to himself the while some theme which had been
+occupying his thoughts during his walk. One of his pleasanter habits,
+to which he was greatly attached, was washing. He would pour the water
+backwards and forwards over his hands with childish delight, and if,
+as frequently happened, a musical idea suggested itself to him during
+the operation, he became oblivious to everything else, and would
+continue to send the water to and fro, spilling it in huge quantities,
+until the floor resembled a miniature lake.
+
+Beethoven would never allow that his disorderliness was anything more
+than personal, always contending that he had a love of order and
+neatness with regard to his surroundings and arrangements. Yet here is
+a sketch of the condition of his living-room, as seen by one of his
+friends: 'The most exquisite confusion reigned in his house. Books and
+music were scattered in all directions; here the residue of a cold
+luncheon, there some full, some half-emptied, bottles. On the desk the
+hasty sketch of a new quartet; in another corner the remains of a
+breakfast. On the pianoforte the scribbled hints for a noble symphony,
+yet little more than in embryo; hard by a proof-sheet, waiting to be
+returned; letters from friends, and on business, spread all over the
+floor. Between the windows a goodly Stracchino cheese, and on one side
+of it ample vestiges of a genuine Verona Salami....' If an article
+were missing Beethoven would declare that he knew just where to put
+his hand upon it; and then, when two or three days' search failed to
+discover its whereabouts, he would storm at the servants, asseverating
+that they hid his things away on purpose to annoy him. But the storm
+would clear as quickly as it had gathered, and peace reign once more,
+until the next occasion called it forth; and the servants knew their
+master's heart too well to be angered by his reproaches.
+
+The mention of his rambles in the rain recalls his fondness for the
+open air. It was a passion which clung to him through life. As each
+summer came round, during these years of unremitting toil, he would
+hail with delight the moment when he could close the door of his
+lodgings in the hot, stuffy city, and betake himself to some retired
+spot where he could ramble about and hold communion with Nature,
+secure from interruption. 'No man,' he wrote to one of his friends,
+'loves the country more. Woods, trees, and rocks give the response
+which man requires.... Every tree seems to say, "Holy, holy."' A
+forest was to him a paradise. He would penetrate its cool depths, and,
+selecting a tree which offered a seat in a forking branch close to the
+ground, he would climb into it and sit there for hours, buried in
+thought. It was amidst the trees of Schoenbrunn that he made the first
+rough notes for several of his great works. With his back planted
+against the trunk of a favourite lime-tree, his legs stretched along
+the big branch, and his gaze fixed upon the network of branchlets and
+quivering leaves above him, he sketched the framework of the oratorio
+'The Mount of Olives,' the opera 'Fidelio' (or 'Leonore,' as it was
+first called), and that glorious symphony which is known by the title
+of the 'Eroica.'
+
+When not resting amidst the trees Beethoven would set off on long
+walks through the fields, sketch-book[20] in hand, and humming or
+roaring to himself as he went along. The rough jottings in the
+sketch-books were later on developed with the utmost care, being
+written out again and again, with fresh alterations and additions each
+time, until every trace of crudeness had disappeared, and the finished
+work stood out with such clearness and precision as to suggest that it
+had been but that moment created. Nothing, indeed, has struck those
+who have followed the gradual development of his work from the first
+sketches which have been preserved more than the number of attempts
+which mark the growth of the idea in the composer's mind, until it
+assumed its final form. Yet there was no trace in the finished work of
+the process of refining and elaboration through which it had passed.
+
+Very curious was the origin of some of the suggestions which found
+their way into the sketch-books. It was Beethoven's practice to keep
+one of these books by his bedside, in case an idea occurred to him
+during the night, and it is told that he was once aroused by the
+knocking of a neighbour who had been accidentally locked out of his
+house in the small hours of the morning. The irate neighbour knocked
+four raps at a time, with a pause at the end of every fourth rap, and
+the rhythmic regularity of the sounds not only startled Beethoven out
+of his sleep, but suggested a musical idea to his mind. Up jumped the
+composer, and down went the idea in his sketch-book, and the next
+morning the jotting was included in one of his most striking
+compositions--the 'Violin Concerto in D,' where the passage, given to
+the drums, is many times repeated.
+
+A village which formed one of his favourite resorts was Heiligenstadt,
+situated about seven miles from Vienna. Here he went in the summer of
+1802, after a severe illness. For some time past he had been suffering
+from increasing deafness, and the malady seemed now to have reached an
+acute stage, so that his country surroundings failed to exercise their
+accustomed charm, and he fell into a deep melancholy. Indeed, he
+appeared to have become impressed with the idea that his life-work was
+ended, and that he had nothing to look forward to but the
+companionship of an affliction which must sever him from the social
+intercourse in which he delighted, and render his remaining years
+solitary and miserable. It would be difficult to imagine a more
+terrible calamity than that which had befallen Beethoven, or to
+exaggerate its effects upon an over-sensitive nature such as he
+possessed. As his deafness increased, his efforts to conceal the
+results of the malady from those outside his own immediate circle
+became more and more painfully evident. No one failed to observe how
+he was affected, yet none dared to commiserate with him; and when he
+discovered that his mistakes were drawing public attention to what he
+was so anxious to hide, his mortification was intensified to a degree
+that for the time destroyed his peace of mind and left him a prey to
+melancholy. It was whilst in this state of mental and physical
+depression that he penned from his village retreat the touchingly
+eloquent letter which has since been called his 'will.' In this
+epistle, which is addressed to 'My brothers Carl and Johann
+Beethoven,' and which they are admonished to 'read and execute after
+my demise,' Beethoven pleads for consideration both on account of his
+irritability and his apparent lack of affection. To his misfortunes,
+not to his faults, must be attributed the obstinacy, the hostility, or
+the misanthropic attitude which he has shown towards those whom he
+loves, and by whom he is loved in return. 'My heart and my mind,' he
+says, as if in extenuation of this fancied ill-feeling, 'were from
+childhood prone to the tender feelings of affection.' It is a pathetic
+appeal to natures which, unfortunately for the writer, were the least
+likely to echo its tenderness in their own hearts; for neither of the
+brothers had ever shown him true affection. They had followed him to
+Vienna to found a livelihood for themselves, and thenceforward, with
+selfish zeal for their own interests, they had simply served to clog
+his progress. Blinded by the nobility of his own character, however,
+Beethoven now takes upon himself the entire blame for what he imagines
+to be a lessening of the affection between them, and, sunk in health,
+and viewing his future through the darkest of glasses, he reproaches
+himself for what he could never have helped. Though his brothers are
+the only persons who are actually named in this remarkable letter, no
+one who reads it can doubt that Beethoven is addressing the world at
+large, who will judge both himself and his works.
+
+Towards the end of this year his health had improved, but the deafness
+remained constant, and he was at length compelled to desist from
+conducting his works. Shortly after this an incident occurred which
+must have served to convince him of the sympathy which the public felt
+for him in his affliction. His great work, the 'Choral Symphony,' was
+being performed, and the composer was standing on the platform with
+his back to the audience, intently following the music. As the
+concluding chords died away the whole house broke out into
+enthusiastic applause. Again and again the shouts rent the air, but
+Beethoven stood motionless, unmoved--a pathetic figure amidst the
+storm. Possibly at this moment those whose ears he had charmed by his
+music realised to the full the ineffable sadness of his condition, for
+a reverential hush fell suddenly on the gathering. The next moment,
+however, the storm of cheers broke out afresh, for a young singer,
+named Caroline Unger, who had been taking part in the symphony, went
+up to the unconscious composer, and, taking his hand, turned him round
+to the audience. As the glance of the deaf man lighted upon the sea of
+upturned faces, and he witnessed the emotion which his work had
+aroused, he was deeply moved.
+
+    [Illustration: '_Taking his hand, turned him round to the
+    audience._']
+
+The 'Choral Symphony' ranks amongst the greatest of Beethoven's works,
+but we should like to mention one of his smaller, though not less
+famous, compositions--that which is known by the title of the
+'Kreutzer Sonata for Pianoforte and Violin'--because no fitter
+illustration could be found of the rapidity with which the composer
+worked under pressure than is afforded by the beautiful work which he
+dedicated to his friend Rodolphe Kreutzer, a violinist attached to
+Count Bernadotte's suite of performers. He had undertaken the writing
+of the sonata at the instance of a violinist, a mulatto named
+Bridgetower, who was staying in Vienna, and it was to be jointly
+performed by Bridgetower and himself. The concert was announced to
+begin at 8 a.m., but when the public were hastening to the theatre in
+the Augarten at that early hour of the spring morning, the music for
+the pianoforte part was practically unwritten, with the exception of a
+few scattered suggestions, whilst the variations, which are justly
+renowned for their grace and beauty, were hurriedly written in at the
+last moment, and had to be played by the violinist at sight from the
+rough manuscript. The _andante_ is of unsurpassable beauty, and it was
+rendered by the composer in such a manner as to excite the audience to
+enthusiasm. Beethoven's powers of playing were never shown to greater
+advantage than in his _andante_ movements. His execution of the
+quicker parts was apt to be confused by his frequent use of the pedal,
+but nothing occurred to mar or obscure the clearness and depth of
+expression with which he rendered the slower movements, and it was in
+these that his playing was most truly inspired.
+
+The year 1804 is a memorable one in the life of Beethoven, for it
+witnessed the completion of his grand symphony, the 'Eroica,' the
+rough idea of which had been sketched amidst the woods of Schoenbrunn
+two years before. The suggestion of the work is said to have come from
+Count Bernadotte, the French Ambassador at Vienna, with whom Beethoven
+was on terms of intimacy; but the man whom it was intended to honour
+by its dedication was the General whose exploits had shaken the whole
+of Europe--Napoleon Buonaparte. Beethoven had been greatly attracted
+by Napoleon's character. He believed in him as the one man who was
+capable of making his adopted country a pattern for the world, by
+establishing a Republic on the principles laid down by Plato. But his
+confidence in the unselfishness of Napoleon's aims was soon to receive
+a rude shock. The fair copy of the symphony, with its dedicatory
+inscription, had been completed, and was on the point of being
+dispatched to Paris, when suddenly the news reached Vienna that the
+hero's glorious entry into the French capital had culminated in his
+allowing himself to be proclaimed Emperor. In a moment Beethoven's
+worship was turned into hatred and contempt. He seized the manuscript,
+tore the title-page to shreds, and flung the work itself to the other
+end of the room. 'He designs to become a tyrant, like the rest,' he
+exclaimed, with scornful bitterness; and it was a long time before he
+could even be induced to look at the music again, or to consider the
+question of its publication. Eventually, however, he consented to its
+appearing under a new title, the 'Sinfonia Eroica,' by which it has
+since been known to the world.
+
+It is impossible within the limits of a short story-life to give even
+a brief description of the composer's chief works, or to convey more
+than an idea of how much work, despite his irregular habits, Beethoven
+accomplished. His untiring industry in developing the rough jottings
+which formed the foundations of his compositions has been mentioned;
+but without following his life from year to year we can have only a
+very imperfect conception of the actual amount of labour which was
+involved in bringing to perfection the long list of works that we see
+appended to the biographies of the composer. When we follow the story
+of his life in detail, we are struck by the fact of his unceasing
+toil. Nothing seems to have checked the constant flow of composition;
+yet many causes were at work to hinder it, such as ill-health,
+poverty, an ill-balanced temperament, and an oversensitiveness with
+regard to the petty troubles arising out of his injudicious mode of
+life. 'I live only in my music,' he writes, 'and no sooner is one
+thing done than the next is begun. As I am now writing, I often work
+at three or four things at once.' And think what such work meant! It
+has been said that it is difficult to find in Beethoven's life
+anything corresponding to the extraordinary beauty and grandeur of his
+creations--in other words, there seems to exist no parallel in his
+life, as he lived it, to the outpourings of his musical soul. There
+is, indeed, little doubt that Beethoven had but one channel through
+which to express his deepest thoughts and feelings--the language of
+music. Through his music he reaches our hearts; by his music we are
+brought into contact with his innermost soul; and by his music alone
+can we know the man Beethoven as he really was.
+
+Yet his life was by no means devoid of noble qualities. It was in
+every sense a great life, full of energy, full of power, full of a
+determination which carried him through every obstacle, and enabled
+him to hold his own against the attacks of his enemies. Apart,
+however, from the genius that ennobled it, it was not a life which
+could altogether compel admiration. The down-right simplicity and
+directness of purpose which shone forth as Beethoven's chief
+characteristics, and in themselves were undoubted virtues, were,
+unhappily, overshadowed by faults and shortcomings of such magnitude
+as to shut out much of the friendship and sympathy that he might
+otherwise have enjoyed; and no one reading his life can doubt that he
+stood greatly in need of such assistance.
+
+Nevertheless, Beethoven's faults were of the head, not of the heart.
+At heart he was a man capable of loving and worthy to be loved. His
+simple nature was easily touched by distress, and just as easily
+imposed upon by those who designed to use him for their own ends. Many
+of his quarrels and dislikes were either brought about or fomented by
+persons in whom he had placed a mistaken faith. This was notably the
+case with regard to the quarrel with Stephen Breuning, his best and
+truest friend, to whom, after a separation of years, he turned with an
+appeal for pardon that did honour to his heart. The letter accompanied
+a miniature of the composer, and ran as follows:
+
+     'Beneath this portrait, dear Stephen, may all that has for so
+     long gone on between us be for ever hidden. I know how I have
+     torn your heart. For this the emotion that you must certainly
+     have noticed in me has been sufficient punishment. My feeling
+     towards you was not malice. No--I should no longer be worthy of
+     your friendship; it was passionate love for you and myself; but
+     I doubted you dreadfully, for people came between us who were
+     unworthy of us both. My portrait has long been intended for
+     you. I need not tell you that I never meant it for anyone else.
+     Who could I give it to with my warmest love so well as to you,
+     true, good, noble Stephen? Forgive me for distressing you. I
+     have suffered myself as much as you have. It was only when I
+     had you no longer with me that I first really felt how dear you
+     are, and always will be, to my heart. Come to my arms once
+     more, as you used to do.'
+
+Carl, the brother in whose unworthy behalf Beethoven had taken up the
+cudgels against his best friend, was dead when this touching appeal
+was written, but he had bequeathed to Beethoven a solemn charge which
+was destined to bring to him who undertook it in the goodness of his
+heart a burden of sorrow and bitterness. Carl had died penniless, and
+his boy, who bore the father's name, thenceforth became to his Uncle
+Ludwig as his own son. How good, how generous and self-sacrificing
+Beethoven was to his nephew is testified by all who have written of
+his life. He supplied him freely with money when money was by no means
+too plentiful; he strove to satisfy his every need, either fancied or
+real; and he lavished upon him a great love and solicitude to the last
+day of his life. But Carl showed himself to be utterly unworthy of
+this affection. He treated his uncle shamefully, and instead of
+endeavouring to repay his kindness by steady perseverance, he was a
+disgrace to the family whose name he bore. There is, unfortunately,
+only too much reason for believing that Carl's want of affection,
+coupled with his dissolute habits, embittered his uncle's existence,
+estranged him from his friends, and hurried on his death.
+
+Of Beethoven's tenderness of heart numerous instances are recorded. He
+devoted much of his time to arranging concerts for the benefit of the
+poor and suffering, and in the midst of his popularity and the heavy
+demands upon his time and strength he always found a means of helping
+others. When he first came to Vienna to reside, he made the
+acquaintance of a musician named Foerster, from whom he received
+instruction in the art of quartet writing. Beethoven never forgot this
+kindly help, and long afterwards, when Foerster was living in the upper
+part of his house, he gave music-lessons to his friend's little
+six-year-old boy. The lessons could only be given before breakfast,
+and as Beethoven was an early riser, the boy had to get up in the dark
+on those winter mornings and go down to the practice-room. May we not
+picture for ourselves the little child seated beside the grave
+composer in the dimly-lighted room, striving with chilly fingers to
+find the right notes, whilst the master, bending over him, sets him
+right with a tenderness which no one else is near to witness?
+
+'I feel as if I had written scarcely more than a few notes,' were the
+words used by Beethoven in writing to a friend in 1824, when he was
+near the close of his full and eventful life; and they serve to show
+how exhaustless was that energy which neither sorrow nor disease had
+the power to repress. Still, he yearns to 'bring a few great works
+into the world, and then,' he adds, 'like an old child, to end my
+earthly course somewhere amongst good people.' These latter years had,
+indeed, been very full ones, both of work and anxieties, and the
+inroads of disease had been steadily undermining his strength. Yet the
+picture which is given to us of the composer when within a few months
+of his death is a vivid portrayal of the triumph of mind-force over
+physical weakness. He was staying in the country, at the house of his
+brother Johann, and the picture of his daily life there is drawn by
+the hand of his serving-man. 'At half-past five he was up and at his
+table, beating time with hands and feet, singing, humming, and
+writing. At half-past seven was the family breakfast, and directly
+after it he hurried out of doors, and would saunter about the fields,
+calling out, waving his hands, going now very slowly, then very fast,
+and then suddenly standing still and writing in a kind of pocket-book.
+At half-past twelve he came into the house to dinner, and after dinner
+he went to his own room till three or so; then again in the fields
+till about sunset, for later than that he might not go out. At
+half-past seven was supper, and then he went to his room, wrote till
+ten, and so to bed.'
+
+One more picture, and our story ends. Beethoven was lying on his
+death-bed when the news was brought to him that Hummel, the musician,
+with whom he had been intimate in the old Vienna days, had just
+arrived in the city. Many years had elapsed since Beethoven had
+severed his friendship with Hummel in a sudden fit of pique, and there
+had been no attempt at reconciliation. But now, wasted by disease, and
+fast sinking into his grave, there was no room in his heart for aught
+but joy at the knowledge that one whom he had formerly liked was so
+near him. 'Oh,' he cried, raising himself in bed when he heard the
+news--'oh, if he would but call to see me!' No one seems to have
+carried the message from the dying man, but it was answered. A few
+days later Hummel came, and the old friends were at once in each
+other's arms. Hummel, struck by the terrible signs of suffering in
+Beethoven's face, broke into bitter weeping. Beethoven tried to calm
+him, and, pulling from beneath his pillow a sketch of Haydn's
+birthplace which he had that morning received, he cried, 'Look, my
+dear Hummel, here is Haydn's birthplace! So great a man born in so
+mean a cottage!'
+
+Beethoven died on March 26, 1827, having recently completed his
+fifty-sixth year. Two days before his death he received the last
+Sacraments of the Church. 'As the evening closed in, at a quarter to
+six, there came a sudden storm of hail and snow, covering the ground
+and roofs of the Schwarzspanierplatz, and followed by a flash of
+lightning and an instant clap of thunder. So great was the crash as to
+rouse even the dying man. He opened his eyes, clenched his fist, and
+shook it in the air above him. This lasted a few seconds, while the
+hail rushed down outside, and then the hand fell, and the great
+composer was no more.'[21]
+
+On March 29, at three o'clock in the afternoon, Beethoven was laid to
+rest in the Waehringer Cemetery, Vienna. The funeral was a very grand
+one. Twenty thousand people followed him to his grave, and soldiers
+were needed to force a way for the coffin through the densely packed
+mass awaiting its arrival at the cemetery gates. Amongst the mourners
+was Schubert, the composer, who had visited him on his death-bed, and
+who acted as one of the torch-bearers. A choir of men singers and
+trombones performed and sang several of the master's compositions, as
+the great procession wended its way to the graveside, and Hummel laid
+three wreaths of laurel upon the coffin before it was lowered to its
+resting-place.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[16] Mozart had died in December of the previous year.
+
+[17] Schindler, 'Life of Beethoven.'
+
+[18] Moscheles, in Schindler's 'Life of Beethoven.'
+
+[19] Sir G. Grove, 'Dictionary of Music and Musicians.'
+
+[20] One of these sketch-books, filled with his notes, is to be seen in
+the Manuscript Room of the British Museum.
+
+[21] Sir G. Grove, 'Dictionary of Music and Musicians.'
+
+
+
+
+BEETHOVEN'S PRINCIPAL COMPOSITIONS
+
+OPERA: Fidelio.
+      [Produced in its original form in 1805, revised in 1806, and
+       again in 1814. There are four different overtures: 'Leonore,'
+       Nos. 1, 2, and 3, in C; No. 4, 'Fidelio,' in E. Published
+       in 1810 as 'Leonore,' and in 1814 as 'Fidelio.']
+    Mass in C, Op. 86 (performed in 1807). 1812.
+    Missa Solennis in D, Op. 123. 1827.
+    Cantata: The Mount of Olives, Op. 85 (performed in 1803). 1811.
+    Ballet: The Men of Prometheus, Op. 43. 1801.
+    Overture and Incidental Music to Goethe's 'Egmont,' Op. 84. 1810.
+    Overture and Incidental Music to 'The Ruins of Athens,' Op. 113.
+     1812.
+    Overture and Incidental Music to 'King Stephen,' Op. 117. 1812.
+9 SYMPHONIES:
+    No. 1 in C, Op. 21. 1800.
+    No. 2 in D, Op. 36. 1803.
+    No. 3 in E-flat, Op. 55. The Eroica. 1805.
+    No. 4 in B-flat, Op. 60. 1807.
+    No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67. 1808.
+    No. 6 in F, Op. 68. The Pastoral. 1808.
+    No. 7 in A, Op. 92. 1813.
+    No. 8 in F, Op. 93. 1814.
+    No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125. The Choral. 1824.
+Wellington's Victory (Battle of Vittoria), Op. 91 (performed in 1813).
+     1816.
+Overture to Coriolan, Op. 62 (performed in 1807). 1808.
+Overture in C (Namensfeier), Op. 115 (performed in 1815). 1825.
+Overture in C (Die Weihe des Hauses), Op. 124 (performed in 1822).
+     1825.
+Septet in E-flat for strings and wind, Op. 20. 1802.
+Sextet in E-flat for wind instruments, Op. 71. 1810.
+Sextet in E-flat for strings and two horns, Op. 81_b_. 1810.
+2 String Quintets:
+    Op. 4 in E-flat. 1797.
+    Op. 29 in C. 1801.
+17 String Quartets:
+    Op. 18, Nos. 1 to 6 (F, G, D, C minor, A, B-flat). 1801.
+    Op. 59, Nos. 1 to 3 (F, E minor, C). The Rasonmoffsky. 1808.
+    Op. 74, in E-flat. The Harfen-quartet. 1810.
+    Op. 95, in F minor. 1816.
+    Op. 127, in E-flat. 1826.
+    Op. 130, in B-flat.            }
+    Op. 131, in C-sharp minor.   } The Posthumous Quartets.
+    Op. 132, in A minor.         } 1827.
+    Op. 135, in F.               }
+    Op. 133, Great Fugue in B-flat. 1827.
+5 String Trios:
+    Op. 3, in E-flat. 1797.
+    Op. 9, Nos. 1 to 3 (G, D, C minor). 1798.
+    Op. 8, in D. The Serenade Trio. 1797.
+Serenade in D, for flute, violin, and viola, Op. 25. 1802.
+Concerto in D, for violin and orchestra, Op. 61. 1806.
+2 Romances for violin and orchestra:
+    Op. 40, in G. 1803.
+    Op. 50, in F. 1805.
+5 Concertos for pianoforte and orchestra:
+    No. 1 in C, Op. 15. 1801.
+    No. 2 in B-flat, Op. 19. 1801.
+    No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37. 1804.
+    No. 4 in G, Op. 58. 1808.
+    No. 5 in E-flat, Op. 73. The Emperor. 1811.
+Choral Fantasia in C minor, Op. 80. 1811.
+Quintet in E-flat, for pianoforte and wind, Op. 16. 1801.
+6 Trios for pianoforte, violin, and violoncello:
+    Op. 1, Nos. 1 to 3 (E-flat, G, C minor). 1795
+    Op. 70, Nos. 1 and 2 (D, E-flat). 1809.
+    Op. 97, Grand Trio in B-flat. 1816.
+10 Sonatas for pianoforte and violin.
+      [We must mention the Kreutzer Sonata in A, Op. 47. 1805.]
+5 Sonatas for pianoforte and violoncello.
+32 Sonatas for pianoforte alone.
+    [We have only space to mention the Pathetic (in C minor, Op. 13,
+     1799), the Moonlight (in C-sharp minor, Op. 27, No. 2, 1802), the
+     Waldstein (in C, Op. 53, 1805), and the Farewell (in E-flat, Op.
+     81_a_, 1811).]
+Andante Favori in F. 1806.
+23 sets of Variations.
+Scena and Aria, Ah! perfido, Op. 65. 1805.
+Adelaide, Op. 46. 1797.
+Mignon's Song, 'Kennst du das Land?' Op. 75, No. 1. 1810.
+Liederkreis (six Songs), Op. 98. 1816.
+60 other Songs.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+For a fuller account of Beethoven's life the reader is advised to
+consult--
+
+SCHINDLER'S Life of Beethoven (translated by Moscheles). 2
+vols. Colburn. 1841.
+
+Beethoven's LETTERS (1790-1826) have been translated by Lady
+Wallace. 2 vols. Longmans. 1866.
+
+
+
+
+SCHUBERT
+
+
+
+
+SCHUBERT
+
+
+If you are ever in the city of Vienna, and bend your steps to the
+district called the Lichtenthal, you will there find a thoroughfare,
+running north and south, called the Nussdorfer Strasse. This is its
+present name, but in former times it was known as 'Auf dem
+Himmelpfortgrund'--meaning 'Off the Gate of Heaven'--the
+'Himmelpfortgrund' itself being a small street branching off to the
+west towards the fortifications. On the right-hand side of the
+Nussdorfer Strasse, as you face the outskirts of the city, you will
+come upon a house bearing the number 54 (it was formerly numbered 72),
+and the curious sign of 'Zum rothen Krebsen' (the Red Crab). But your
+attention will at once be drawn to another feature of the house--a
+grey marble tablet fixed above the door, with the inscription 'Franz
+Schubert's Geburthaus' (the house in which Franz Schubert was born),
+in the centre, and on the right a lyre crowned with a star, and on the
+left a laurel wreath encircling the date '31 January, 1797.'
+
+Nothing more than this inscribed tablet will be needed to bring home
+to your mind the fact that you are actually face to face with the
+house in which Schubert, the composer of those beautiful songs, 'The
+Erl King,' 'Hark, hark, the Lark,' and 'Sylvia,' first saw the light.
+And as you stand before the home of the great song-writer your
+thoughts will revert in fancy to the time when, a century ago, there
+issued from that doorway the figure of a boy of eleven years of age,
+clad in a suit of grey so light as to be almost white, with chubby
+face, bright dark eyes, with a sparkle in them that the spectacles
+which he wore could not hide, and a head of thick, curly, black hair.
+That boy was Franz Schubert, setting out for his examination to be
+admitted as a scholar at the Imperial Convict, as the school for
+educating the choristers of the Chapel Royal in Vienna was called.
+
+The son of Franz Schubert, a schoolmaster in the Lichtenthal district,
+whose character for uprightness and honesty, in addition to his
+abilities, had won him the respect and esteem of all who knew him,
+little Franz had from the first shown a remarkable fondness for music.
+The family were in poor circumstances, the father having sprung from a
+peasant stock, and by his own industry and a natural gift for teaching
+succeeded in raising himself to his present position, whilst his wife
+Elizabeth, in every way a perfect helpmeet for a poor man, was
+likewise of humble origin. Franz Schubert had nothing to depend upon
+but his schoolmaster's pay, and the family included, besides little
+Franz, three boys and a girl. Nevertheless, such encouragement as
+could be given to Franz in his love for music was given heartily and
+sympathetically, for there could not have been a more devoted family
+than his. At the first, however, Franz showed his independence by
+making friends with a joiner's apprentice, who used to take him to a
+certain pianoforte warehouse in the town, where, to his joy, he was
+permitted to play little tunes on one of the instruments. At home
+there was only an old, worn-out piano to practise upon, but with the
+aid of this and frequent visits to the warehouse the boy managed to
+acquire unaided a certain groundwork in music, so that when, at the
+age of seven, his father began to give him lessons on the violin he
+found that Franz had already made some headway. His elder brothers,
+Ignaz and Ferdinand, had been taken in hand by the father at the same
+age, and Ignaz, who was twelve years older than Franz, gave his little
+brother lessons on the pianoforte.
+
+    [Illustration: SCHUBERT.
+    From photo RISCHGITZ.]
+
+It was soon clear, however, that neither Ignaz nor his father could
+keep pace with Franz's abilities--the boy had himself told Ignaz that
+he had no further need of his help, and could go on alone--and it was
+decided to send him to the choirmaster of the parish, Michael Holzer,
+to learn the violin and piano, as well as singing, the organ, and
+thorough-bass. Holzer, in turn, was astonished at the boy's powers,
+and assured the father that he had never had such a pupil before. 'If
+I wish to teach him anything now,' he declared, 'I find that he knows
+it already! I can only listen to him in amazement!'
+
+Franz, with all his devotion to music, was a merry-hearted boy, never
+so happy as when, in the play-hour, he found himself surrounded by his
+schoolfellows, with whom he was first favourite. By the time he had
+reached his eleventh year his voice had acquired such power and beauty
+of expression as to procure him the chief soprano's place in the choir
+of the parish church, where he also played the violin solos as they
+occurred in the service. At home he was even then writing little
+songs and pieces for the pianoforte--an early promise of what was to
+follow. The family, as we have seen, were poor and hardworking, Ignaz
+and Ferdinand were helping their father in the school, and it was
+evident, therefore, that the talent which Franz undoubtedly possessed
+must be turned to good account as soon as possible. The necessary step
+to this end was to obtain his admittance to the Convict, in order that
+he might be trained for the Imperial Chapel, and in the meanwhile
+receive his education free in return for his services.
+
+Accordingly, one morning in the month of October 1808, Franz, attired
+in his suit of grey, presented himself for examination by the Court
+Capellmeisters and singing-master. A number of boys were to be
+examined at the same time, and whilst they were waiting they indulged
+themselves in mirth and jokes at the expense of the short,
+chubby-faced, spectacled boy clad in grey, 'Hullo, my friend,' cried
+one, who towered a good foot above poor Franz's head, 'how did you
+leave your father the miller?'--an allusion to Franz's appearance
+which was greeted with a burst of laughter from the other boys. A
+second preferred a sarcastic inquiry as to the price of flour, whilst
+a third desired to know whether Franz expected to get through in such
+a garb--sallies which the victim bore with open good humour, the more
+so as he felt conscious of his own powers. And, indeed, the laugh was
+soon turned against his mockers; for, when he came to be examined, his
+singing of the trial-pieces, in addition to his skill in solving the
+problems set him, so astonished his examiners that they passed him
+through at once, and he was ordered to don the uniform of the imperial
+choristers forthwith. With a glow of pride Franz arrayed himself in
+his new dress, which, with its edgings of gold lace, he thought
+dazzlingly beautiful after his despised suit of grey.
+
+    [Illustration: '_They indulged in jokes at the expense of the
+    spectacled boy._']
+
+Franz's entry into the Convict implied a long separation from home,
+but he soon found plenty to occupy his mind and claim his interest.
+The school orchestra was a great feature of the new life, in which our
+hero, from his home studies, was enabled at once to take a prominent
+place. Practice was held daily, and the musicians bent their energies
+to mastering the overtures and symphonies of Haydn and Mozart, with
+the works of many of the minor masters. Even Beethoven's works were
+not considered to be beyond the scope of their powers as time went on.
+The work of all others which made the deepest impression on Schubert's
+mind at this stage, however, was Mozart's 'G minor Symphony.' 'One can
+hear the angels singing in it,' he used to say. But he revelled also
+in the overtures to 'Figaro' and the 'Zauberfloete,' and, indeed, the
+orchestral music to which he was now introduced opened up to his mind
+a vista of never-ending delight.
+
+On the very first day that he took his seat in the orchestra his
+clever playing attracted the attention of the leader, a big fellow
+named Spaun, who sat immediately in front of him. On turning round to
+ascertain who it was that was bringing forth such excellent tone from
+his fiddle, and, moreover, playing with such precision, Spaun
+discovered it to be 'a small boy in spectacles, named Franz Schubert.'
+From that moment big Spaun became little Franz's intimate friend and
+counsellor. To him one day Franz, who was characteristically shy of
+speaking about himself and his longings, made a blushing admission
+that he had already composed a good deal. 'Indeed,' he added, as if in
+extenuation, 'indeed, I cannot help it, and I should do it every day,
+only I cannot afford to get music-paper.' Spaun grasped the situation
+at once, and thenceforth Franz was kept supplied with all the
+music-paper he required, a kindness for which he showed his gratitude
+by devoting his spare time to composition. In his playing, too, he
+made such rapid progress that before long he was taking the first
+violin, and on occasions when Ruzicka, the conductor, was not present
+he was appointed to lead the orchestra. It was observed by others
+besides Ruzicka and Spaun how greatly Schubert's gifts and earnestness
+influenced the rest of the players, and tended to increase and
+strengthen their taste for good music. His deep sentiment for what was
+greatest and best in his art had from the first separated him from his
+schoolfellows, and now the magnetism of his genius and earnestness was
+drawing them one after another to his side. Franz Schubert had already
+become a power in the school.
+
+Visits to the home were only to be made on Sundays and holidays, and
+they were events to which he looked forward with the keenest delight.
+Performances in which each member could take a share formed the chief
+occupation of the family on these occasions. Perhaps Franz had brought
+home a quartet of his own writing, and then the father would bring
+forth his 'cello, and Ignaz and Ferdinand take first and second
+violins, while Franz chose the viola, in order that he might be better
+able to judge of the effect, and the work would be played through,
+with criticism or approval of its merits at the conclusion. The father
+would sometimes play a wrong note; at first Franz would take no
+notice, but if the error were repeated he would look up with a smile,
+and say gently, 'Herr Vater, something must be wrong there,' and it is
+a proof of the rapid progress which he had made in music since the
+days of his father's teaching that his judgment in such matters was
+never questioned.
+
+    [Illustration: '_His clever playing attracted the attention of
+    the leader._']
+
+By degrees a reverence for Beethoven's genius was making itself felt
+in regard to Franz's musical studies. Not long before he joined the
+school the orchestra had been invited to give a performance at
+Schoenbrunn, when Beethoven was present, and Franz had listened with
+the deepest interest to his schoolfellows' account of their reception
+by the great master. One day, when some of his songs had been sung at
+a school performance, Franz turned to his friend Spaun with the
+inquiry whether the latter thought it possible that he (Franz) would
+ever be able to accomplish anything in the shape of composition. To
+which Spaun, in surprise, answered that there could be no doubt in the
+matter, since he had already done a great deal. 'Perhaps,' replied
+Franz thoughtfully; 'I sometimes have dreams of that sort, but who can
+do anything after Beethoven?'
+
+With his passionate love for music dominating his thoughts and
+energies, it is not surprising that Schubert should have fallen behind
+in his ordinary studies. From the point of view of the authorities the
+Convict represented a complete school with a strongly-developed
+musical side; but for Schubert it existed merely as a means to an end,
+and that end music. This fact was apparent in about a year after he
+entered the school, nevertheless his popularity suffered no decrease
+thereby, for his backwardness in most of the subjects in which other
+boys excelled was overshadowed by his extraordinary progress in the
+art which was absorbing him so entirely. And as time went on his
+desire for composition increased to such an extent that his kind
+friend Spaun must often have been taxed to keep pace with his demand
+for music-paper. Franz had already begun with methodical care to place
+the date of composition upon every piece which he wrote, and thus we
+are enabled to ascertain precisely when he composed his first
+pianoforte work of importance; it is a fantasia for four hands,
+comprising more than twelve movements, and filling thirty-two
+closely-written pages of music-paper, and it bears the date, 'April
+8--May 1, 1810.' Following this came his first attempt at
+song-writing, in the shape of a long piece for voice and pianoforte,
+called 'Hagars Klage' (Hagar's Lament over her dying Son), which also
+contains twelve movements, and is remarkable for its frequent
+unconnected changes of key. Melancholy ideas were evidently uppermost
+in Schubert's mind at this time in connection with music, for the
+'Hagar' was followed by another piece of even more lugubrious
+character, called 'Leichenfantasie' (Corpse-fantasia), a musical
+setting of Schiller's grim poem beginning:
+
+    'With a deathlike glimmer
+    Stands the moon above the dying trees;
+    Sighing wails the Spirit through the night;
+          Mists are creeping;
+          Stars are peeping
+        Pale aloft like torches in a cave.'
+
+He was now fairly launched upon composition, and during the two
+succeeding years his pen was not allowed to rest, songs and
+instrumental pieces being produced in rapid succession.
+
+Despite the many acts of kindness which he received at the hands of
+his friends Franz was made to feel in many ways the want of a little
+pocket-money such as fell to the lot of his more fortunate
+schoolfellows. He had to contend with numerous discomforts, more
+especially in the winter months, when the supplies both of firing and
+food were inadequate, and one dark November day we find him sitting
+down, chilled and hungry, to pen the following appeal to his brother
+Ferdinand:
+
+'You know from experience that one can often enjoy a roll and an apple
+or two, especially when one must wait eight hours and a half after a
+poor dinner for a meagre supper. The few groschen which my father
+gives me are all spent the first day, and what is one to do the rest
+of the time? "Those who hope will not be confounded," says the Bible,
+and I firmly believe it. Suppose, for instance, you send me a few
+kreutzers monthly. You would never miss them, whilst I should shut
+myself up in my cell and be quite happy. St. Matthew also says: "Let
+him that hath two coats give one to the poor," In the meantime I trust
+you will lend your ear to the voice crying to you incessantly to
+remember your poor brother Franz, who loves and confides in you.'
+
+But these long waits between dinner and supper, together with the
+hardship of being compelled to sit for hours in a fireless
+practice-room, were not destined to endure much longer for Franz. The
+termination of his career at the Convict was decided upon in
+consequence of his resolution to devote himself wholly to music. He
+had a little circle of faithful friends in the school, every one of
+whom regarded him as a genius, and who loved him also for his own
+sake; they only waited for him to compose in order to perform under
+his direction, and they would fain have kept him amongst them; but
+they knew his longings, and they realised the impossibility of
+retaining so gifted a composer within the compass of their ranks.
+Schubert loved them too, and though he went out from their midst to
+seek a wider field for his genius, he never forgot that he was one of
+them, and as composition after composition flowed from his pen it was
+brought to the Convict orchestra to be tried and approved by his
+kindest and best of critics.
+
+Apart from this determination to give himself up to music there was no
+pressing reason for his leaving the school, for it was reported that
+the Emperor himself, having observed Schubert's beautiful voice and
+wonderful power of expression, had evinced so much interest in his
+progress as to offer him a foundation scholarship in the school, on
+condition that he should qualify himself for examination during the
+holidays. Schubert, however, had made up his mind, and towards the end
+of the year 1813 he quitted the Convict, his farewell being signalised
+by the composing of his first Symphony[22] in honour of the birthday
+of Dr. Lang, the musical director. A year before this event took
+place, the mother, who had worked unceasingly to keep the home
+together on the slender means which her husband's calling provided,
+had died. Her loss was keenly felt by the family, but by none more
+than by Franz himself, who realised how much he owed to the love and
+care bestowed upon him in his childhood by this excellent,
+hard-working mother.
+
+Schubert was now entering upon his seventeenth year, and stood at the
+entrance of a career in music which, judging from his compositions at
+the Convict school, must have seemed to his friends to be full of
+promise. He himself was full of fire and energy, and longing to follow
+in the footsteps of the great masters whose works had inspired his
+earliest efforts. But, though as yet perhaps he failed to realise it,
+his genius, whatever may have been the source of its inspiration, was
+surely leading him towards the path wherein his strength chiefly
+lay--a path almost untrodden, and which he alone was destined to adorn
+with the choicest flowers of his imagination, in order that others
+might enjoy their perfume for evermore--the pathway of song. Already
+those early songs to which the school musicians had accorded a
+sympathetic hearing as they flowed fresh from his pen evinced to those
+capable of judging far more power and individuality than did any of
+his more ambitious instrumental compositions.
+
+But, as we have said, Schubert himself probably had not realised this
+great truth as yet. He stood at the threshold of a future which gave
+him no insight into its possibilities, which for him at that moment
+conveyed no more than a hope of fulfilment of his one burning
+desire--to write, write, write. It was the pure longing of the true
+musician to make mankind at large partakers of his heavenly gift. Let
+us remember this of Franz Schubert, because it is absolutely true of
+him, and because it helps us to understand his true nature.
+
+Schubert's determination was put to a severe test on leaving the
+Convict, for he had hardly returned home ere the dread summons for
+enlistment was placed in his hands. The Continental law of
+conscription admits of no distinction such as that which Nature
+confers upon an individual by the gift of genius; and to escape the
+danger which now threatened him, and which, by depriving him of his
+liberty for several years to come, appeared to be wholly
+insupportable, Schubert seized upon the only remedy which offered
+itself. He at once qualified himself for becoming an assistant to his
+father in the latter's school. The choice lay between two evils, and
+Schubert chose the lesser; for though he cordially detested the
+drudgery of teaching, it at least prevented his being called upon to
+serve in the ranks, and at the same time secured to him a certain
+amount of leisure for composition. Moreover, there was opportunity for
+maintaining relations with his little circle of intimates at the
+Convict--a privilege which Schubert could not have forgone without a
+severe pang--as well as for making new friends.
+
+It is easy to imagine the reluctance with which Schubert went about
+his daily task of teaching the infant class in his father's school.
+Every minute thus spent must have seemed to him an hour, and probably
+the little ones, no less than their impatient teacher himself,
+breathed a deep sigh of relief when the play-hour arrived. To Schubert
+it meant freedom for work--real work--when he could fly to his desk,
+and write down the musical thoughts which he had been burning to
+express the whole morning. Impatient as he felt under the constraint
+put upon him he never complained; probably the dread of the
+conscription was constantly haunting him, for no fewer than three
+summonses to serve reached him at this time. There were, moreover,
+bright intervals in the round of scholastic work, when he could forget
+that he was a schoolmaster, and throw himself heart and soul into his
+art. He had lately made the acquaintance of a musical family named
+Grob, residing in the Lichtenthal, comprising a mother and her son and
+daughter, in whose house he was received on terms of friendship, quite
+as much for himself as for his music. Therese Grob possessed a fine
+soprano voice, with which she did full justice to the songs which
+Schubert brought to her to sing, whilst Heinrich Grob played both the
+pianoforte and the 'cello, with the result that many evenings were
+passed in musical enjoyment. His circle of admirers at the Convict,
+too, were always eager to welcome every new piece that he found time
+to compose. Nor had he forgotten his old friend and master Holzer, the
+organist and choir-master at the Lichtenthal Church, who had been the
+first to acknowledge his talents. Schubert regularly attended the
+church, and this fact, combined with his affection for the old
+organist, led to his writing his first Mass for performance by the
+church choir. The performance, on October 16, 1814, excited so much
+interest that it was repeated on the 26th of the same month at the
+Augustine Church. The latter occasion was one not likely to be soon
+forgotten by those who were present. Franz conducted, the choir being
+led by Holzer, whilst Ferdinand presided at the organ, and Therese
+Grob sang the part for first solo voices. Amongst the audience was
+Antonio Salieri, Court Capellmeister at Vienna, whom Beethoven had
+acknowledged as his master, and who now, having praised Schubert
+warmly for his work, declared that the latter should henceforth be his
+pupil. Every one was delighted, and the father felt so proud and happy
+that he signalised the event by presenting Franz with a five-octave
+piano. To be able to rank himself with Beethoven as 'scholar of
+Salieri' was indeed a high reward for Schubert, and the old man was
+as good as his word, for he gave his new pupil daily lessons for a
+considerable time.
+
+    [Illustration: '_Many evenings were passed in musical
+    enjoyment._']
+
+The year 1814 did not close without witnessing a striking addition to
+the pile of manuscript by which the young schoolmaster-composer was
+surrounded. How variously his mind was swayed during this period we may
+understand from the fact that he had hardly finished the third act of a
+comic opera[23] ('Des Teufels Lustschloss'--The Devil's
+Pleasure-Castle) before setting to work on his 'Mass in F' which we
+have just mentioned. The compositions of this year also include
+seventeen songs, and one at least of these, the beautiful 'Gretchen am
+Spinnrade' (Gretchen at her Spinning-wheel), we may regard as a
+forerunner of the immortal songs that were to follow. And now, too, the
+special circumstance which was destined to influence Schubert in
+choosing the path wherein his genius found its most fitting expression
+was near at hand. One afternoon in December of this year a friend took
+him to call upon a poet named Johann Mayrhofer, the words of a poem by
+whom Schubert had set to music a few days before. They found the poet
+at his lodgings, situated in one of the darkest and gloomiest streets
+of the city. The apartment contained little furniture beyond a worn-out
+piano and a worm-eaten bookcase filled with well-used books, and the
+general air of neglect and dilapidation was heightened by the fact that
+the window was overshadowed by a huge building on the opposite side of
+the narrow street. Gloomy and cheerless as it was in appearance, the
+room was in keeping with the character of the man who occupied it.
+Johann Mayrhofer was regarded by his acquaintance as an hypochondriac,
+whose general depression of spirits entered largely into his poetical
+writings. But those who knew him intimately were aware of a gentle and
+tender side to his ordinarily stern nature. He was, in fact, a 'lonely,
+self-contained, self-taught man'--one whose gifts conveyed to him the
+ability to discern and appreciate beauty, but at the same time left him
+powerless to banish from his mind the thought of evil working its
+destructive influence both upon himself and his surroundings. Upon the
+impressionable mind of Schubert--already attuned to sadness--the
+personality of Mayrhofer exercised a special charm, and the two at once
+became fast friends. The attraction, however, was perfectly mutual, for
+Schubert's friendship helped to mature Mayrhofer's powers, with the
+result that the one wrote in order that the other might set to music
+that which was written, and to this alliance we are indebted for some
+of Schubert's finest songs.
+
+Every moment that could be snatched from the drudgery of the
+schoolroom was now devoted to composition, and the year following that
+in which the acquaintance with Mayrhofer began furnishes the most
+remarkable testimony to Schubert's powers. In this year (1815) he
+composed no fewer than a hundred and thirty-seven songs, and six
+operas and melodramas, in addition to a great deal of Church and
+chamber music and pieces for the pianoforte. Of the songs, twenty-nine
+were written in August alone, eight of this number bearing one date,
+August 15, and seven more being produced on the 19th of the same
+month. A wonderful year, indeed, and our astonishment is increased
+when we reflect that many of these songs, written as they were under
+conditions which would seem to have precluded the possibility of their
+having been matured and developed in his mind before being written
+down, are deservedly placed amongst the most immortal of Schubert's
+works. When, too, the extraordinary length of some of the songs is
+taken into account--fifty-five pages of closely-written manuscript in
+one case, twenty-two pages of print in another--one marvels how the
+time could have been found for the mere mechanical process of writing
+them down.
+
+To enumerate the songs included in this long list would take up too
+much space, but the story of how one great song came to be written
+must be told here. Mayrhofer could claim friendship with Goethe, and
+it was doubtless through Mayrhofer that Schubert's attention was first
+drawn to the writings of the great German poet. One afternoon in the
+winter of this year 1815, the 'old Convicter' Spaun called upon
+Schubert, and found him in his room intently writing music, with a
+book of poems by his side. On inquiring what it was that absorbed his
+attention, Schubert looked up with a face aglow with inspiration. 'Oh,
+I have come across _such_ a poem!' he exclaimed. 'Have you ever read
+it? It is Goethe's "Erl King."' Without giving his friend time to
+reply he turned once more to his paper, and recommenced jotting down
+the notes with astonishing rapidity. Spaun sat by, wondering, but not
+daring to disturb him. At length Schubert threw down his pen with a
+sigh. 'It is finished,' said he, 'and now let us look it through.' It
+was the first sketch of the famous song of the 'Erl King,' and when
+the accompaniment had been filled in, the two friends conveyed the
+manuscript to the Convict. His old friends and admirers soon formed a
+group around the piano, and Schubert, sitting down, sang the song
+through, and then one of the school singers sang it after him. To
+Schubert's surprise--and the fact comes to us with something like a
+shock--the first hearing of the 'Erl King' was received by the Convict
+orchestra with some coldness. The truth is the dramatic force
+embodied in the music was too strong for them--it fairly took their
+breath away; it was so unlike anything that Schubert had hitherto
+produced, or that they had ever heard. And when he came to the
+passage, 'Mein Vater, mein Vater, jetzt fasst er mich an!' in which an
+apparent disharmony discovered itself, one or two of the listeners
+ventured to express their dissent, and it was necessary for Herr
+Ruzicka, the professor of harmony who was present, to explain to his
+pupils that the conjunction was permissible. Of the 'Erl King' our
+story will have more to relate later on; in the meantime we may remark
+that the rapidity of its composition leaves no room for doubt that it
+was in itself as pure a piece of inspiration as any other of
+Schubert's works that could be named, and, furthermore, that it
+affords a striking instance of the power which he possessed of
+grasping, almost at a single glance, the musical significance of a
+poem which appealed strongly to the emotions.
+
+Unquestionably, however, the monotony of his school work weighed
+heavily upon his mind, and, in his own opinion, was cramping his
+powers of production. The longing to be free to devote himself wholly
+to his art was intensified day by day, and when, in the following
+year, he learnt that a director was about to be appointed at a
+newly-created Government school of music at Laibach, near Trieste, he
+hastened to apply for the post. True, the salary was only L21 a year,
+but the gaining of the position would mean instant freedom from his
+present bondage, and to Schubert that implied almost everything. It is
+evident, however, that those who recommended him for the post were by
+no means convinced of his fitness for governing, for their letters
+were but half-hearted, and the selection fell upon another man who, it
+turned out, was also recommended by one of Schubert's supporters.
+
+The depression resulting from his disappointment was soon to be
+relieved by the agency of a new friend. A young man, named Franz von
+Schober, of good family and some private means, came to Vienna with
+the object of entering the University. Some time before taking this
+step Franz Schober had met with several of Schubert's songs, which at
+that date were being circulated in manuscript, and, lover of music as
+he was, the young student had revelled in the beauties of the unknown
+composer, and longed to make his acquaintance. When, therefore, he
+reached Vienna he lost no time in finding his way to the Schubert home
+in the Himmelpfortgrund. He found Schubert seated at his desk busily
+writing, for Schober had happened upon a favourable moment when school
+was over for the day. Little did the composer dream, as he heard his
+visitor announced, that his deliverance from the bondage which had
+become wellnigh insupportable, was so close at hand. A few minutes'
+intercourse sufficed to show the two young men that their sympathies
+and interests lay on a common plane. Schubert, quick to detect the
+sympathy which Schober was not loath to express, felt drawn towards
+his new friend, whilst Schober, for his part, as he glanced at the
+piles of manuscript which occupied every available space in the small
+room, evinced so deep an astonishment at the evidence of such untiring
+industry that Schubert was fain to tell him in a few words how he was
+placed, and of his longings for freedom. Then Schober saw his
+opportunity for rendering a service which he hoped might prove as
+acceptable to Schubert as it would be congenial to himself--would not
+Schubert consent to live with him, at any rate, for a time? Schober
+had a claim on which to found this proffer--namely, that he was
+already well known to Spaun, to whose medium, indeed, was due the fact
+that Schubert's songs had been first brought under his notice.
+Franz's heart leapt within him at the prospect of being able to give
+his whole time to his beloved music; he could not refuse a request so
+modestly and tactfully conveyed, and obviously so kindly meant, and
+the tears started to the eyes of both as the young men grasped each
+other by the hand. It was not difficult for Schubert to obtain his
+father's consent to the arrangement, for there was more than a
+suspicion that the latter was not altogether satisfied with the manner
+in which Franz had of late fulfilled his scholastic duties--a fact
+which need occasion no surprise when his strong musical temperament is
+taken into consideration.
+
+Thus it came about that Schubert gained his release, and the two
+friends took up residence together at Schober's lodgings. Schubert,
+however, was not inclined to live entirely at his friend's expense,
+and so, unwillingly enough, he gave a few music-lessons. But not for
+long--the same unconquerable dislike to teaching in any shape or form
+asserted itself, and the pupils vanished. He might easily have secured
+more pupils had he so desired, for there were many friends, moving in
+higher circles than his own, who were ready to assist him; but it is
+just here that we get a glimpse of Schubert's true character. He had
+no aspiration to mingle with those whom, in his modest, unaffected
+way, he considered to be above him. He valued friendship, from
+whomsoever it came, but his whole nature was opposed to turning the
+advances of the rich or great to his own advantage. Unlike Beethoven,
+he had no faculty for 'imposing' on the aristocracy (to borrow
+Beethoven's favourite phrase for describing his own relations with
+those of superior rank to himself); on the contrary, Schubert courted
+no society beyond that of his own class--in which, indeed, his
+affections wholly centred themselves, and in which alone his true
+nature allowed itself to be revealed. It is a strong instance of this
+feeling that he loved best of all the praise that came from the
+members of his own family, and next that which emanated from his own
+circle of friends. Nevertheless, whatever of class distinction may
+have influenced Schubert in the distribution of his affections and in
+the revelation of himself, no such barrier existed in the minds of
+those who were drawn to his side; in a word, he was loved by all who
+knew him without regard to rank, wealth, or age.
+
+The year 1821 found Schubert, at the age of twenty-four, a composer of
+more than seven years' standing, and yet almost unknown outside the
+circle of his friends and acquaintance. Since the date when he went to
+reside with Schober he had continued to pour forth his compositions
+without intermission, and yet so far not a single work had been
+printed. True, many of his songs had been sung from manuscript before
+large and appreciative audiences at the musical meetings organised by
+the father of Leopold Sonnleithner, one of Schubert's old
+schoolfellows, and the most faithful of friends; but when the leading
+Vienna publishers were asked to undertake the publication of the song
+which had evoked the greatest enthusiasm when rendered by the
+well-known amateur Gymnich, they shook their heads. The composer was
+unknown, and with so difficult an accompaniment as that of the 'Erl
+King' the sale of the song could not be great. Such was the opinion of
+the publishers; but, to their honour let it be recorded, Sonnleithner
+and Gymnich refused to be influenced by this adverse verdict. They
+instantly resolved to print the song at their own risk, and when the
+next concert took place at the Sonnleithner mansion the resolution was
+announced. One hundred copies were subscribed for on the spot, and
+with this substantial encouragement the engraving of the 'Erl King'
+and a second song, 'Gretchen am Spinnrade,' was at once proceeded
+with, the sale of these songs being undertaken by the music publishers
+on commission. The enterprise was attended by so much success that its
+promoters were enabled to proceed with the publication of further
+songs, until, when the seventh had been reached, the publishers deemed
+themselves perfectly safe in assuming the entire risk of publication,
+and the eighth work appeared on May 9, 1822, as 'the property of the
+publishers.'
+
+A great step towards the establishment of Schubert's fame was thus
+assured; but we must pause in our story to recount the means by which,
+apart from the initiative taken in the matter by his faithful friends,
+Schubert's recognition at the hands of the public was brought about.
+On March 7, 1821, the 'Erl King' was sung by Johann Vogl, a famous
+opera singer in Vienna at that time, at a public concert held under
+royal patronage. The song was received with storms of applause, and
+from this point the public demand for Schubert's writings commenced.
+The attention of Vogl, whose intellectual gifts are said to have
+outshone even his vocal attainments, had been drawn to Schubert's
+songs some five years before the event just mentioned. Franz Schober,
+who knew him well as a visitor at his father's house, had pressed the
+singer to accompany him to his lodgings in order to be introduced to
+Schubert, and Vogl had smilingly acquiesced. Schober's praises of his
+newfound friend had sounded so often in Vogl's ears that the request
+could not be refused. Schober was certain that the great man would be
+enchanted with Schubert's writings, at which the actor-singer had only
+smiled once more; he deemed it to be merely youthful enthusiasm
+influenced by personal affection. On reaching the lodgings in the
+Landkrongasse they had found Schubert hard at work as usual, and the
+floor as well as the table strewn with sheets of music-paper. Vogl,
+whose society was courted by all ranks, at once made himself at home,
+and did his best by a few gay sallies to put the composer at his ease.
+In this, however, he was quite unsuccessful. The fact that there was a
+difference of twenty years between their respective ages, when added
+to the singer's popularity, may have partly accounted for the failure;
+at any rate, Schubert was overwhelmed by confusion, and had nothing to
+say in his own behalf. Vogl thereupon took up several of the songs,
+humming them to himself as he went along, and Schober, watching him
+intently, saw his interest deepen, until at length, despite his great
+experience as a singer, he was evidently impressed by what he read.
+When he left he shook Schubert's hand warmly, and said: 'There is
+stuff in you, but you squander your fine thoughts instead of making
+the most of them.'
+
+    [Illustration: '_They found Schubert hard at work._']
+
+Nevertheless, Schober was right; Vogl had been deeply impressed, and
+the visit marked the beginning of a close friendship. Schubert soon
+learned to appreciate Vogl's sincerity and advice, and as time went on
+the latter's visits became more and more frequent, until the picture
+might often have been seen of Vogl singing Schubert's latest songs to
+the latter's accompaniment. To the completeness of this union Schubert
+himself testifies in a letter to his brother Ferdinand: 'When Vogl
+sings and I accompany him we seem for the moment to be one.' Vogl, for
+his part, afterwards wrote of Schubert's songs that they were 'truly
+Divine inspirations, utterances of a musical _clairvoyance!_' and he
+emphasised the fact, which had not hitherto been appreciated, that
+'the finest poems of our greatest poets may be enhanced and even
+transcended when translated into musical language'--an important
+testimony to the great service which Schubert was rendering to vocal
+music.
+
+The five years which had elapsed since the friendship with Vogl began
+had been passed in the production, as we have seen, of an immense mass
+of compositions covering almost every branch of the art; but as none
+of these works had so far produced any money it is obvious that, for
+the first two years after leaving his father's house, Schubert must
+have been dependent upon the hospitality of his friends. His residence
+with Schober lasted only six months, at the end of which time
+Schober's brother came to reside with him, and Schubert had to give up
+his room. Teaching was entirely distasteful to him, as we know; yet we
+can well understand that the pressure of circumstances alone may have
+compelled him to accept, in the summer of 1818, an engagement as
+music-teacher in the family of Count Johann Esterhazy. The terms of
+this engagement were that he should spend the summer months with the
+family at their seat at Zelesz, in Hungary, returning with them to
+Vienna for the winter. How difficult it must have been for Schubert to
+sever himself, even for a time, from the circle of which he was the
+life and centre, in order to enter a family belonging to those ranks
+with which he avowedly had nothing in common, may be imagined. Within
+his own circle he was adored--nay, worshipped--by one and all. The
+life, too, was so entirely free and unrestrained; the members
+addressed each other by nicknames. Schubert had several pet names,
+amongst them the 'Tyrant,' from his affectionate persecution of young
+Huettenbrenner, who in return lavished upon him the affection of a
+slave for his idol. They were all boisterous, merry, life-loving
+spirits, venting their feelings in howls, repartees, sham-fights, and
+mock-concerts--there is even a story of their 'performing' the 'Erl
+King,' with Schubert himself accompanying them on a tooth-comb! The
+change from this unconventional life to the aristocratic surroundings
+of Zelesz was therefore immense; yet Schubert was not unhappy. The
+family were musical, the comforts were undeniable, and the duties not
+so heavy as to preclude his enjoying a considerable amount of leisure
+for composition.
+
+At Zelesz he heard for the first time many of the national Hungarian
+melodies sung or played by the gypsies, or by the servants at the
+castle, and their beauty seems to have been impressed upon his memory
+by the beautiful country in which he took his rambles. Later on he was
+to give these airs an artistic setting in the shape of his 'First
+Waltzes.' Of one of his pieces--the 'Divertissement a la
+hongroise'--it is told that returning late one afternoon from a walk,
+he lingered beside the open window of the kitchen, in order to listen
+to the air which was being sung by the kitchen-maid within as she
+leaned against the fireplace. He wrote frequent letters to his
+friends--his home circle--whom he addresses as his 'dearest, fondest
+friends, Spaun, Schober, Mayrhofer, and Senn--you who are everything
+to me.' He entreats them to write soon: 'Every syllable of yours is
+dear to me.' Nobody is overlooked or forgotten, for his messages
+include 'all possible acquaintances.' As for himself, he speaks of his
+happiness and good health, and tells them that he 'is composing like a
+god.' As regards his duties, he describes himself as 'composer,
+manager, audience, everything in one.' 'No one here,' he says in
+another letter, 'cares for true art, unless it be now and then the
+Countess, so I am left alone with my beloved, and have to hide her in
+my room, or my piano, or my own breast. If this often makes me sad, on
+the other hand it often elevates me all the more. Several songs have
+lately come into existence, and I hope very successful ones.' Of his
+relations with the family he says: 'The Count is a little rough; the
+Countess proud, but not without heart; the young ladies good children.
+I need not tell you, who know me so well, that with my natural
+frankness I am good friends with everybody.'
+
+A letter[24] of this time, written to his brother Ferdinand, affords a
+pleasing insight into his frank, loving nature, as well as an instance
+of his fondness for his old home. Ferdinand had sent him a Requiem of
+his own composing to look over.
+
+
+                                        _August 24, 1818._
+     'DEAR BROTHER FERDINAND,
+
+     'It is half-past eleven at night, and your Requiem is ready. It
+     has made me sorrowful, as you may believe, for I sang it with
+     all my heart. What is wanting you can fill in, and put the
+     words under the music and the signs above. And if you want much
+     rehearsal you must do it yourself, without asking me in Zelesz.
+     Things are not going well with you; I wish you could change
+     with me, so that for once you might be happy. You should find
+     all your heavy burdens gone, dear brother; I heartily wish it
+     could be so. My foot is asleep, and I am mad with it. If the
+     fool could only write it wouldn't go to sleep!
+
+     'Good morning, my boy, I have been asleep with my foot, and now
+     go on with my letter at eight o'clock on the 25th. I have one
+     request to make in answer to yours. Give my love to my dear
+     parents, brothers, sisters, friends, and acquaintances,
+     especially not forgetting Carl.[25] Didn't he mention me in his
+     letter? As for my friends in the town, bully them, or get some
+     one to bully them well, till they write to me. Tell my
+     mother[26] that my linen is well looked after, and that I am
+     well off, thanks to her motherly care. [After asking for some
+     articles of clothing, for which he will send the money very
+     soon, he proceeds.] For July, with the journey-money, I got 200
+     florins [about L8].... Though I am so well and happy, and every
+     one so good to me, yet I shall be immensely glad when the
+     moment arrives for going to Vienna. Beloved Vienna, all that is
+     dear and valuable to me is there, and nothing but the actual
+     sight of it will stop my longing! Again entreating you to
+     attend to all my requests, I remain, with much love to all,
+     your true and sincere.
+
+                                   'FRANZ MPIA.'
+
+The story of Schubert's life, from the time when by the powerful aid
+of his friend Vogl the musical public of Vienna were awakened to the
+fact that a composer of rare quality was working in their midst
+unknown, unfolds itself to us as a record of continuous struggle,
+relieved by occasional success. It is true that as he became better
+known the appreciation of his works spread far beyond the confines of
+his native city; at the same time it must be remembered that his
+poverty was extreme. As yet his works had brought him little or
+nothing; add to this his native bashfulness, together with the fact
+that his marvellous productive powers were animated by no desire to
+push himself where, as a composer, he had every right to be; that he
+was always retiring, and always modestly undervaluing everything he
+produced; that even when he had finished a fine composition it was
+often put aside in some receptacle and forgotten; that, in a word, he
+wrote, not for the public eye, not for praise, but simply and solely
+because he was impelled by the spirit within him. When we consider all
+this it need not surprise us to learn that Schubert's progress in a
+worldly sense was slow and halting. Again, his physical strength was
+by no means adapted to bear the immense strain which this continuous
+labour involved; and when we learn that his mode of living was most
+irregular (when he was not staying with friends he would be living
+from hand to mouth in poor lodgings by himself), and that his
+sensitive overstrung nature was denied the nourishment which it so
+sorely needed--a result due in part to his distresses, but partly also
+to his improvidence--we can form a tolerably clear picture of the
+manner in which his days were passed.
+
+Yet if his distresses and anxieties were so many dense clouds shutting
+out, for months together, the sunshine and warmth from his life, that
+life itself, taken as a whole, was by no means destitute of
+happiness. The musical temperament is one which cannot be cast down
+for long; let the cloud-rift be ever so small, it suffices to let in a
+flood of sunshine to such a nature as that which Schubert possessed.
+But how much happier might his life have been if, in the absence of
+the ability to manage his own affairs to better advantage, some one
+had been at hand to take this responsibility off his shoulders. Alas!
+not one of his friends seems to have assumed this important part,
+notwithstanding the affection they professed for him. Left to himself,
+no sooner had his songs attained a marketable value than, pressed by
+hunger and the other necessaries of life, he consented to part with
+the copyright of the first twelve of his published songs--including in
+this number the 'Erl King' and the 'Wanderer'--for the sum of eight
+hundred silver gulden (equal to eighty pounds sterling), and this in
+face of the fact that more than eight hundred copies of the 'Erl King'
+had already been sold![27]
+
+Of his improvidence there is much that could be told; his inherent
+good nature was never proof against imposition, and he gave away as
+freely as he earned. Moreover, he was regarded by a certain set of his
+friends as a Croesus, or, rather, as a never-failing coiner of
+money, and two of these so-called friends were not ashamed to live
+openly upon his easy-going, careless ways, under the pretence of
+sharing the expenses of a joint lodging. The partnership, if such it
+could be called where one was called upon to find the money, extended
+even to articles of clothing--boots, hats, coats, cravats, etc., being
+regarded as common property--whilst if one of the trio found himself
+unable to pay his reckoning, it fell to the lot of the 'man of wealth'
+to discharge his obligation. Needless to say, this friendly office was
+cheerfully filled by Schubert for either or both of his companions.
+Great was the jubilation when the composer brought back the news that
+he had sold a piece of music. For the time being he was regarded by
+the others as literally swimming in money, and expected to spend right
+and left so long as it lasted, and then they would all go short until
+the next piece of luck came along. One day, when the trio were in very
+low water, Schubert and one of the others met at a small coffee-house
+and surprised each other in the act of ordering coffee and biscuits,
+because neither could summon from his pockets the requisite
+amount--namely, eightpence halfpenny--wherewith to pay for a dinner!
+
+But no amount of distress could check his capacity for work. Save
+during the hours of sleep, his pen would seem never to have been idle;
+even whilst talking to a friend who was waiting to take him for a
+walk, he was jotting down at great speed one of his most beautiful
+dramatic ballads, the 'Zwerg.' Another friend, Carl Umlauff, has
+related how he used to go to Schubert's lodgings in the mornings, and
+find him lying in bed jotting down musical ideas; at other times he
+would be out of bed, clad in his dressing-gown, composing at his
+standing-desk. Writing would go on till two o'clock. 'When I have done
+one piece I begin the next,' was his own way of describing the
+continuity of his work, and it is known that a single morning produced
+no fewer than six songs. The afternoon would be devoted to
+music-making at the house of a friend, or to a walk in the suburbs,
+whilst the evening would be divided between a pipe at the Gasthaus
+with his companions, and a visit to the theatre or the house of a
+musical friend. The hours reserved for sleep were constantly being
+curtailed by the encroachments of nightly pleasures, and yet he was
+always ready to seize his pen and begin work directly he was awake.
+The story even goes that he slept in his spectacles in order to save
+the trouble and time of putting them on in the morning!
+
+His omnivorous appetite for setting to music every poem which struck
+his fancy--whether it were suited for the purpose of a song, or, what
+is far more important, in any way worthy of the setting which he
+proposed to give to it--was one of Schubert's most marked
+characteristics. Another was the rapidity with which, having once
+grasped the sense of the words, he translated them into music, and
+such music, let it be remembered, as was destined in many cases to
+live for ever. Like the 'Erl King,' the beautiful song the 'Wanderer'
+was composed in the space of a few hours; again, with respect to the
+strikingly beautiful collection of songs known as the 'Schoene
+Muellerin,' the poems were lighted upon quite by accident. Schubert was
+visiting a friend, and when the latter was called away he picked up a
+volume of Mueller's poems which was lying upon the table; he grew
+interested in them, the friend delayed his return, and finally
+Schubert put the book in his pocket and went home. The next morning,
+when the friend called to apologise for his detention and to inquire
+for the missing volume, he found that Schubert had already set several
+of the poems to music. What Schumann the composer wrote of Schubert
+was true: 'Everything that he touched he turned into music.' One day
+in the month of July, 1826, he was returning with his friends from a
+Sunday walk through the village of Waehring, and, passing by a
+beer-garden, he espied an acquaintance seated at one of the tables. On
+joining him Schubert found he was reading a volume of Shakespeare; he
+seized the book, and began turning over the pages, and then, drawing
+his friends' attention to the line, 'Hark, hark, the lark,' he
+exclaimed: 'Such a lovely melody has come into my head, if I had but
+some music-paper!' One of his companions seized a bill-of-fare, and on
+the back of it scribbled a few staves, and then, upon the spot, 'amid
+the hubbub of the beer-garden, that beautiful song, so perfectly
+fitting the words, so skilful and so happy in its accompaniment, came
+into perfect existence.' Later on in the evening of the same day he
+added to this creation two more songs from Shakespeare--the
+drinking-song from 'Antony and Cleopatra,' and the well-known 'Who is
+Sylvia?' In the instances just given Schubert's choice could not have
+been more happily made; but this does not render it less difficult for
+us to understand why in so many cases he should have elected to
+immortalise by his music poems devoid of merit both in feeling and
+expression.
+
+We have seen something of Schubert's veneration for Beethoven as a
+grand personality, even before the latter's music had begun to take
+hold of him. At first there is no doubt that the music of Mozart had
+the greatest fascination for him; there is evidence of this in
+Schubert's early instrumental works, and in the following passage from
+his diary, penned after he had heard one of Mozart's quintets played
+in 1816: 'Gently, as if out of the distance, did the magic tones of
+Mozart's music strike my ears. With what inconceivable, alternate
+force and tenderness did Schlesinger's masterly playing impress it
+deep, deep into my heart! Such lovely impressions remain on the soul,
+there to work for good, past all power of time or circumstance. In the
+darkness of this life they reveal a clear, bright, beautiful prospect,
+inspiring confidence and hope. O Mozart, immortal Mozart! what
+countless consolatory images of a bright better world hast thou
+stamped on our souls,' Beethoven was a great personality then, but as
+time went on the influence of his music grew ever stronger. So far,
+however, Schubert had been content to worship his hero at a distance,
+for which purpose he would haunt the restaurant at which Beethoven
+usually dined. But in 1822 he published a set of Variations on a
+French Air, which he dedicated to Beethoven 'as his admirer and
+worshipper,' and his longing to present these in person to the
+composer was so great as to overcome his natural timidity.
+Accordingly, accompanied by the publisher, Diabelli, he called at
+Beethoven's house; they found the composer at home, and a courteous
+but somewhat formal welcome was accorded them. This in itself was bad
+enough for poor Schubert, whose courage straightway forsook him; but
+when Beethoven proceeded to hand to him the bundle of paper and the
+carpenter's pencil which, owing to his deafness, he kept in readiness
+for his visitors, Schubert's shyness prevented him writing a single
+word. The production of the Variations afforded a welcome relief to
+his confusion, and as Beethoven was in an uncommonly good humour the
+dedication pleased him very much. The effect of the diversion,
+however, was only momentary, for Beethoven, looking through the
+composition, lighted upon something to which he took exception, and
+forthwith proceeded to point it out to his visitor. This was the last
+straw, and Schubert, losing his presence of mind altogether, fled from
+the room. On reaching the street his courage returned, and too late he
+thought of all that he might have said. Let us complete the anecdote
+by relating that Schubert derived some consolation from the knowledge
+that Beethoven not only retained the Variations, but was very pleased
+with them, and often played them over with his nephew.
+
+    [Illustration: '_Schubert fled from the room._']
+
+It was not until five years after this event that Beethoven realised
+how great a singer had been uttering his sweet notes within the span
+of the city in which he lived, and then the master lay upon his
+death-bed. Into his hands had been placed a collection of Schubert's
+songs, some sixty in all, and as he turned them over his attention was
+arrested by their beauty, and he uttered frequent expressions of
+surprise and delight. But even greater was his astonishment when he
+learned that there were more than five hundred of such songs extant.
+'How can he have found time,' he asked, 'for the setting of such long
+poems, many of them containing ten others?' (by which he meant to
+convey that they were as long as ten ordinary poems). For several
+days the collection occupied his attention. 'Ah, if I had had this
+poem I would have set it myself!' he would exclaim. 'Truly, Schubert
+has the Divine fire in him!' He made frequent references to Schubert,
+expressing his regret that he had not sooner known him for the
+composer he was, and prophesying a great future for him in the world
+of music. Schubert himself longed to pay his respects to the master he
+revered so highly, and one day, in company with his friends Anselm
+Huettenbrenner and Schindler (both of whom were well known to
+Beethoven), he presented himself at the door of the sick man's
+chamber. Schindler informed Beethoven of their arrival, and asked who
+he would like to see first. 'Schubert may come in first,' was the
+reply. Before they left, Beethoven, regarding them with a smile, said:
+'You, Anselm, have my mind, but Franz has my soul.' When for the
+second time Schubert found his way to the bedside of the master death
+was very near, and though as they stood around the bed he made signs
+to them with his hand to show that he recognised their presence, he
+could not speak, and, overcome with emotion, Schubert quitted the
+room.
+
+A little more than three weeks after the second visit Schubert was
+walking as one of the torch-bearers beside the coffin of his loved
+master, as the latter was borne to his last resting-place in the
+Waehringer cemetery. On the way back Schubert and his friends passed
+through the Himmelpfortgrund, close to the old home, and, entering a
+tavern, called for wine. Schubert, having filled his glass, raised it
+aloft: 'I drink,' said he, 'to the memory of Beethoven.' Then once
+more filling the glass, he drained it to the first of the three
+friends then present, who was destined to follow the master to his
+grave.
+
+Little did Schubert dream that he was emptying his glass to his own
+memory! Nor in the eyes of his friends would there seem to have been
+anything in his appearance at that moment which could be taken as
+foreshadowing the early closing of that eager, active life. Gazing at
+him then, as he sat drinking his grim toast, the picture presented to
+his companions was that of a short, stout, thick-set man of about
+thirty, with a head of thick, black hair, disposed in crisp curls,
+bushy eyebrows, and a pair of bright black eyes which beamed through
+his spectacles. The face was round with full cheeks, the complexion
+pasty, the nose short and insignificant, the lips full and protruding,
+the jaw broad and strong; the hands, like the rest of the body, were
+plump, and the fingers thick and short. There was nothing striking
+about his general expression; but when the conversation turned upon
+music, and especially if Beethoven were the topic of discussion, his
+eyes would brighten at once, and the whole face light up with
+animation.
+
+As he sat in the dingy parlour of the little tavern, beaming upon his
+friends, whilst the minds of all three were rapt by the solemn event
+which they had just witnessed, the proximity of death within that
+circle was not contemplated. Yet the story of his life shows us that
+the period which had elapsed between the date of his presenting his
+Variations to Beethoven and that of his first visit to the composer on
+his death-bed had been full of anxieties and bitter disappointments;
+and there is no doubt that the continuous struggle for existence,
+coupled with the strain of unceasing work, had only too surely
+undermined a constitution which could never have been robust.
+
+One of Schubert's greatest longings was to write for the stage. The
+longing was evident almost at the first, and it grew with his strength
+and the consciousness of his powers as a composer. As the finger of
+fame beckoned him forward it had directed his steps to the theatre as
+the goal of his aspirations, and it was upon the attainment of this
+object that he lavished all the later powers of his genius--only,
+alas! to reap the bitter fruit of disappointment. One after another of
+his operas was rejected, even, as in the case of 'Fierabras,' when at
+the very point of production--the reasons assigned in each case being
+either the unsuitableness of the libretto or the difficulties
+presented by the music, and the door which he hoped to enter was
+closed against him during his lifetime. The score of 'Fierabras'
+comprised no fewer than one thousand pages, and the mournful state
+into which he was thrown by its rejection may be gathered by an
+extract from a letter penned just after the fate of the opera had been
+sealed. He refers to himself as 'the most unfortunate, most miserable
+being on earth,' and proceeds: 'Think of a man whose health can never
+be restored, and who from sheer despair makes matters worse instead of
+better. Think, I say, of a man whose brightest hopes have come to
+nothing, to whom love and friendship are but torture, and whose
+enthusiasm for the beautiful is fast vanishing, and ask yourself if
+such a man is not truly unhappy.
+
+    'My peace is gone, my heart is sore,
+    Gone for ever and evermore.
+
+This is my daily cry; for every night I go to sleep hoping never again
+to wake, and every morning only brings back the torment of the day
+before.... I have composed two operas for nothing.'
+
+Thus sadly he wrote in the hour of bitterness, but happily for
+Schubert, and still more fortunately for us, there were brighter days
+yet in store for him, and the enthusiasm for the beautiful, which he
+speaks of as 'fast vanishing,' returned in all its accustomed force.
+No disappointment, however great, seemed to have the power to check
+the flow of production--that is the one great point which we notice
+about Schubert's life; we find him at one moment despairing, but at
+the next his troubles appear to be forgotten, and he is immersed in
+the writing of another song, another symphony, or another sonata, as
+the case may be; but it is always work, work in the face of every
+obstacle that fortune can throw in his way. 'His life is all summed up
+in his music.' 'Music and music alone was to him all in all. It was
+not his _principal_ mode of expression, it was his _only_ one; it
+swallowed up every other. His afternoon walks, his evening amusements,
+were all so many preparations for the creations of the following
+morning.'[28] And so it continued until the end. The very last year of
+his busy life, far from exhibiting any diminution of his powers, is
+marked by the production of some of his very finest works.
+
+It was not until the end of October, 1828, that the signs of serious
+illness made themselves apparent in attacks of giddiness, accompanied
+by a marked loss of strength. Schubert was at this time living with
+his brother Ferdinand at the latter's house in the Neue Wieden
+suburb--the house is now known as No. 6, Kettenbruecken Gasse--having
+removed thither on the advice of his doctor for the sake of the fresh
+air and the adjacent country. Although he rallied somewhat during the
+first week of November, and was able to resume his walks and discuss
+his plans for the future, the weakness increased, and on the 11th he
+wrote to his friend Schober what was destined to be his last letter:
+
+     'DEAR SCHOBER,
+
+     'I am ill. I have eaten and drunk nothing for eleven days, and
+     I am so tired and shaky that I can only get from the bed to the
+     chair, and back. Rinna is attending me.... In this distressing
+     condition be so kind as to help me to some reading. Of Cooper's
+     I have read the "Last of the Mohicans," the "Spy," the "Pilot,"
+     and the "Pioneers." If you have anything else of his I entreat
+     you to leave it with Frau von Bogner at the Coffee-house. My
+     brother, who is conscientiousness itself, will bring it to me
+     in the most conscientious way. Or anything else. Your friend,
+
+                                   'SCHUBERT.'
+
+On the 14th he took to his bed, but for two days more he was able to
+sit up and correct the proofs of some of the songs in the
+'Winterreise.' He grew rapidly weaker, however, and by the 17th he was
+quite delirious. On the evening of the next day he called Ferdinand to
+his side, and, bidding him put his ear close to his mouth, he
+whispered: 'Brother, what are they doing with me?' 'Dear Franz,' was
+the reply, 'they are doing all they can to get you well again, and the
+doctor assures us you will soon be all right, only you must do your
+best to stay in bed.' For a space the sick man lay quiet, then, as the
+delirium increased, his mind reverted to the same idea: 'I implore you
+to put me in my own room, and not to leave me in this corner under the
+earth. Don't I deserve a place above ground?' 'Dear Franz,' cried his
+brother, 'be calm--trust your brother Ferdinand, whom you have always
+trusted, and who loves you so dearly. You are in the room which you
+always had, and lying on your own bed.' 'Ah, no,' replied the dying
+composer, 'that cannot be true, for Beethoven is not here!' Thus in
+his last moments his poor, wandering mind was dwelling upon the master
+whom he reverenced; to be near him, even in death, was the last wish,
+the last hope to which he clung!
+
+When, later on, the doctor came, he tried to reassure the sufferer
+with hopes of recovery; but Schubert gazed at him with earnestness
+without speaking, and then, turning himself away, he beat the wall
+with his hands, saying in slow, earnest tone: 'Here, here is my end,'
+At three o'clock in the afternoon of the following day, November 19,
+1828, he breathed his last. Thus passed away, in comparative youth, a
+composer of whom it has been written: 'There never has been one like
+him, and there never will be another.'
+
+The funeral took place on November 21, and a large number of friends
+gathered to pay their last respects to the dead composer as he lay in
+his coffin, dressed in accordance with the prevailing custom, like a
+hermit, with a crown of laurel about his brows. The poor old father,
+still drudging as schoolmaster in the Rossau district, where he had
+been labouring ever since he had left the old home in the
+Himmelpfortgrund, would have buried his dear son in the cemetery near
+at hand; but Ferdinand told him of Franz's last wish, and, like the
+noble brother that he was, gave a sum out of his own scanty earnings
+in order to defray the extra cost of removing the body to the
+Waehringer burial-place. Thither, accordingly, it was taken, and
+committed to the ground in a grave close to that occupied by the
+master he loved so well. The monument which was erected over the grave
+in the following year, by the efforts of his friends and admirers,
+bears the following inscription:
+
+    MUSIC HAS HERE ENTOMBED A RICH TREASURE,
+             BUT MUCH FAIRER HOPES.
+
+           FRANZ SCHUBERT LIES HERE.
+
+              BORN JAN. 31, 1797;
+              DIED NOV. 19, 1828,
+                 31 YEARS OLD.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[22] The Symphony in D, performed from manuscript at the Crystal
+Palace, on February 5, 1881.
+
+[23] The opera was never performed, and in 1848 the manuscript of the
+second act was accidentally destroyed by a servant who used it for
+lighting the fires.
+
+[24] For the following extract from this letter the author expresses
+his acknowledgments to Sir G. Grove's 'Dictionary of Music and
+Musicians' (article 'Schubert'), in which the letter was for the first
+time published.
+
+[25] His brother Carl, the landscape painter.
+
+[26] His stepmother; the father had married again soon after the first
+wife's death.
+
+[27] Of the 'Wanderer'--second only in popularity to the 'Erl
+King'--the publishers are said to have realised, since the time of its
+appearance up to the year 1861, the sum of 27,000 florins, or more than
+L1,100.
+
+[28] Sir G. Grove, 'Dictionary of Music and Musicians.'
+
+
+
+
+SCHUBERT'S PRINCIPAL COMPOSITIONS
+
+
+OPERAS AND DRAMATIC WORKS:
+    Des Teufels Lustschloss. Comp. 1813-1814, pub. 1888.
+    Die Zwillingsbrueder. Comp. 1818-1819, pub. 1872.
+    Alfonso und Estrella. Op. 69. Comp. 1821-1822, pub. 1827.
+    Die Verschworenen, oder Der Haeusliche Krieg. Comp. 1823, pub. 1862.
+    Fierabras. Op. 76. Comp. 1823, pub. 1827.
+    Rosamunde (Overture and Incidental Music). Op. 26. Comp. 1823,
+     pub. 1824.
+6 MASSES:
+    No. 1, in F, Comp. 1814, pub. 1856.
+    No. 2, in G, Comp. 1815, pub. 1846.
+    No. 3, in B-flat, Op. 141. Comp. 1815, pub. 1838.
+    No. 4, in C, Op. 48. Comp. 1818, pub. 1826.
+    No. 5, in E-flat, Comp. 1828, pub. 1865.
+    No. 6, in A-flat, Comp. 1819-1822, pub. 1876.
+Deutsche Messe in F. Comp. 1826, pub. 1870.
+Lazarus (cantata--unfinished). Comp. 1820, pub. 1866.
+Psalm XXIII., for female voices, Op. 132. Comp. 1820, pub. 1831.
+The Song of Miriam, Op. 136. Comp. 1828, pub. 1838.
+8 SYMPHONIES:
+    No. 1, in D, Comp. 1813.
+    No. 2, in B-flat, Comp. 1814-1815.
+    No. 3, in D, Comp. 1815.
+    No. 4, in C minor, The Tragic. Comp. 1816, pub. 1870.
+    No. 5, in B-flat, Comp. 1816, pub. 1870.
+    No. 6, in C, Comp. 1818.
+    No. 8, in B minor, The Unfinished. Comp. 1822, pub. 1867.
+    No. 9, in C, Comp. 1828, pub. 1840.
+Overture in the Italian Style in D. Comp. 1817, pub. 1872.
+Overture in the Italian Style in C, Op. 170. Comp. 1817, pub. 1872.
+Octet for strings and wind in F, Op. 166. Comp. 1824, pub. 1854.
+Quintet for strings in C, Op. 163. Comp. 1828, pub. 1854.
+Quintet for pianoforte and strings in A, Op. 114. Comp. 1819, pub. 1829.
+8 Quartets for strings:
+    In D. Comp. 1814, pub. 1871.
+    In B-flat, Op. 168. Comp. 1814, pub. 1865.
+    In G minor, Comp. 1815, pub. 1871.
+    In E-flat, Op. 125, No. 1. Comp. 1824, pub. 1830.
+    In E, Op. 125, No. 2. Comp. 1824, pub. 1830.
+    In A minor, Op. 29. Comp. 1824, pub. 1825.
+    In D minor, Comp. 1826, pub. 1831.
+    In G, Op. 161. Comp. 1826, pub. 1852.
+2 Trios for pianoforte and strings:
+    Op. 99, in B-flat, Comp. 1827, pub. 1828.
+    Op. 100, in E-flat, Comp. 1827, pub. 1828.
+4 Sonatas.                                          } For
+Fantasia in C, Op. 159. Comp. 1827.                 } pianoforte
+Rondeau Brilliant in B minor, Op. 70. Comp. 1826.   } and violin.
+2 Sonatas (in C minor and B-flat), Comp. 1814 and 1824.  }
+Fantasia in F minor, Op. 103                             }
+Marche Heroique in A minor, Op. 66. Comp. 1826.          }
+Marche Funebre in C minor, Op. 55. Comp. 1825.           } For
+25 Marches.                                              } pianoforte
+2 Divertissements.                                       } duet.
+Variations on a French Air in E minor, Op. 10.           }
+    Comp. 1821, pub. 1822.                               }
+2 Rondos.                                                }
+10 Polonaises.                                           }
+Grand Duo in C, Op. 140. Comp. 1824.                     }
+Overture in F, Op. 34. Comp. 1824.                       }
+10 Sonatas for pianoforte solo.
+      [We must mention the Sonata in A minor, Op. 42, and that in A
+       major, Op. 120, both composed in 1825.]
+Fantasia in C, Op. 15. Comp. 1820.                      }
+Fantasia Sonata in G, Op. 78. Comp. 1826.               }
+4 Impromptus, Op. 90. Comp. 1828.                       } For
+4 Impromptus, Op. 142. Comp. 1827.                      } pianoforte
+6 Moments Musicals, Op. 94.                             } solo.
+2 sets of Variations.                                   }
+44 Part Songs for male voices.
+6 Part Songs for female voices.
+21 Part Songs for mixed voices.
+457 Songs have been published. We may mention:
+    Die Schoene Muellerin (20 songs), Op. 25. Comp. 1823.
+    Die Winterreise (24 songs), Op. 89. Comp. 1827.
+    Der Schwanengesang (14 songs). Comp. 1828.
+And the following single Songs:
+    An Sylvia, Op. 106, No. 4. Comp. 1826.
+    Ave Maria (Scott's words), Op. 52, No. 6. Comp. 1825
+    Der Tod und das Maedchen, Op. 7, No. 3.
+    Der Wanderer, Op. 4, No. 1. Comp. 1816.
+    Der Zwerg, Op. 22, No. 1. Comp. 1823.
+    Die Forelle, Op. 32. Comp. 1818.
+    Geheimes, Op. 14, No. 2. Comp. 1821.
+    Gretchen am Spinnrade, Op. 2. Comp. 1814.
+    Staendchen (Hark, hark! the Lark!). Comp. 1826.
+    Erlkoenig, Op. 1. Comp. 1815.
+
+For a fuller account of Schubert's life the reader is advised to
+consult:
+
+COLERIDGE (A.D.): Life of Schubert (translation of Kreissle
+von Hellborn's _Franz Schubert_). 2 vols. Longmans, 1869.
+
+
+
+
+MENDELSSOHN
+
+
+
+
+MENDELSSOHN
+
+
+The short winter afternoon was drawing to a close, and a grey mist had
+already begun to blot out the canal and the trees which were studded
+along its banks, accentuating the prevailing cheerlessness and
+silence, and throwing into yet stronger relief the animated scene
+presented within the comfortable, well-warmed dining-room of a house
+standing on the further side of the broad street which ran parallel
+with the canal. A large company was gathered in this room for the
+enjoyment of music and conversation, and it was evident from the
+whispered remarks which passed between the guests that something out
+of the common was expected at the hands of the youthful player who, in
+obedience to his father's request, now advanced to take his place at
+the pianoforte.
+
+Peculiarly winning, both in manner and appearance, was the boy who
+modestly seated himself at the instrument. He was about thirteen years
+of age, of slight build, with a handsome face, in which strong traces
+of Jewish descent were apparent. His black hair clustered thickly
+above a high forehead, while the dark, lustrous eyes, with their
+continuous play of expression, imparted to the face an indescribable
+charm such as no degree of beauty in itself could have exercised. It
+was, in a word, the sensitive face of an artist, reflecting the varying
+imagery of a mind attuned to lofty and beautiful thoughts; and as such
+its power and charm could be felt even by those to whom as yet his
+thoughts were a sealed book. The temperament which we designate by the
+term 'artistic' resembles the ocean in its varying moods, and in the
+surprising swiftness with which one mood or aspect gives place to
+another. Just before he was called upon to play, the boy's eyes had
+been sparkling with merriment, and his spirits had so infected the rest
+of the company as to cause the intervals separating the performances to
+be filled with laughter and merry chatter. Yet no one watching his face
+now, as his fingers swept over the keys, could have failed to be struck
+by the change in its expression. Every trace of fun had vanished, and
+to the sparkle of the eyes had succeeded an expression of deep
+earnestness that showed how readily the mind had adapted itself to the
+character of the music he was playing, and as the performance
+progressed one could have read in his face every shade of feeling which
+the music was intended to express. No self-consciousness marred the
+spontaneity of the player's interpretation. Everything seemed to come
+direct from his soul, as if that soul had found the voice by which
+alone it could be heard and understood, and revelled in its freedom.
+And as he played on, weaving fresh melodies out of the original theme,
+ever and anon breaking through the web of harmony to recall the simple,
+plaintive air with which he had begun--his face at one moment lighted
+up with radiant happiness and at the next shaded with quiet
+sadness--his listeners almost held their breath, fearful of losing
+any portion of the music which was passing away from them, perhaps for
+ever. And as he played, the shadows of the December afternoon crept
+into the room, enveloping the slight figure seated at the instrument,
+until his outline became lost to view, and the melody pouring forth
+from beneath his fingers seemed to come from heaven itself.
+
+    [Illustration: MENDELSSOHN.
+    From photo RISCHGITZ.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+To those who visited the home of Abraham Mendelssohn, the wealthy
+Berlin banker, the fact that his son Felix had a remarkable genius for
+music did not admit of a doubt. The capacity for learning music had
+begun very early, but his wonderful gift of extemporisation, which
+gave his genius wings as well as voice, had only lately revealed
+itself at the time at which our story opens. Nevertheless, it had made
+great strides, and opened up all sorts of possibilities with regard to
+the future. And withal there was such an unaffected modesty and
+simplicity about the boy, so complete an absence of anything like a
+desire to show off his talents, as sufficed to disarm any tendency
+towards captiousness on the part of his hearers. Felix's whole wish
+was to satisfy himself as to his progress in music, and, young as he
+was, he had the sense and determination to pursue his bent without
+regard to the plaudits of his father's friends. Abraham Mendelssohn,
+notwithstanding his business capacities, was himself a great lover of
+the arts, and especially of music, in regard to which, indeed, he
+showed considerable judgment. That his children should exhibit similar
+tastes to his own was, therefore, to him a matter of delightful
+satisfaction, for he shared with his wife Leah a deep interest in all
+that affected his children's education. He watched Felix with peculiar
+care, for it seemed to him that he inherited many of the traits as
+well as the capacity for learning which had distinguished the
+grandfather and philosopher, Moses Mendelssohn. Felix undoubtedly
+possessed the bright dark eyes and the humorous temperament of his
+grandfather, for he was one of the brightest and merriest of children.
+The family was not a large one. Jakob Ludwig Felix (to give the
+subject of our story his full names), who was born February 3, 1809,
+ranked second in age, the eldest child being Fanny Caecilie; after
+Felix came Rebekka, and, lastly, little Paul. The three elder children
+were born in Hamburg, where the family continued to reside until the
+occupation of the town by the French soldiers in 1811 made life there
+so miserable for the German inhabitants that as many families as could
+contrive to do so escaped to other towns of Germany which were free
+from the presence of the invading army. Amongst those who successfully
+eluded the watchfulness of the French guards by resorting to disguise
+was the family of Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, the head of which had
+followed the example of his wife's brother in adopting the latter name
+as a means of distinguishing his own from other branches of the
+Mendelssohn family. With his wife and children Abraham fled to Berlin
+to make his home in the house of the grandmother, situated beside the
+canal in the north-east quarter of the town, to which we have been
+already introduced.
+
+No happier surroundings could have been imagined than those amidst
+which Felix Mendelssohn's childhood was passed. The residence was in
+the Neue Promenade, a broad, open street, bounded on one side only by
+houses, and extending on the other side to the banks of the canal.
+Here a wide stretch of grass-land, with a plentiful dotting of trees,
+imparted a pleasant suggestion of the country, whilst the waters of
+the canal reflected the blueness of the sky, or, when rippled by the
+breeze, lapped the grassy banks with a murmuring sound that was half
+sigh, half song. To this spot daily resorted the Mendelssohn children
+in company with the occupants of other nurseries in the promenade, and
+here amongst the rest might often have been seen little Felix, his
+eyes sparkling with merriment, and his black curls tossed by the wind,
+as, with surprising quickness of movement and ringing peals of
+laughter, he joined with his sister Fanny in the excitement of the
+game.
+
+Every encouragement was given to the development of Felix's musical
+talent as soon as his fondness for the art made itself apparent. In
+company with Fanny he began to receive little lessons on the
+pianoforte from his mother when he was about four years old. Then came
+a visit to Paris, when Abraham Mendelssohn, taking the two children
+with him, placed them under the care of a teacher named Madame Bigot.
+Their progress was so satisfactory--for the lady was an excellent
+musician and quick to recognise the abilities of her pupils--that on
+their return to Berlin it was decided to engage the services of
+professional musicians to carry on the instruction in the pianoforte,
+violin, and composition as a regular part of the children's education.
+There was a continual round of lessons in the Mendelssohn home at this
+time, for in addition to music the children were taught Greek, Latin,
+drawing, and other subjects; and with so much to get through it was
+necessary to begin the day's work at five o'clock. As a consequence of
+this close application to study, the children used to long for Sunday
+to come round, in order that they might indulge themselves a little
+longer in bed. No amount of lessons, however, could detract from the
+happiness of a home wherein love was the dominant note, and in which
+each strove for the good of all; whilst as for Felix himself, no name
+could have been more symbolical of his true nature than that by which
+he was called. Nothing served to check the flow of his spirits. Both
+in work and play he was thoroughly in earnest--indeed, he regarded
+both in the same enjoyable light. He and Fanny were inseparables, and
+very soon after he began to compose they were often to be found
+laughing heartily together over Felix's attempts at improvisation upon
+some incident of a comical nature which had occurred during their
+play-hours.
+
+Such beginnings, though small in themselves, soon led to more
+ambitious attempts being made to set to music short humorous
+dialogues, so as to make little operas. To write an opera, however,
+was not enough--it must be performed, in order to ascertain how it
+would go. This was a serious matter, and one calling for the services
+of several performers--a miniature orchestra, in fact--with singers to
+undertake the various parts. But Felix, as we have seen, was
+thoroughly in earnest about all that he undertook, and his earnestness
+enabled him to surmount even so great a difficulty as was here
+presented. The appearance in his character of this love of
+completeness must be noted, as, later on, it became one of his most
+strongly-marked characteristics. 'If a thing is worth doing at all, it
+is worth doing well,' was the saying which, even as a child,
+controlled all his actions; and so Felix would have his orchestra.
+
+Love and money combined can accomplish the apparently impossible, and
+hence the orchestra was duly selected and engaged by the indulgent
+father from the members of the Court Band. To his delight--yet nowise
+to his embarrassment--Felix found himself in command of a company of
+sedate and experienced musicians, ready to follow the lead of his
+baton when it pleased him to take his place at the music-desk.
+Everything was now furnished for the performance, but the sense of
+completeness was not yet satisfied. There must be a better judge than
+the composer himself present to pass judgment on the merits of the
+piece, and so no less a person than Carl Zelter, the director of the
+Berlin Singakademie, and Felix's professor for thorough-bass and
+composition, was induced to undertake this delicate office, whilst a
+large number of friends of the family were invited for the occasion.
+
+This was the beginning of a long and regular series of musical parties
+at the Mendelssohn house--parties to which, as time went on, it became
+a privilege to be invited, at which, indeed, hardly a musician of any
+note who happened to be passing through Berlin failed to put in an
+appearance. The picture is before us as we write--and as it must often
+have been recalled by those who frequented the house beside the
+canal--of the child-musician standing on a footstool before his
+music-desk, baton in hand, gravely conducting his orchestra. 'A
+wonder-child indeed,' as one has described him, 'in his boy's suit,
+shaking back his long curls, and looking over the heads of the
+musicians like a little general; then stoutly waving his baton, and
+firmly and quietly conducting his piece to the end, meanwhile noting
+and listening to every little detail as it passed.'
+
+The performance of these operettas was not accompanied by action, the
+rule being for some one to read the dialogue at the piano, whilst the
+chorus were seated round the dining-table. It must not be supposed
+that Felix's compositions monopolised the entire time of the
+orchestra; though it rarely happened that the weekly concert failed to
+include one or more of his productions. At some of the performances
+all four children took part--Fanny taking the pianoforte when Felix
+conducted at the desk, Rebekka singing, and Paul playing the 'cello.
+Zelter, who was generally averse to praising any of his pupils, and,
+indeed, was regarded as a very grumpy personage, was a regular
+attendant at these performances, and never failed at the finish to
+speak a few words of praise or criticism. The old musician was
+secretly very proud of his pupil, and despite his habitual roughness
+of manner, Felix had a sincere affection for his master, as well as a
+deep respect for his judgment.
+
+Felix was by this time composing a great deal, and, though little more
+than twelve years old, work of a more serious kind than the writing of
+operettas had been claiming his attention. To such a degree, in fact,
+had the flow of ideas and the facility of giving them expression
+developed, that within the space of a twelve-month from the completion
+of his twelfth year he had composed between fifty and sixty pieces,
+including a trio for pianoforte and strings, containing three
+movements (an ambitious work for a child!), several sonatas for the
+pianoforte, some little songs, and a comedy piece in three scenes for
+pianoforte and voices. Now, too, he began to collect his writings into
+volumes, each piece being written out with the greatest care and in
+the neatest of hands, with the date at which it was written, and any
+other note which might serve to identify the work or to show how it
+came to be written. Nor was this care and neatness confined to his
+compositions. It soon showed itself in regard to everything which he
+undertook--his letters, memoranda, sketches, and so forth--and the
+strangest part of it all is that the more he wrote and the harder he
+worked, the more clearly this habit of orderliness and accuracy
+exhibited itself. It would seem, indeed, as if for Felix Mendelssohn
+time was as truly elastic as some other busy folk would fain have it
+to be.
+
+Hand in hand with this thoroughness in regard to work went, as we have
+intimated, a love of frolic and games and every species of fun that
+the mind of a healthy and spirited boy could devise; and with all,
+permeating all, was a lovability that won its way to every heart.
+Rarely has such a perfect combination of light-heartedness and
+seriousness--capacity for the hardest work and the keenest enjoyment
+of life--been seen as that which burst upon the world in the person of
+Felix Mendelssohn. The quickness with which he made friends, the
+firmness with which he bound those friends to himself, the constancy
+and affection which he lavished upon those nearest and dearest to him,
+were alike extraordinary.
+
+One day a famous composer, named Carl von Weber, was walking in Berlin
+in company with his young friend and pupil, Jules Benedict, when the
+pair observed a slightly-built youth of about twelve years of age,
+with long, dark curls and bright, dark eyes, advancing towards them.
+Suddenly the boy's keen eyes sparkled with the joy of recognition, for
+Carl Weber had lately visited his father's house, and he had taken a
+great liking to him at first sight; and now, without giving the
+composer time to realise the fact that they had met before,
+Mendelssohn, with a run and a spring, had thrown his arms about
+Weber's neck, and was entreating him to accompany him home. As soon as
+the astonished musician could speak he turned to his friend, and with
+a comical air, half apologetic and half proud, said, 'This is Felix
+Mendelssohn.' The friend held out his hand with a smile. Felix gave
+him a quick glance, then seized the hand in both of his own. The
+glance and the action that followed it settled the matter--Jules
+Benedict and he must be friends henceforth. Weber stood by, laughing
+at his young friend's enthusiasm, and Felix turned to him sharply and
+once more begged that he and Benedict would favour him with their
+company. But Weber shook his head. He had to attend a rehearsal--he
+had come to Berlin for that purpose. 'A rehearsal!' exclaimed Felix
+disappointedly, and then the next moment his eyes flashed. 'Is it the
+new opera?' he asked excitedly. Weber nodded. 'Oh,' said Felix
+thoughtfully; then, indicating Mr. Benedict, 'Does _he_ know all about
+it?' he inquired. 'To be sure he does,' assented the composer
+laughingly--'at least, if he doesn't he ought to, for he has been
+bored enough with it already.' Felix passed unnoticed the last part of
+Weber's speech. It was enough for him that young Benedict was familiar
+with what he himself was dying to know. He therefore seized Benedict
+by the arm, exclaiming, 'You will come to my father's house with me,
+will you not?' There was no refusing the appeal in those eyes, and the
+young man acquiesced willingly. Then Felix dragged Weber down for a
+parting embrace, and, taking his new friend by the hand, as if fearful
+that he might change his mind, he pulled him away.
+
+The distance to the house was short, but Mendelssohn's impatience
+could only be met by his companion's consenting to race him to the
+door. On entering he retained Benedict's hand tightly in his grasp,
+conducted him at once upstairs, and, bursting into the drawing-room,
+where his mother was seated at her knitting, he exclaimed, 'Mamma,
+mamma! Here is a gentleman, a pupil of Carl Weber's, who knows all
+about the new opera, "Der Freischuetz!"'
+
+If Benedict had expected a more formal introduction to Madame
+Mendelssohn he had reckoned without a knowledge of Felix's
+enthusiasm. But the mother knew and understood, and the young musician
+not only received a warm welcome, but found it impossible to take his
+leave until he had complied with his new friend's request that he
+would seat himself at the piano and play as many airs from the great
+opera as he could remember at such short notice, Felix listening,
+meanwhile, with rapt enjoyment.
+
+    [Illustration: '"_Here is a gentleman who knows all about the
+    new opera._"']
+
+The acquaintance thus begun awakened a mutual regard in Mendelssohn
+and Benedict, for the latter shortly afterwards paid a second visit to
+the house. On this occasion he found Felix engaged in writing out some
+music, and inquired what it was. 'I am finishing my new quartet for
+piano and stringed instruments,' was the reply, gravely spoken, and
+without the least self-consciousness. Benedict glanced at the work in
+surprise. He did not know Mendelssohn yet. It was the 'First Quartet
+in C Minor,' which, later on, was published as 'Opus I.' 'And now,'
+said Felix, laying aside his pen, 'I will play to you to convince you
+how grateful I am for your kindness in playing to us last time.' He
+thereupon sat down and played with precision several of the airs from
+'Der Freischuetz' which Benedict had played on his previous visit. 'You
+see, I have not forgotten the pleasure you gave me,' he said, with a
+smile, as he rose from the piano. 'But now,' he added, as a new
+thought entered his mind, 'I want you to see the garden, please.' Down
+they went, and in a moment Mendelssohn had thrown off the musician's
+cloak, and was a boy again. With a bound he leapt over a high hedge,
+turned, and cleared it a second time, and then challenged his
+companion to a race. Another moment he burst out with a song, as if
+the open air had incited him to imitate the birds, and then, pointing
+to a favourite tree, he ran to it and climbed it like a squirrel.
+
+These meetings took place in the summer of 1821, a year which brought
+much happiness to Felix, for ere it had drawn to a close he had found
+a new friend. When the autumn came round, Zelter announced that he was
+going to pay a visit of respect to his old friend and master, Goethe,
+the aged poet of Weimar, and he was willing to take Felix with him.
+Needless to say, Felix and his parents were equally delighted with the
+proposal. The boy had so often heard Zelter speak of Goethe, whose
+works, moreover, he was always quoting, that he felt he already loved
+the master almost as much as Zelter did himself. Goethe's house at
+Weimar was regarded as a shrine at which his countless admirers were
+wont to pay homage, even though their devotion often met with no
+further gratification than was to be derived from gazing at its walls
+or peeping into the grounds, which were sacred to the poet's
+footsteps. Hence the promise of an introduction to one who was the
+object of so much hero-worship stirred the heart of Felix to its
+depths, and filled his mind with reverential emotions such as few
+events could have had the power to awaken in one so sensible of what
+was due to a great and lofty intellect.
+
+It was a bright November day when Zelter and his pupil set forth upon
+their journey. Both were looking forward to the meeting, though with
+somewhat different feelings. What Mendelssohn's feelings were we have
+tried to imagine, but Zelter was nursing within himself a certain
+pride and confidence in the prospect of introducing his favourite
+pupil to so keen a judge as Goethe, which he would not have revealed
+to that pupil for worlds. Felix's spirits, however, were so high on
+this occasion that Zelter had enough to do to satisfy all his
+questions without allowing his usually taciturn nature to relax under
+the sunshine of the boy's enthusiasm.
+
+On arriving at Goethe's home they found the poet walking in his
+grounds. The meeting was simple and affectionate. Goethe greeted Felix
+with every show of kindness, and sent the boy to bed with an
+overflowing heart and a mind resolved upon cherishing the minutest
+details of this happy encounter. The next day he was to play to
+Goethe, and at an early hour of the morning he was sauntering in the
+grounds, awaiting the poet's arrival, and feasting his eyes upon the
+scenes which were the accustomed haunts of the author of 'Faust'; and
+then, selecting a sunny spot, he sat down to write a long letter home,
+full of description of the events of the previous day.
+
+Nothing short of the severest of tests would satisfy Goethe of the
+truth of what Zelter had privately conveyed to him regarding his
+pupil's talents. Accordingly, sheet after sheet of manuscript music
+was selected by the poet from his store and placed upon the
+music-desk to be played by Felix at sight. The manner in which he
+performed his task, the ease with which he overcame the difficulties
+presented by penwork of various styles, and often far from clear,
+astonished and delighted the assembled company. But their
+manifestations of delight were far more pronounced when Felix, taking
+one of the airs which he had just played as a theme for
+extemporisation, exhibited in a most charming fashion, and with true
+musicianly feeling, the capacities of the subject for varied
+treatment. Still Goethe withheld his praise, and, interrupting the
+applause, declared that he had a final test to propose which, he
+jokingly warned Felix, would infallibly cause him to break down. Thus
+speaking, the poet placed on the desk a sheet of manuscript which at
+first sight was enough to strike terror and dismay into the stoutest
+heart, for it seemed to consist of nothing else than scratches and
+splotches of ink, interspersed with smudges. Mendelssohn glanced at
+it, and then, bursting into a laugh, exclaimed: 'What writing! How can
+it be possible to read such manuscript?' Suddenly he became serious,
+and bent to examine the writing more closely, Goethe looked
+triumphantly round at the company. 'Now, guess _who_ wrote that!' he
+said. Zelter rose from his place beside the pianoforte, and, looking
+over Felix's shoulder, cried out: 'Why, it is Beethoven's writing! One
+can see that a mile off! He always writes as if he used a broomstick
+for a pen, and then wiped his sleeve over the wet ink!'
+
+Mendelssohn could decipher the manuscript only by degrees, having to
+search the sheet to find the successive notes; but when he reached the
+end he exclaimed, 'Now I will play it to you,' and this time he played
+it through without a mistake. Upon this Goethe let him off, and
+rewarded him with some kind words of praise. Thenceforth, until the
+visit came to an end, Felix was called upon to play to the poet every
+day, and the two became fast friends. The old man treated the boy as
+if he were a son, laughed and joked with him, and was never so happy
+as when he was near. It was altogether a delightful visit, and Goethe
+would only part with Felix on the understanding that they should meet
+again very soon.
+
+The following summer brought a new happiness to Felix, for it had been
+decided that the entire family should make a tour through Switzerland.
+In those days a journey of such length was an undertaking of much
+consequence, more especially when, as in this case, the family were
+accompanied by the children's tutor and the doctor, in addition to
+several servants. It was an essential part of the father's scheme of
+education that his children's minds should be widened by travel, and
+more particularly that they should make personal acquaintance with the
+classic ground of history--advantages which wealth enabled him to
+place at their command. It was with light spirits that the party set
+out on their journey, Felix keenly alive to every fresh scene or
+incident as it presented itself, and there were few of either that
+failed to leave their stamp upon his impressionable mind. To his
+insatiable curiosity must be attributed the adventure which befell him
+on the very first day of their travel. They had to change carriages at
+Potsdam, and when the horses had traversed three German miles of road
+from that town Felix was suddenly missed, and a brief colloquy
+elicited the melancholy fact that the boy had been left behind at
+Potsdam. The tutor thereupon turned back in one of the carriages,
+whilst the rest proceeded to the next stopping-place. In the course of
+an hour he returned with the truant seated by his side, dusty and
+footsore, but otherwise as fresh as when he had started. He had, it
+appeared, strayed from the party at Potsdam, and returned to the
+starting-place in time to see the carriages disappearing in the
+distance enveloped in a cloud of dust. He began to run, but seeing
+that he could not overtake them, he abated his speed, and determined
+to perform the journey to Brandenburg on foot. A little peasant-girl
+joined him. They broke stout walking-sticks from the trees at the
+road-side, and together marched on cheerfully, conversing as they
+went, until the tutor's carriage met them about a mile from the next
+halting-place.
+
+    [Illustration: '_The tutor's carriage met them._']
+
+It was a most delightful tour, enjoyed by all concerned, and long to
+be treasured by the young musician, to whom Interlaken, Vevey, and
+Chamounix, with their mountains, lakes, glaciers, torrents, and
+valleys, their sunrises and sunsets, presented a panorama of endless
+enchantment. Amidst the constant demands upon the senses there was
+little time for actual composition, but two songs and the beginning of
+a pianoforte quartet were inspired by the sight of the Lake of Geneva
+and its beautiful surroundings. Nor was the journey without the
+pleasures afforded by meetings with many eminent people in the musical
+world, such as the composer Spohr at Cassel, and Schelble, the
+conductor of the famous Caecilien-Verein concerts, at Frankfort. To the
+latter Felix exhibited his powers by an extemporisation on Bach's
+motets, which called forth the musician's astonished praise.
+
+On the return journey a call was made at Weimar, in order that Abraham
+Mendelssohn might pay his respects to the poet, and personally
+acknowledge the old man's kindness to Felix. Goethe received them most
+kindly, and talked much with the father on the subject of the boy's
+future. Of Felix's playing he never seemed to get tired. There was a
+charm about the boy's bright presence, and a soothing restfulness in
+his playing which appealed to the old poet's kindlier nature in a way
+that few things had the power to do. 'I am Saul, and you are my
+David,' he said to Felix one day, when his temper had been ruffled by
+something that had occurred. 'When I am sad and dreary, come to me and
+cheer me with your music.' How much sunshine had been infused into the
+old man's declining days by these brief visits Felix himself could
+never have guessed, but he knew that he loved Goethe, and that his
+love was returned.
+
+Felix's progress, not only in music, but in his other studies as well,
+was by leaps and bounds. Knowledge to him seemed a food for which his
+appetite was insatiable, difficulties to him were but spurs to
+increased effort, and the effort itself appeared to be inappreciable.
+It was impossible to regard any longer as a boy one who possessed
+knowledge and powers that entitled him to take rank with performers
+and composers of the day. Too soon for some of those who loved him had
+Mendelssohn passed from his childhood stage, landing almost at a
+single bound into that of advanced youth, if not, indeed, into manhood
+itself. The Swiss tour had in a measure bridged over the interval; for
+when he returned it was with a taller and robuster frame, more
+strongly marked features, and a new and indefinable expression that
+was the result of widened experience, and, last of all, without the
+beautiful curls which had helped to make the child's face what it had
+been. With these changes, however, his happy boyish nature remained as
+strong and as irrepressible as ever. And so we pass on to the date
+when the transformation of which we have spoken found a fitting
+opportunity for recognition by his friends.
+
+It was the night of February 3, 1824, Felix's fifteenth birthday, and
+the family and guests were gathered around the supper-table. Earlier
+in the evening there had been a full rehearsal of his first full-grown
+opera in three acts--'Die beiden Neffen, oder der Onkel aus Boston'
+(The Two Nephews, or the Uncle from Boston), which had gone most
+successfully, and now Zelter held up his hand as a signal that he had
+something important to say. All eyes were turned to him, and the
+clatter of tongues ceased in a moment. The old musician's face was
+lighted up by a most unusual expression. His grumpiness had cleared
+away, and a look of benevolence beamed from his eyes, in which there
+was even a suspicion of moisture, as, lifting his glass on high, he
+said:
+
+'I have a toast to propose which I make no doubt you will acquiesce
+in most readily. I raise my glass to the health and happiness of my
+_late_ pupil (no one failed to note the emphasis on the word 'late'),
+'Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy!'
+
+The toast was honoured with enthusiasm, and then Zelter, rising from
+his seat, took Felix by the hand and addressed him in these words:
+
+'From this day, dear boy, thou art no longer an apprentice, but an
+independent member of the brotherhood of musicians. I proclaim you
+"assistant" in the names of Mozart, Haydn, and old Father Bach!'
+
+He then embraced Felix with much tenderness, imprinting a hearty kiss
+on both his cheeks; and, the little ceremony ended, the company
+toasted the proclamation of independence with great merriment,
+following it up with the singing of songs by Zelter and others.
+
+Notwithstanding that Mendelssohn had thus received his initiation into
+the 'brotherhood,' and that Zelter had plainly shown that he had
+nothing more to teach him, Abraham Mendelssohn still had some
+lingering doubts as to the advisability of his son's choosing music as
+a profession. This attitude arose quite as much from Felix's all-round
+knowledge and attainments as from any particular misgivings regarding
+the steadfastness of his love for music, or the continued development
+of his genius in that direction. Abraham clearly perceived that Felix
+had in him the makings of a man of business; he was methodical, quick,
+and shrewd, and possessed that infinite capacity for taking pains
+which is the accompaniment of true genius. These were qualities
+pre-eminently fitting him for a successful business career, and hence
+the doubtings as to whether such a rare combination of qualifications
+ought to be expended in following up a branch of art that might in the
+end prove fruitless of solid results. The father must be forgiven for
+entertaining such doubts, unreasonable as they may seem, when regard
+is paid to the absolute honesty of purpose by which his own life was
+governed, and the sincerity of his affection for the members of his
+family.
+
+There was one man who might be trusted to give an impartial opinion on
+this pressing question. Cherubini, the eminent composer and musical
+judge, was living in Paris, and to Cherubini it was decided to apply
+forthwith for advice. Accordingly, Felix and his father journeyed to
+Paris with this object, the former being fully as anxious as his
+father to have the opportunity of making the acquaintance of so famous
+a musician, as well as of receiving at his hands the support and
+encouragement which would put an end, once and for all, to his
+father's doubts. Cherubini was hardly ever known to praise, but
+perhaps for this very reason his opinion was eagerly sought by young
+performers and composers. Of those who went to him for advice,
+however, by far the greater number were sent away with burning cheeks
+and downcast eyes. This dismal fate was not reserved for Felix, for no
+sooner had the great man listened to his playing of one of his own
+compositions than he recognised Mendelssohn's power and genius, and,
+turning to the father, he said with a smile; 'Sir, the boy is rich; he
+will do well.' After some further tests Cherubini expressed himself as
+perfectly satisfied with regard to Felix's future, and when father and
+son returned to Berlin it was with the settled conviction on the part
+of the former that thenceforward the boy's life must be devoted to
+music.
+
+And now a great change came into the daily life of the family. The
+house in the Neue Promenade was exchanged for a statelier and more
+commodious mansion, No. 3, Leipziger Strasse, situated on the
+outskirts of the city near the Potsdam Gate. The grounds of the new
+house adjoined the old deer-park of Frederick the Great, and in
+themselves were almost large enough to be styled a park. Stretches of
+green turf, shaded by fine forest-trees, winding walks amidst
+sweet-scented flowering shrubs, and arbours nestling in retired
+corners, inviting retreats for study and meditation, comprised an
+ideal spot for one who loved the surroundings of Nature. Nor was the
+house itself behindhand in offering special attractions for the
+purposes of study and recreation, in addition to the more solid
+requirements of comfort and accommodation. The rooms were spacious and
+elegant, and comprised one large apartment perfectly adapted for
+musical or theatrical entertainments. But, just as there are not a few
+of us who, in choosing a residence, are drawn towards the garden
+before proceeding to investigate the dwelling itself, so Felix's
+delight was first of all expressed with regard to the beautiful
+surroundings of the new home. And there was one feature of the garden
+which opened up to his mind splendid possibilities in connection with
+his beloved pursuit. This was a garden-house, containing a central
+hall capable of accommodating several hundred people, and furnished
+with windows and glass doors opening and looking upon the lawns and
+trees. The garden-house was as essentially a part of the garden as any
+large summer-house could be, and yet comprised sufficient rooms to fit
+it for occupation as a separate dwelling if such were necessary.
+
+No sooner had the family established itself in the new home than the
+musical and artistic gatherings were resumed on an even larger scale
+than heretofore. The Sunday concerts were held in the 'Gartenhaus,'
+which, on most of the other evenings of the week, was the resort of
+friends, both old and young, who came to listen to the music, or to
+play or act, or in other ways amuse themselves. So famous did these
+gatherings become, and so completely were the mansion and its
+surroundings identified with the family which occupied it, and
+dispensed its open-handed hospitality, that it was impossible to
+mention the Leipziger Strasse without connecting it with information
+respecting the Mendelssohns. The two things, indeed, were inseparable
+in everybody's mind. Thither, amongst others, came Ferdinand Hiller,
+the eminent performer, who had visited Beethoven while the latter lay
+on his death-bed, and whose friendship with Felix had begun at
+Frankfort a short time before. Moscheles, who had worked under
+Beethoven, also became a regular visitor at the house, and one of
+Felix's closest friends. Moscheles had already acquired fame as a
+player, and during his stay in Berlin he was induced, though not
+without reluctance, to give some lessons to Mendelssohn. 'He has no
+need of lessons,' he remarked, with reference to Felix's ability. 'If
+he wishes to take a hint from me as to anything new to him, he can
+easily do so.' Felix, however, frankly acknowledged afterwards how
+much he owed to these lessons at the hands of him whose graceful,
+elegant touch could not be excelled. Speaking of Moscheles' playing on
+one occasion, Mendelssohn said that 'the runs dropped from his fingers
+like magic.'
+
+We must now speak of two works which were composed very soon after
+Zelter's declaration of his pupil's independence. The first of these
+was an Octet for stringed instruments, designed as a birthday present
+for Edward Ritz, the young violinist, for whom Mendelssohn entertained
+a deep affection, and whose premature death caused him much sorrow.
+Felix had not completed his seventeenth year when the Octet was
+written. He had already composed a great deal, but he had done nothing
+so entirely fresh and original as this. Indeed, one might place one's
+finger on the Octet, and, forgetting everything which he had written
+before, say with emphasis and truth: 'This is Mendelssohn himself;
+this is his very own.' No longer an 'apprentice,' swayed or, at least,
+influenced by the masters who had gone before him, he has here given
+us the first-fruits of his 'assistantship' in a work which expresses
+his own musicianly feelings, and in which we get our first glimpse of
+his true genius. The whole piece was intended to be played _staccato_
+and _pianissimo_. It has a fleeting, spiritual, and fairy-like effect,
+with 'tremolos and trills passing away with the quickness of
+lightning.' The Scherzo is especially beautiful, and Mendelssohn
+admitted to his sister Fanny that he had taken as his motto for this
+movement a stanza from Goethe's Walpurgis-night Dream in 'Faust':
+
+    'Floating cloud and trailing mist
+      Bright'ning o'er us hover;
+    Airs stir the brake, the rushes shake--
+      And all their pomp is over.'
+
+We are reminded of this in the last part, where 'the first violin
+takes a flight with a feather-like lightness, and all has vanished.'
+
+But if the Octet serves to mark a distinct stage in the development of
+Mendelssohn's genius, what are we to say of the work which followed
+it? Several things had paved the way for this new composition. To
+begin with, Felix and Fanny made their first acquaintance with
+Shakespeare in this year through the medium of a German translation,
+and they fell completely under the spell of 'A Midsummer Night's
+Dream.' Then the summer proved to be an exceptionally fine one, and
+led to many hours being spent in the beautiful garden--in fact, there
+is no doubt that the garden began it. It is not difficult to imagine
+how the romantic mind of Felix was stirred by reading this delightful
+fairy play amidst such charming surroundings. To read thus was to
+picture in music, to give a musical setting to both scene and action,
+at first indefinite, shadowy, suggestive, but as reading and thinking
+progressed, growing ever stronger and more clearly defined. Thus,
+stretched upon the turf, book in hand, the silence broken only by the
+singing of the birds and the humming of the bees, the music of the
+Overture to 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' gradually shaped itself in
+Mendelssohn's mind, until what at the beginning had in itself been
+little more than a dream, became a tangible creation.
+
+When the Overture had been written down, it was frequently played by
+Felix and Fanny as a duet. In this simple form Moscheles heard it for
+the first time, and he was struck by the force of its beauty. The work
+was elaborated and perfected by degrees, until the day arrived when it
+was performed by the garden-house orchestra before a crowded audience.
+So great was the reception accorded to the overture on this occasion
+that in the February following Felix journeyed to Stettin to conduct
+the first public performance.
+
+When we listen to this beautiful work, we are constrained to admit
+that no happier introduction to the play could have been devised; for
+just as the play itself seems to demand for its environment some
+lovely garden or woodland glade, so Mendelssohn's music conjures up
+visions of the fairy scenes of enchantment with which the play
+abounds. It is a work instinct with musicianly feeling, and its
+strength is borne out by the soundness and skill displayed in its
+construction. As a great musical judge[29] has said of it: 'No one
+piece of music contains so many points of harmony and orchestration
+that had never been written before, and yet none of them have the air
+of experiment, but seem all to have been written with certainty of
+their success.'
+
+But we must not linger over this portion of our story, though we are
+tempted to do so; for there can be no doubt that these years spent in
+the Leipziger Strasse house, when the members of the family were all
+together, each contributing his or her share to the intellectual
+intercourse that went on beneath its hospitable roof, afford the
+happiest pictures of Mendelssohn's young life. It was so full and
+many-sided a life, hard work alternating with gymnastics, dancing,
+swimming, riding, and, of course, music, each occupation pursued with
+such zest and heartiness as to convey the impression at the moment of
+its being the most absorbing of all.
+
+Amidst these pleasures, however, a new project had taken hold of his
+mind, one which, like many another great undertaking fraught with
+far-reaching results, owed its inception to the feeling aroused by the
+indifference and lack of sympathy shown by others towards what he
+himself believed to be deserving of the highest praise. Two years
+before, Felix's grandmother had presented him with a manuscript score
+of Bach's 'Passion according to St. Matthew,' which Zelter had
+permitted to be copied from the manuscript in the Singakademie. A more
+devoted lover of Bach's music than Zelter could not have been found,
+and the old man had infused some of this love into his pupil;
+consequently, when the score of the 'Passion' was placed in
+Mendelssohn's hands, he set to work to master it, and with such
+earnestness had he applied himself to the study that at this point of
+our story he knew the whole of it by heart.
+
+The more he studied this great work, the more was he impressed by its
+beauty and the grandeur of its conception. Could it possibly be true,
+he asked himself, that throughout the length and breadth of Germany
+so stupendous a work as this remained unheard, unknown? that a
+creation so deathless in itself could be permitted to sleep without
+even the hope of an awakening? 'Alas!' replied Zelter, when the
+question was put to him--'alas! it is nearly a hundred years since old
+Father Bach died, and though his name lives, as all great names must
+live, the majority of those who speak of him as a master are ignorant
+of the works which made him great; they have forgotten, if, indeed,
+they ever heard, the sound of the master's voice!'
+
+Here, then, in the apathy manifested in regard to Bach's greatest
+works, Mendelssohn found the stimulus that was needed. If only this
+state of things could be changed, if only he might be permitted to
+show the way to an understanding and appreciation of these priceless
+treasures! Towards this great end something, at least, might be
+accomplished by the force of example. As we have seen, he knew the
+'Passion' music by heart, and he now proceeded to enlist others in a
+study of the work. In a short time he had got together sixteen
+carefully selected voices, and had arranged for his little choir to
+meet once a week at his house for practice. It was a small beginning,
+but his own enthusiasm soon infected the rest, and they all grew
+deeply earnest in their work--so earnest, indeed, that ere long the
+yearning had seized them for a public performance. The Singakademie
+maintained a splendid choir of between three hundred and four hundred
+voices. If only the director could be induced to allow a trial
+performance to be given under Mendelssohn's conducting! Much as he
+personally desired such a consummation of their labours, however,
+Felix felt convinced that he knew Zelter only too well to indulge any
+hopes that he would sanction so great an undertaking. Zelter had no
+faith in the idea that public support would be given to a revival of
+the 'Passion,' and Felix well knew that nothing would shake him in
+this opinion. But this conclusion was strongly opposed by a prominent
+member of the Garden-house choir, a young actor-singer named Devrient,
+who insisted that Zelter ought to be approached on the subject; and as
+he himself had been a pupil of Zelter, and possessed the gift of
+eloquence in no small degree, he succeeded in persuading Mendelssohn
+to accompany him on a visit to the director's house.
+
+Accordingly, the pair set forth early one morning to brave the old
+giant in his den, Mendelssohn haunted by a dread of the manner in
+which their proposals would be received, and Devrient, who was to be
+spokesman, keeping up a bold front, and assuring his friend that they
+would ultimately succeed.
+
+They found Zelter seated at his instrument, with a sheet of
+music-paper before him, a long pipe in his mouth, and enveloped in a
+cloud of tobacco-smoke. In response to his gruff inquiry, what had
+brought them at so early an hour, Devrient unfolded his plan by
+degrees, beginning by enlarging upon their admiration for Bach's
+music, with a gentle reminder to Zelter that this taste had been
+acquired under his own guidance, and proceeding to dwell upon the
+progress of their studies and the yearning which they all felt for a
+public trial of the work, and concluding with an eloquent appeal for
+assistance from the Academy itself.
+
+Zelter listened with an outward show of patience that was as
+extraordinary as it had been unlooked for, but his eyes gleamed
+through the clouds of smoke with a light that foreboded a speedy
+outburst of his slumbering fires. Nevertheless, when he began to
+speak, it was not to condemn the young men for their presumption, but
+to point out that the difficulties in performing such a work at that
+time were inconceivably greater than they had supposed. In Bach's
+time it was different, the Thomas School could supply what was
+necessary--the double orchestra, double chorus, and so forth; but now
+such things were insuperable difficulties; nothing could overcome
+them.
+
+As he spoke he laid aside his pipe, and rising from his chair, paced
+excitedly to and fro, repeating again and again: 'No, no; it is not to
+be thought of; it is mad, mad, mad!' To Felix he looked the picture of
+a shaggy old lion stirred up by his keeper. Still Devrient persevered.
+He even ventured to say that they had considered those difficulties;
+that they did not believe them to be insuperable; that they had
+implicit faith in their own enthusiasm having the power to kindle the
+like in others; and, finally, that with the Academy's co-operation
+success must ensue.
+
+Zelter grew more and more irritated as Devrient proceeded, and Felix,
+observing the growing anger in his eye, plucked his companion by the
+sleeve, and edged nearer to the door. At length the explosion came.
+'That one should have the patience to listen to all this! I can tell
+you that very different people have had to give up attempting this
+very thing, and yet you imagine that a couple of young donkeys like
+yourselves will be able to accomplish it!'
+
+Felix by this time was at the door, feverishly beckoning to Devrient
+to come away, but his friend refused to budge; he even began afresh.
+He pleaded in his most telling tones that, inasmuch as it was Zelter
+himself who had awakened their love for the master, the honour would
+be to him quite as much as to themselves if his pupils succeeded in
+bringing about this grand result, and how well-deserved and fitting a
+crown this would be to his long career, this honour and testimony to
+the greatness of Father Bach.
+
+Felix opened his eyes wider in astonishment; but there could be no
+mistake--the crisis had passed, and Zelter was visibly weakening; the
+lion died out of his eyes, the pipe once more found its way to his
+lips, and after many demurs, many arguments, much pacing up and down,
+Zelter with a sigh of relief gave in. It was a noble surrender, for it
+included a promise of all the help that he could give, and the young
+enthusiasts quitted the lion's den triumphant.
+
+'You are a regular rascal, an arch-Jesuit!' said Felix to his friend
+as they descended the stairs.
+
+'Anything you like for the honour of Sebastian Bach!' retorted the
+other as they stepped out into the keen, wintry air.
+
+How Mendelssohn grappled with this great work; how he threw into it
+all the energy he possessed; how he mastered its every detail, and
+gave it life; how, with infinite tact and patience, he made it a
+living, dramatic masterpiece in the eyes of those who were to perform
+it; how the rehearsals at the Academy were thronged by professionals
+and amateurs desirous of realising its true nature and power; how at
+length the first public performance of the 'Passion according to St.
+Matthew' since the composer's death took place at the Singakademie,
+with Mendelssohn conducting, on March 11, 1829, and how every ticket
+was sold, and fully a thousand disappointed ones were turned away from
+the doors--all this must be read elsewhere. Suffice it here to say
+that this performance marked the beginning of a great revival--the
+awakening throughout Germany and England of a love and appreciation of
+Bach which has never since faded or diminished.
+
+It was in connection with this work that Mendelssohn made the first
+and only allusion to his Jewish descent. 'To think,' he remarked to
+Devrient, with a look of triumph in his eyes as they were walking
+together to the final rehearsal--'to think that it should have been
+reserved for an actor and a Jew to restore this great Christian work
+to the people!'
+
+The excitement attending the performance, with its repetition on March
+21, the anniversary of Bach's birth, had not subsided ere Mendelssohn
+was engaged in taking leave of his dear ones prior to embarking at
+Hamburg on his first visit to England. Several circumstances had
+combined to render the present a favourable moment for undertaking the
+journey. The Moscheleses, and another friend named Klingemann, who had
+been a constant visitor at the Berlin house until called away to
+occupy a London post, had assured him of a warm welcome; it was his
+father's wish, shared by Zelter also, that he should travel, and he
+for his own part was desirous of showing that he could support himself
+by music. Abraham Mendelssohn had, indeed, designed this visit as the
+first portion of a lengthened tour which would enable Felix to see
+more of various countries, and assist him in choosing that which
+offered the best opportunities for his life-work.
+
+The London musical season was at its height when he arrived, but his
+first letters home were chiefly occupied with descriptions of the city
+itself, and how it had affected him. 'It is fearful! it is maddening!'
+he writes to Fanny three days after he had settled into his Great
+Portland Street lodgings.[30] 'London is the grandest and most
+complicated monster on the face of the earth.... Things roll and carry
+me along as in a vortex. Not in the last six months at Berlin have I
+seen so many contrasts and such variety as in these three days....
+Could you see me at the exquisite grand-piano which Clementi has sent
+me for the whole of my stay here, by the cheerful fireside' (the open
+grate fire was a novelty to one who had come from the land of closed
+stoves), 'in my own four walls ... and could you see the immense
+four-post bed in the next room in which I might go to sleep in the
+most literal sense of the word, the many-coloured curtains and quaint
+furniture, my breakfast-tea with dry toast still before me, the
+servant-girl in curl-papers, who has just brought me my newly-hemmed
+black necktie, and asks what further orders I have ... and could you
+but see the highly respectable, fog-enveloped street, and hear the
+pitiable voice with which a beggar down there pours forth his ditty
+(he will soon be outscreamed by the street-sellers), and could you
+picture to yourselves that from here to the City is three-quarters of
+an hour's drive, and that in all the cross streets of which one has
+glimpses the noise, clamour, and bustle are the same, if not greater,
+and that after that one has only traversed about a quarter of London,
+then you might understand how it is that I am half distracted!'
+
+One needs to be something of an artist as well as of a poet to
+appreciate London at her true worth, and Mendelssohn possessed both
+qualities in no small degree; hence it is only natural that the
+artistic and poetical aspects of our city should have appealed most
+strongly to his sensitive nature. A few days later he writes: 'I think
+the town and the streets are quite beautiful. Again I was struck with
+awe when yesterday I drove in an open carriage to the City along a
+different road and everywhere found the same flow of life ...
+everywhere noise and smoke, everywhere the end of the streets lost in
+fog. Every few moments I passed a church, or a market-place, or a
+green square, or a theatre, or caught a glimpse of the Thames....
+Last, not least, to see the masts from the West India Docks
+stretching their heads over the housetops, and to see a harbour as big
+as the Hamburg one treated like a mere pond, with sluices, and the
+ships arranged not singly, but in rows, like regiments--to see all
+that makes one's heart rejoice at the greatness of the world.'
+
+The magnificence of a ball at Devonshire House reminds him of the
+'Arabian Nights.' The Duke of Wellington and Sir Robert Peel were
+present, and he describes the beauty of the girls dancing, the lights,
+the music, the flowers, etc. 'To move among these beautiful pictures
+and lovely living forms, and to wander about in all that flow of life
+and universal excitement, perfectly quiet and unknown, and unnoticed
+and unseen, to notice and to see--it was one of the most charming
+nights I remember.' Again, of a fete held at the Marquis of
+Lansdowne's, he says: 'That such magnificence could really exist in
+our time I had not believed. These are not parties--they are festivals
+and celebrations.'
+
+In the mind of Mendelssohn, therefore, London struck a sympathetic
+chord, and the pleasure which he felt on entering the city was
+heightened by the warmth of the welcome which he received at the hands
+of the musical public. His first appearance was at the Argyll Rooms,
+in Regent Street, at a concert of the Philharmonic Society on May 25,
+when his 'Symphony in C minor' was performed. He gives a full
+description of the rehearsal and performance in his letter to Fanny:
+
+'When I entered the Argyll Rooms for the rehearsal of my Symphony, and
+found the whole orchestra assembled, and about two hundred listeners,
+chiefly ladies, strangers to me, and when, first, Mozart's "Symphony
+in E flat major" was rehearsed, after which my own was to follow, I
+felt not exactly afraid, but nervous and excited. During the Mozart
+pieces I took a little walk in Regent Street, and looked at the
+people; when I returned, everything was ready and waiting for me. I
+mounted the orchestra, and pulled out my white stick which I have had
+made on purpose (the maker took me for an alderman, and would insist
+on decorating it with a crown). The first violin, Francois Cramer,
+showed me how the orchestra was placed--the furthest row had to get up
+so that I could see them--and introduced me to them all, and we bowed
+to each other; some, perhaps, laughed a little that this small fellow
+with the stick should now take the place of their regular powdered and
+bewigged conductor. Then it began. For the first time it went very
+well and powerfully, and pleased the people much, even at rehearsal.
+After each movement the whole audience and the whole orchestra
+applauded (the musicians showing their approval by striking their
+instruments with their bows and stamping their feet). After the finale
+they made a great noise, and as I had to make them repeat it, because
+it was badly played, they set up the same noise once more; the
+directors came to me in the orchestra, and I had to go down and make a
+great many bows. Cramer was overjoyed, and loaded me with praise and
+compliments. I walked about in the orchestra, and had to shake at
+least two hundred different hands. It was one of the happiest moments
+within my recollection, for one half hour had transformed all those
+strangers into friends and acquaintances. But the success at the
+concert last night was beyond what I could ever have dreamed. It began
+with the Symphony; old Francois Cramer led me to the piano like a
+young lady, and I was received with immense applause. The Adagio was
+encored; I preferred to bow my thanks and go on, for fear of tiring
+the audience, but the Scherzo was so vigorously encored that I felt
+obliged to repeat it, and after the finale they continued applauding,
+while I was thanking the orchestra and shaking hands, and until I had
+left the room.'
+
+    [Illustration: '_The success was beyond what I could have
+    dreamed._']
+
+On another occasion, when he was to perform at a concert, he describes
+how he went to the room early in order to try the piano, which was a
+new one. He found the instrument locked, and dispatched a messenger
+for the key. In the meantime he seated himself at another piano of
+ancient aspect, and beginning to extemporise soon became lost in
+reverie. The empty room, the 'old grey instrument which the fingers
+of several generations may have played,' and the silence affected him
+so deeply that he forgot the passing time, until he was reminded of
+the approach of the concert hour by the people coming in to take their
+seats. When, having first put himself into _grande toilette_--very
+long, white trousers, brown silk waistcoat, black necktie, and blue
+dress coat--he mounted the orchestra he felt nervous; a panic seized
+him, for the hall was crowded, ladies even sitting in the orchestra
+who could not get places in the room. 'But as the gay bonnets gave me
+a nice reception, and applauded when I came ... and as I found the
+instrument very excellent and of a light touch, I lost all my
+timidity, became quite comfortable, and was highly amused to see the
+bonnets agitated at every little cadenza, which to me and many critics
+brought to mind the simile of the wind and the tulip-bed.'
+
+A dinner-party followed the concert, and then he went to visit some
+friends living out of town with whom he was to spend the night.
+Finding no carriage to convey him, he set out to walk through the
+fields in the cool of the evening. Can we not picture him crossing the
+still meadows by a lonely path, meeting no one, the air redolent of
+spring flowers, musical ideas floating through his mind--ideas which
+there was nobody to hear, which nobody, perhaps, was ever destined to
+hear, as he sang them aloud in the fading light, 'the whole sky grey,
+with a purple streak on the horizon, and the thick cloud of smoke
+behind him.'
+
+Amidst the round of work and the pressure of invitations which made up
+the sum of his daily life in London, the love of boyish fun, which
+formed a wholesome counteraction to his serious moods, broke out every
+now and then with its old accustomed force, eclipsing for the moment
+the memories of stately dinner-parties and receptions. One night when
+in company with two friends he was returning from what he terms 'a
+highly diplomatic dinner-party' at the Prussian Ambassador's, where
+they had taken their 'fill of fashionable dishes, sayings, and
+doings,' they passed a very enticing sausage-shop in which some German
+sausages were exposed in the window. A wave of patriotism overcame
+them; they entered, and each bought a long sausage, and then the trio
+turned into a quiet street to devour them, accompanying the meal with
+a three-part song and shouts of laughter.
+
+Mendelssohn's heart was easily touched by the distresses of others,
+and when he learnt of the sufferings of those who had lost their all
+in the floods in Silesia at this time, he set to work at once to
+arrange a concert in their behalf. The 'Midsummer Night's Dream
+Overture' formed one of the items of the programme--this being the
+second occasion of its performance since his arrival. It was most
+enthusiastically received, and, indeed, the whole concert was a great
+success. The room was so besieged that no fewer than one hundred
+persons were turned from the doors. Ladies who could not find seats in
+the body of the hall crowded upon the orchestra, and Mendelssohn was
+delighted at receiving a message from two elderly ladies, who had
+strayed between the bassoons and the French horns, anxiously inquiring
+'whether they were likely to hear well!' Another enthusiastic lady
+esconsced herself contentedly upon a kettledrum. There could be little
+doubt that the overture had secured a firm hold upon English hearts at
+its first hearing. Jules Benedict, who was present on the occasion,
+describes the effect upon the audience as electrical. At the end of
+the first performance a friend who had taken charge of the precious
+manuscript was so careless as to leave it in a hackney-coach on his
+way home, and it was never recovered. 'Never mind,' said Mendelssohn,
+when the loss was reported to him, 'I will write another.' And he sat
+down at once and rewrote the score entirely from memory, and when the
+copy was afterwards compared with the parts it was found that he had
+not made a single variation.
+
+From London, when the season came to an end, he went in company with
+his friend Klingemann to Scotland, his keen sense of perception
+drinking in all the variety and charm which the tour presented, and
+his genius supplying a musical setting to whatever struck him as
+specially beautiful. The ruined chapel attached to the old Palace of
+Holyrood, seen in the twilight, with its broken altar at which Mary
+received the Scottish crown, overgrown with grass and ivy, and its
+mouldering, roofless pillars, with patches of bright sky between, gave
+him the first inspiration for his Scotch Symphony. But it was the
+Hebrides which, in their lonely grandeur and bleakness, affected him
+most of all. Of Iona, with its ruins of a once magnificent cathedral,
+and its graves of ancient Scottish Kings, he writes that he shall
+think when in the midst of crowded assemblies of music and dancing. Of
+Staffa, again, with its strange, basaltic pillars and caverns, he
+says: 'A greener roar of waves surely never rushed into a stranger
+cavern--its many pillars making it look like the inside of an immense
+organ, black and resounding, and absolutely without purpose, and quite
+alone, the wide, grey sea within and without.' How deeply the Hebrides
+impressed him he shows by a few lines of music added to his letter,
+which he says were suggested to him by the sight of these lonely
+sister isles. Later on this very piece of music formed the opening to
+his 'Overture to Fingal's Cave.'
+
+How thoroughly music entered into his daily life and permeated his
+thoughts, we may know from his habit of seating himself at the piano
+in the evening, and improvising music to express what he had both
+_seen_ and _felt_ throughout the day. To Mendelssohn music was a
+natural language by which he could express, in the most perfect
+manner, the emotions which had been aroused by reading or by the
+contemplation of Nature. Thus, when he went from Scotland to North
+Wales to stay with some friends named Taylor, he wrote for Susan
+Taylor a piece called 'The Rivulet,' which was a representation of an
+actual rivulet visited by them in their rambles. Again, Honora Taylor
+had in her garden a creeping plant (the _Eccremocarpus_), bearing
+little trumpet-shaped flowers, and Mendelssohn was taken with a fancy
+for inventing the music which the fairies might have been supposed to
+play on those tiny trumpets. The piece was called 'A Capriccio in E
+minor,' and when he wrote it out he drew a branch of the plant all up
+the margin of the paper. For another member of the family he wrote a
+piece which was suggested by a bunch of carnations (his favourite
+flower) and roses arranged in a bowl, and he put in some arpeggio
+passages to remind the player of the sweet scent rising up from the
+flowers.
+
+Felix had just returned to London, and was contemplating an early
+departure for Berlin, when an injury to his knee, the result of a
+carriage accident, compelled him to lie up for several weeks, and
+hence to forego a pleasure to which he had been looking forward with
+feelings of eager affection. Shortly before he left home Fanny's
+engagement to William Hensel, a young painter of promise, had received
+her parent's sanction, and it had been confidently expected that Felix
+would return in time for the marriage. The disappointment caused by
+the accident was therefore keenly felt both by himself and those at
+home. Hensel was clever, and by no means a stranger to the gatherings
+at the Gartenhaus; but his entry into the select and innermost circle
+of the brotherhood, armed with the kind of right which his engagement
+to Fanny had conferred upon him, caused him to be regarded in a new
+light, and it was not until a little time had elapsed that he found
+his way to their hearts by his gentle ways, assisted in no small
+degree by his pencil. At first the exclusiveness of a set which had
+received the title of 'The Wheel,' and which prided itself on the
+freemasonry which obtained amongst its members, was somewhat chilling;
+but Hensel was not easily discouraged; he took to drawing the members'
+portraits as his contribution to the bonhomie of the circle, and with
+such success that 'The Wheel' soon came to regard him as an
+indispensable spoke, whilst the portraits multiplied until they formed
+a huge collection. Fanny's marriage, moreover, did not imply any break
+in the family circle, for when her brother returned to Berlin he found
+that Hensel and his bride had taken up their residence in the
+Gartenhaus.
+
+The grand tour had practically only begun, and was now to be resumed,
+but the visit to England was exercising over Mendelssohn's mind a
+strong influence which, though not unconnected with the success and
+fame it had brought to him, might with more justice be ascribed to the
+sympathetic appreciation and kindness which he had received at the
+hands of the English. 'A prophet is not without honour, save in his
+own country,' and Berlin had so far held back the encouragement that
+strangers were so willing to accord him. Moreover, for one of his
+artistically sensitive temperament London possessed a magnetic charm
+that was lacking in Berlin. At home his very youth seemed to count
+against him, but in London it was, if anything, in his favour. The
+fame of his visit, however, had preceded him to Berlin, and shortly
+after his return he was offered the Professorship of Music at the
+University, an honour which he at once declined, feeling that its
+acceptance would not only interfere with his freedom in composition,
+but bind him down to an occupation which he confessed was not his
+forte. This Chair had been specially created in the hope that he would
+fill it, and it marks the first, though by no means the last, attempt
+on the part of the Berliners to secure his services for their city.
+
+In the May following he set forth once more on his travels, bound for
+Venice, Florence, and Rome. He could not pass through Weimar, however,
+without paying a visit to Goethe; it proved to be the last meeting,
+and it was filled with incidents that left a deep impression on his
+mind. Never had the sympathy and friendship between the two been
+closer or more confidential than on this occasion. 'There is much in
+my spirit that you must light up for me,' said Goethe to Felix one day
+when they had been conversing together. Goethe called upon him
+continually for music, but showed an indifference towards Beethoven's
+works; Felix, however, insisted that he must endure some of the
+master, and played to him the first movement of the 'C minor
+Symphony.' Goethe listened for a few moments, and then said: 'That
+does not touch one at all; it only astonishes one.' But Felix played
+on, and presently, after some murmuring to himself, the poet burst out
+with: 'It is very great, it is wild! It seems as though the house were
+falling! What must it be with the whole orchestra!'
+
+The tour was a long one, for several cities had to be visited before
+he could cross the Swiss frontier. Each day brought its full measure
+of incident and delightful sight-seeing. It was in Switzerland,
+however, that Mendelssohn's passionate love for Nature was stirred to
+its depths. His Alpine walks were a revelation of Nature in her most
+decided moods, and one particular walk over the Wengern Alp was
+destined to be long remembered. The mountain summits were glittering
+in the morning air, every undulation and the face of every hill clear
+and distinct. Formerly it was their height alone that had impressed
+him, 'now it was their boundless extent that he particularly
+felt--their huge, broad masses; the close connection of all those
+enormous fortresses, which seemed to be crowding together and
+stretching out their hands to each other.'
+
+He loved all beautiful things, but he loved the sea best of all; it
+seemed to him to express in its varying moods every feeling which he
+himself possessed. 'When there is a storm at Chiatamene,' he wrote to
+Fanny when she was visiting Italy, 'and the grey sea is foaming, think
+of me.' And now as he approached Naples, and saw the sea sparkling in
+the sunlit bay, he exclaims: 'To me it is the finest object in Nature!
+I love it almost more than the sky. I always feel happy when I see
+before me the wide expanse of waters.' Again, the ancientness of
+Nature herself conveyed far more to him than any legend of antiquity
+connected with the works of man; he could not feel in 'crumbling mason
+work' the interest and fascination that existed for him in the
+unchanged outlines of the hills, or in the fact that the waves lapped
+the island which formed the refuge of Brutus, and the lichen-covered
+rocks bent over them then just as they did now. These were monuments
+on which no names were scribbled, no inscriptions carved, and to such
+he clung.
+
+Yet in Rome itself he found a centre of unending interest and
+fascination. 'All its measureless delights lay as a free gift before
+him; every day he picked out afresh some great historic object: one
+day a ramble about the ruins of the ancient city, another day the
+Borghese Gallery or the Capitol, or else St. Peter's or the Vatican.
+So each day was one never to be forgotten, and this sort of dallying
+left each impression firmer and stronger. If Venice seemed like the
+gravestone of its own past, its ruinous, modern palaces and the
+enduring remembrance of a bygone supremacy giving it a disquieting,
+mournful impression, the past of Rome struck him as history itself;
+its monuments ennobled, and made one at the same moment serious and
+joyful, for there was joy in feeling how human creations may survive a
+thousand years and yet possess their quickening restoring, influence.
+Each day some new image of that past imprinted itself on his mind, and
+then came the twilight, and the day was at an end.'
+
+The tour was not completed until the spring of the following year
+(1832), and during that interval two sad notes had been struck--the
+first being the death of Edward Ritz, the young violinist, Felix's
+closest friend, from whom he admitted that he had taken the model of
+his delicate, musical handwriting; and the second that of Goethe. In
+connection with the latter loss Felix felt deeply for Zelter, for he
+knew how the old man had worshipped and leant upon the master-poet.
+'Mark my words,' said Mendelssohn, when he received the sad
+intelligence, 'it will not be long now before Zelter dies!' The words
+were but too prophetic, for in less than two months from the day on
+which they were spoken Zelter had followed the master he loved so
+well.
+
+Before the latter event happened, however, Mendelssohn had returned to
+London. His affection for the City had now become a settled part of
+his nature. Even amidst the sunshine of Naples, with the glittering
+sea before his eyes, he had longed for London. 'That smoky nest is
+fated to be now and ever my favourite residence,' he writes; 'my heart
+swells when I think of it.' Even with the love he felt for those who
+were awaiting his return to the Berlin home it must have been hard for
+him to tear himself away from London, where his genius and his
+attractive personality found recognition at every turn. Consequently
+it is not surprising that he should have found his way back to his
+'smoky nest' before very long--this time accompanied by his father. It
+was Abraham Mendelssohn's first visit, and it served to bring out more
+clearly than ever the closeness of the bond which united them. Felix
+nursed his father through an illness of three weeks' duration with a
+tenderness and solicitude that called forth a touching tribute from
+the patient. 'I cannot express,' writes Abraham to Leah, 'what he has
+been to me, what a treasure of love, patience, endurance,
+thoughtfulness, and tender care he has lavished on me; and much as I
+owe him indirectly for a thousand kindnesses and attentions from
+others, I owe him far more for what he has done for me himself.'
+
+Two years later Mendelssohn was mourning the loss of this parent,
+whose sudden death had cast a deep gloom over a time when everything
+seemed to promise happily for the young composer. Only a month before
+the sad event Felix had joined the home-party at Berlin, and the house
+had once more assumed the full and complete life of its earlier days.
+The merriment, the joyous laughter were as hearty and resounding as
+they had been of yore, and there the father and mother had sat
+watching the fun--Abraham by this time quite blind, but keenly
+interested in all that was going on. Now the first definite break in
+that happy circle had come, shutting out the past for ever!
+
+The extraordinary fullness which characterised Mendelssohn's life--'he
+lived years whilst others would have lived only weeks,' was the true
+remark of one who knew him well--reminds us of the impracticability of
+giving anything like a complete description of even its chief
+incidents. The stage at which our story has arrived does not, it is
+true, show him at the pinnacle of his fame as a composer, but if we
+entertained any doubts as to his greatness or his popularity at this
+time, we have only to imagine ourselves present at the scene which was
+being enacted on a certain afternoon in May, 1836, in the music-hall
+at Duesseldorf to be assured on both of these points. The long,
+low-pitched room is filled with an excited and enthusiastic audience
+applauding with all their might and main, for the first performance of
+Mendelssohn's oratorio 'St. Paul' has just come to an end. Amidst the
+roars of applause the ladies of the chorus have risen from their
+seats, and, advancing to the spot where Mendelssohn stands bowing his
+acknowledgments to the audience and orchestra, they shower garlands
+upon him, and then to complete the display they place a crown of
+flowers upon the score itself.
+
+Some time before this event the town of Duesseldorf had claimed his
+services as director of music, and a little later Leipzig had followed
+suit--the latter event marking the beginning of a connection fraught
+with results of the highest importance to the musical world, and of
+much happiness to Mendelssohn himself. It was at this period that he
+composed many of those charming part-songs, intended for performance
+in the open air, that have since become such recognised favourites; of
+these we need only recall 'The Hunter's Farewell' and 'The Lark' as
+examples. But the time is marked for us in even clearer notes than
+these, for to this era belong several of his 'Songs without
+Words'--those melodies which have grown into our hearts never, we may
+well believe, to be uprooted. Mendelssohn not only invented the title
+'Lieder ohne Worte,' but also the style of composition itself. Sir
+Julius Benedict remarks that 'at this period mechanical dexterity,
+musical claptraps, skips from one part of the piano to another,
+endless shakes and arpeggios, were the order of the day.' Mendelssohn,
+however, would never sacrifice to the prevailing taste; his desire was
+to 'restore dignity and rank to the instrument,' and he accordingly
+wrote what Sir Julius aptly describes as these 'exquisite little
+musical poems.'
+
+The year of which we are speaking was productive of the deepest
+happiness to Mendelssohn, for it was that of his engagement to Cecile
+Jeanrenaud, the beautiful daughter of a French Protestant clergyman,
+whose acquaintance he had formed whilst on a visit to Frankfort. In
+the following spring they were married, and thus began for both a new
+life replete with happiness. In Cecile Felix found one who, out of her
+loving, gentle nature, could give him the sympathy and support that he
+needed, whilst she in turn received from her husband the fullest
+return that a grateful and sensitive heart, obedient to the promptings
+of a love that never wavered in its steadfastness and devotion, could
+bestow. No home life could have been happier, none more simple in its
+give and take of affection, than that of Mendelssohn and his wife;
+nothing transpired to destroy or even to obscure for a moment the halo
+of romance which surrounded it from the beginning, and which rendered
+it from first to last a marriage of love.
+
+A picture of Mendelssohn at this period of his life shows us a short,
+slightly-built figure, with the dark, Jewish type of face, high
+forehead surmounted by thick, black, wavy hair, and dark brown eyes
+full of fire and animation, which we have already described as
+marking his appearance as a boy. The mouth was delicate and sensitive,
+the corners frequently curved into a smile. The change of expression
+in the eyes when playing, or stirred by any deep emotion, was most
+striking; 'they would dilate and become nearly twice their ordinary
+size, the brown pupil changing to a vivid black.' His lithe, muscular
+frame showed expression in all its movements corresponding with the
+actions of the mind; when he thoroughly agreed with a speaker he
+nodded so vigorously as to bring the black curls down over his face;
+his laughter was ringing and hearty, and merriment found added
+expression in the doubling up of his body and the shaking of his hand.
+His hands were small, with sensitive, tapering fingers, and when
+playing the fingers acted as if endowed with separate life and
+intelligence. There was no effeminacy connected with his lovable
+nature; he was quick to resent meanness or deceit, or wrong-doing of
+any kind. His anger was exceedingly sharp, and his manner of
+expressing contempt an astonishing revelation to those who had failed
+to grasp his character as a whole.
+
+Despite his love of hard work no one more thoroughly enjoyed being
+lazy when there was nothing to do. Sleep was his never-failing
+resource when overtaxed--the power of compelling sound, refreshing
+sleep at the moment when it was most needed was one of the most
+remarkable traits of a temperament distinguished by its astonishing
+activity. Yet it may be taken perhaps as a part of his orderly nature,
+which in everything was governed by method. The completeness with
+which he carried out every detail connected with his work or his
+amusements excites our wonderment; the sense of neatness pervades the
+whole--nothing is wanting. He wrote numberless letters, many of them
+containing descriptions of scenery and incident such as entitle them
+to rank as literary productions--yet there is not the slightest
+evidence of haste or carelessness; even the writing itself is artistic
+in its delicacy and finish. He received countless letters, and he
+preserved them all by pasting them into scrapbooks kept for the
+purpose. The same scrupulous care is observable in the writing of his
+musical manuscripts, and no fewer than forty-four volumes of these
+works, constructed by his own hands, are preserved in the Imperial
+Library at Berlin. His talent for drawing was considerable, and his
+love for the pursuit enabled him to accumulate a large collection of
+finished works, in every one of which is exhibited the same
+painstaking care and accuracy with regard to detail. Finally, we must
+mention his devotion to his family. No more loving father could have
+been found than Mendelssohn was to his children; he entered into their
+games and lessons with the same eager desire to add to their
+enjoyment, or to ease their labours, as he displayed towards the
+greater world outside his home.
+
+We must now hasten to record an event which was destined to stamp
+Mendelssohn's career with undying fame--the completion of his oratorio
+'Elijah.' This, his greatest work, owed its inspiration to a short
+passage in the book he reverenced most of all. One day his friend
+Hiller found him deep in the Bible. 'Listen,' he said, and then he
+read in a gentle, agitated voice the passage from the First Book of
+Kings, beginning with the words, 'And behold, the Lord passed by.'
+'Would not that be splendid for an oratorio!' he exclaimed; and from
+that moment the idea began to grow in his mind. And as it grew he saw
+it in a clearer, brighter light, until, when the spring of 1846
+arrived, the work was all but completed. In a letter to Jenny Lind,
+the famous singer and his intimate friend, he writes: 'I am jumping
+about my room for joy! If it only turns out half as good as I fancy it
+is how pleased I shall be!'
+
+    [Illustration: '"_Would not that be splendid for an
+    oratorio!_"']
+
+The years intervening between the inception of this great work and its
+completion had brought no little anxiety and strain connected with his
+arduous labours, and they had brought one deep sorrow, the loss of his
+mother, whose death had been as sudden and unexpected as that of the
+father. Honours had been bestowed upon him by royal hands--the King of
+Prussia had personally conveyed to him his wishes that he should
+assume the directorship of music in Berlin, and when Mendelssohn found
+himself unable to retain the position he had begged him to reconsider
+his decision; the King of Saxony had made him Capellmeister to his
+Court; and last, but not least, he had received at the hands of Queen
+Victoria and Prince Albert such marks of personal regard and esteem as
+must have served to endear him more than ever to the country which had
+been foremost in recognising the greatness of his genius.
+
+Those years, too, had witnessed the fruits of his unceasing labours
+for the advancement of his art in those centres over which his
+personal influence extended. Leipzig under him had become a musical
+centre to which young students and composers flocked, in order to
+obtain his opinion and guidance in respect to their work, or even, in
+many cases, to place themselves for a time where his methods could be
+studied and his personality enjoyed at the same time. Amongst others
+came William Sterndale Bennett, filled with enthusiasm, to profit by
+his advice, and to find in the master a kind and generous friend. Nor
+should we omit to mention, amongst the numerous offshoots of his
+labours, the foundation of the Conservatorium of Music at Leipzig, a
+scheme entirely due to his initiative, and which under his fostering
+care developed into one of the first academies of the day. Lastly,
+amidst the whirl of work he found time to carry out a project which he
+had for long cherished--the erection, at the threshold of the Thomas
+School at Leipzig, of a monument to the memory of Sebastian Bach.
+
+On the morning of Wednesday, August 26, 1846, the Town Hall of
+Birmingham presented a scene of unusual animation. A huge crowd was
+entering its doors and taking possession of the phalanx of chairs
+occupying the floor of the building. In the gallery every seat had
+been taken an hour earlier, and very soon every eye was directed
+towards the conductor's desk in expectation of Mendelssohn's
+appearance. Eager anticipation was in the air, for this day was to
+witness the first performance of 'Elijah' under the baton of the
+composer, who had thus elected to submit his greatest work to the
+judgment of an English audience.
+
+'At half-past eleven o'clock,' wrote one who was present on the
+occasion, 'a deafening shout from the band and chorus announced the
+approach of the great composer. The reception he met with on stepping
+into his place from the assembled thousands was absolutely
+overwhelming, whilst the sun, emerging at that moment, seemed to
+illumine the vast edifice in honour of the bright and pure being who
+stood there, the idol of all beholders.' The applause which broke
+forth at the end of the first part gave a sufficient indication of the
+impression which the audience had formed of the work, and at the
+conclusion the enthusiasm was such that the entire assembly rose to
+their feet, and shouted and waved for several minutes.
+
+It was over, and Mendelssohn's gratification at his reception was
+expressed in the letter which he wrote to his brother Paul the same
+evening: 'No work of mine ever went so admirably at the first
+performance, or was received with such enthusiasm both by musicians
+and the public as this.... I almost doubt if I can ever hear one like
+it again.'
+
+In April of the following year four performances of the 'Elijah' took
+place at Exeter Hall under his conductorship, the Queen and Prince
+Albert gracing the second performance with their presence. This was
+destined to be his last visit to these shores, and when he departed,
+after fulfilling a round of engagements which tried his strength to
+its uttermost limits, it was with the haunting shadow of coming
+illness. Scarcely had he rejoined his family at Frankfort than a
+messenger brought the sad intelligence that his sister Fanny had died
+suddenly at Berlin; the news was broken to him all too suddenly, and
+with a loud shriek he fell to the ground in a swoon.
+
+From that moment his spirits failed him; there was no rebound from the
+deep depression into which he had fallen--only occasional flickerings
+of his former self showed that the struggle to assert his will-power
+over an ever-increasing loss of physical strength was still going on.
+There were moments, indeed, when it seemed to himself, if not to those
+who watched him with growing anxiety, that he was regaining his old
+buoyancy--the old craving for work which nothing seemed to have the
+power to destroy. But though compositions still came from his pen,
+though he had not yet given up hope in himself--'You shall have plenty
+of music from me; I will give you no cause to complain,' he had
+remarked to an English publisher shortly before this time--it was
+plain to those nearest to him that the inexorable finger of death was
+pointing the way to the Valley of Shadows.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The streets of Leipzig were flooded with sunshine, though November had
+just entered upon its course, and though the approach of winter was
+apparent in the crispness of the air. Yet a cloud overhung the town
+which no degree of atmospheric brightness could dispel--a cloud of
+sorrow which took its birth from the placards affixed to the street
+corners, and spread its shadow over street after street, from one knot
+of inquirers to another, until the brief announcement which those
+placards conveyed became the common news, the common sorrow, of all.
+Mendelssohn was dead. On the evening of the previous day (November 4,
+1847) the master whose bright, genial spirit had endeared him to so
+many hearts beyond the confines of his own circle, had passed to his
+rest. The blow had fallen with terrible swiftness, and we who love
+his music can only faintly realise how keenly those who knew and loved
+him, and who had come within the influence of his happy nature, must
+have felt the sudden break in that continuous flow of harmony which
+his life presented. Sweet as summer wind across the garden, wafting
+scents of choicest flowers, his life had passed over like a breath of
+heaven.
+
+Without doubt his was a beautiful life--one of which, as it has been
+truly said, 'there is nothing to tell that is not honourable to his
+memory, and profitable to all men.' We cannot separate--we can have no
+wish to separate--such a life from the genius which enriched it,
+because the noble ideals which governed it throughout were embodied
+and expressed in the creations of that genius, as well as in his
+private conduct; rather should we be content to accept his life as it
+stands--in actions, deeds, and works--as a priceless gift, an
+indivisible whole.
+
+Mendelssohn's funeral was a very imposing one. The first portion of
+the ceremonies was performed at Leipzig, and was attended by crowds of
+musicians and students--one of the latter bearing on a cushion the
+silver crown presented to the composer by his pupils, side by side
+with the Order 'Pour le Merite' conferred upon him by the King of
+Prussia. As the long procession went on its way to the Pauliner Church
+the band played the 'Song without Words' in E minor, and at the close
+of the service the final chorus from Bach's 'Passion' was sung by the
+choir. At night the body was conveyed to Berlin for interment in the
+family burial-place in the Alte Dreifaltigkeits Kirch-hof. His
+resting-place, marked by a cross, is beside that of his sister Fanny,
+whilst on the other side of him rests his boy Felix, who died four
+years later.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[29] Sir G. Macfarren.
+
+[30] No. 103, but since renumbered 79.
+
+
+
+
+MENDELSSOHN'S PRINCIPAL COMPOSITIONS
+
+OPERAS, ETC.:
+    Die beiden Neffen. 1822.
+    The Wedding of Camacho, Op. 10. 1825.
+    The First Walpurgis Night, Op. 60. 1831-32.
+    Son and Stranger (Heimkehr), Op. 89. 1829.
+    Antigone, Op. 55. 1841.
+    Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61. 1843.
+    Athalie, Op. 74. 1843-45.
+    Oedipus in Colonos, Op. 93. 1845.
+    Loreley (unfinished), Op. 98. 1847.
+ORATORIOS, ETC.:
+    St. Paul, Op. 36. 1836.
+    Hymn of Praise (Lobgesang), Op. 52. 1840.
+    Elijah, Op. 70. 1846.
+    Lauda Sion, Op. 73. 1846.
+    Christus (unfinished), Op. 97. 1847.
+PSALMS, with orchestral accompaniment:
+    Ps. 115, Not unto us, Op. 31. 1830
+    Ps. 42, As the Hart pants, Op. 42. 1837.
+    Ps. 95, O come, let us sing, Op. 46. 1839.
+    Ps. 114, When Israel out of Egypt came, Op. 51. 1839.
+    Ps. 13, Lord, how long? Op. 96. 1840-43.
+    Ps. 98, Sing to the Lord, Op. 91. 1843.
+Hear my Prayer. 1844.
+Hymns of Praise (Festgesang). 1840.
+Festgesang: To the Sons of Art, Op. 68. 1846.
+Te Deum in A. 1846.
+Jubilate, Magnificat, and Nunc Dimittis, Op. 69. 1847.
+3 Motets for female voices and organ, Op. 39. 1830.
+3 Psalms, unaccompanied, Op. 78 (Pss. 2, 43, and 22), 1844.
+6 short Anthems for 8-part chorus, Op. 79.
+18 Part-songs for male voices.
+28 Part-songs for mixed voices.
+4 SYMPHONIES:
+    C minor, Op. 11. 1824.
+    D minor, The Reformation, Op. 107. 1830.
+    A, The Italian, Op. 90. 1833.
+    A minor, The Scotch, Op. 56. 1842.
+7 OVERTURES:
+    Midsummer Night's Dream, in E, Op. 21. 1826.
+    Military Band (Harmonie-musik) in C, Op. 24. 1824.
+    Fingal's Cave, or Hebrides, in B minor, Op. 26. 1830
+    Meerestille, in D, Op. 27. 1828.
+    Melusine, in F, Op. 32. 1833.
+    Ruy Blas, in C minor, Op. 95. 1839.
+    The Trumpet, in C, Op. 101. 1825.
+2 MARCHES FOR ORCHESTRA:
+    Funeral March, in A minor, Op. 103. 1836.
+    Cornelius, in D, Op. 108. 1841.
+Octet in E-flat, Op. 20. 1825.
+2 QUINTETS FOR STRINGS:
+    Op. 18, in A. 1831.
+    Op. 87, in B-flat. 1845.
+6 QUARTETS FOR STRINGS:
+    Op. 12, in E-flat. 1829.
+    Op. 13, in A. 1827.
+    Op. 44, Nos. 1, 2, and 3, in D, E minor, and E-flat 1837-38.
+    Op. 80, in F minor. 1847.
+Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64. 1844.
+2 PIANOFORTE CONCERTOS:
+    Op. 25, in G minor. 1832.
+    Op. 40, in D minor. 1837.
+Sextet for pianoforte and strings, in D, Op. 110. 1824.
+3 QUARTETS FOR PIANOFORTE AND STRINGS:
+    Op. 1, in C minor. 1822.
+    Op. 2, in F minor. 1823.
+    Op. 3, in B minor. 1824-25.
+2 TRIOS FOR PIANOFORTE AND STRINGS:
+    Op. 49, in D minor, 1839.
+    Op. 66, in C minor, 1845.
+Sonata for pianoforte and violin, in F minor, Op. 4. 1823.
+2 SONATAS FOR PIANOFORTE AND VIOLONCELLO:
+    Op. 45, in B-flat. 1838.
+    Op. 58, in D. 1843.
+3 SONATAS FOR PIANOFORTE SOLO:
+    Op. 6, in E. 1826.
+    Op. 105, in G minor. 1820-21.
+    Op. 106, in B-flat. 1827.
+8 BOOKS OF SONGS WITHOUT WORDS (Lieder ohne Worte), (each
+  book containing 6 pieces):
+    Op. 19b. Pub. 1832.
+    Op. 30.   "   1835.
+    Op. 38.   "   1837.
+    Op. 53.   "   1841.
+    Op. 62.   "   1844.
+    Op. 67.   "   1845.
+    Op. 85.   "   1850.
+    Op. 102.  "   1868.
+3 Fantasias for pianoforte (Andante and Allegro, Capriccio, and
+  Rivulet), Op, 16. 1829.
+17 Variations Serieuses, Op. 54. 1841.
+3 Preludes and Fugues for organ, Op. 37. 1837.
+6 Sonatas for organ, Op. 65. 1844-45.
+Soprano Aria, Infelice, Op. 94. 1834.
+76 Songs.
+
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+WELLS GARDNER, DARTON AND CO., LTD., LONDON
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    +--------------------------------------------------------------+
+    | Typographical errors corrected in text:                      |
+    |                                                              |
+    | Page  75: Handell replaced with Handel                       |
+    | Page  80: grandenr replaced with grandeur                    |
+    | Page 138: Buckinghad replaced with Buckingham                |
+    | Page 263: roof sof replaced with roofs of                    |
+    | Page 299: 'Die Schone Muellerin' replaced with                |
+    | 'Die Schoene Muellerin'
+    |                                                              |
+    +--------------------------------------------------------------+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Story-Lives of Great Musicians, by
+Francis Jameson Rowbotham
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STORY-LIVES OF GREAT MUSICIANS ***
+
+***** This file should be named 19748.txt or 19748.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        http://www.gutenberg.org/1/9/7/4/19748/
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Jeannie Howse and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+http://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+http://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at http://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit http://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.