The Life of Ethelbert Nevin'

TH E LIFE O F ETHELBERT NEV IN'

FROM HI S LETTERS AND H I S WI FE ’ S M E M O R I E S

BY VANCE THOMPSON

— CO . . O BOSTON , MASS THE BOST N MUSIC MCMXIII o rl ht 1 9 1 3 b C py g , , y

TH E BOSTON MUSIC CO ,

For a ll Coun tries

A ll r ights of tr a n s la tion r eserved

B . M . 00 . 371 2

‘

I l T v O NE? UP f Milifte d Th e M usic ofEth elbert Nev in

od sa id : mad e th e ou l of thi m an G I s s , I wo v e it su btilely

O th e fire tha t h on e a n d th e win d th a t ra n f s , ,

An h h d t e rhyt m of th e sea .

Dea r G od ! th e in d an th e ﬂa me a r e li ht w d g , Th ey wan ton it th rough spa ce ;

But the sea lie m oan in d a a n d n i ht s g y g ,

For th e l r g o y of Thy fa ce . Va nce Thomp son

C O N T E N T S PAG E

PRE FACE

CHAPTERS

PP I . A LE BLOSSOMS

II . THE MILK MAI D

S III . ERENAD E

. SAT WIT IS E S P D M AI N IV I H DO R , TH HE HER D E

’ ’ L W V . EHN D EINE AN G

V K I. THE S ETC H BOOK

ER VII . H BSTGEF UH L

VIII . NARCISS U S

O PU IX . S 1 7

X . IN A RCADY

M LODY XI . E

XII . MAGGIO IN TOSCANA

V W V O G . Y YW C I STM AS T NI T XIII E ER HERE , E ER HERE , HR H

D A Y XIV . A IN VENI CE

O Y XV . THE R SAR

U XVI . THE Q EST

. JE JE M IS XVII SU, SU ERERE

NOTES

LIST OF COMPOSITIONS

MUSIC

P R E F A C E

H IS l e o Ethel er t Nev n is a lm s t a n a u t r a h if f b i o obiog p y ,

In a wa y it is he himself who tells the s tory of his life. The ma ter ia l ou t of which it is ma d e ha d long been g a th

Thr u h ma n a rs his w e c llected ever thin tha t er ed . o g y ye if o y g bor e the ma r k of his thu mb -p r in t a n d the sea l of his p erson a lity : his

ia r m his ir s t ch ld sh n te d ries of the boy a n d the ma n ; his letters f o f i i o ,

to his m ther to th las t r a a n d ea u t ul letter wr tten to his own o , e g ve b if i son ; his musica l ma n uscr ip ts fr om thep en cilled scores of his ﬁr s t com

sit n s to the ma n uscr t the master ece le t u n n shed on his d esk p o io ip of p i f ﬁ i , “ ” n d a h i whe e t s tepp ed ta citly a n d took h m. — A ll this a n d a g r ea t d ea l mor e letters fr omfr ien d s a n d app r eci

a tion s fr om con temp or a r ies wer e d u ly set in or d er . ’ l n A n d Ethelber t Nevin s M y work has a rg ely been tha t ofs electio . if l i min str a n e sweet er s n a lit i n t m r r r ed in th s k the a u t s e. g , p o y s o i o i boo f Clea r ly en oug h it shon e in his fr an k a n d in tima te letter s a n d in his

se - r evea lin d ia r It ha s been m u r se to let Ethel er t Nev n lf g ies . y p p o b i

himsel r ela te the d a l in c d en ts o his l e the tr en d o his s tu d ies his f i y i f if , f ,

wa o liv n the mea n s wh r e he a tta in ed his em n en ce a n d won his y f i g , e by i

a me in the w r ld an d to tell w tha l wha t he th u ht o his own com f o ; , i , o g f

t n p osi io s . ‘ — Wha t cr t ca l a r ecia t n s th r a r e in the k a r e s a ve a ew i i pp io e e boo , f hr a ses her e a n d ther e th se o the wr ter s who s tud ed ea ch ea r p o f i i , y

n w hi k l M a n o th m ha a e s w r s a s the w r n to his u c. e ve , o y e e g ive p b i y f ’ been ta ken fr om R up er t H ug hes ma ster ly history of Con temp o ” r a ry A mer ica n Comp oser s , fr om the wr iting s of Philip H a le a n d

A n d a r a t u l a kn l m n t h u ld b a i others . g ef c ow ed g e s o e p id to M ss Willa Ca ther the a u th r o a n a r t cle in e in its n si ht a n d ea ' u i , o f i , f i g , q “ ” l wr tt n wh site e ch a ea r d in th C u r er . y i , i pp e e o i Non e of the music in this volume has been her etofor e p ublished ; it

n clud es s me o his ea r liest c m siti n s wh ch a r e o eculia r in i o f o p o o , i f p ter est to the s tu d en t o his meth d a n d r m a n d s me o his la tes t f o fo ; o f , the n e wer o his ﬁ ﬂo f p erfected g en ius .

Ethel er t Nev n wa s v - t- n in he ht sli htl u lt o a b i ﬁ efoo seve ig , g y b i , f

[ 7 m ] a m n t in him m r e tha n in a n ther l e seemed to n er vous temp er e ; , o y o , if

n H ha d in t ma cies a s ou shall s ee in these a es be a d ivin e vib r a tio . e i y p g

H is d a rk r wn ha r wa s ea rl sh t w th with other wor ld s tha n this . b o i y o i

l H i ha n l H i s wer e ver ue. s d H is a ce wa s l n a n d a e. s e e s g r ay . f o g p y y b — n m l n slim white a n d r estless the ha n d o Ch . S o ou a wer e o g , , f op i y y

im: a lim ten se sh ur e with m d s o a et an d m d s see h s , , boyi ﬁg oo f g i y oo tha t seemed to shroud him in g r ay silen ce; bu t thr oug h ea ch mood shon e — the sweetn ess of soul the sing ula r p u r ity of thoug ht an d of love ’ h A n d he was a lwa s a ch ld — a child which is the child s er itag e. y i of

n u bu t a ch ld his was the ma ca l w r ld o eter n al u th wher e g e i s , i ; g i o f yo Th is u t tr u th u h r l w rs a n d r d s a n d d rea ms . s e e he ther e a efo e bi i q i , o g ’ ha d a lso mor e tha n a little of the a r tist s s a lu ta ry eg otism; when he ha d

m l t d a w r k he w u ld er m t n o on e how h h s ever in a u th r t co p e e o o p i ig o o i y ,

n i to touch or cha g e t. t w ld H e d ied a r u tl in the ull ush i H e wa s n ever o g r o o . b p y f fl ofh s un l r w th mu ch d n e with much it ma be u n d n e bu t I d o yo g g o y , i o , , y , o ;

' n ot thin k he is to be p la ced with the you ng K ea ts whose life was a n l ll n n t n s M r e n ea r is his kin sh a li S tr eet of U fu ﬁ ed I te io . o ip if ter a ry c m a r s n is n ecess a r to Poe who d in le t a n ished w rk com o p i o y ) , , y g , f ﬁ o ,

lete d e n te w r ld - r ea chin th u h it was in d eed n ot a ll o wha t p , ﬁ i , o g ; o g f

a him a m li h l y in to cco p s . ’ There was a p erfect u n ity between Nevin s life a n d his thoug ht; his mus ic wa s a n essen tia l exp r ession of his livin g a n d of his loving . Per hap s it is n ot beyon d belief tha t or d in a ry lives a re left to veg eta te or p er ish a s they will; while the hig her a n d more p a ssion a te s ouls a re lin ked to a n in vin cible fa ta lity which summons them a t the app oin ted

u To ou an d t m the r mis n ma m u n u ll - ho r . y o e i sio y see f lﬁ ed their

w rk n ot wh ll d n e bu t the H i her / isd om all to them a n h o o y o ; g lV c s , d t ey e in ha d i h g o. N v g ven is mess ag e of love a n d asp ir a tion to the wor ld ; he m ht have r e ea ted it in s tr n r n h a a l ig p o g e to es; t a t w s l.

Of ever y ma n thoug h love is loth to believe it on e ma y say : he d us t a t the i d ie j r g ht time.

E T H E L B E R T N E V I N

I WA S TAUGHT IN PARAD ISE TO EA E M Y EAR OF E D E S H T M LO I S .

John Kea ts WH O D EEBIETH SBIA LL A RE E EA H I A E THINGS B N TH S ST T , BE TOO A FOR W A IS R Y REA WILL SM LL H T T UL G T .

Ja mes Ru ssell Lowell

’ F oun d on Nev in s d es k after his d ea th C H A P T E R O N E

APPLE BLOSSOMS

C H A P T E R O N E

APPLE BLOSSOMS

TH ELBERT WOO D BRIDGE NEVIN was born at eight ’ the e e e e 25th 1 862 at V in eacre o clock in v ning , Nov mb r , , , ’ r his father s country place near Pittsbu g .

The e i tt t t N vin family s of Sco ish origin , hough an impor

an t branch of the family was long s ettled in Munster .

e e the e t of the e the e Dani l N vin , anc s or N vins of Cumb rland Val le We te e w as New t 28th y and s rn P nnsylvania, born in York , Augus ,

H e e t out o the 1 44 . t C e e e 7 w n umb rland Vall y wh n a young man , ’ e on e e e he m et and settl d H rron s Branch in Franklin County . Th r th e W e wh o e t th e th e t widow of illiam R ynolds , k p inn on S rasburg

H e re h er for e t e t e e. road . mar i d , and y ars his waysid inn was h ir hom

The e et w as u hte of h r wif , Elizab h , a da g r Jo n and Ma y (Davison) 1 04 w as W t e e t . W illiamson ; no abl anc s ors John illiamson , born in 7 ,

t e t in but t th m e e t a clo h m rchan Dublin , a Sco wi al , clai ing d sc n from

te of W W H e e t to the e e a Sis r illiam allace. w n Cumb rland Vall y in

1 31 r e W te of e e 7 , and mar i d Mary ( ilson) Davison , a daugh r G org n w ho The had t Daviso had come from Ulster in 1 7 1 7 . family posi ion ” t e an d the el e on W t e ca and cul ur ; d r s , Hugh illiamson , ook a wid ee the e th e H e te at the C e e of r r in lif of young nation . gradua d oll g

e for t ee e w as t e t of e bu t re P nnsylvania and hr y ars a s ud n Th ology ,

e to be e H e t e e e at fus d ordain d into th e ministry . s udi d m dicin Edin burgh and Utrecht ; h e w as sent by the Colonial government to ob serve the transits ofM ercury and Venus in 1 7 69 ; four years later he

n the r t e e t of th e e was in Londo , warning B i ish gov rnm n imp nding

e e t to r t t H is Am rican R volu ion , announcing Lo d Dar mou h and Maj ’ est s t t it y Privy Council ha was inevitable.

W e h e e f r m th e hil in England , procur d o B enj a in Franklin famous ” t ette H e h t e t Con Hu chinson L rs . was a member of t e Con in n al

e the t r e t gr ss , au ho of many sci n iﬁc and philosophical works and a [ 5 ] C H A P T E R O N E

H member o fmany of th e learned societies ofEurope and America . e

ew r 1 It his ter th e the e N 1 . di d in Yo k , in 8 9 was only Sis widow of — e w h waysid inn o married Daniel Nevin .

h e at t t n ew t T inn , ha time and in that coun ry , was a civic and

e t re e t t t e t e e ret n social c n re. P sid n Washing on s opp d h r on his ur from ” e Western Pennsylvania at the time of the Whiskey Riots . Dani l

e e e e for e ri N vin , hims lf, was a soldier , having s rv d four y ars , as a p ’ te t e r of e va , in Cap ain Jos ph Brady s ma ching company Colon l ’ H e e 1 8 1 3 te s u c e er tt e e t . Fr d ick Wa s r gim n di d in , af r a long and

l v oft e tt e ﬁ e tw o e e . cessfu life . Of his e childr n w r sons Each h m a ain d

The e e e w a r te t tee of e e e . s min nc ld r, John N vin , a g adua and rus “ ” Dickinson College and on e of the earli est abolitionists in th e

The e e er t . coun ry young r son , Maj or David N vin , was a soldi and politician .

' e rrie 1 802 rt M cCracken te John N vin ma d in Ma ha , daugh r of

racken e e t William and Elizabeth (Finley) M cC . Th y had igh chil

r The ﬁve e e m en o f e e t e —t e d en . sons w r all inﬂu nc in h ir day h y

of r r The e e t e e t t e e m en e ff . w r au hors , h ologians , prof ssors , la g a ai s ld s ,

W e —of e th t he Dr . John illiamson N vin whom Dolling r said a and — Channing were th e only theologians America had produced was th e “ ” author o f Biblical Antiquities and of many controversial books o r te t A the au n P o s antism that excited interest the world over . S “ ” “ ” thor of The Spirit World and The Inspiration of the Bible

e In e t er o n his plac r ligious li ature IS an abiding e . ’ The e e W c racken e s cond of John N vin 5 sons was illiam M C N vin , professor o f ancient languages and belles lettres in Marshall and

r e e h t e e et . T e F anklin Coll g , and a po hird son , Dani l , was a cl rgy

t r te er th e r t t ofthe e ter n man , au ho and ach , ﬁ s pas or Pr sby ia Church

e e Th e . t e e e e in S wickl y four h son , Th odor Hugh N vin , was a bank r

e t e tt er r e t the e ter and l ading ci iz n of Pi sburg , v y p omin n in Pr sby ian

r chu ch .

The t e r ee e e e t ﬁf h son ofJohn N vin was Robe t P bl s N vin , whos ﬁf h

t e e t r e e th e e . child was E h lb r Woodbridg N vin , compos

C H A P T E R O N E

r the ee tte of th e Ame ican War, words having b n wri n in honor

r who e the ar S ewickley soldie s f ll in Civil W . ’ t e e t e ert e n e e e On his mo h r s Sid , E h lb N vi was d sc nd d from an an

tt the t of on e of — cient Sco ish family , Oliphan s Gash , whom Sir — William Oliphant of A bergeld ie married the daughter of Robert

of r H e r 1 2 1 t e to e . B uce . In 7 Duncan Oliphan Gash cam Am ica

e e t te re e e New purchas d an s a of four hund d acr s in Amw ll Township ,

e e . e s on e th e t t Pen n s l J rs y His s cond , John , cross d moun ains in o y ’ th so n e he re e t at 1 49 . vania in 7 Wi his , Andr w , was p s n Braddock s

e t 55 ter the e t e t e t te d fea in 1 7 . Af R volu ion , Andr w bough an s a in

w o e e t ette t . t Fay Coun y His sons , Colon l John and Andr w Oliphan ,

e e he t ter of e in 6 w r t ﬁrs iron mas s P nnsylvania , building 1 7 9 the ’ e t e e e th v Sylvan Forges . Colon l John Oliphan marri d a n ic of e R e

ran d au hter et eren d e W e . Samu l oodbridg His g g , Elizab h Duncan ,

th e t e of t e e ert e . married Robert P . N vin and was mo h r E h lb N vin

h On t e t e e t e t e e t to t T us , bo h Sid s , E h lb r N vin rac d his anc s ry Sco — tish sources the blood o f Bruce and Wallace m et in his veins t t e e t t e r e t t t of hough h r was , hrough mul ipl ma riag s , a dis inc s rain

t e t e e e t it Irish blood . This s rong K l ic l m n was in his blood , as was in his temperament and in his music .

t h r e r H e E h elbert was t e ﬁfth bo n in a family of ight child en . was ’ e te t e e t e t e ert t who nam d af r his mo h r s young r bro h r, E h lb Oliphan ,

e h f w e e the r t e tt e e e t . di d on ba l ﬁ ld , a mon hs b for child was bo n This

e ; he tragic death had been a great Shock to Mrs . N vin S lay in a dim chamber and h er only consolation was music played softly in an

ter W e tt e th e t e tt e t ou room . know so li l of vi al forc s so li l of an e — natal inﬂu en ces that it is difﬁcult to estimate what effect those

t e te e m a e mon hs of sadn ss , ligh n d only by music , y hav had upon th e tt e o b e r e r li l son who was t bo n to h er . Eth lbe t was like few

t e e e few t er m en h o h r childr n , lik o h . Into t e very t exture of his life — — into th e d elicate ﬁbre of it music was woven ; and a sadness t t ee e to b e e e ere r t e t ert r re ha s m d r m mb d a h r han known . C ainly a ly between moth er and son have th e p re- natal ti es persisted s o in A P P L E B L O S S O M S

t it be t t e w as tensely . More truly than of mos sons may said ha his lif

— H e t t of h er a prolongation an adumbration of h ers . hough always ;

e e e er - te tt e h e lived in h er ; th ey - w r n v dis associa d ; and only by a li l

H er while did he survive h er death . loss made him oth er than h e was . His moth er was h ers elf a musician of long training and Wide culture .

It h er th e t r was for , ﬁrs g and piano ever seen in Western Pennsylvania was cart ed across th e Alleghany Mountains ; this was in th e days of h r e young girlhood . And from ’ Ethelbert s babyhood her moth er

e w as e re e lov xp ss d in music . ‘ Th e old home at V in eacre with its h e t t e its ’ big ar hs on and kindly ETHELBERT S M OTH ER AND SISTER W e tere so roof, hich Sh l d many chil

re so t t t on e of the t in d n and many ar is ic aspira ions , was dominan ’ ﬂuen ces t e er e in E h lb t s lif . “ th e e e tee e r tt is Down Ohio riv r , som ﬁf n mil s f om Pi sburg , “ e rt t e e th e ee r te et t . Edg wo h , w o a sympa h ic visi or Th r on gr n

e t t r e r t r th e er V in eacre th e old wood d hills ha is ab up ly f om riv , is , mansion where Eth elbert N evin was born and wh ere h e spent his

it t e e boyhood ; a happy , happy boyhood was , for h r was music in ’ th e e . the t ee the e t the riv r and in r s , and music in boy s h ar ; and

ere e t ere t er th e w as woods w full of his singing , f a h d bro h s , and world ‘ ’ e to e I t e e h e te e e e a good plac liv in . t was h r wro his S r nad and ’ ‘ t We Tw o r O , Tha Were Maying and Do is in such surroundings ’ ’ r t n ow th e r Na cissus was born , hat melody as familiar as wo ld s

e t t t e e f to e e r e er old s classics , ha v ry one o us seems hav h a d som summ

the e w e e e t e t it day in ﬁ lds and woods wh en e w r childr n , and h n los

t t on it o again , un il his boy th e banks of th e Ohio brought back t us

r r f om A cady . C H A P T E R O N E

But to V in eacre It back . is a big , old rambling house that has been frequently added to and rebuilt t o conform to th e taste of it s

t . . e r the m en e e t t occupan s Mr N vin has four b o rs , all of d cid d as es ,

t e e h e t e t to t t e th e and h y ach av apar m n s sui h ir hobbi es . In centre the e is th e th of hous library, e big room lined with books from ﬂoor ’ to e e e e t e t e e t t t e t c iling , wh r Rob r N vin, E h lb r s fa h er, s ud n and man ” of etter t e his t l s , s ill Sp nds ranquil days in study .

VINEA CRE

’ e r t r tte r e e t e ert e t bu t This d sc ip ion was w i n sho tly b for E h lb s d a h , th Th e e V in ea cre it d escribes was th e V in eacre h e knew all his life .

e l t ere r e e e ere . hom if h was g acious . Th was always music Th r was

t t re ere ere re always alk of books and pic u s . Th w always child n play h t e e tr . ing in old , rambling hous , and oops of cousins and kin In a

e r r tte for the re t te r e h e i at m moi , w i n mo in ima f i nds of t fam ly , a A P P L E B L O S S O M S

t e e th e e t e e w on e the im wh n E lb r N vin had alr ady his fam in world , his moth er said

t t of t e e e His babyhood was ha all o h rs , only specially d ar to his

A S he e e h e e W n e t . e e e ﬁ d par n s gr w old r, b cam a insom , lovabl child ,

e the e t of his e t e of e ing a plac in h ar s all r la iv s , many whom liv d

H e e to be ett n ot e t e . b n ar him gr w a pr y child , b au iful ; u t his lovely brown curly locks and his expressive blue

e e H i e d e ey s were his chi f charms . s nurs was

t to It h e wh o t t vo ed him . was S augh him

t Sh e t th e te t e his ﬁrs songs . ook grea s pl asure

re e t t e in d ssing him in his b s clo h s and , con

cealin e e e ree g h rs lfb hind a door or sc n , would

t t t er e t s ar him in o a room , p haps full of gu s s , and insist upon his showing offhis charms and

h e e t s t t . accomplishm n s , which had augh him

' H is ﬁrst on e t t ee n ow to E HE E H S song was , ha s ms T LB RT AND I

e ee t t n o e NURSE hav b n los Sigh of, as I can ﬁnd r cord It t of it whatever ; but it was taught by this nurse . ran his way and w as a very much mixed up piece of music

‘ ’ IV ow M ses d n t t u ch it o , o o ; ’ Now M ses u ll ca tch it o , yo ; ’ ’ Now M s s d n t ou h a r wha t I a ? o e , o y e s y

H is rendering of it was very funny and v ery taking and for a lon g

e h w a t e t e h e tim e s con inually call d upon t o Sing tha song . Th n learned oth er songs and would dance away whil e Singing them with — th e greatest abandonment receiving enough applause to turn even ’ a tiny child s head . “ he th e e of ou r C War or t e As was born during progr ss ivil , ra h r ‘ ’ e th e e it th e r e r n ar clos of , war songs , Marching Th ough G o gia ,

e t th e t er e e e T n ing on Old Camp Ground , and o h s , w r v ry popular,

h e e r e to e ree old A t the all of which l a n d Sing wh n about th years .

e ﬁv e h e Sit th e t ow n e ag of , would on piano s ool and play his a com C H A P T E R O N E

e at t a e p animen ts to th ese songs . Ev n his g his soul s eemed to be H e d see tt e e th . e t ﬁll d wi music woul his cousins , a li l old r han him

e t rt off t o t e e h e s lf, s a ing h ir music l ssons and , in his childish way , e u t it er t t off would roll up som music , p und his arm and s ar , too . ‘ e to e e he he e : When question d as wh r was going would answ r Oh , ’ I must go and take my music l essons . When a very small Child

ﬁv e e r th e t e e t t e e e of y a s , and nigh b for Chris mas , his fa h r cam hom

- H e t th e on hi with a mus1 c box in his pocket . ook boy s knee and

th e t e Now began telling him a story of Holy im . and th en to make th e story more effective his father would p ut his hand in his pocket

- box Th e a nd touch the Spring of the music . child ﬁrmly believed

h e th e e e e e t that t e music cam from ang ls in H av n , and his xci ement

I t e e e h e ou t th over it was intense . t was a long im b for found e ruse e e h e me that had been played upon him . Th n wh n ca along to the

a e e e e t e e e e er t it g of s v n , igh and nin , wh n I suppos v y boy hinks

t to e tte t to e h e t e er his du y pay som a n ion bas ball , ri d v y hard to

O ne like the game and be interested in it . day when his elder brothers and some friends were organizing a game he came rushing

to the e e te ee ﬂ e e in his fa r, v ry much xci d , his ch ks ush d and his yes

t e t t the e te t e t he dancing wi h d ligh , and wi h gr a s n husiasm shouted ‘ ’ ‘ ’ e e te to the m e ! t e Oh , papa, I am l c d ball ga Why, said his fa h r, ‘ ’ ’ t are ou e e te to the e ? e e te to wha y l c d do in ball gam Oh , I m l c d ’ b te - r h r e e t t to be e re t e e e e . H e wa r car i r, pli d f l his a v ry g a honor

h e e t e e ferre i indeed . I must admit it was t high s v r con d upon h m in

t t e fte h e ee e te at e ha prof ssion . O n av I b n s a d a window which ov r

e a ere the re e h e t te look d yard wh child n play d , and , wi h his playma s ,

t rt e e e t e t t would s a a gam of ball . Whil playing appar n ly gr a ly in er

ested t e e e te e e t he t , wi h a sudd n and un xp c d mov m n , would hrow

bat the r t th e e to the his on g ound and rush in o hous and piano .

te t e t e e t e e o n e Af r having no ic d his s v ral im s , I ask d him day why ‘ he t e t t of et did tha . B cause I j ust hough som hing I wanted to ’ ’ h e r e r e . H e e e ee e to e rt play , pli d n v r s m d ca for boys Spo s and

H e re e e the o f r r gam es . p f rr d society his gi l cousins who we e older

C H A P T E R O N E

r e Oftim es t e e than h e and their young gi l fri nds . h s cousins would take him away from his home and keep him a whol e day at a time ‘ saying when they returned him : We have j ust had lots of fun with ’ him .

r er e r e t e r h e e th e t e F om his v y a li s y a s show d mos lovabl , sy m

et t e e t re b ut th e t er s e path ic , nd r na u , alas , mos n vou t mperament

e e e he e t possible t o imagine . Wh n v r could b s ow a favor or a deli

te tte t e t e or r e or t e he e ca a n ion upon any of his r la iv s f i nds , hos lov d ,

H e e he was always eager t o do it . would com in with his little hands ‘ full of viol ets and say ( even before h e could Speak plainly) : I have t ’ brought you som e violets for your bir hday . This would come from ” his ow n lovin g thoughts .

r at e t e e o f th e His ﬁ st school was Edg wor h , wh r many pupils “ It w as t e r te h were kith and kin . a school wi h no bugb a , his ac er

e r n ot te er e th e e e t said , l a ning was hard ; and his ach s all lov d arn s ,

- Th t re t et t e e tr . e ofthe sympa h ic , nd r, high s ung lad rich na u child

te e e er ere e r . e t e t e e ﬂow d a ly S n im n s , will , in llig nc , w all pr cocious .

e r a e h e e a n d te A t six y a s of g could r ad wri and sing, playing his

e t h e e tt e e A . S own accompanim n s ; and was a grac ful li l danc r _ his t out e e e . h moth r poin s , music was always his s cond languag Until e was eight years of age his musical instruction was merely absorbed

from his parents . His ﬁrst formal piano lessons were given by V on d er Heide at the

C e t tt r t h e t e tw o Williams ons rva ory in Pi sbu g , wi h whom s udi d for

e t te e W e t er t of t . e mon hs His n x ach r was illiam Gu n h , who wro

r h e w as r t e H e him : Music was bo n in him and my b igh st pupil . came to m e for instruction when h e w as bu t eight years old and was

t e t on so small I had to h elp him on th e piano s ool . In l ss han e year he had learned t o compose little m elodies which were subj ect to but , In r hi rre t at . s minor co c ions my hands all his work , f om boyhood

he ee r tte t at t t t up , was fr f om any a mp imi a ion and his composi ions ” were entirely original . ’ i n ot te e t e t e e s t . e ert ten Mr . Gu n h r s m mory qui xac E h lb was

A P P L E B L O S S O M S p ortun ity of hearing all the best music and operas at that time in

t re of e e e re e . H e e L ipsic , B rlin , Vi nna and D sd n was an ard n admi r all th e works of art in those different cities and even studied th em

t re t e tere t wi h g a car and in s .

et to V in eacre t e ert e te e th e e t e Upon his r urn , E h lb n r d W s rn Uni

t of H e i e t e at the versi y P ennsylvania. had made h s pr liminary s udi s S ewickley Academy and in th e preparatory departm ent of th e Uni

er t H e e e t th e e his re e 1 8 9 . v si y . r main d un il clos of f shman y ar in 7

e e e t t H e was e e th e This nd d his coll gia e s udy . n v r a scholar in aca , “ e se e for tt e t e ree e d mic ns , his li l La in and l ss G k soon fad d away ; but few m en had a wider or more sympath etic knowl edge o fmodern b ll - l t t e r e t re e es et r es . Tha ﬁner education h had abso b d in his cul u d

- home and had acquired in h is life long travels in many lands . His

t r r e h e w as acquain ance with F ench literature was singula ly wid , and

r e t er e always an a d nt student of G erman and I alian v s . A t th e en d of his freshman year h e made up his mind that his

e to b e h e of H e h ad r e t to way in lif was t way music . p ov d his righ

e t e H e re tte s e er e e h mak his d cision . had al ady wri n v al pi c s whic

e e te his t e t e e rt e cl arly d no d Singular al n , and w r sho ly follow d by “ ” e - t - t e e On e songs lik Good nigh , Good nigh , B lov d , Spring “ M H e e at e o f ert orning and Doris . had play d a numb r conc s — and in his freshman year then seventeen years of age h e played ’ e ﬂat r t r e tr at Chopin s Polonais in E maj o , wi h full o ch s a, a public

e r e tt r te oft e SO e p rfo manc in Pi sbu g . In Spi his b ginning spl ndid in — its promise his fath er was strongly opposed to his entering upon “ th e ee r e e - e It car r of a p of ssional musician of b ing a piano play r . ’ n ot t t M r e v e e e was ha . N vin s lo for music was l ss high and Sinc re ’ t t ert t er on h e e tr han E helb s . In fa h and s was t sam s ong love for “ ’ ’ ” t rt But what is beau iful in God s Nature and in man s A . those

e e days in West ern Pennsylvania w ere Philistine days . Th y w re days

of - b h e t e r t t t e . o for un building And a y , if had o h r aspi a ions han

e - w as t t to o t o th e e r e —to mon y making , augh l ok lib ral p of ssions — the r to law to e e th e e e Chu ch , , m dicin as only digniﬁ d ways of lif .

[ 1 7 ]

A P P L E B L O S S O M S p ortu n ity of h earing all the best music and operas at that time in

r e t e f e r e re e . H e o L ipsic , Be lin , Vi nna and D sd n was an a d n admir r all the works of art in t h ose different cities and even studied them

t e r te wi h gr at ca e and in rest .

his ret r to V in eacre t e e t e tere theWe ter Upon u n , E h lb r n d s n Uni

t of H e e i re t e at the versi y Pennsylvania . had mad h s p liminary s udi s S ewickley Academy and in th e preparatory departm ent of th e Uni

er t H e e e t th e e re e 1 8 9 . v si y . r main d un il clos of his f shman y ar in 7

e e e t t H e was e e th e This nd d his coll gia e s udy . n v r a scholar in aca , “ e e e for tt e t n e ee e d mic s ns , his li l La i and l ss Gr k soon fad d away ; but few m en had a wider or more sympathetic knowl edge o fmodern

ll - l ttr t e t e be es e es . Tha ﬁner education he had absorb d in his cul ur d — home and had acquired in h is life long travels in many lands . His

t t r e h e w as acquain ance wi h F ench literature was singularly wid , and

e t r t er e always an ard n student of G e man and I alian v s . A t th e en d o f his freshman year h e made up his mind that his

e to be th e o f H e h ad r e r t to way in lif was way music . p ov d his igh

e t e H e re r tte s e er e e h mak his d cision . had al ady w i n v al pi c s whic

e e te his t e t ere t e cl arly d no d Singular al n , and w Shor ly follow d by “ ” P e - t - t e e On e songs ik Good nigh , Good nigh , B lov d , Spring ” “ r H e e at e o f e t Morning and Do is . had play d a numb r conc r s — and in his freshman year th en seventeen years of age h e played ’ C e ﬂat t e tr at hopin s Polonais in E maj or, wi h full orch s a, a public

e r e in tt te t e e p rfo manc Pi sburg . In spi of his b ginning so spl ndid in — its prom l se his father was strongly opposed t o his ent ering upon “ th e ree e e - e It ca r of a prof ssional musician of b ing a piano play r . ’ n ot r e was that M . N vin s lov e for music was l ess high and Sincere ’ t t e ert t e on Was he e t han E h lb s . In fa h r and s t sam s rong love for “ ’ ’ t is e t r A rt Bu t wha b au iful in God s Natu e and in man s . those

r e r days in W est e n Pennsylvania were Philistine days . Th y w e e days of t e- b h e t e r t . o t n for un building And a , if had o h r aspi a ions ha ‘ y e - w as t t to o to th e er r e — mon y making , augh l ok lib al p of ssions to the to law t o e e — th e e Church , , m dicin as only digniﬁ d ways of life.

[ I 7 ] a ka - m ea t

By WOODBRIDGE

A las s ie lives on 30“ d cr hill Whose ’ Ah! n eer d id cor o - nal s o rare On A P P L E B L O S S O M S

e as e ee th e e e t Ov r music , a prof ssional car r, lay sam obloquy onc cas the t w as n ot n e . e t e t t upon s ag Mr . N vin , hough hims lf an ar is ; uni ﬂu en ced b the f t A t his e e t y common thought o his genera ion . r qu s Ethelbert w as entered as a clerk in the ofﬁ ces of the Pennsylvania — tt r e e e t a e on e th e Railway in Pi sbu g . This xp rim n v ry painful for

— n e t he e t to his sensitive lad lasted only a few months . O nigh w n

t /the - e r e e to be e e e m fa her (in big , book lin d oom) and b gg d r l as d fro that uncongenial work . “ b Let m e be e e he . poor all my lif and a musician , said At last his fath er consented : and this wint er of 1 880 and 1 88 1

t e e t e t t e r t e at e at the e E h lb r sp n in s udy and r gula prac ic hom , sam

t e t ette e ter t . . t im aking , by l r, l ssons in coun poin from Dr S Aus in 2 f New The e t t h t e e t to . Pearce o York . n x au umn w n Bos on

C H A P T E R T W O

THE M ILK MAID

A th e t o f 1 88 1 t e ert e t e sen RLY in au umn , E h lb N vin h n a

sitiv e e te ofe tee e t e th e r t t e , d lica lad igh n , l f his hom for ﬁ s im “ set ou t e t the e tre er and alon for Bos on , c n of music in Am ” h e t t H e r e e etter tr t ica, hough . ca ri d a singl l of in oduc ion “ ” to t er w ho t r e th e e o n a Bos on bank , u n d cold should r him . So te en e h e e t to e ow n the qui unfri d d , was l f mak his way in

an d r f h r t H e social musical wo ld o t e Easte n ci y . had always a won

d erfu l er A s as t e e r p sonal charm . a child and a man h r was a Singula

e e r e er r It t e e e e . winsom n ss abou him , which gain d him f i nds v ywh is difﬁcult to describe that peculiar quality ; it w as made up o f gen

tlen ess of r e n lﬁ h n ess b u t t e e e , f ankn ss and of u se s ; h r was abov all a sympathetic interest in the lives of oth ers which w as magnetic in its

ttr t e e e th a ac iv n ss . A little of this is seen in his diari s and in e many

etter h e r t e te t o r e e . e e l s w o his kin , his f i nds , his busin ss associa s Th r

is n ot e n ot e e n ot t e e t eet a\ lin , a phras which do s Show his ss n ial sw

e e er t ere n ot on e . t e n ss and g n osi y . Th is unkind word Of no o h r man , — w h o took so wide a career in public life for from childhood h e was — e e the it b t t h e e e e e e b for public could e said ha n v r mad an n my . There was n o taint of vanity in him ; there was no shadow of jeal

ou s . e e e e t e t for y Th r was a high and v ry b au iful lov for humani y , m en and women and children ; and bringing to his friends tenderness

t h e e m et t t b ut e . t te and sympa hy , e was n v r wi h any hing lov This s a

e t t e t t te e be m n is scrupulously exac . ( Ev n ha discour ous bank r had e hi h s r e h e n ot re t e t . com f i nd , had wholly igno d imid lad ) L eft wholly to his ow n resources Eth elbert moved from his hotel

to r - Th e r t t e at 1 01 t t eet . h e a boa ding hous , Boyls on S r ﬁ s hing did

to e t e h e t ou t th e m a n w h o to at th e was r n a piano . Th n sough s od 3 to o f r e th e t o ft t . . p his p of ssion in Bos on ha day , B J Lang , a pupil

on Biilow t H e t to e th e e t ee of V and Lisz . was old com n x w k when [ 2 3 ] C H A P T E R T W O

t e e h e e te le M r t t . t . Lang would alk wi h him Wha happ n d r la d in a ter to his mother

r . e t sat t e M . Lang was busy in his room I w n and ou sid m e t too e r . h e e ou t e o e , as I was a ly Soon cam , w —lc m d ook m e into his room and asked m e to play in this manner : ‘ t to e m e n ot ere to be Now I wan you amus , as if I w your tr t r bu t e e e e w ere e te ins uc o , as if I w r som f llo you w n r ’ r er H e e t t tt e e . tai ning . I play d ha li l Album L af of Ki chn s ‘ ’ o said : Very interesting ; now play m e something else . S ’ ‘ H e : er in I played that Romance of Schuman n s . said V y ’ in m et r e . t erest g indeed . Now play som hing f ivolous I sug ‘ e te ette b ut h e : 0 n ot te s o r g s d Oliv , said N qui f ivolous ’ — e tt e a as that . So I played Wink lmann s Scho isch scale ‘ t wo or th ree times ; then h e remarked : You are very inter ‘

e t . te e re re e . er ee s ing (His favori xp ssion , I p sum ) V y , ind d ,

and you play with an immense amount ofexpression . Your e e t r but mann r of playing is grac ful , ligh and ippling , you

‘ to t e tere t lack aplomb and firmness . I am going ak an in s in — you you have inspired it and if you will be patient and e r t m e e e ee t e b a wi h for Six l ssons , I will mak you f l sa isfi d ’ t r e wi h you s lf. “ h e e m e e ofthe t e t e e t e er e So gav som s upid s , m an s x cis s r er The r r r by C am . ones I took in D esden we e Simply pa a ‘ ’ e to t e e n : r t e t on e dis h s . Mr . La g said Now p ac ic his ‘ ’ ‘ (marking on e) for tw o hours every day and this scale ’ e tte r et t e . I hav wri n for you an hou and a half, if you g im e t r r W ll , his wri ing looks mo e like hie oglyphics than any t e e e e e ee it t m e t e to hing ls I hav v r s n , so ook a long im r i e t o u t . o H e ih figu I am t go back again on Monday . v ited m e t o h t to t e St . e t H e e go C cilia Club onigh . wi lds ” th e a t n t ere b o h , you know .

H e re tere t n ot M r b h inspi d an in s only in . Lang, ut in Step en 4 . er r h e t t e r t t A Em y , f om whom ook his ﬁrs l sson in ha mony ha day , and of whom h e wrote

er e e I am v y much pl as d with M r. Emery and h e seemed e e t m e e e th e pl as d wi h , b caus I was only o n e who asked T H E M I L K M A I D

e t ou e e e it e e e any qu s ions ; and , would y b li v , I hav l arn d a ” great deal about intervals and s o forth .

‘ In anoth er long letter to bis moth er h e wrote

W t t ree r at th e th e r t i h h and a half hou s piano , and f igh e to re re M r e fully long l ssons p pa for . Em ry in Harmony ’ rett t s ee o for Monday , I am p y busy. I don how I am g to t it to e r te it but it to ing commi all m mory and w i , has — - ﬁv e e r be e . t t to te rt e e don Jus hink wri fo y scal s , m mo iz the e ofthe fe e t e ee ter o rt ! all nam s dif r n d gr s , in vals and s fo h Tomorrow morning I must attend a le cture on th e Anal ’ ‘ ’ y sis of B erlioz s Overture to Romeo and Juli et and in th e ftern e t e on e t e t t e a oon a l c ur cons cu iv Fif hs and Oc av s . r n on e e t of r ifths t My b ai is conglom ra ion Thi ds , F , Six hs , — e e t e re t rt e S v n hs b ans , brown b ad Lif your fou h ﬁng r ’ ‘ ’ — — e o n e higher Com again Monday and hi roglyphics . h The e e e . After supp r I w nt to t e St . C cilia Club music ’ t m n e . e e e t ette w as Spl ndid For y singing M nd lssohn s quar s .

I e e t . e are t n ow e e er t was p rf c Th y prac icing b caus Sh wood , o ff e re are to e t e J se y and Th odo Thomas coming h ar h m . e be e to I hop I shall abl go . “ e m e t e n ot t Mr . Lang ask d wha I did wh n I was s udy ‘ e ie : tt out th e ing . I r pl d Si ing in my room looking of win ’ th e r dow , or walking in pa k . “ ‘ ? ” ‘ ’ e n o t e No e e . Hav you acquain anc s , Sir , I r pli d ‘ ’ e h e see th t ou e n e eo W ll , said , I will a y know som ic p t ere re e th le . . t e e e p Now , h is a Mr Smi h (glad I m mb r nam ) r H e ﬁn e t ut a e e f om is a pianis , abo your g and a nic t o u to e t he h e e . e t e f llow , I wan y m him T r is a room in upper part of this building full of th e choicest and ﬁnest e e th er music ev r published . A legacy left by a w al y p son fo he u se o f t r h r t e t . You t e t e e t e s ud n s could prac ic h , (in

e . Yo Burrag Room) There are tw o Chickerin g grands . u t ’ and Mr. Smi h could play duets for tw o pianos . ’

. n It e t i t . Mr La g s room s a curiosi y is v ry small , abou h the e of e at e tt e e t the alf Siz min hom , and a li l larg r han

e . it ar e r H e blu room In e tw o pianos and a dumb k yboa d . t at the o the e n ot te so Si s piano back f mine, k yboard qui C H A P T E R T W O

e h e - e e t tw o high . Th n has a high book cas ﬁll d wi h music , - re on e e t t s writing desks , a sofa and a hund d and b au iful hing h re t ﬁn e e r lying about t e room . A g a many ng avings and r rt music manuscript o f great compose s and so fo h . e e r t e e n ot e th e My back ach s f a fully his v ning , lik old h e e but t re tt at th e t ee pain , ow v r , only i d si ing piano hr

M r . and a half hours and stooping as I always do . Lang - H e says this is n ot good for piano playing or for h ealth . e b u h e et et e e er ex is v ry nice t g s angry som im s ; how v , I ee et er e t n ot t he p t to g along v y w ll wi h him . I do hink r will throw m e o ut o f th e window of th e third ﬂoor f ont . tt e ett t b ut e et t e I am a li l Slow in g ing hings , onc I g h m e I have th m for all time . “ Please ask Fath er to send m e $1 5 to pay my board and e t er e e e t t to g t a icket for the Symphony Conc t . I r c iv d hir y ’ t ee but it e t t - re t ad las w k all w n for four mon hs piano n , in ’ e on e ee r h e t r vanc , and w k s boa d . I av abou four dolla s in Wr te t o m e th hand . i soon and give my love to all e family . to te m e et et d is Try ll som hing good for the blues . I g S O “

coura ed . e e e m e t g B li v mos lovingly , “ B ertie . S e tember 1 5 1 881 p , .

It is from his letters to his moth er that on e gets the clearest pic t of his e F or h e t . t e t few ee it w as t ur lif in Bos on ﬁrs w ks , a soli ary H e. e t e th e of ffe te lif was ill , now and h n , for change climate had a c d

‘ his he t e te but he e t ten al h , always d lica ; work d con inuously , and t e e r at at r - e w lv hou s a day, his piano and his w iting tabl .

th e e e h e te e it too t o d o In v ning , wro , wh n is la e t any t t oo e r to t th e as it e a the hing and a ly ligh g , I S dr aming t tr to e t are a window and y imagin wha you all doing t home . t e er And I hink I could giv up my piano , music and ev y t to be t Bu e r hing, wi h you all . t th n I tu n round and see t t e e t m e th e e my piano s anding h r , s aring in fac , and I go — to work more earnestly than ever n ot that I am n ot en e too bu t e e th e t joying mys lf, , v n in mids of my enjoyment , there is e t er at e r a c r ain quiv ing my h a t , a longing for il om e T H E M I L K M A I D

A n d th en °

“ ’ I know I shan t have anything bu t practice tomorrow

as M r . e m e six e o f of te n Lang gav pag s a song Rubins i , t e t t t ranscrib d wi h varia ions by Lisz , and you may know it t b ut e n ot e t of t is difﬁcul , I hav fail d wi h any my s udies ’ so n ot to r on t one far, and I m going d op his if I have to ’ r t e t e t - ﬁv h d a n t te er p ac ic w n y e ours a y . Do qui know wh e

L B . J . ANG

’ to et the t e t - ﬁfth b ut e I m going g w n y , I must som how . e t m h t e Mr . Em ry old e e is quite sa isﬁ d that I know all t the r of the e e t h e on abou cho ds S v n h , and only found e t m t e e e M r. e t t mis ak in all my x rcises . Lang also old ha I am So ou ee e te e te n doing well . y s I hav qui an xal d opinio o f th e e t myself is ev ning . D ar only knows wha a fall may ” b ut tr to e the t m e t . awai omorrow, I am ying liv by day [ 2 7 l C H A P T E R T W O

T h e Th e ﬁ rst song h e wrote in Boston was Milk Maid , which

d e e th e er e t he dedicated to Madame Ang lis , Sing , whos acquain

r h er h e r re r t ance h e made th rough M r . Lang . Th ough p ocu d his ﬁ s

tt e r . M r . a pupils , H and _ li l gi l

. H e wrote his moth er

o r e M r tee r for t e t - ﬁv e les I am t cha g . H . ﬁf n dolla s w n y t ree e a ee th e tt e r ten sons , giving h l ssons w k , and li l gi l It n ot er r t t She ff r to . dolla s , as ha is all can a o d pay is v y b u t it e Ben t e e e d e e much is a h lp . Bu l r ask d Madam Ang lis to give a recital in the Masonic Temple and sh e has

m e to t h er . asked play . I old I would

e t e 2 th h e e t t The er o u t Th n , Oc ob r 7 , announc s ha Lov is and that he has sent forty copies home ; and

’ e at D its on s t r I am having a song publish d , wi h wo ds ’ ‘ ’ e ee r It r t er eer to from T nnyson s Qu n Ma y . looks a h qu ‘ ’ see e th e e e t e e N vin in sam lin wi h M nd lssohn , Schu — b er te rt ut e . mann , V di , Rubins in and so fo h , such is lif e it e ter t er 2 6th t it I compos d y s day , Oc ob , and ook down t t b u to . t er . I e o t Di son , and found Mr Di son v y kind will t ree or r ee e th e r . H e t . in h fou w ks has , of cours , copy igh e to n ew rter t I mov my qua s omorrow .

The n ew rter e e e t t eet t qua s w r in N w on S r , a sunny room wi h ” e for 0 e ee e 1 e . e gas , coal and m als $ a w k Six w ks only had laps d

e h e e t e r h e e e Sinc b gan his s udi s with M . Lang ; and had b com his

r te h ad r the r H e favo i pupil and made many f iends in musical wo ld . ’ “ ” n r ere h and o e othe of Mr . Lang s advanced pupils w invited to t e ’ banquet given in honor of Liszt s seventieth birthday where

M r Sh erw oo ' l . d a ed e H e e t e of p y divin ly . gav an E ud t e e t r e r Lisz , and such x cu ion I have neve h a d ; plays even etter t e e e r The ttee b han Mad l in Schille . commi which con t . . e . r sis s of H W Longf llow , B . J . Lang and W H . Sh e e t t b e r r wood , S n Lisz a ca l g am of cong atulation on his r at bi thday . I s between th e editor of th e Bos ton Jou r n a l and M 1 l) who sings splendidly and is considered on e 2 29 l

C H A P T E R T W O

It o f tt e r to te n ext Sunday . is a class li l gi ls and I am ll e them n ice little Sunday stories and s o forth . I hav had a number o f very pretty bi rthday gifts and I thank you all r th e th e ff t e ve y much . I ink if you could h ar Ra E ud I am — e o u ee it is the sad studying it would almost mak y w p , dest and sweetest thing I have ever heard and I never get e it tir d playing .

December h e wrote

’ M r e m e e e e t ﬂat . Lang has giv n M nd lssohn s Conc r o in B ’ to t the he t t it r ? It 2 9 e play wi h orc s ra . Isn g and is pag s it th e t er r t . H e e long , v ry difﬁcul and v y b illian play d wi — w H of m e on his piano it is arran ged for t o pianos . e s ays

ert Ch O in t eet e t etc . all Conc os of p , Lisz , B hov n , Mozar , , ’ t h in The tr e t t t his is t e most tak g . only oubl is ha you can i n h effe t e ee e play t on o e piano wit c . Hav b n having v ry ’

r r t te tte . It is terrifﬁ c ha d wo k wi h Rubins in s Gavo Simply , such stretches !

ee te he e the e e s C ert for A w k la r play d M nd ls ohn onc o Mr. Lang “ and received th e ﬁrst gen uine compliment his teacher had given him

‘ fte e he : e A r I had ﬁnish d my playing , said Wh n did I ? ’ ‘ ’ ‘ ’ e t t t e e e . t t o giv you ha My las l sson , I r pli d I hough s , ‘ he e e but e t be t e a answ r d , fanci d I mus mis ak n, s you ’ played it so well !

In his Christmas l etter h e wrote “ All day Thursday I was in a gale an d w as stopped in my e et e r A n r Wh h e l sson as som hing had gon w ong . g y ? y was t e e a r raving , almos . Th r I s t like a pe fect dummy and let ‘ ’ e t o n e th him h ap his wra h my h ad wi out saying beans . But I w as so humiliated I was almost afraid to go back to my lesson on Monday I injured my hand practicing six

r . t m e to t e hou s a day and Mr Lang old prac ic only four. A t th e e t e he e m e an t e of sam im gav E ud Liszt , a Fugue of et tt e e e e Bach and my p li l x rcis s , which I could n ot e t t h t t e s o t e e t h r possibly l arn in ha S or im ; I prac ic d igh ou s . [ 3 0 ] T H E M I L K M A I D

Just eight hours o u t of twelve at th e piano ! Consequently I have strained my hand and could practice only tw o this r e e ert e to mo ning . Hav ﬁnish d my Conc o and am r ady play

‘ it with the orch estraf Of course my pride has gone up t et - e er e t but t e e n o t e it abou nin y nin p c n , h r is lling how ’ t r M r ut m e at may fall down omo row . . Lang has p Bach s Well - Tempered Clavichord and says it must be my daily re er e o ur b ad . (Now I wond wh n I say Give u s this day ’ ’ re e - e ere daily b ad , am I asking for Bach s W ll T mp d ‘ ’ Clavichord The well - tempered consists of Prelud es and Fugues in seven ﬂats and seven sharps and in every key on h e r h r e t te . T e e are two t e pianofo Fugu s in , h and four ‘ ’ subj ects and a person has to be particularly well - tempered ’ to t e t e But t prac ic h m . I am swimming along and I don ” t t o t for wan s op anything .

2 th 1 88 1 he January 7 , , wrote

ere i th H s some news . I am going to make my d eb u t wi r e tr 1 2th on e . o ch s a in Music Hall Sunday , F bruary How e t t t e ou ? Th e do s ha s rik y I am open to congratulations . t e t on ins rum n which I am to perform is the cymbals . Four ’ f r o M . ar t Lang s pupils e to play : Frank Smi h , bass drum ;

. t e te . Mr Mayo , riangl ; Mr . Lyon , nor drum ; and Mr “ ” ’

e . The Cecilia un d er M r . s o N vin , cymbals , Lang dirc ’ t is to e e It i on e of th e t ion , giv B rlioz R equiem. s mos

s e e t tte . M r . was ma siv , magniﬁc n works ever wri n Lang v ery anxious that I Should attend rehearsals and it would be le h r r impossib unless I took part in t e o chest a. e ee h e ou t e Now , I hav a d p s cheme which I op y and fa h r l e er wil sanction . I am anxious to spend another wint r und

M r . o n the t et t Lang , and if, April ﬁrs , I can g an organ o e t e t or t at a n ot play , i h r in Bos on Vicini y , salary , may I accept it ? It will necessitate my remaining in Boston d u r h t e e but it he e e e . ing summ r, would lp pay my xp ns s Of r e so s to ee ou but r t cou s , I am anxiou s y all , wo k mus e e e e e t et t com b for pl asur , and I canno possibly g a posi ion for th e te e e e t t win r months . I fe l mor ﬁrmly convinc d ha t e n te at to t I mus r mai s adily work accomplish any hing , n ow is th e t e for it e t et and im , whil my imagina ion is y [ 3 1 ] C H A P T E R T W O

e t young and my strength good . If I could only mak mos of my own way next year ! I trust the year following that father will be able to send m e to Germany to complete e t t e sa at r t my musical duca ion . I know , mo h r will y ﬁ s h l m e o so b ut e she that s e cannot et g far away , sur ly knows that my future wealth and happiness are to come

r r e so it e t be t . f om my musical p of ssion , sur ly mus righ ot We have been having examinations all morning . I g - r n ot t t ett ninety seven p er cent out of a hund ed . Is ha pr y good ? ”

4th 1 882 March ,

My dear Mother

It Temp us h as been more thanfug iting this week . ee e ter e e it is ee hardly s ms a day sinc Wal cam , whil a w k t r e ee e r t to e his mo ning . I hav b n v ry busy p ac icing mak for t t fte e t out to up my Shor vaca ion . This a rnoon I w n e e t ere e t e of th e sea Savin Hill wh r h is a b au iful Vi w , and ere th e t te e e e tte e e er wh boa s and s am rs w r sca r d , and v y thing looked so peaceful and serene I almost wished that I r e on e of the ou t the ee could bu y mys lf in ships , away in d p , e th e t of n t o b e t t and giv up all oil and worry tryi g an ar is . ’ r e Oh , how discou ag d I am ! I don t think I Shall live to ’ ’ b e e t t see e n ot Bu t gr a , and I don how I can liv if I m . ‘ I Shall have to work on until th e sun goes from behind ’ th e re i t e e dark clouds which obscu t now . Lily s pic ur cam e e it o h s to e . S e ee and , oh , how I d vour d , Sp ak s ms so er so r tt r much old , and I am p oud of my li le Siste . “ t e to e Wi h lov you all , b lieve m e

Your loving son ,

t e e E h lb rt .

r 1 2th 1 882 Ma ch ,

My dear Moth er

t er ee e e r Ano h w k comm nc d , and I am sta ting off r th admi ably wi a letter to you . On Monday I took a les ’ son but to t r e e M . , my amaz m n , Lang p ut m e into Chopin s

3 2 ] T H E M I L K M A I D

t e Now e d o t a tt e e t E ud s . r ally I wan li l prais , as his win ’ te r e e e er the 1 3th h e h ad r e sinc S pt mb , I av C am r S Fifty ’ ’ t e 2 4 M os cheles t e B e e e E ud s ; E ud s , ach s W ll T mp red C e e e t lavichord , Pr lud s and Fugu s and a manuscrip book full ’ ofte ere e t e e chnical works and h I hav Chopin s E ud s , ach of is e e t e e e e t which a r gular conc r pi c , and b sid s all his , I e t e t e t - ﬁv e e e eet en hav ak n w n y pi c s from Chopin , B hov , t ff t e e h Mozar and Ra , Schumann , Lisz , M nd lssohn , Bac , ’ ’ etc No w h t h t ee e en . if t a asn b n s v months work I am ett t e t e t to h pr y much mis ak n . Sa urday I w n t e last Sym ’ h of h e e e e p ony Concert t e s ason . Th y gav B ethoven s Eas e his C r th h It i t r e e . s Pi c , ho al Nin Symp ony grand beyond how h e e e the e t . e e c conc p ion Oh , I av njoy d s d lightful on e t so r to t t e are e h c r s , and I am sor y hink h y all ov r for t e e t en d e f o h a . . t o e t t e s son I mus Giv lo s lov all family .

‘ Your lov mg son

’ ’ r t e e e e Fathe s letter j us r c iv d . I hav n t any news except b r that I Shall e home in Ap il .

That summer h e spent at V in eacre ; in S eptember he returned to

’ t t at 6 n r Bos on , aking rooms Unio Pa k , and by Mr. Lang s advice ,

r te a n e t e e t the Tr a ns cri t for p in d adv r is m n in p piano pupils .

It er h he te to et is v y ard , wro , g pupils , when there are 2 5 te e a e ee ere at e t ﬁv e . e 7 ach rs who h v b n h l as y ars , and ’ - h of twenty eig t Mr . Lang s pupils also give lessons ; and

t e t ere are . . er who te h h n h Mr Lang and Mr Sh wood ac , n ot t h re of at th e e t coun ing und ds pupils Cons rva ory . All Mr. ’ e of Lang s pupils play as w ll , and many them better than Bu t et I . Should I g four pupils I Shall pay for my own les et ﬁv e t e e sons , and if I g I can ak G rman .

t e th e e t e e t at the t e No hing cam of adv r is m n im , and h e found it e f t to et r on e of th e e qually di ﬁcul g an o gan in church s . Very ch ar acteristic his ette of t e 2 n d was l r Oc ob r . C H A P T E R T W O

My dear Mother

Had intended writing y ou last night but it was such a lovely evening I could n ot resist th e temptation to take a e e to e r long walk . I walk d ov r Back Bay and down N wbu y ’ r r e C h Street and I hea d an organ as I passed D . Dury a s hurc th e er e t e (Congregational) . As s vic was abou comm ncing I ’ t e e e e e e so went in . I don know wh n I hav nj oy d an v ning t e e r at e much . I could almos imagin mys lf in our chu ch hom , and w e had th e same hymn book and th e service was very r r e t tere t t like ou s . Mr . Du y a is a mos in s ing man and ac u h e te t tt x ally I can remember t e text . Y s rday I ook a li le e e to the et t of cursion all by mys lf down qui old own Lynn . There was a steamer at Atlantic Avenue that went across h h r e t it - th e su n e . t a bor Oh , how b au iful was , dancing on th e tret h o f te th e re far s c wa r, and ships in full sail , sembling sea gulls Sitting on the water with Spread wings r It o t et t th x ready for soa ing . was all s s ill and qui wi h e e t h tion t e tu . t T e e t cep of our busy li l g I though of you . b au y of th e sea sent my thoughts t o you and home and all I te t t t e d ie I wi h I mi ht b u love . I of n hink ha wh n I s g e b ried b the sea e e the ee y , as I am sur I could always h ar sw t , — e e e to m e it e e t c as l ss , roar, is n v r mono onous . Lynn is t o t r t n o s e e e te . e er th quain nor p imi iv as I xp c d How v , e e th e e e t t con tem la rid along b ach mad up for all ha . Am p t ing writing a little Impromptu on the th eme you have so fte e r m e . It e th e t e o n h a d Sing runs in my h ad all im . “ r of r t e t Ap opos w i ing music , I hav almos completed my et e e e Musical Sk ch and hav add d a Lov Song .

With love t o all

r ert You B .

. e e P S . Was v r boy blessed with such a moth er as mine !

In October h e began taking l essons from Carl Seid h off whom h e “ ” e e the e t e n te e in t d scrib s as b s G rma ach r Bos on . And his daily

r at th e e t on wo k piano w n . T H E M I L K M A I D

H e wrote his mother

d o t but t e t e r ti e fiv e-fin er I no hing prac ic , prac ic , p ac c g e e h e t te e t of x rcises for technique . T mos unin r s ing kind r h e t e e t . e e ee t wo k How v r, I s impor anc of working dilig n ly b t e e at t e . i er en u t h m Mr. Lang s v y couraging, h n imagin fiv e t e e te on t and a half hours , as I prac ic d y s rday no hing but e ite ex rcises for technique ! Mr . Lang and I had qu a s re the t e d o e e e h e th e e ca o h r day, and I b li v was mor ’ r te e of the tw o on e of eet e f igh n d . I was playing B hov n s Sonatas wh en suddenly my third finger refused to go either

or It ee e tte e e e . ex up down . s m d u rly pow rl ss and d ad I ‘ ’ claimed : Why what is th e matter with my ﬁnger ? H e looked at it and there it was perfectly stiff H e j umped r e e of the f om his chair, took my hand and rubb d som fte i b ut h e e e . t e t e to e muscl s A r a im cam lif again , was v ry much frightened and told m e I would have to be more care

ful . What is Sister doing with her music ? I hope Sh e is n ot i r at t t t t n o o e h e t . ha sona a, as is t good t hav work j us now ’ t let h er r t e oo or Don p ac ic t long . An hour hour and a i e ee e too half s abundance . So many hands hav b n ruin d by t r much\ prac ice wh en th ey are young and n ot st ong and th e touch is often made dull and heavy instead of light and er e e it o elastic . My G man is getting on nic ly and I nj oy s I i t t s e t fte th e t . much . a r laxa ion a r con inuous prac icing “ I have been composing quite a deal for th e last few

- ee . e te r e w ks I finish d an Andan G acioso , a Mazurka Capric , h e e e e e e e . T e a Lov Song , a Vals and a S r nad , b sid s a song ’ ar e at words e J an Ingelow s . Am work now upon a Polo h ’ e t e r e . nais for piano and a T io for piano , Violin and c llo to e th ree e e t e r e Am going hav mov m n s , all g o , romanc and t - e It t e t ftee te to th e andan e pr sto . ak s abou fi n minu s play r t r e to fi st movement . I am trying o summon cou ag take But t to t e e e . t e e my composi ion Schmid , a publish r h r h r are so few things accepted that I am h orribly afraid , r It i th e M e m e t t e . s t . Lang has giv n a Sgamba i E ud mos t t e et tte te bu t e to h difficul hing I hav as y a mp d , I hop finis it e e e e t a by W dn sday . I hav compos d an Impromp u and

[ 35 ] C H A P T E R T W O

r are th e e t t S erenata which M . Lang says by far b s hings I

a et the r t is s o to . have done s y , only Imp omp u hard play r to i e it I think it would be a good j oke to ask M . Lang g v to m e to study ! H e tells m e I am playing much better The e of r are tre t e e now . muscl s my hands and a ms s ng h n d t n ot and th e swollen veins are going down . Now you mus

for it n ot at e . be anxious about this , is all s rious And again “ l of e are rt te e t My brain is fu l id as , which unfo una ly gr a ly You e en e e to set t e . confus d , and my p r fus s h m down ask I t oo d o n ot e t e e . t t m e why I hav h m publish d cos s much , and I am spending enough money o n my musical educa t t tt e er tion , wi hou pu ing any mor upon my Silly and ov ou t t e e estimated compositions . Y know ha r ams upon r ams of music paper must be Spoiled before on e composition is u to e th e T ree good enough to be sent o t fac world . h com positions which I had sent to Miss Jacoby brought m e a most charming letter and the remark that my composi

’ ’ b But tions were too good to e hidden under a bushel . I must wait until I have better j udgment about setting down h e . e e of fte t e my id as T n I hav a holy horror ﬁnding , a r h y are e to th e at e t t t e are e giv n world larg , ha h y borrow d t It ee to m e d i f houghts . s ms I should e o humiliation and e Yo u e e e o sham . r m mb r I told y u I w as going to play th e cilia t Ce e e . e e for las Thursday v ning W ll , I play d , and

this morning Mr . Lang told m e I had d one splendidly and t t e h ette t t e t ha I had play d muc b r MY firs im , han did ofhi s . ee tt e e r many brag pupils I f l a li l ncou aged by that . But oh h ow e t e , , discourag d and ir d I am of this continual r t e r t e r t e r p ac ic , p ac ic , p ac ic , from mo ning to n ight ; and think how many years it will be before I am able to play rt t er You h e n o in an a is ic mann . av idea how discouraged I am and how I hate myself almost for attemptin g a mus reer it t b u ical ca , as is no hing t expense and expense ; but if I did n ot study music what would become of m e ? I Should be tter t t e e . u ly unfi for any o h r lif No , I have p ut my hand ’ to th e ee th e wh l , and wi God s h lp I am goin g to be an t t r t e t e are ar is , I p ac ic un il my fing rs all worn away. I 3if

C H A P T E R T W O

e H e t e t - on e e old t t e e he applaud d him . was w n y y ars ha Nov mb r ; had w on local fame as a pianist and he had published th e little — t t h e tte for his s te e he Lilian Polka ha boyis danc , wri n is r wh n “ ” e t e e e e e e e e tt was B r i N vin, ag d l v n , (publish d by Knak , Pi sburg , “ ” 1 87 4) and Apple Blossoms ( his second composition) publish ed

th e e The er In the a rd en wer e leisur el wa lk by sam ﬁrm . Lov s , ( g y n 1 1 It e i g ) bears th e copyright date of 88 . was publish d by John

h of t t t t t e e C urch and Co . Cincinna i wi h his i l pag

TO E S E F E SEW CK EY PA . B S I L MING , I L , THE LOVERS

SONG

Word s b la rk W Br a n ( y C . y )

MUSIC BY WOOD BRI DGE — Woodbridge was also th e name his second name under which h e te t t e r e 1 880 e tt to had prin d ha a li r song ( , Knak , Pi sburg) which th e r boys and gi ls of that year danced many a night . This was “ e s Appl Blos oms . H e had also many songs in manuscript which were sung in con “ e t but ere n ot e t e e e e The c r s w published until lat r . Among h s w r

- t - t e e tte Milk Maid and Good nigh , Good nigh , B lov d wri n dur

e te in t e eet tt e ing his s cond win r Bos on , and I Onc Had a Sw Li l Doll C H A P T E R T H R E E

SERENADE

C H A P T E R T H R E E

SERENADE

e r e n e t e ere of re t t e HE y a s N vi sp n in G rmany w g a impor anc .

he e e e t e e . e e e t t T y inﬂu nc d his n ir lif Th y d ﬁn d him as an ar is . Perhaps th e thought is n ot q uite clear ; what I would like to make plain is this : the years of work in B erlin developed

his t e e bu t n ot e . t t did chang na iv g nius Tha you hful song , — t We Tw o e e tte th e tt e ex Oh , Tha W r Maying j o d down in li l er cise book he carried to school when he w as a boy in S ewickley had “ h er ofhis e e t r th e er H erb t efiihl in it t e g m p rf c wo k , g m of s g and

The e e t t Kli d w or . n th Maggio in Toscana y ars Sp n wi h , Von Bulow, Bial gave him scholarship and mastery ; they widened and perfected his means of musical expression ; th ey gave him that easeful sense of accomplishment in which the great artist is Victoriously himself ; b u t they neither deﬂected nor changed th e pure stream of his singularly — e e t e e e M o e s . ussor ski p rsonal g niu Mor han anyon sav p rhaps g ,

- — with whom he had spiritual kinship he escaped the inﬂuences of

m en of t e t i t e so e e e e e . h s im , in which many al n w r ov rwh lm d H e

t e ofW er he e e W e to e was an arden lov r agn , xpound d agn r audi nces

e h e e te re of ne in Europe and Am rica, duca d sco s Wag rian singers ;

et h e w as e t e the e e he y p rsonally un ouch d by Wagn rian mod ; was , i e t h e . t s e as I hav said , always Vic oriously ims lf Tha why his plac in e e t on e H i of is . s of i the history music a p rman n songs , born an m

e e te e the ete t of h pulse at onc p rsonal and mys rious , hav rnal you h t e ’ - his its e t ﬂor r . escen c wo ld s folk songs And work , in full s musical e,

he t the e th e e of preserved t Simplici y, unconsciousn ss , pow r complete

of the rt wh o e the expression , Anonymous Immo als mad undying — songs ofth e world ; for like them he sang o f elemental things of t love and birt h and dea h . That is why other composers had so little inﬂuence upon him “ “ why h e did n ot have a ﬁrst manner and a second manner [ 4 1 ] C H A P T E R T H R E E

e e e re- e e e thet so many compos rs , who cho d and cho d various a s ic mas ’ h d a ait The t e of ter th e r H e e e e te t e . s of hou . n v r labora d ej f signa ur t e th e e eet of all his works is unmis akabl , from crud sw songs his boy

to th e m elod ies stran e e e e t e the hood , ( g , comp lling , un xp c d as sounds of nature) and the harmonies and modulations of his latest compo ition s s .

And so these years o f study in B erlin were educational in th e best

— r e t sense of th e word they afﬁ med his p rsonali y . — Nevin had the faculty rare among musicians of putting down

t It i hi o w r in words his impressions of people and hings . s in s n lette s

e he t e t t u e of his e th e e stu and diari s that t ru s pic r lif , lif of a music

e t in th e er of the t t of the etee t e t is to d n G many las par nin n h c n ury , be It e e e t to th e d e found . was n v r in his d s iny know hardships and ce tion o rt t e e t e r p s through which s many a is s hav mad h i way . In

er t e e e t e . t e B lin , as in Bos on , his lin s f ll in pl asan plac s His mo h r, in that beautiful Sketch of his life from which I have already quoted said of his arrival in B erlin — There was n ot an acquaintance n ot anyone to tell him ere h e o e e e te wh should g , wh r h e should liv or what mas r h e h e bu t th e e e ere Should c oos , good ang ls hav always hov d over him and h e found himself d rawn toward a p en sion in — e e e e raulein er B rlin wh r liv d good , kind F von Finck a G of e t e t he o man lady nobl bir h and loving h ar . S could n t e h an d h e e r e Sp ak a word of Englis , scarc ly a wo d of G rman , but through an interpreter t hey soon made an agreement to t e e t h er Sh e e e r e to as his living h r wi h . v ry soon l a n d e he e e t know and lov him , and s was v r af er like a mother to t r e of him , aking cha g him and looking after him in the t n he mos ki dly way . S soon began to teach himGerman he t t h er and augh English .

e h ere e his t e Good ang ls ov d ov r him , mo h r said . More than that his t e e e t The na ur was ss n ially beautiful . Editor of t hese l eaves of biography w as with him in B erlin in th ose days and memory holds

e t t re o fth e t t who e e a an xac pic u Slim , brigh you h , wh th r s d or gay,

[ 42 ] S E R E N A D E

h ﬁn e e e t e e It w as was always happy in t e s ns hat lif for him was lov .

e for his e e for th e e e t of t t t t e lov fri nds, lov s gm n humani y ha ouch d

h o f r e e art t t e t e t . him , lov for ha gav him always air b igh happin ss And in happiness th ere is an intrinsic force ; it attracts ; it inﬂuences

h e er e e e t et e tee . e e e e b ings and v n s as magn do s s l Th r for , was n v

h e e t e h e e e e e t e . W e e e alon ; was n v r anywh r a s rang r h r v r w n , in many

t ere t ere t e e . lands , h ga h d round him ru and unchanging fri ndships

e h e 1 8 4 H e e t H e sail d for Europe t e second tim in August 8 . sp n ten t r e e e er te at t days wi h f i nds in England , and r ach d B lin la nigh , ’ h M in hard t te The e t t 3ot ut at e s . Augus , and p up Ho l n x day was “ ” H e e the t to fro e D er Freisch iitz at Sunday . walk d ci y and , h ard “ th e er e e re to bed te Op a Hous and , b fo going , wro in his diary , I

r am completely fascinated with Be lin .

h e t e u r t ette e Se T fascina ion never di d o t . His ﬁ s l r from B rlin , p te e t r r tte to t er r 204 e tr e mb r hi d , was w i n his bro h s f om Fri drichs ass ,

b t e fte e which was to e his home as a studen and many tim s in a r y ars .

’ e b t er he te e e at r e My d ar ro h s , wro , h r I am my j ou n y s n r e d and glad I am indeed that I Shall soon be at wo k . I d o n ot think that e ver in my life I have experienced such a feeling of utter loneliness as I did when I arrived in this e e te e t e plac . I r s d Sunday , Monday and Tu sday and h n t rte ou t to e e t r r e s a d pr s n my lette s of int oduction . Imagin my dismay on finding all th e people to whom th ey were e e r e tter e ere addr ss d away f om B rlin . I was u ly b wild d and n ot t to d o e on e n o did know wha . I kn w no ; had boarding e e r e hous addr ss and could sca cely Speak the language . Th n h o e e to o to t e er e e Co . t I d cid d g bank s , M nd lssohn and , see if by any possible chance there would be a letter for m e r e . Imagin my surprise and delight to find on e f om Major te m e h wa e e s e aw e t . Craig lling in B rlin . I s him imm dia ly e w N xt morning e started o u t on a hunt for a Pension . Th e t e th e e of th e er firs plac was hous a man ( I , only board ) who has charge of concerts in Berlin and Leipsic and is th e ’ e of te v o l lbert H e manag r Rubins in , n Bii o w and D A . is the r t er of th e r t b o h a man in Ame ican Exchange and , hank e e h e e th e e ol) ert H av n , kn w N vin family through cousin R . 43 ] C H A P T E R T H R E E

rt te th e ter ere too s o t rte off o Unfo una ly ms w high , I s a d t at th e e e for ﬁnd anoth er place . Now I am abov addr ss which t o tt e e t ﬁ v e ee I am pay a li l l ss han dollars a w k , including e e t r t th e r e e of r t v ry hing f om books up , wi h p ivil g p ac icing

- t e t r t to . te e w n y six hou s a day , if I wan I am absolu ly oblig d to speak German as Fraulein v on Fin ck will n ot allow Eng h e th e e are e lis Spok n . In hous six G rmans , four Russians and r r e e e h a young lady f om Honolulu . If Cha li com s and lik s t e place he will take th e room connecting with mine and we h e bed —r on e tt - r et ee will av a oom and si ing oom b w n us .

Major Craig was a school - boy friend from Pittsburg who was th en “ m a k i n g t h e g r a n d ” t our of Europe ; h e re mained a few weeks in

r h e r B e lin . T Cha lie to whom h e referred was Charles VVood ruff Sco

v el , also of his home

t t e e own , ano h r clos boy

r e H hood f i nd . e arrived

in er Se B lin , Sunday , p tember 7 th ; and in C NEV S E RAIG, IN , COV L, TH oM PSON th e afternoon a third — — boyhood friend th e editor of this book came up from th e Uni versity of Jena t o join the little American reunion at Fraulein von i k ’ nc s . e e F Th r was much walking , much talking ; th ere was a great e t fte d al of music , wi h a rnoons at the Flora Symphony Concerts and

’ “ e e at th e e e at r — a m ea n erform an ce v nings Op ra Hous , K oll s , p ‘ ’ — of ert the e or th e e Rob D vil Schauspi lhaus . Then after ten th — days e friends parted on e to Jena ; Maj or C raig back to Pitts r e e , t ﬁn e e e e e e ett e bu g wh r his Sho—r , lif nd d ; Scov l and N vin s l d to t e r in e e of down h ir wo k div rs ways law and music . [ 44 ]

C H , A P T E R T H R E E

’ ’ e B er ceuse te he else . So I play d Chopin s , af r which said ’ e he e m e te e t No Technique . Th n gav a long and in r s ing talk on piano playing and what was necessary to gain vir u o it te he : t e to th e t s y . Af r which said By righ you b long e e e te e e th e e e t s cond class , wh r chniqu is mad chi f obj c , bu t are o e t er re e t t e te as you s advanc d in o h sp c s , al n d , I t e t t t e may say , I will ak you in o my ar is class and giv you ’ r individual inst uction in technique . So goes th e world ! And my heart sickens when I think the e r r e t t e e te e e e for of w a y hou s I sp n on h s dious x rcis s ,

I thought my siege in Boston was enough for a lifetime . ’ e e i r t at Klin d worth s t . e t t How v r, do I will I und s and ha evenings are gathered some of the most interesting people er t r t rt t e e d escri in B lin , cri ics , jou nalis s , and a is s of v ry p

t . e ee e e o f t e e e e ion I hav b n invited to att nd som h s v nings . You know that Frau Klin d w orth is an English woman t r - e s o and par icula ly fond of English speaking peopl . I am

e . t e be te e t er w ll Jus as w ll as I can . Wri soon d ar mo h , ette are t e to at e your l rs almos my life . Lov all hom and e n to oc a s your dear self.

son Your loving ,

r Ethelbe t .

In October “ At t e t er e he t m e my las l sson wi h H r Prof ssor , old I did n ot t t e t e m e know a hing abou l ga o playing , and mad play the e er t W b Sona a and a Bach Fugue over and over again . ter e r e . e e er Of cours I was ribly discou ag d How v r, H r Pro fessor told Fraulein Willich that H err Nevin had a great e t e t d al of al n and was bound to succeed in th e en d . My music is at times encouraging and at times so dis ’ coura in ! The r t e t r t g g p ac ic is edious and ti esome . I don think I would ever advise anyone to become a professional

. er r e h musician H r P of ssor is t e most exacting of masters . I can never play a bar without being stopped and some

re t e . r e it t t t but it cor c ions mad Of cou s is j us wha I wan , e rte at t e ee e But is dish a ning and im s s ms a hopel ss task . — t e e r ! It e t h n such music as I do h a is b yond imagina ion . [ 46 ] S E R E N A D E

I believe th e question h as been agitated as to th e ad v an tages of coming to Germany to study music ; as to wheth er on e cannot gain j ust as much by studying at home ? Th e . tr e e t to me e r e t . e whol subj c is b yond a gum n Such orch s as , — rt t e w e e e e such a is s , such musicians , such op ras n v r hav it had them and I almost think never CA Nhave . And is n ot alone th e study of the piano ; b ut on e becomes familiar t its r e t t t be e wi h music in all b anch s , and ha canno don without h earing music and being thrown in a musical at h r e re r e e t m OSp e e . Ev n now I can see a g at imp ov m n in

e e e t . e are re mys lf, sp cially in my improvisa ions Th y mo e re r e r ou t re ﬁnish d , mo ound d , wo ked in a mo musicianly e t e r r i t way . I amus h m h e e very much by my imp ov sa ions et e e t e r e t t off on and som im s mak h m fairly oar , wh n I s ar e — e t to som Bach lik inven ion , and gradually work round a t eet at t t t e e e t s r air , ﬁrs indis inctly and h n mor promin n ly , e until gradually it dawns on th em what I am doing . Th n e e I leave th e piano amidst laughter and applaus e . How v r this does n ot make m e an artist ! A t times I feel very d is c ra ou ged .

An d to his fath er “ M e a t e th e bu t at t e at y mind go s t imes lik wind , o h rs a ’ e Sit at the t e snail s pac , and as I piano lif ing my ﬁng rs up t the t t e t e and down , wi h mos dis r ssing mono ony, I wond r te it m e to e e r t . af r all , if I am doing igh Is good for l av a home and parents who are so dear to m e and stay away t e ? ft e i n ot te te e for such a long im A r all , s a con n d cl rk equal to a discontented artist ? I am spending much and t to et the e . We t making no hing ll , I am rying hard g upp r th e rte e Klin d w orth t e e of hand of pianofo . H rr old a m mb r ‘ the e t t he e Tu sday class ha had a pupil , a young Am rican e e e w h o w as on e of th e t t e te whos nam was N vin , mos al n d fellows h e had ever seen ; that his compositions were some th e r e bu t t t he No e e th ing r ma kabl , ha had T chniqu , ough ’ r r r wo king ha d and sure to make a stir in th e musical wo ld . “ On Monday morning I took some o f my manuscript 6 to e Tiersch h e : Too t H rr and e smil d and said ambi ious , C H A P T E R T H R E E

t e r to e e e ou te my boy , you mus l a n sp ll b for y can wri a i ein lume te t F a us t or a D u Bist w e e B . I ll you wha you e to e r at can do . Com my hom Mondays and Thu sdays Six in the evening and stay till seven and I will give you a ’ private lesson . “ I took a piano lesson with his Maj esty Herr Professor A t t e Klin d w orth t n d he w as . oday, a said I improving im s r - ter eet fte though he is a ha d task mas . I m pupil a r pupil , n e te r tre t e e as white with a g r and a s s aming down h ir fac s , e a he i e to they come from their lessons . Th y s y s v ry good m e o e e e e th e t e ! . s If , H av n d f nd os o h rs

K a - Ere e w as lin d w orth w s indeed a hard task master. long N vin t o have for him a reverence and affection both strong and lasting ; ’ b ut for the ﬁrst few weeks Klin d w orth s hard manner rasped him f It ﬁl H e n ot e t o t t o te . ee like a e . was us d ha kind aching was ind d

he t t h e e m et t te e t ﬁrs ime in his life ev r wi h harsh insis nc . In a long l etter to his mother h e tries to analyze his own feelings and the ef

i h r i o eet h s r . ts w n f upon wo k His boyish p ilosophy has a cha m of .

“ e w as er e t Wh n I a child , or consid ably young r han I am he te to his t er r e n ot for the now , wro mo h , I wo k d work t e but e e e re in e e e i s lf, b caus I found pl asu pl asing som on and receiving a certain amount of praise from the on e for r e to e it w as e e for whom I wo ked . Th n work w ll n c ssary m e in some degree to have affection for th e person I w as r f i r r o wo king or. Now t is enti ely diffe ent and h as opened t m e n ew t e Klin d worth a rain of thought . Prof ssor has n ot a single trait in his personality I can ﬁnd my h eart lean to H e r h b n ing . is as unkind and as c uel as e can e ; and i te of t e e to e s ad looking forward wi h pl asur my l ssons , as w as t t r h M . e t e my cus om wi h Lang , I now dr ad days as t e e of e r n ot re on h y com so , cours , my wo k now is spur d

by any affection . I believe that h e is a most thorough m a — sicia n and a man from whom I can l earn very much so I — work for th e sake of my music to make myself a better ’ . et r e t e e t o musician I g no p ais and don xp c any , s all my e e e t er e r e ncourag m n is d iv d f om mys lf, by ﬁnding that pas

[ 48 ] S E R E N A D E

sages that used to be almost impossible for m e to play are r r to now very much easier . So on I wo k f om day day n ot waiting to be told to correct such and such a fault bu t m e te er e rt aking mys lf my own ach , and d vising all so s of re t te exercises by which I can gain st ng h and chnique . And o e — am t e t I go t my l ssons , play coldly cri icis d , old I can do nothing and it has about the same effect wa ter has on ’ f r e e t o a duck s back o I com hom , go work again and can

s ee daily improvement . “ It is an entirely n ew way of work for m e ; and prob h r t e ably it is the best thing in t e wo ld . O h r pupils say

Klin d w orth m e . rr et is fond of I am so y , for as y , I have

i to e et . e e noth ng giv in r urn I may chang , as Em rson says a man is n ot wort h anything unl ess his ideas and opinions he b e are t t . t ou cons an ly changing (By y , I wish y would ’ re e t e e r t ad Em rson s Essays , h y would h lp you in you hou ” sand and on e daily cares )

It was n ot long before the s ensitive lad changed and found the h eart under th e harsh exterior ; but for a whil e h e thought of going

ter r to t th or to St . e to r P sbu g s udy wi Tschaikowsky , No way to ’ r e e it Klin d w orth study with G ieg . M anwhil was s s eeming unkind — ness - his throwing the youth back upon himself that went far t o

r It tt e ter t make th e a tist . was only a li l la hat his letters began to

r a r H e e r e t teem with p ais e of his m ste . had l a n d o know him and had “ ” r much to give in retu n .

er w as t e on e the e te t t e B lin h n of pl asan s capi als in Europ . Through th e spacious streets ( n ot y et deformed by A rt - Modern) imperialism

Th e e th e went clanking . war which had mad Empire was in every m em

Th e te- te - e f er r e or . e y whi coa d , long sword d o ﬁc s p om nad d , haughty as th e dogs of Caesar ; at any street corner you might meet Bismarck : ’ t er t t s ee t e e a e . any conc you migh old Mol k s l an fac Social life ,

h n ot r e r t t . e houg so fo mal as now , was v ry b illian N vin , who had

t e er r e e to . rar social gif s , found v y doo op n him H e attended th e

e e the er led off th e Royal balls , wh r Emp or dance ; th e Ambas sa ’ dor s ball and many of th e numerous dances an d re ceptions given in

[ 49 ] C H A P T E R T H R E E

e t t e er the American colony . His wid s acquain anc was among G man ‘ er —for t t the of t e D v oiak artists and compos s ha was day Rubins in , , ’ u of r e D A lbert e of . Joachim and Von B low, Scha w nka, , Li bling , — Pauer many of whom h e m et and all o f whom h e studied s o in ~

n tl t e e e te te y h y b cam his unconscious mas rs .

PROFESSOR KARL KLINDWORTH

e r Kli In April , Prof sso n d w orth insisted upon his taking a holiday

tw o ee . e t r e et r for w ks His h al h was b ok n . Upon his r u n h e wrote

i e to th er r t t ga ly nough his mo , and with humo ous an icipa ion of his e the t r e t l ssons from u bul n Von Bulow . S E R E N A D E

F ried richs tr a sse 2 04 l h 1 8 85 Ap r i 1 2 t . My dear Mother

t te ette to ou but on e Las Monday I wro a l r y , Tu s ou it e e to the t t it day reading ov r , I cam conclusion ha r e e t t n ot e it was really so mo os and blu ha I would s nd . ’ e t r Since then I have n ot had a mom n s time for w iting . ’ — it I v e ee ou e e e r of h Just think of . b n Sick did y v r h a suc — a thing as my being sick in bed it seems too absurd e t i m Wh al and obliging Miss Castl o s t up with e . y I can ’ most imagine the world s coming to an en d as my being It ee e r e r t t t Sick . has b n y a s and y a s ; and jus hink wha was th e matter with m e ! N ervous prostration and chills brought ’ on from overwork ! Isn t that a magnificent and refined sort of diseas e ? Why even fever is mild compared to the ’ h t a wh ether h e e e . T e t s t e el ganc of MY illn ss doc or didn y , nervous prostration or th e chills were d ue to overwork e t e t e ov rwork ! Tha sounds so pl asan so wond rful , I would — fain linger on th e sweetness of its melody overwork ! I ’ e at t t But can imagin Bob laughing ha . now wasn t it really e t t ere to be it be r nic , ha if I w going sick should du ing my t ? e e tw o ee e vaca ion I hav had no l ssons for w ks , nor hav I o rt been permitted t attend a conce . My piano has been clos ed and I have had to content myself with Singing and — ’ ’ e e r e t e e r ading G o g Elio s Romola Cl rical Lif , Mill t ‘ on th e Floss and Middlemarch . I hink Doroth ea on e of the t e r e r te e mos r ma kabl cha ac rs imaginabl , and Rosa — mond what a picture ofa society woman without soci ety ! How worthl ess after all is what w e call a fin e ed u cation which s ends into th e world a piece of perfection e er et ette e e e et as r gards mann s , iqu , app aranc , dr ss and y without the first feeling of sympathy for h er husband in e e his great need . I hop you approv of my moral observa tions ! “ Tomorr ow I commence my l essons again and this ’ Boffin s Bower will resound once more with Brahms Hun r B ilow e h r t . i t e t Ye ga ian varia ions Von com s fi s of May . ’ gods and little fish es how I trembl e ! What s th e u se in [ 5 1 ] C H A P T E R T H R E E

‘ ’ t e e r e a being a best pupil if ano h r f llow , and a c azy f llow t r r N t t e e at e . ha , com s along and fi s a g and piano your h ad ow r e tt e e h s I app ov of li l musical idiosyncrasi s , suc a an inno er- r th o f e e to t e fiv e- fin er c ent . ov g ow hair ; a d sir prac ic g ’ exercises on everybody s back ; coats and trousers that b e to t er e er t e t e t t e lit long ano h g n a ion , i h r pas or fu ur ; such tle t rifles are er er rt t te er e t bu t v y , v y a is ic and mp am n al ; when they grow and develop into a fondness for th rowing e e out of t of eet e at p opl windows , slamming bus s B hov n t e e t it t e th e tte be e h ir h ads , I hink is im ma r should look d t to eter i e in r r in o , d mine if it s r ally acco dance with a t te b h n e t o so n ot e t e o it . af r all . If , I Shall gainsay By all means let us have tenth - story windows stand invitingly open and whole monuments of Beeth ove n flung with a precision of t t e e e e e it w as wh o aim ha v n Solomon (no , I b li v David ” t e hr w stones so well) could n ot outdo .

th e 6th he r te May , w o

“ 7 Bulow is ere r r the Von h , you know , and fou mo nings in ee r to 1 2 te t o r w k f om , I am in class , lis ning B ahms , — Liszt and Raff sons of thunder ! I think V o n B illow is — as e as a e e to s a insan w ll , w ll , I was going y as a bug, ’ ’ ’ bu i t t t t e so t s a t . e t e ha isn nic , I won y I hav n play d for b ut r him will befo e long .

W e at t he t t r It h n las did play for him , Von Bulow was aci u n . ’ ” e t ette e t e : t e e he w n b r a s cond im I didn play v ry w ll , said , and “ — ” V on : S ehr schbn e to e r ! Bulow , you hav much l a n

h he e for B l the t t 2 t ii ow e . t May 8 , play d Von las im And his was the v erdict :

‘ ree or r t e e h e : r Th fou im s whil I was playing , said B avo ! Bravo ! and when I had ﬁnished h e told m e I had un g e uer es Ta len t t t w as re t h e to of he , and ha mo han said any t - ﬁv e th e the thir y pupils in class .

e e e t t r t te r hi N vin play d in public only onc ha ﬁ s win r in B e lin . T s w as at th e Klin d w orth e t th e S in A ka d mi o i conc r in g e e, and t h s mother h e wrote : 5 2

te e n e te at th e his t e ex That win r N vi work d s adily piano , prac ic

H e t e t e t ceed in ﬁv e . but g hours a day s udi d h ory wi h Carl Bial ,

t e o f t te th e . It wrote no hing . Non his composi ions da from is y ar had

h e t h a ee e er e of e te e e e t . t d b n , how v , a y ar d ﬁni achi v m n And s rain ’ him In e h e e e to e e t e . told upon . Jun d cid d go hom for his h al h s sak

“ t et e t e ee h e te I mus g som color in o my pal ch ks , wro ,

is r ete r ou t . music hard , ha d work and I am compl ly wo n be rr to e e ra e b ut it I shall so y l av F ul in Von Finck , will only be a uf l/Vied ersehen !

r r h His home life in Be lin was ve y beautiful . Always t e good an

t r r In ette as e e e e . e gels , his mo h r said , hov d ov him a l r d scribing a — brilliant birthday party given for him in th e Pen sion with much — dining and dancing and gift- making h e tells of the gentle incident

t e th e e e e t tha clos d m rry v ning , hus

ter t e e on e o f th e e to Af h y had all gon , maids cam up my ‘ ’ room and said : Fraulein wants to know if y o u won t come ’ down stairs a moment ? I went down and s he asked m e to sit on the stool by her Side as Sh e had something She wanted h to te m e . So S e t he et ee her h ll ook my ad b w n ands , and told m e sh e hoped and prayed my many years would be s o happy ; and that the su n would Shine into my life and make my way easy and my work pleasant ; and sh e ended by s ay ‘ : ow t t ou are r t e ing N ha y far away f om your mo h r, I will her t s he — t e d o do for wha would do , and mo h r , you know sh e t e e m e on th e e e t too s oop d and kiss d for h ad . Tha was f r m h much o e . T e tears came to my eyes and I could hard l t h er but e u t y hank , I cam up to my room and looked o t th e t t e e th e w a e e in o win ry nigh , wh r snow s falling v ry ere e ou wh , and I wish d y could know how kind they all e e to m e t e r w r , and how h y t ied to m ake m e feel I was n ot tr er t e S o t e e a s ang in a s rang land . my bir hday nd d , and I e t to b ed t r w n , and his mo ning I found my pillow w et with r tea s . There are some thi n gs that can never b e t old h ow much w e appreciate th em can never be pu t into words — ’ ’ on e oft e Is a t er and h m mo h s kiss . C H AP T E R F O U R

O I SAT WITH D RIS , THE SHEPHERD MAIDEN

C H A P T E R F O U R

“ I SAT WITH DORIS , THE SHEPHERD MAIDEN ” — HE summer of 1 885 from July until mid - S eptember

e i a r H e n ot al Nevin sp nt at V n e c e . did play in public and though h e gave piano - lessons to on e or tw o of his former

th e ere e e t in r te the pupils , days w chi ﬂy sp n iding , nnis and

th e e e Th e r t ee pleasant social life of S wickley Vall y . ﬁ s w k

t e he w as in th e e at er e t in Oc ob r back again P nsion B lin , his h al h ’ h r te re t e ee t o e t e e r . qui s or d , and k n b gin y a s wo k “ I had such a kind reception from Professor Klin d w orth and e e so r t t e e e t to e ” h e v r many cong a ula ions on my ngag m n Ann ,

te etr t re t t e e e wro . This b o hal , which , mo han any hing ls , gav form — and color to his life which was indeed its dominant inﬂuence

at in acr e was made during those summer days V e e . Ann Paul was

he e tt r . T ee a daughter of J . VV . Paul of Pi sbu g famili s had b n inti mate for years ; from childhood the boy and girl had known each

r he r e t t re e at e r t othe . T i lov was ha ra lov which is onc ﬁ s love and last love .

Of th e m a n m a n letter h e r te h er in th e ea r few l l l h ( y , y s w o y s W l b e pub is ed

h l r th a n l e . h e l h h ere . T ey were ful of th e glo y of you d ov T y to d t e a rtisti c a n d spi ritua l struggle s of h is you n g m a n h ood ; th e y record ed th e biogra phy of his soul — a ra h to b e rea h e th ht n l the on e wh o l e th h im th a t l e biog p y d , oug , o y by iv d wi if

h rtl e re his ea th h e a n d his e e tr of th e min d a n d of th e spi rit . S o y b fo d wif d s oyed th es e letters all s a v e a few by ﬁre . )

h e e e er tt to ee e e So was onc mor in B lin , ba ling k p his lon lin ss

a n d e t te t t for th e ee away his h ar of n fain wi h longing gr n , home

e ea th e r at the valley ov r s ; and working daily in old ha d way piano . s “ H e e to t e r te e r r H e b gan ak , also , p iva l ssons f om Ca l Bial is

t t t is e er t m e a h e t of enthusias ic and ha v y hing for , s hrows some that ” it e t e e t ere . e sam a mosph r in o my musical lungs , as w M anwhile [ 5 7 ] C H A P T E R F O U R

’ he h eard Rubinstein s famous series of concerts in which were played th e compositions of the great masters from Rameau down to th e t e e t e e e Ces ar Balakirew h n x r m ly mod rn Russians , Cui , , Rimsky “ ” “ r e tr in t e h e r te Ko sakov a whol musical aining i s lf, w o , and ” i o e you can have no idea of what inestimable value t is t m .

ter t r r r e few His mas of composi ion and ha mony , Ca l Bial , p ais d a ’ ” he e e er . t et songs N vin Show d him , v y highly Don publish y , “ ” It t r said ; and gave him a sonata t o write . was fascina ing wo k

re re as th e ee e t he e e t o t and mo and mo , w ks w n by, gav hims lf his t t h he t e t re r w as o be t t of s udy, houg s ill fanci d his fu u wo k t ha a

- t s t e er r h e e piano vir uoso . Thi ambi ion di d slowly . Ev y mo ning gav

t he e to t e an or four hours o piano practice . Usually add d h m hour two the f e t r f r e t . t e e w as t e o t t in a rnoon Wi hal h im ha social lif , which in the B erlin o fthat day was so essentially a m usical and ar tistic e etter t te lif . Through his l s and his diary runs a wis ful no of

e e o of r t h ft e hom sickn ss . S much his hea e had l e b hind him ; and

e r r r e t ere his clos st Ame ican f iends had gone away from Be lin . Th n h

e e to e was a sudd n chang from gray ros . Christmastide that year had all its true German gaiety and G e mitthlichkeit; and a little of it is reﬂected in on e of his home letters

B er lin

D ecember 2 8 th, 1 8 85 .

My dear Mother

Imagine my surprise and delight when on Wed nes r l e ﬂa b e t e . ut it day mo ning my ov ly g cam Oh , is b au iful , e e e th e e n h i r e and v ryon in p nsio as envied m e . I have t d ap d e t re t ere it r te e ov r a pic u and a por i , and b igh ns my whol

. so h e to ou room I was muc oblig d y , as I know it took a re t e of — g a d al work . My sofa which at night is my bed is t e it so ee t th e t tr e righ und r , I Sl p wi h s ars and s ipes abov ? m e . Is it n ot th e loveliest ﬂag in the world t ee te f t n Las w k was qui a week o dissipa io , I can as re su y ou . On Monday Frau En gelhardt gave a large s u p er p and ball . As with most German parties th e ﬁrst part [ 5 8 ] D O R I S

But te We e e e te of theevening w as rather tedious . af r w r s a d at o ur respective tables and we knew exactly what w e were

e e te to d o t e t e t . te xp c d , hings w n along v ry comfor ably Af r supper the cu n n In g little ofﬁcers all twittered together in on r o n e t e the e co ner and p ut th ir whi e gloves . Th n music e e w e er m en e u t comm nc d , and Am ican walk d p and ook off the o th e tt e C in r ret e te all girls , s li l haps unifo m r a d te t o t e r er t e so at t e disgus dly h ir co n , j us lik many girls h ir

r r n e t e e . t ve y ﬁ st party . O funny hing happ n d I was alking — to Miss Bateman ( wh o is a decidedly stunning looking r e e tt f e e to gi l) wh n up popp d a li le o ﬁc r, clack d his spurs ‘ et e te r e his to m e : g h r, coun d fou , mad bow and said My ’ ‘ e is v on Bern hu t e e : nam . I smil d , bow d and said My ’ ’ ’

o . ee te . name is Nevin . I m glad t know you I ll s you la r e n e e e e Th n Miss Bateman and I we t off. I b li v wh n a t o b e e te o h e tr e man wan s t e pr s n d t a young lady , in oduc s himself to a gentleman who knows h er and that gentleman is e e t e t e t t e e er xp c d to present him . I ra h r s ar l d s v al young ‘ ofﬁcers that evening by replying : Just wait till I see if it ’ b r h e t e t e No t . will e ag eeable to t e lady . wond r h y s ar d Such a thing as a G erman girl NOT wanting to meet a German ofﬁcer h as never been chronicled in t he annals of er et G man soci y . “ On Thursday evening w e had a reh earsal for our t r er t e t e Mo her Goose Quad ille . Ev y hing w n along nic ly w e te t e e e ert and had qui a j olly im . On W dn sday , Elb and e t out to few r t r e the I w n make a Ch is mas pu chas s , and in evening w e had a dress rehearsal of ou r dance. We went t h i t e t u t e e e e t . hroug fo r im s , and w r all pr y much us d up w e ere th e t er On Thursday, w busy all morning , and in af — w r e W te te M s . noon Miss a rs , Miss Ba man , Dickson , — I e t tr h r t t ee . t Elb r , Faye and I immed t e Ch is mas r was e te rett th e e e at e e - t t r ally qui p y, and in v ning, s v n hir y, I went in and lighted it up from top to bottom ; th en th e door was opened and th ey all came in singing Ta n n en a um t e b h n Holy Night . “ — Fraulein receive d lots and lots of pres ents such lovely

on es too . e t e her e er , Elb r and I gav half a doz n Royal B lin

er e ere e tt e e n . ot china cups and sauc s . Th y w r ally li l g s I g i5 9 ] C H A P T E R F O U R

ru r e er e r a f om Fraul in for my piano , a pap knif f om Miss g — Castl e th en with your flag and a Christmas card from r e t n re e Cha li I hi k I fa d pretty w ll . “ O n r r t r t e t t F iday , Ch is mas day , I p ac ic d and ook a shor th e e e w e e e e e e fin e walk . In v ning dr ss d ours lv s , spruc and , ‘ ’ in our Mother Goose costumes and went off to H err ’ lin w e r r e e ix Professor K d orth s . Imagin his su p is wh n s e of to th e t e o f te C tr r te n us un Mary , Mary , Qui on a y ere are ou came dancing in . Miss Waters and I as Wh y ’ rett ? W led th e r going , my p y maid and illy Boy ma ch . ‘ ‘ ’ ‘ e e e ft ffet Th n cam Bobbi Sha o and Miss Mu , King ’ ’ ’ ’ e ee e t e r r Col , Qu n of H ar s , Boy Blu , Ma y , Ma y , ‘ ’ ‘ ’ ‘ ’ ‘ e e rt Bo- ee et Knav of H a s , P p , Jack and Jill , B sy B rooks and Tommy Snooks and finally Moth er Goose

h er . and son , Jack We re e e e n an d e er e so ally had a lov ly v ni g , v yon was e r e t it e much pl ased with th e dance w e had to ep a . Th n er r e e e te it H r P of ssor v n wan d again . We e t e th e t et e t oo er had gr a fun und r mis l o , , and H r P rofess or actually kissed m e on th e ch eek ! H e made m e sit by him with Miss Waters at table and w as so good and h e h e to m e . e r t e e e kind Onc du ing v ning cam up and said , ‘ e t to e t on e — N vin , I wan complim n you your l gs you ’ r e could make money as a model . I was d ess d in a red ere t e t e- t re t cashm Shir , a blous , wi h black lisl h ad s ockings tr e of tr t t e th e s e e . and ows r black ico , coming j us abov kn re tt e red ere th e t on I wo a li l cashm cap , poin falling down e t t e at h n d er e my Should r wi h a lit l bell t e e . Ev yon said I exactly looked th e part and Fraulein declared s he was so r of m e Sh e n ot o p oud did know what t do . Again during th e evening when H err Professor and I ere tt on th e r r er h e t ar t w Si ing ﬂoo in a co n , wi h his m abou ‘ m e e th e t er s te e h e e , and som of o h s clu r d round , s aid , Lif — is made up of poetry and truth this evening is poetry ’ tr w uth e must all seek . It does n ot sound n early so beau t it er r iful in English as did in G man . Miss Wate s says ” er r e e er r m e H r P of ssor is r ally v y p oud of .

e on e r h e e e a A e Th n mo ning was awak n d t three . M . by a cabl 50 l

C H A P T E R F O U R

r gram announcing that Anne and Nell were coming to Ge many . — Sitting by th e window he wrote a song what love- song h e did n ot — state in his diary and took it with him when h e went to Carl Bial

te e it th e r e : for his lesson that day . Af r going ov r , P of ssor said This ” is a song in ten thousand ! In a lett er to his moth er N evin quoted these words ( for h e knew h er pl eas ure in all that spoke of his ad vancement ) and added : I tak e more d elight in complim ents aris

r t in t e e t e are rt ing f om my composi ions than any hing ls , as h y pa of — ” m e of my very soul ! A t th e same time h e not es in his diary “ ‘ ’ at r e e e e r Am work on Do is , which I conc iv d som y a s ago as a .

' te r r it o ut a te r e r no solo . I am now wo king for no solo , mal cho us

t t at r e tra Wr r e tr r t t e . and o ch s a . My ﬁ s a mp o ch s l iting

e h er t e . e e e t th e Miss Ann Paul and sis r, Miss N lli Paul , sp n win ter In er B lin . So far as music was concerned Nevin described thos e months as “ e ert ter ert er te er e o ter mad up of conc af conc , op a af r op a, l ss n af e r W t ee e t o e re e l sson , and wo k and work . ha s m d hav imp ss d him most was th e Bach Saint Mathew Music given at th e S ing A ka d e — ’ mie t t th e - e d A lbert for ha and piano playing of Eug n , who was , him th e re te h er r e at th e S in t t . t e , g a s living pianis Of p fo manc g

A ka d emie h e r te tr re e t , w o in a s ain of ligious n husiasm

’ I don t think I have ever b een impress ed with or by t th e it e any hing so much as Passion Music , as was giv n on

. C r te r et er er Friday Such ho als , such a ful y ov pow ingly dig n ified e e e t th e re t e t e e er m lodi s , such a conc p ion of g a s lif v e e t e e ffere r e liv d and d a h v r su d , is g and b yond all words ; on e bu t e e it t he e t et and no Bach could hav giv n maj s ic , y t et rt r It i e r pa h ic po ayal . s a subj ct that m o e melody will — n ot d efin e ere r r O n e t e m ha mony cannot eveal . mus hav t t t of e et rmt te e ha founda ion massiv rock , y a wa h and nd r e t it t e er th n ss wi h . O h r compos s handling e subj ect would ’ e it e t e e t e t e t e t mak i h r s n im n al , s nsa ional or s nsuous . I don e en e e t r t r t v xc p Wagner o Bee hoven . Glo ious Bach ! Wha that man has done for religion in his Chorals and his Pas s on e ion Music no can estimate . [ 62 1 D O R I S — His fri endship with Klin d worth that tyrant whom dreaded so at first became very close and fin e ; o n e day

H err Professor Klin d w orth and I went t o Dresden t o r h r amm un th e geth er to h ea t e G ette d er g . Fancy honor in being taken by him to h ear th e greatest opera in exist ence !

e was s o to m e e e s o e . H good and kind , and I n v r was sw ll H e sent his card and wh en w e reach ed th e Opera House w e found a box res erved for u s ( Herr Professor Klin d w orth ’ e t e e t e e t to th e t t and H rr E h lb r N vin) n x King s ; and ha ,

r e e e t te e t e of r t . t at of cou s , n c ssi a d a gr a d al fo mali y I s ood th e t H is e t e te e t e sat at e t door un il Maj s y n r d , h n I his l f and people round and about rose and stood until h e was seated ; then bows were exchanged and between acts our — w as the e t e of e t C nte e re box c n r Duk s , Coun s , ou ss s mo e ee e r fte th e er t e e than I have ev r s n tog the . A r op a h r was a liveried servant to conduct u s t o the stage where I m et G u d eh us and Fraulein Malten (whom w e h eard so often) a h t e r We e t re e at and s w all t e s ag ar angements . l f D sd n

e e e t e re t . e A. M . and r ach d B rlin in im for b akfas Ann w as as delighted as I was at my going with H err Professor and consequently both ou r heads are h eld a few inch es w rr er . H e e be e e high was as jolly and nic as could , and ca i d n er t i er re on our co v sa ion in Engl sh , G man and F nch th e e ett r which by way I Sp ak b e t han I do G erman .

ere e e ther e r H e e r e rm on e And th w r o xcu sions . d sc ib s cha ingly adventure in May

t t r e e e ert Las Sa u day Fraul in von Finck , Ann , N ll , Elb , r r H o th e ree M e . e e t t . Ad ianc , Mr olm s and I w n Sp wald e e h r r h r litz r t o Sp nd Sunday . W took t e t ain f om t e G oe e ’ Ba hn h te tw o r e w e e of, and af r a and a half hou s rid cam L bb a to i en u e e w e e off e . i , wh r popp d bag and baggag A walk oftwenty minutes brought us to th e G a st- H of of the e e e w e re w e t t Black Eagl , wh r inqui d if could ob ain a boa t to t e to We w e e and a boa man ak us Burg . said should lik , e ﬁn e old e t e- h er r e if possibl , a f llow wi h sid w isk s , sp inkl d with enough gray t o give us at l east an idea that h e might b w h e ee n e t t t . We e e rus wor hy ll , found him and s m d a xious C H A P T E R F O U R

W e h e e t w e to take us . hil was making r ady his boa , all trotted off to a bewitching little garden on th e banks of on e of th e thousand little canals that n et - work th e Spree t ere r r e t wald , and h in an a bo of woodbin round a rus ic - b of eer e e of Bu tter r at . We table , had a pi c and a glass b e h e er to ee t t ff m en were oblig d , ow v , k p up a cons an pu of e th e t e e e so t s ra e smok , mosqui o s w r hick ; and oon F ul in to e b ut n ot re te e . te and th e girls th a n d indulg , did Af r ’ r e t of the ett e th e r r half an hou s enj oym n pr y gard n , a bo , e th e ee e the ee our r e of the the mosquito s , ch s and b r, f i nd Black Eagle announc ed to us that our boat was in read i We e e old ert th e a e ness . pack d d ar Elb in bow , Fr ul in and th t e t e r e the e Anne in e ﬁrs s a , N ll and Ad ianc in s cond h and Holmes and I in t e rear . e the tr the t t t e W ll , ip was mos roman ic hing I hav fte e t e e t e ee . e ev r s n Mil a r mil along h s na ural canals , ’ at e t e- tt e passing a snail s pac old umbl down co ag s , m n r old e e . e e t e ere old mills , wom n and old H h y w

ee ere e . e ere w ding flax , h washing lin n Som w making h r tte t er tt on t e te . e r bu r, o h s kni ing doo s ps Th n f om e e tt e e tt e t her t v r so many co ag s , som li l girl wi h brigh red ett t h er tt e e e h er te p icoa , li l blu bodic , and whi e - e e o f the l t h ad g ar, would run alongsid cana and oss a of e for- et - m e- t fleur- d e- l s K a iser bunch poppi s , g no s , y and l o w e umen t ur t . e t et e b in o boa On cr p slowly , qui ly , dr amily until twilight came and th e first little stars peeped o ut to see t the r w as t o d o t t t e w e wha wo ld going ha nigh . Th n m et t- fte t - e tt e boa load a r boa load , gliding down som li l tre r e e t e th ree flow s am , all ga land d and f s oon d wi g ns and ers m e t r ; so singing and laughing, and hrowing flowe s ; all re e in t e r e t t r t ett t of d ss d h i Sunday b s , wi h b igh p icoa s every conceivable shade and color and spotless white head t o h e on t e r e . t e t e we e r g ar , all h i way a danc In dis anc h a d a ft as w e re e w e s aw e e band so ly playing and d w n ar , in a d ns r e ft or e of t e t t t g ov , fi y mor hos brillian shor skir s swung t e ee- ree e e the round by all , manly f llows in kn b ch s , ov r ’ to t t u t n G e Ta to . grass , a wal z ; and all shou ing g us On , on w e glided down the little stream and twilight crept into ’ night s embrace and th e stars twinkled and winked and [ 64 ] D O R I S

h e th e t ee e t t e . snapp d , and r s gr w bold agains Sky Finally after passing by an old mill that looked like some gaunt t e at r tt e t bird , our boa man pull d up a da k li l nook and old ! th e ee in us to get out . Alas good man had b n indulging S chn ap p s at a farmhouse and was so tipsy h e could take r H e e u s at - h e us no furth e . land d a forlorn looking old ous w b P M . e e e t as e te e at . and w r abou disconc r d and r r e e e e ee wildered a pa ty ofme rymak rs as any you hav v r s n . In dismay Fraulein and I went to the window of th e house r e on th e e of e and app d small pan s glass , and wh n an old night - capped woman appeared w e asked h er if Sh e could ’ ot e e e to e to Pan ke s ere w e n s nd som on guid us Inn , wh h f her te to t . e e t on e o wan d rest all nigh S s n sons , a burly fe t a e but ten t e as tr young llow abou my g , im s s ong and as he t th e e t e e manly I am , and ook l ad , wi h us s v n follow in e t e e t t of e t ing , mom n ary xp c a ion b ing run in o , or fall t h e We e t on t r the r ing in o t canal . w n on and h ough da k est o f e et t e- e r woods , ov r rick y umbl down bridg s , c ossing r t on e t en t e t w e ere e ﬁ s canal , h ano h r, un il ﬁnally w land d ’ a P n k e h t e e tr e r safely t a e s . Min os w lcom d us and i d ha d to e t e te w e ere e mak us comfor abl , and af r w all snuggl d in et ee e t e - e we e to ee at ou r e e b w n f a h r b ds , b gan f l as and e t to ee w n sl p . “ The r r The t e t e e t e . e n x day was a p f c d am cos um s , the u t e e the r e th e ictu r q ain p opl , cu ious old hous s and p esque little rivers made u s all feel as though w e were in a r t t n o on e e e ee e e ou r t wo ld ha had v r b n in b for , alliga or

r i - - t avell ng bags and cut glass t oilet bottl es notwithstanding . The girls found rich old china which t hey bought for a few marks ; and w e m en made friends with th e young chaps e th e rett tt e ret e an d Lis chen s al and kiss d p y li l G ch ns , and ’ t et e the r A t tw o w og h r mo ning was delightful . o clock e were in o u r boat again ready for our trip home to Liibben au e t e t t six th e e e e th All w n w ll un il abou in v ning , wh n e clouds commenced to darken and in a few moments w e were in the midst of a downpour that threatened to drench o h e e a l us t t e skin . W call d a halt t an o d t avern where w e ere e e a bn om in able ere the w w lcom d by an band . Th in t e w e ot ffee 16 36 ki ch n g a cup of co , a nip of brandy, a of 25 3 C H A P T E R F O U R

w e off e e t . cake and fresh straw for our boat . Th n w n again ter We landed at Liibben au hungry and happy . Af a good ’ er th e e t of th e t e t w e et re the dinn , b s own s b s , r i d and in

- A t e morning at four thirty w e were o n ou r train . nin I w as at my piano and so ended ou r ideal trip to the Spree

wald .

h in w r In June he took his examinations at t e Kl d o th school . His e ere e to t e ette to t er the re te rt r f nc h m is in a l r his mo h , g a r pa of

H e t e the e t which I cannot resist quoting . had j us h ard of d a h of his

— h v Nev e t t of t e R e . . W Uncl Williamson ha is , Dr John illiamson ’ t e e e t t er h e te in , his fa h r s ld s bro h , and wro

t r e h e e h ow w e Wha a glo ious lif has liv d , and all honor his name and respect his memory ! I can recollect a long time e e t e ee ' t of ago , wh n I suppos I mus hav b n a bi a boy , cling to r rt of m e his t e ing you ski s , your having Shown pic ur and t m e t t h e e m an a n d t t having old ha was a wond rful , ha I t r e e e e te mus esp ct and love him . I hav always r sp c d him and e to e e re ret look d up him and mad him my id al , and I only g that I have n ot been near enough to have learned to know ’ e ter f t e t ? t . t t e o s s t e him b Isn his lif ours a rang , rang hing How we live to learn and after all h ow little w e know and how much w e have to take on faith ! We come into this lovely world and for a few years w e are between a ﬂower

r t . We ou r e are as e s t and a f ui grow , blossom , and liv s pl a an

e . e e ou r r t tt e tr o ur t as a day in Jun Th n com fi s li l ials , firs loves and o ur first awakening t o th e tremendous fact that w e e r t e a e re e e e . te liv and b a h and , in ours lv s , a b ing And af r re e r e w e are te t to be i mo y a s of happin ss , in which con n g n oran t e t t t t to be , com s ha hirs for knowing and known . ere w e e r are str e or ad Th on liv , wo k , ong , w ak , happy s . Bitter experience comes and suddenly our eyes are opened t o the fact that th ere are innumerable little clouds that w e e e t e e re w e t o had n v r no ic d b fo . And if con inue t gaze and e at t e t e r w gaz h m , h y g ow and grow until e could almost e e e t ere s un w e . s ee tt e b li v h was no Oh , if could only a li l farther ! We become subj ect t o o ur egoism and w e are n ot — willing t o have faith and believe ! We want t o know t o 66 D O R I S

r t e t t e e . e e find out for ours lv s W ll , p haps his is b s , j us as in the Springtime w e scrape th e old brown l eaves away to — r it t t try to find the little pink bud A butus . Why is ha ? it is always so very lovely and so very sweet I often w on it e d er if it is n ot that it has t o be sought for . If bloom d the r te it be as e t ? its fra by doo s p , would b au iful Would gran ce be as sweet ? “ But oh ter t be re te e t , af all , wha can a g a r bl ssing han t o be t t i e r to see th e tree the flow born in o h s lov ly wo ld s , ers to be e t e w e e to b e e to r to t , n ar hos lov , abl wo k , s udy , o r e the e e e re ? e the t g ow , always s eing road b com cl a r Th n keen joy ofbattling with and conquering self ; the still great

r e r t e . Yes e e j oy of conf r ing happiness upon ano h r , lov — r e the r t e n Ot t t er t . ul s wo ld wi h a sunb am , wi h a hund bol If w e could only take more things on faith ! O ur religion

‘ why can w e n ot take o ur religion entirely on faith ? What ’ thought can be more beautiful than this ? We can t expect — o e er o let u s e t t our t know v ything . S hav fai h fai h in t e t e ou r r t e o ur ter o ur . fa h r, our mo h r , b o h r, Sis , and God L et ee the e n ot t t but t us all s k sunshin , wi hou , wi hin , and trust th e rest to O n e wh o loves us and wh o knows what is ’ b o h e t . our e e e e s b s If liv s can lik Uncl Williamson s , muc — th e ette . n ot if w e e our te t t w e b r If hav had mp a ions , if — e e th e e w e h e e the e t w e hav fall n by way w ll , av don b s t w e are we are n e could ; and hough only a background , a cessit to th e r o f r y completio n and pe fection a pictu e . e t hi d e on . e t e s On n x Friday your s , E . W N vin , ak s — ee th e r t er who ha e it the r gr ﬁ s Am ican s don , and ﬁ st and only pupil in the school wh o has taken a three y ears’course ‘ r in tw o . My deg ee sends m e off to make my way in the re t r e e e g a musical wo ld . My success d p nds sol ly upon what

I can do . On Friday w e all say goodbye to o ur dear Pro fessor to on e t e t eri e e tt e and ano h r and h comm nc s our ba l . ’ n ot r o f e r ee t t th e I m af aid min , as my a mor s ms as s ou as ’ ” e t e r n x f llow s and I love my wo k .

t h e e o Th e e t In composi ion cam ff with ﬂying colors . xamina ion in piano playing was h eld th e succeeding day and Klin d w orth told him ’ he e ette t h Th e Wi ter r e . play d b r han e had ever done . n s wo k was ov r 67 C H A P T E R F O U R

Professor Klin d w orth and his wife wanted Nevin to Spend th e sum

- b he t e . t t e at t e tr e t ut . m er wi h h m h ir coun y s a , had o h r plans Mr

W . e r t o n t e r ter ne and Mrs . J . Paul had com ab oad j oi h i daugh s , An and Nell ; and a party was made up for a tour, the obj ective poi nt t being Bayreu h .

Iu l 2 2n d e r te y , N vin w o

i r ere n e M . te o n H I am classic old W imar . Paul insis d t t e rr r e th my coming wi h h m , and Ha y Ad ianc and I , wi h e r M r M r t . s . e te rt . gi ls and and Paul , mak qui a j olly pa y e e to e on e h t I d cid d com day and was ready t e nex .

Then it was Heidelberg where

Th e old S chloss is the same with th e rath er deteriorating exception of a great many pine boards resting there to e e th e Jubilaum F es t e e r t th e fiv e mak r ady for , c l b a ing r r h Th e C t e to hund edth anniversa y of t e University . as l is be illuminated and th e city on e mass of flying colors from h f h e e t e second o August t o t e eighth . Almost v ry room in the t ee e te th e F st- ee t th e own has b n r n d for e w k and , wi h e e t of e e to ee the h e xc p ion a d sir s S ow , I am v ry glad I am t t o b ere n o e . ete t . fte going h I d s crowds This a rnoon , ’ e r r e t to the Wo s Ann , Har y Ad ianc and I ook a walk up lf r un n n o ou e B e and n r way found the most exquisite f rns . Lots and lots of students with their gay- colored caps passed w e s aw e cut r h n ot us and many fr shly sca s , whic only marred their faces (recalling foolhardy duels) but the su b limity o f th e hills and the romantic N eckar flowing two ’ re eet e t e e re en th usi hund d f b low . I don wond r L ssing g w astic e e I h e ere of t ov r H idelberg . t has t e v ry atmosph an iq uit an d t t l y almos a mus y sme l . “ e e te er w e at on th e e ter e This v ning , af r supp , s lov ly rac of th e te t e e er e t the ho l , wi h H id lb g lying b nea h us and street lamps glittering as if making fun of th e stars that ere it e e o he w doing v r s much better high above ou r ads . We e old t t we are sang som good hymns , ha as familiar t w e are th t wi h as wi our o w n names ; and Mr . Paul old us ’ tl e ir ai n f o t e e e r e ee . H e of p g Polk , and Fa h r s c l b at d Gl i g n

C H A P T E R F O U R

ere t ere e tt e t e the re e te h and h , lik li l mo iv s in p lud , lling us that th e sublime moon was coming ! “ I have never in my life been more impressed than I was by the three performances I heard at th e Wagner ‘ ’ ’ t e e . we e r r W e T mpl On Monday h a d Pa sifal , agn r s las to e e t er t th e e e t and , my mind , his w ak s Op a, wi h xc p ion , ‘ ’ ‘ ’ — ‘ e of e e r e The l mayb , Ri nzi and Loh ng in p rhaps F y The e effe t are e e t t too . ing Du chman , sc nic c s r ally mor han on e e t r n ot re t as the can imagin , al hough p obably as g a in t rd am m e n The r e o f rt GOt e ru g . p oc ssion Amfo as and th e of r th e r t act e e t rt walk Pa sifal in ﬁ s , as w ll as som s a in h r ﬁn e o effe t t e e a e e s . ling c s s cond , wond rfully I fancy ‘ ’ you would have enj oyed Parsifal more than anything i e e ee e e see t . you had v r s n , and I hop som day you will — — But oh ! the j oy the positively maddening joy I had in ‘ ’ hearing Tristan and Isolde ! That is something beyond r but e anything mo tal can imagin e . If you could h ar Rosa Such er and G u d eh u s just after they have taken t he love — ‘ ’ ‘ ’ — t s a to ea ch ther r t e po ion y o T is an Isold No , I ’ t e e r t i r e re er r e t t . t t e e can v n w i abou I hink h mo p fo manc s , e r t r re e m e e such as I h a d las Thu sday would ally driv insan . ’ I don t know wh eth er it would be even right for m e t o ” e t e h ar h m again .

From Bayreuth the party went to Carlsbad and thence to D res “ ” “ d en e e th e tte a er et o for Si gfri d and Go rd mm ung , r urning t “ er th e en d t ere r e th her e B lin of Augus , wh F aul in wi d ar smiling ” e t t o eet t e A t th e e in ck t fac was wai ing gr h m . P nsion von F his

t t ere te t er the e t au umn h was qui a ga h ing of N vin clan , aun s and

r er s a gi l cousins from ov e .

’ e e r th e r e th e rr r he r te Wh n I h a gi ls voic s in co ido , w o , I think I must be surely dreaming and am fairly tempted to e to see rt e e e pinch mys lf if I am B e N vin or som on else . You can imagine how happy I am to have part o f my kin

h ere .

M r . r M s . e for th e te t te bu t and Paul sail d Uni d S a s , Miss Anne D O R I S

e e e t e . e e Paul and h er sister N ll r main d , s udying G rman Thos w re ’ r e t e The r th e brightest of all Ethelbe t N vin s s ud nt days . wo k went

H e re e t t re e t e e r a e too . on ap c , aliz d ha his pu ly duca ional days w r d aw

en d t h e e r e t at ett ert ing t o an . Wha work d ha d s was g ing his conc I r e r er the te e . t ee e e e t e t t p ogramm s in o d for win r s ason s m d , v n h n , ha his future was to be that of a public piano player and h e faced it with apprehension ; h e told his father : “ e n o e e t e You can hav id a how I dr ad his coming wint r, when I am to be out before th e world to be picked a t and tr t o be e to to be knocked about . I y hard brav and think seriously how import ant it really is to be worldly and active r t to be e to e e e but and b igh , a succ ss , and l ad a succ ssful lif , her t e m re it . e t e er I d ad all Ann , wi h kind sympa hy h lps v y — h er e — e to m e e I r much , and h lp clos all my lif am su e

will be th e on e aid towards my success .

e Klin d w orth r e to e d é u t v i Prof ssor u g d him mak his b , as a piano r

It e t e t a er . r t oso , in B lin would hav cos a coupl of housand ma ks and i after much h esitation h e d ecided against t . His chief reason was that his future work was to be in America

’ am te r e but t e on e t I disappoin d , of cou s , h n can have everything and my ambition now is t o get on my feet ﬁn an ll b ut it be t cia y ; will a ough pull .

i for r t t e . t e e t And a ough pull was , many y a s E h lb r Nevin w as — on e th e few er of t e e e r te for the of compos s hos who n v r w o stage , of those who ne ver for on e instant sacriﬁced art to th e outer contin

en cies e - he o n e th e few r g of lif was of , I say , who found ea ly

et it e re h e e e th e re r fame . And y was long b fo r ap d wa ds of his work ;

t e te t r t r e te e e his s ruggl las d h oughou his b i f and in ns lif .

- e er 1 886 e e Ne w r fter In mid Nov mb , N vin sail d for Yo k , a a little

e t tw o e r t Klin d w orth mor han y a s assiduous work wi h and Bial . H e ’ ee on e Biilow s e had b n , also , of Von four chos n pupils ; his work in composition with Tiersch had borne fruit ; b ut it was Klin d w orth wh o most greatly inﬂuenced him ; and in later days Nevin said

[ 7 1 ] C H A P T E R F O U R

To Herr Klind w orth I ow e everything that has come to m e H e e te te e in my musical life . was a d vo d ach r and his t e e t e e e e r w as n ot t o e e pa i nc was ir l ss . His nd avo only d v l o th e t e t r t t but t o e r e p s ud n f om a musical s andpoin , nla g e e d o t h e tr e to te o ne to his soul in v ry way . To his i d ach appreciate and to feel the inﬂuence ofsuch great minds of H e e t te t e oet e e e e e . o li ra ur as G h , Schill r and Shak sp ar us d insist that a man does n ot become a musician by practic r at the bu t r ing so many hou s a day piano , by abso bing an e e r h r he te e t of e r inﬂu nc f om all t e a ts and all t in r s s lif , f om

te t e t e e t . archi c ur , pain ing and v n poli ics

t e e e e tt e ﬁn e te of e In h s y ars , N vin had a ain d a mas ry his chos n — ’ tr e t th e H e h ad e to u se e e ins um n , piano . acquir d Wagn r s phras that independence and liberty which come from mastery o f musical

his t r r form . In you hful compositions of this Berlin pe iod the e was — the e of his th e t t sin cerIt of g rm all work dominan quali y of y , spon tan eit e t e t at e r e te - th e y ; of s n im n , onc p ofound and d lica lyric charm

so e e t ow n which was ss n ially his . C H A P T E R F I V E

LEHN ’ DEINEWANG ’

54311 dei~ ne (Wa n on mei~ ne

C H A P T E R F I V E

LEHN’ DEINE WANG

TH ELBERT NEVIN made his d ebu t as a pianist at a re

tt e e e 1 0 1 8 6 e 8 . H e cital giv n in Pi sburg , D c mb r , was ill when

t on the t . ee e ret r he wen pla form Ind d , sinc his urn f om Eu rope he had been in ill - h ealth and had cancelled many en

to New r a em ents t on e . te g g , no ably play in Yo k In spi of h this h e achieved a brilliant success . T e enthusiasm of th e news

r n ot e t e but th e r t pape press was unmix d wi h local prid , c i icisms Show that his personal quality as a p ian l st was already cle arly d e

e n e r t in the C mmer c a l G a zette r te ﬁn d . O c i ic o i w o “ ’ Two years study abroad has wrought a marked change in the ’ Th e tr r young pianist s styl e of playing . s iking cha acteristics of his

er are te e et ee e te e e e t p formance in ns po ic f ling , xquisi r ﬁn m n in Shad

The e r e e t . ing , and ma v llous d licacy of ouch Bach Fugu in A minor e te te e t r t t ere ht t s d his chniqu ho oughly , and , al hough h was a slig

e e e to be e e e he e er un v nn ss obs rv d in occasional passag s , was g n ally e to the t e te fﬁ t e th e t qual s up ndous chnical di cul i s of composi ion . In the Schumann Fan tasie (C major) his conception was marked t e but h by intelligence and poe ic fe ling , in t e execution h e lacked somewhat in that massiveness and thrilling power which on e natur

o f t r ally expects in th e grand climaxes his wo k . ’ e t of r n t r e tr n t eff t t His r ndi ion B assi s Noc u n was a iumpha or . I

t u t e er h was the piece in which his bes q ali i s w e displayed . T e d elicacy with which h e managed the variations for th e right hand while carry

th e t e e t th e eft tr re r e Th e ing h m wi h l was uly ma kabl . Legend of ’ the er t e e in Spinn , a composi ion of his own , was a showy pi c , which th e composer seems t o have discarded all musical form and given full e to n ot e e e e r t o th e etr r in his fancy , , how v r , n c ssa ily d im ent of th e t composi ion . “ Th e t e n e ere w as A minor E ud of Chopi was admirably r nd d , as [ 75 ] C H A P T E R F I V E

’ ’ ‘ ’ also th e pianist s own transcription of Wagner s Rhine Daughters ’ ’ ‘ i tr r t the e r W r e Trio . Brass n s ansc ip ion of Fir Cha m ( alky i ) which followed was given with th e same reﬁnement of Shading and delicacy ’ r h r of touch noticeable in the endition of t e Noctu ne . Liszt s Tar ’ an telle e e e e t re , V n zia Napoli , was play d wi h ra brilliancy and was ’ o the e e e te t t a ﬁtting close t v ning s n r ainmen . The music critic of the Pittsburg Times said

he r e t t th th e e e t of T prog amm las nigh , wi xc p ion a study o f ’ ’ tw o of Et e t ofth e et - Bach s and Chopin s ud s , was ypical po ic classic ’ antasie the t o f t r school . In Schumann s C major F , facul y Vivid in e p retation was displayed and the ﬁn e coloring in which it abounds ’ e t t r f was reproduced with absolute ﬁd li y . A Noc u ne o Brassin s was

r t e ﬁn e t rende ed wi h surpassing d licacy, and a drama ic climax was ’ ‘ reach ed in th e transcriptions from Wagner s GOtterd am m erun g ‘ ’ ‘ r e he t e t e t e e and Walky i . T s ock r ci al numb r, Lisz s V n zia e ’ t its t t e r r the t Napoli , wi h musical an i h sis and ﬂo id colo ing , was las number on th e programme and was performed in a manner n ot ex ‘ e e t t e e et e r i t t The e e he c ll d by any ar is v r y h a d n his ci y . L g nd of t ’ f ’ er r t o . e e t Spinn , an o iginal composi ion Mr N vin s , op ns wi h a Simple th eme of four me asures on which is constructed a series of

e te t ere e t e t skilfully labora d varia ions , which w play d wi h d ligh ful ’ e r i tr r t e crispness and d licacy . An o ig nal ansc ip ion of Wagn r s Rhine ’ ter e e t r t e r t t e Daugh s Trio was qually m ri o ious , bo h as r ga ds s ruc ur

e t and ex cu ion . Without going into detail and enumerating the many character i tic rt r e t t b ro s s M . e e of a piano vi uoso , N vin may unh si a ingly p

n r H e te n ou ced a fully equipped and masterly performe . has cultiva d the e t t t th e e t ter e he t e b s rai s of gr a mas s und r whom s udi d , and adds to the experience thus gained an originality which is the only re

e e t o e t e is o f r e maining ss n ial t g nius . Tha his g nius a high o d r was th e universal verdict of the many competent j udges by whom h e

e r t e n was h a d las ve ing .

th e re t re t e but e n e t t t t ere w as So ci al was a g a succ ss ; N vi f l ha h , 76

C H A P T E R F I V E

H e th e t the t o meet his wife and babe . is mos promising of ’ ett t the e rising musicians and I m g ing in wi h b st . My h f th er St . are t e e t o e apartments on M t . V non in sw ll par — town B eacon Hill nicest sort of people th ere and alto ou e e gether things look promisi ng . Y can hav no id a how badly I feel to think how I have ﬂown th e home nest ; and at times an inexpressible longing comes over m e to be h e e e at t e ﬁreside with all my loved ones . I suppos v ry ’ ’ e t r t t e but re it s o young man go s h ough ha phas , I m su g ee ing t o make a stronger and better man of m e . Only k p e for m e at e e e my plac hom , as you can hav no id a how I it love that place and how often I think of .

Excerpts from th e tw o succeeding letters illustrate his April — moods th e brightness and gloom of a temperament essentially — artistic th e swift passing from tears to laughter

Here I am all settled in my n ew apartments with so much to t n ot e to t do and s ill abl do any hing , for I ﬁnd I shall e t o e th e the te e hav mov again , as lady who has sui abov

m e e n ot e . he e t e M r . e t , do s lik so much music How , g n l r e e t e e r e er e man f om whom I ngag d h s ooms , is r ally v y pl as an t to e t t er e t , and I am mov in o ano h of his hous s j us back — o f this and as good luck would have it the rooms tw o — and a bath are really a hundred p er cent more agreeable ’ for m e t e t t t ? te too r e and cos l ss . Isn ha good This sui is la g m e it n ter r for ; and is ot so bright and sunny . So af Thu s m r e e . 5 t e e . day , addr ss No Moun V non Plac I have j ust had th e pleasure of cutting my ﬁnger and ‘ ’ receiving a Visit from the lady wh o doesn t want s o much he . S e e t e h er music was v ry nic hough , and I play d for , so w e rte r e fte Sh e Sh e er rr pa d good f i nds a r all . said was v y so y to e e e m e t t r o f inconv ni nc and all ha so t thing . You can ’ e e I v re hav no id a how lonely I am . e just had a al good ‘ ee to e n ew w p all mys lf in my rooms .

And then a few days lat er

’ I m as happy as can be ! I feel very much ashamed that e e t etter e re I Should hav s n such a gloomy l hom and ally, [ 78 ] L E H N ’ D E I N E W A N G

’ ’ at r e t I v e ee n ow that I am busy wo k , I m happi r han b n ’ e er e t ette I v e ee m ak for months and a hundr d p c n b r . b n ing th e most delightful acquaintances and my rooms are as b pretty as can e . Yesterday afternoon I was busy sewing rings on our e th e e t e et r e t ains , wh n maid cam in wi h a larg bask of o ang s ‘ h r it r an d roses . e at t e e e e I look d ca d and was f om min n my , h e wh o the te e e at er 1 4 t lady had sui abov min Numb , and ‘ ’ ’ h Th e e e wh o didn t like so muc of my music . ﬂow rs cam from h er greenhouse and the oranges her father had sent ’ ’ r i t t t her ? e e e e up f om Flor da . Wasn ha kind of W v b com very good friends and she says She misses my pla y in g so mu ch

’ r h o f r In March h e appea ed at t e s econd M . Lang s concerts in

‘ e th e t C ert ﬂat Chick ring Hall , playing Lisz onc o in E maj or , with

e t e t e h e orchestra . His h al h had gr a ly improv d and faced his audi — ence with unusual con ﬁd en ce indeed all the critics spoke of th e strength and exuberant vigor of his work . These were n ot the rarest qualities of his piano playing and his artistry was n ot cl early appar

he e a re t fe w ter en t t . e er un il gav a pi no ci al a days la How v , his suc

e cess was consid rable . The Evening Tr an scr ip t said : That h e is already an artist of great and rare gifts was plainly manifest . And Philip Hale wrote “ H e e t e of t e re r e has gr a fulln ss on unmar d by ha shn ss , and with re

ﬂ ction t e t to e t e and im ough hav a wor hy and high place .

The re t e r 1 1 th it ci al was giv n Ma ch ; again , is Philip Hal e who ’ gives the best account of the young pianist s d ebu t and th e most il

t e e t th e ﬁ r e rt lumina iv comm n upon v e N evin songs , which fo m d pa

f h e r e e r t e . o t prog amm . Th s songs were still in manusc ip ’ — e t e a r r e t e th e Mr . Hal s ar icl contempo a y j udgm n pass d upon — artist is q uoted in full “

. t e e t e te e e v on e Mr E h lb r N vin , assis d by Miss J nni Holz , gav a pianoforte recital in Chickering Hall last evening o f which the following was the program C H A P T E R F I V E

PIANO SOLO

F ug ue in A min or

Fa n ta i in s e C O . 1 7 , p (Two MOVEM ENTS)

S ONGS

Arietta No o iu o on ’ , s p , c sa s ‘ ’ Qu an d o a te lieta

PIANO S OLO

Noctur ne

S tud in A min or O 25 y , p .

oma 5 R nce, Op .

ll o O A e r . 8 g , p

S ONGS

S ta rs of the S u mmer Nig ht

’ Lehn d ein e Wang

Cr a d le S on NEVIN g ( m8 . S ummer Longing s

Oh h t W o W in , T a e Tw ere M ay g

PIANO S OLO

Two Wa ltzes

Ven ezia e Nap oli

e e t e e e th e t re h e Mr . N vin mor han r n w d brillian imp ssion e mad ’ h e e at . e t t e last Tu sday Mr Lang s conc r . His playing of Bach Fugu

t w e e e t it r t but too was wha lik d l as ; was b illian playing , much in the t o f er te rt t too tt e spiri mod n pianofor playing , vi uosi y , and li l in

r r h e r h e e ere e e e t t of the e . T t t s v r, mo a n s Spiri Fugu inspi a ion seemed

e r he r r r to t er t e t the te t . e e out com f om ﬁng s a h han from x T u , nin of ten t t re t e t u e pianis s oday , even g a on s , would play his F gu in much the same way ; but this does n ot make u s any the less anxious ’ to e th e te t h ar n h . In the tw o movements from Schumann s Fan t c h e asi , Mr . Nevin w as on more congenial ground ; t e second mov

e t e e e e t n ot a little m n was sp cially well played . This mov m n calls for 30 l L E H N ’ D E I N E W A N G

h r f M r e e who is r t e t o the er . da ing on pa play , and N vin is a play r n ot afraid of running risks ; he threw himself into his task with su

t re e t p erb Vigor and th e result w as simply electric . S ill mo xci ing — w as his playing ofth e Chopin study the on e Rubinstein used to t e e The e r e e e as onish audi nc s with . Schumann All g o , v ry s ldom play d

ere i e r t e th e e ie e ere e h , was also g v n in g and s yl , and quick r p c s w play d

th e e . e e t r e e t e t . wi h much g ac and s n im n Upon whol , Mr N vin prov d

e to be en t r hims lf a pianist w ho can do Spl did hings , and f om whom t er r b e e te t n he s ill ﬁn wo k may e xp c d . Wi h all his dash and dari g e es e e o f r t e to th e vinc a s ns musical p opor ion , which l ads him draw rein at the right moment and his technique is sufﬁcient t o warrant

r t e H e b ut e e te e his da ing s yl of playing . plays boldly, n v r qui r ck

e h e r i e e er e th e lessly . Wh n has lea ned to g v his mor ﬁ y passag s all

of e e t e e of r t t to be e ﬁnish x cu ion , and sp cially ph asing , ha is admir d

in ete e t h e b e t e er few. e e is his qui r mom n s , will a pianis lik v y Th r an exuberance of vigor in him that will bear reﬁning ; there is little

e of its e t the two dang r all b ing reﬁned away . As for his composi ions , w alzes tr rt t b u t the are on e d e s uck us as unimpo an , songs , and all ,

e r h t e t lightful . P rhaps their most salient characte istic is t e spon an i y

e e t e are t th e e of m lodic inv n ion they Show . Th y wha G rmans call — S tr o hen lied er t t th e e e e t o p ha is , songs in which sam m lody go s — e er er e the e in t e so so re t v y v s and m lody is , i s lf, ﬂowing , p gnan , that all th e subtleties of harmonization in th e accompaniments seem to t r th e e e e te of e spring na u ally from l ading m lodic id a, ins ad b ing e th t e dragg d in by e hair for th eir ow n sake . Miss von Holz sang h m

te e t u sh e the t tt e t absolu ly d ligh f lly , as did also fascina ing li l Mozar ’ A r ett e i a and Si bel s song from Faust . — e n t e e n ot on e of e t e e e N vi had ak n his plac xcep ional min nc , — bu t lace of r in h e t n a p hono t e musical lif of Bos o .

“ e h e r te a u iet but t e Things mov along, w o , in q proﬁ abl way ; I am gaining ground and that makes m e better te te t e W be out con n d wi h mys lf. My songs ill soon and t e e tt r e e ee tr t o e h y do look v ry a activ . I hav b n ying mak C H A P T E R F I V E

arrangements for a number o f concerts and hope I shall e tw o e be successful . I hav pupils and will soon hav oth ers ’ before long I hope so many I won t know what to do

with myself. — th e t e t ert at We So mon hs pass d , wi h occasional conc s lls — C e e at New at t t e oll g , Elmira, York , Bos on and wi h l ssons . In

h t h e e on e e t tt r e t e au umn gav conc r in Pi sbu g . For som reason — in efﬁcien t e e e t it be t ere busin ss manag m n , may h was a very “ ” h “ s tte e . e ert e te i mall a ndanc A cold and dr ary conc , wro , t

er o t ofit h e of h m akes m e shudd t hink . T e ﬁnancial failur t e concert

ee t e t to H e te i f r was also a k n disappoin m n him . had coun d upon t o

e It to be on e o f th e te - t e o m any r asons . was s pping s on s t his m ar “ i e t e t r r e e t h e r te on e r ag . In his mom n a y discou ag m n w o of his blue — te t er a etter he t e to re let rs to his mo h l vainly ri d call .

e t er e e t If you could only know , d ar mo h , how I r p n hav ing written it When I wrote I was completely upset over such bitter disappointments that I hardly knew what I r t e e e was w iting . No hing I could say in my d f ns would j ustify my sending su—ch a morbid letter t o you wh en you e tr e e t t m e hav oubl nough all I ask is ha you pardon . Heaven knows I do little enough for th e family and no r on e feels it any mo e than I do .

O n e of th e last letters dated from his bachelor rooms in Mount

- e r tte t e t ﬁfth rt . t e V ernon Plac , was w i n on his w n y bi hday His mo h r h ad sent him a ch eque bidding him buy th e birthday gift he liked

t er b es . This was his answ “ Your dear letter enclosing th e birthday present for m e can came yesterday and I thank you more than I tell . Th e greatest gift I could have came in the little note ‘ where you say y o u thank God for the gift of my life to t e e t e t t r m e you No hing can v r ak ha f om , and you can h ave n o idea h o w thankful I am that my life has been a h appiness to you that you d o n ot regret the day I came t o this world and opened my eyes to th e stage on which ’ ’ I was to ﬁght life s battles and to enjoy life s happiness . I8 2 l V 1 887 ETHELBERT NE IN , IN C H A P T E R F I V E

Now y ou say in your note that you want m e to get some r e e s o e thing that will give m e pleasu e . I hav don and I hav h ad a j olly good time running about th e stores looking e r I r out e e t t th something up . B fo e sta ted I d cid d ha e t hing that would give m e most happiness would be to get ’ s et t e t om hing for my darling mo h r, as you know I don h e r of t to ou av many oppo tunities sending any hing y . So I bought this little lap tablet and from it you are going t o write to Anne and m e and keep it in your corner all for yourself and remember how happy and much obliged I am It to you for giving m e such a nice bi rthday present . has e e o e inde d given m e happiness . I lov you all s d arly and I s o fte to be t o n long wi h you . — — Then there was a farewell dinner his bach elor dinner at the

C The e o t The t ee of th e e e e u . Union lub . w dding cards w r las w k y ar h e e t ere th e t t t e w n home . H is let er ha announc d his coming

My dear Mother

I shall leave Boston on Wednesday evening and o r expect t reach Pittsburg on Thursday morning ea ly . Have written to Anne t o meet m e in town and go to e old V in eacre t m e e e e to e d ar wi h . R m mb r I am hav my tt e r e r o th e e li l oom and ve ything is to g along sam way, e ol ll r he t as ﬁre only som jolly d talks and mu s ove t na ural g . If it is n ot too much trouble would y ou kindly tell th e boys I speak for the horses for a drive sometime on Satu r ’ ’ ? so O e m e e day I m glad I m coming . h , giv hom

son Always your loving , “ t e t E helb r .

C H A P T E R S I X

THE SKETCH BOOK

H e t e e t of his e r e on th E happi s v n lif was his mar iag , e ﬁfth

e She e f r 1 888 to . e o Janua y, , Miss Ann Paul has b n a loving

h e te e te t his t e t e lpma , n ring in o all plans wi h z alous solici ud , ’ e t his t e e t Sh e h er eet and all via ing roubl s as b s could in sw ,

e e sa Sh e on e of womanly way . I hav h ard him y was his best r t e e ﬂow e t e e th e c i ics . Th ir liv s along pl asan ly and happily b caus of

o n t er love and devotion they bear t o e ano h . ’ These lines are quoted from the Sketch written by Ethelbert Nevin s mother . ’ The wedding w as picturesque and unusual an artist s wedding as may be seen from this fragment of a newspaper report “ ’ — — ete in its t s r The Church itself St . P r s Chris ma d ess of green

t e at te of e e t ee or r e t all pin s rising in rvals v ry hr fou p ws , heir lofty crests towering and losing themselves in the dusky h eights above ; grace ful branches decking th e chancel and the organ loft resembled nothing so much as a thickly wooded grove ; and th e aisl es s eemed

r e t th e e - r e eet r? a p im val pa hway , ov r hanging b anch s m ing and inte

Th e e t t e e t . t lacing un il h y form d roman ic arbors music was n rancing .

e at the e t t - t e First Mr. M llor organ gav a shor an i nup ial conc rt into ’ ’ h e r te t e . e e e which app opria ly in roduc d Mr N vin s famous S r nade . The last number of th e programme was skillfully merged into the ‘ bridal chorus from Lohengrin . This was caught up by an invisible

the te- e er choir of boyish voices . Soon whi surplic d Sing s appeared

e e e t w o tw o as t e e t and pass d down a sid aisl by , singing h y w n , reaching th e entrance j ust in tim e to escort the bridal party to the

h h ere e h t . W e t e e of t e t e t al ar h n voic s childish choir w hush d , s rain ’ w as taken up by a chorus of women s voices and chanted to the

th e t str as th e e ﬁnish , las ains dying away young brid groom stepped ’ t hi e h r t e ee t forward o claim s brid from e fa h r s k ping . All hrough <97 C H A P T E R S I X

h r the er e led t e e e e . e e t o fth s vic which was by R v r nd Mr Rog s , r c or e

e te te e t the eet e Edg wa r church , Bishop Whi h ad assis ing , sw ly simpl ’ i r n r ir of ev n S e e e e e e M . e a Mr . N S ad was r nd r d by M llor in tones ” o low t to be bu - e re of e s and sof as t a half h ard d am m lody . Thereupon there was a reception and th en th e young couple left

h e for t . er e r e are t e e t Bos on P haps all w dding j ou n ys sam , wh n you h and love go hand in hand ; what this on e was you may learn from a — ette e n ow — o f 8t 1 888 l r fad d January h,

‘ ’ We were very circumspect on our way East and I don t t e e te u s e it e e w e t hink anyon susp c d , unl ss was b caus bo h th e t had the bride and groom look in our eyes . In rain at tt t he e w as ete ere t e t oo Pi sburg aisl compl ly cov d wi h ric , , and the boys insisted on Singing th e wedding chorus and S o it be e e h e cutting up high jinks . may som on may av ‘ h caug t on after all . Harry Adriance left us at Philadelphia after decorating e t eft at my wife (my wife !) with Violets . Ern s l us Grand

t eet Ned at 23rd treet New r . We S r , and S , Yo k had lunch ’ eon t e e on to t the t ee c o tr ; h n cam Bos on by hr o l ck ain ,

e e at 9 P . arriving h r M . Yesterday morning w e came up t o 2 8 Beacon Street and decided to remain there ; so w e worked all day getting ou r things into shape ; and y ou would have fairly howled could you have seen Anne and m e eating ou r beans and ﬁsh - balls ’ t e tu e e e m e t his morning . Ann s cos m was m agr and in s ill re w e t o eat e t e e hot the mo so , as had whil hings w r , and we t e t et e way ri d to cook some eggs was absolutely pa h ic . W have unpacked our boxes and trunks and are n o w impa tien tl t y wai ing for our wedding gifts to come . We v e on e ou r n ew h e it is a ha only chair in om , and great drawing of lots as t o which on e of us is going to i - occupy t . What a whirl w e came away in ; and I can still see y ou standing th ere showering rice o n u s ; and w e felt e e th e We tr e lik bab s in woods . will y as soon as possibl to ett e to ter the r ea t h s l down work and , af all , g j oy of suc ” e e t the et e an v n is in r rosp ctive .

C H A P T E R S I X

‘ ’ e et h ten ten rte A Summ r Sk c Book , songs and pianofo Th e be ot er rett to pieces . book will g up v y p ily and I am get ﬁfty cents on every copy sold or ﬁfty dollars on e very it t e e t h e re e e . t hundr d copi s If ak s and go s in o hund ds , I v e e t t er it will make some money . I am ry n husias ic ov and r r have been wo king ha d .

he et it e e t T Sk ch Book , as was ﬁnally call d , includ d hirteen

e e e te e W t s ongs and piano pi c s , and found an imm dia sal ; i hal a very

ere ee e e large on e . Th had long b n a pr j udic against books of native

t ee th e t r of e composi ions ; ind d , his o ians Am rican music point out

ee rt Th e there had b n a Vi ual ban upon them . prej udice w as now

r e th e e e th e re b ok n down , ban was r mov d , by markable success of ’

e tt e e . It e re O 2 th e ere e N vin s li l volum app a d as pus ; S nad , pub li h ed 1 88 4 1 t e r e t s in , ranking as Opus , al hough a li r publica ions were “ ” “ ” “ The e 1 88 1 e 1 880 the Lov rs , , Appl Blossoms , , and Lilian

1 8 4 . ere n o e tt e to the e Polka, 7 Th was Opus numb r a ach d S ev n 1 886 Songs issued in .

e er t e e th e et r t u A g n a ion has pass d Sinc Sk ch Book ﬁ s came o t . — The change that has taken place during th ese years th e n ew con

e t in th e e th e t e qu s s harmonic kingdom , as w ll as swif advanc of — musical appreciation h as n ot injured the Vitality of the young ’ e of t rtee et ee the compos r s book hi n songs and piano pieces . B w n

he r e tt e of ete t tt e of im m or covers had imp ison d a li l rnal you h , a li l

e ert e th e h r h e the t et tal lov . Rup Hugh s , most sc ola ly as is mos po “ t r te r r e i ical of music his o ians , in his Con mpo a y Am r can Compos ” e t t t the e t the e e ers, has conﬁrm d wi h his au hori y, j udgm n of arli r “ r his t of e an t o f er m u critics . F om s udy N vin , innova or Am ican “ ” SIC I quote his words on th e Sketch Book ‘ ’ n te t of the et e t t The co n s Sk ch Book display unusual v rsa ili y .

t r t tte in e e e to the It Opens wi h a b igh gavo , which adh r nc classic

e e t e e e of t e The e e e spirit comp ls a c r ain r minisc nc on . s cond pi c , a ‘ ’ ’ the r t 0 r t e ﬁre song , In Wond ous Mon h May, has such a Sp ing id

th e t e t e t er e t re and frenzy in urbul n accompanim n , and such a f v n

Bo ton C. Pa e Co L. g s ) [ 9 0 ] T H E S K E T C H B O O K ite e t it e e th e e t of th e ett ranc , tha b com s , in my opinion , b s all s ings , ’ ’ o e f e n ot e e e S or t t of fthis po m o Hein s , xcluding v n chumann s ha ‘ ’ h LoV t is e t et Franz . T e e Song , hough a piano solo , in r ali y a du ’ ‘ w o e It to m e e t H en selt s e e t e e between t lov rs . is ﬁn r han p rf c Li b s ’ e i e e the eet e the e li d , poss bly b caus ravishing sw n ss of woman s voic , ’ e th e e e of the e it e answ ring sombr pl a man s , giv s a doubl claim on h e t The ett D u i i in Blum h e e t e . e e e h ar s ing of b st w e , ow v r, ’ ’ o e he hardly does j ustice either t Heine s poem or to N vin s art . T ‘ ’ ‘ ere e a e r bit of r bu t the t S nad is v ry o iginal wo k , song , O , Tha

We We e t th e e t Two r Maying wi h a voice in accompanim n , mak

it th e et it be —t t e e e ing du should , ha song can hav no high r prais t t t t it the ete th e t ofon e han his , ha is compl , e ﬁnal musical fulﬁlm n of th e e t ou r e r t t to th e ee rar s lyrics in languag . A st iking con ras k n ‘ ’ white regret of this song is the setting of a group of Children s ’ ’ e t te e e i - n a e Songs , by Rob r Louis S v nson . N v n s child so gs h v a

e H e ha e t e t e his peculiar and charming grac . s n ot be n s ingy of i h r

r hi in abundant a t or s abundant humanity in writing them . They ’ ‘ e e t e e the e t e th t t te lud four of S v nson s , b s b ing e cap iva ing , In Win r ’ ’ ‘ et at t ett of e e tt e Bo I g up Nigh , and a s ing Eugen Fi ld s , Li l y ’ t et e i e s e t e te t . Blu , in which a rump ﬁgur us d wi h d lica pa hos “ ’ It was in the Sketch Book that appeared the setting ofH eine s ’ e L ehn d ein e Wa n a n mein e Wa n t e for its familiar lin s , g g , no abl ’ e of h i intense and passionate beauty . N vin s conception t e poem s

e - u stiﬁed ffe e t t the original and s lf j , di ring wid ly from ha of many

r wh e e compose s o hav us d it . Of the eleven songs that went to the world that year the ﬁnest a e e t — ee o n e h e t i — u n chiev m n ind d , of t e b s of h s songs was q u es ’ tion a l t t e te te e e L ehn d ein e Wa n a n mein e b y ha xquisi mas rpi c , g “ A e t e t out it i t tt e r Wan . s s e g Rup r Hugh s poin s , ac ually li l mo ” o t e h than a vocal accompaniment t a piano solo . In o h r words t e accompaniment is a free instrumental composition with a meaning of its ow n te e t n ot e e and an in gral valu ruly accompanying , m r ly

r th I t e e e . e tr e t t a th suppor ing and s ving voic This is v ry u . hin s t e C H A P T E R S I X

’ — essential quality in Ne vin s musical invention a characteristic that

n e t e - r th e e its t o migh call m lodico ha monic , for m lody and sub le har

e are s o t te te th t it e to e er t e moni s in ima ly uni d a is impossibl diss v h m . “ ” It was this that placed him among the innovators and in th e su c ’ e ert r . L ehn d ein e Wa n c ssion of Schub , Schumann and F anz — g t e Lied t t ete e ee e is a ru ha kind of compl musical po m , which s m d once so exclusively German and ofwhich N evin made a form of art

e e e te e e t . at onc p rsonal , d ﬁni , and p rf c This little volume contained also that particularly lovely bit o f

th e er e e ﬂat . melody , B c us in A

M TH E H E Y . OUS IN QUINC , ASS

Almost coincident with the appearance of th e Sketch Book

the t f i 3 t t ee s of was publica ion o h s Opus , con aining hr ongs a pas ’ “ t r t e t it of e t oet e O ne o al na ur , Doris , wi h s aroma Th ocri us , G h s ” “ ’ r r t ee e s Sp ing Morning , B igh and Fair, and D p in a Ros Glow

e h e e e t t t e e r e e . ing H ar , po m by Ma gar t D land Th ir succ ss was gr a — t h no ably that of t e blith e Goeth ean song . 92 l

C H A P T E R S I X

was all through ; and Monday I teach all day . “ in e t on th e 2oth the I play Chick ring Hall , in Bos on , in h e 1 2th ter at as t on e e t . af noon , and Woll on Monday v ning , I play in Pittsburg o n the 1 5th and 1 7 th of January and give my ow n concert either late in D ecember or before I V t e e t D eo len te. go home in January . All h s hings o I am

commencing to feel very nervous and anxious . “ Th e n ew Symphon y Orchestra h as asked m e for some r e tr r t r o ch s al manusc ip , and if I can wo k up my Symphonic e et o n th e e e r e M ar Po m on Suns All gh ny , f om a po m by h e e ret i t t . e t . ga D land , I shall hand in I am busy all im Christmas music must be composed and prepared for th e ’ e e e e e rt e choir and num rous r h arsals giv n . Ann s bi hday com s tomorrow and I am trying to have some mild surprises for h r e ere few t er e . I hav ord d a au umn ﬂow s and Emily has t o et e made a big combination fruit cake . I am going g som e h r tt of e h er re candl s and buy e a bo le cologn , which was e Th e e on m e I r te t . e qu s pup , Schop nhau r , is jumping as w i , e m re r t e en t n and m—ak s y chirography look mo sc a chy v ha if t be e We t th e tw o usual such a hing possibl . los pup fte o b r eft e ee . H e ee e t e e days a r you l , for ov r a w k s m d v y te t discon n ed after his Aunt Lily left him .

The e t ette te te r e e D e n x l r which I shall quo is da d F iday v ning , cemb er 2 1 st 1 888 it ette e e t r , ; is a l r lik an op n window , h ough which on e may look in upon the warmth and comfort of a room and th e young happiness it holds

My dear mother

e e h e et re the t Ann and baby and nurs av r i d for nigh , t r e and I s ill have quite a long evening befo e m e . Ann is getting along nicely and th e boy is growing to be a very ette he t ere t e e much b r looking baby . T doc or was h his v n : b oft t h e h as ing and said You may e proud ha boy , a mag iﬁcen e n t . t e e e are so r t e h ad Oh , mo h r , his y s b igh , and wh n he e he e e e oh w e smil s , smil s all ov r his fac , and , how did watch for his ﬁrst smile ! H e has already developed a sense h e t r his e e e n for sound , for u ns his h ead and y s and onc eve st e r to e r e the e opp d c ying h ar nu s ring b ll . [ 94 ] T H E S K E T C H B O O K

e t tr t Anne is comm ncing o look s ong now , and oday h a r r r sh e are s e s t up for th ee hou s . Tomo row and I going — r to take a walk ound the room . “ I imagine you all busy with Christmas shopping or t e h t e is th e re te t ra h r making and planning , whic af r all , g a s fun . “ Anne and I have enjoyed what little Christmas prepa ’ w t t be r e to see the rations e have made . You mus n surp is d ‘ ’ lot e t to the e r e at V in eacre b ut t e e r job s n d a on s , Mo h r d a , ’ w e t t r t so t e t tt e t couldn buy his Ch is mas , jus s n li l hings — e t t t e w e had things w e were fond of. W hough h y would e r e sur please you all and I know they will . I hav ar ang d a r h are to e M rs . tt . T e p is for Mr . and Co on choir going as s e e e e o n t ev e w e are e mbl h r and Chris mas , going ov r and ‘ ’ : t e e t e t e e Sing Holy Nigh , P ac ful Nigh and I hop h r will be as the t th e r be so snow all around , ligh s from chu ch will r tt e w t the r h the re p e y . Th n e will go in o chu c and child n e r C t the ser will hav th ei Christmas tree. hris mas morning e be e t vic will b au iful . This time last year I was about going home and brother h e t e o ee Bob was j ust commencing to feel ill . If con inu s t f l e on e e fo t A e be badly s nd him h r r a Visi . nn and I would so to e i e O glad hav him and t would d o Ann S much good . D o tr e ee or o e y and g t him off if only for a w k s . Schirm r tells m e the Saint C ecilia have ordered tw o hundred copies ‘ ’ of Th e Night H as a Thousand Eyes and t hey are to sing it f at on e o t e r n t . h ir conce ts soon . La g conduc s ette w e o u on C t ev e This l r ill probably r ach y hris mas , e t th e and I can imagin you all going in o parlor, you and fath er over by the table ; our d arling little sister by the ’ ’ ere h er e e t are W te ft e piano , wh pr s n s , al r s gi s n ar Lily s ’ ’ e on the n - t rt e the and Bob s pil d pia o chair, wi h A i s by e h t re on h ﬁr place . Sitting h ere I can see t e pic u s t e walls covered with greens and I d o hope th e tree I see in the cor n er is e t e e e e all h e th o to e r ally h r , b caus t os ings g mak up t Chris mas . C H A P T E R S I X

A h m e l

F or two a l n h in the hall o e, t ere , Is s r ea d th l a n s ma ll p e ta b e r oun d d .

S ea ted I se h w a a n , e t e t o g i , B u t n ot a lon e ; they en ter ta in A little an g el un a wa r e. — — I have bought a little tree for him for Paul and some pretty tree-things to p ut on it ; and a little Kriss Kringle may h e enj oy the delightful excitement ofa Kriss Kringle as long and as much as did his father and mother e t e e h e a tt e ee — h and uncl s and aun i s . Th n I av li l sh p whic ’ rt te e n ot ba a he tree be th e fo una ly do s . T baby s will in e h d ear tt e r t- e e nurs ry, and all t e . li l Ch is childr n will hav ’ ee t t e e e e t gr ns abou h m ; then I will bring up Ann s pr s n s ,

“ we t ere too ut and will have our dinner s erved h , . I will p e t t e w e be t as e r e on my b s clo h s and Shall j us m r y , as m rry ’ be e b u t too it is . t s t t e t o can W ll , hi mus n s rung long , as ’ s e to t e a busy ason ; only I can t help writing you , mo h r e who h e o e e d ar, you av for s many , many y ars mad our ’ Ch t as o r t t he te ou how our ris m s b igh . I can lp lling y thoughts n aturally turn to ou r respective homes ; b ut w e have a little home ofour own now and w e must make Christ m as time as happy for o ur b oy as you and fath er did for t e . e t C t s . yours Good night . God bl ss you all his hris ma im “ W th e e r e i unbound d lov f om Ann , Paul , and

Your loving son

ert B .

’ And so the most memorable year in the young composer s life

re o It e t t th e hiloso d w t a close . was a y ar ha had given him in p ’ ph er s thoughtful phrase tw o prophylactics against oblivion : a son to e his e t t t t b ar nam , and songs in which s ill glow hin s and in ima ions

H e - i h t c e of immortality . was twenty s x years of age and e had ou h d ’ h h a t e w orld s . e rt t his wi h singing .

C H A P T E R S E V E N

H ERBSTGEFUH L

— HE little house in Quincy the ﬁrst home was given up

1 889 . e t r e e t at 60 in N vin ook a la g hous in own , 1 Mount

e t eet the t ette V rnon S r . In las l rs from Quincy there are ’ h t e of the e e at t t e c arming pic ur s young compos r s lif his im . ” th as e h Bo a compos r and as a man , said t e on e wh o “ t tel e he e e t h most in ima y kn w him , was ss n ially a child . To t e last he was an en chanted child .

tr e . H e rr e e t e This , in a way, is u ca i d ov r in o manhood unsulli d ,

e rt t e t t e s o e e to H e those h a quali i s ha b long xclusiv ly childhood .

’ “ t t t e H e ha d always a child s in imacy wi h na ur . had always that vague belief in the souls of inanimate things which never quite dies ’ ee t e t e H e u t out in those who k p you h s h ar aliv . had q ain fancies

ees e e re t ou e e e about tr and ﬂow rs ; and ov r Bay u h , as y r m mb r, the

e e out ere t e e e tt e t e the re e stars pe p d h and h r lik li l mo iv s in p lud , ’ C e e announcing the moon s coming . hildr n w nt to him with a nhesi

e e e e e of t e tating conﬁd nc , r cognizing in him a m mb r h ir mystic

It is t e n h e e e the he t of e broth erhood . for his r aso r ach d ar s childr n and th e hearts ofthose who love children as n o other composer has

d o n ot e e e e t Mou ssor ski t h he t oo e t t done . I v n xc p g houg , , kn w ha children have a world of their ow n and into that world he had en

tered as an equal . ’ t ere are e t e n e In N evin s child songs h a sinc ri y , an ing nuous ss and

h a tt F o t n o t e e s te e . r as a haunting pa hos o h r compos r qui a ain d him ,

th e e ter e w as for the child , world was v ry mys ious and lif a daily mir ‘ — ’ acle ; and this ﬁrst fresh wonder he never lost th e child s sen se of ’ h r reverence and t e child s pe fect faith .

w as on e e of C i H e w as That this only sid his haracter s true . a

th e h b u h the prince in kingdom of child ood , t e travelled far in o r

O n e te t he te o f his ow n realms . win r nigh in Quincy wro baby [ 99 ] C H A P T E R S E V E N

It ee tter ere bu t w e are e to it has b n bi ly cold h , us d and ‘ h e ee v er r n ot t our ous k ps y wa m , for you na ural gas

e e but r . e st r t p opl , wa m for us Ann has j u b ough Paul in e e h e tt e e m e and if you pl as is si ing in a chair b sid , as I ’ hi H i tt e are te t s . s wri , wi h Susanna doll li l arms ﬂying around and he says he j ust loves Susanna and he smiles at her see h and blinks . I wish you could him as e sits t e e t t on e t his m on th t e t to h r , ﬁrs wi h humb in , h n rying

get both hands in . e e is te e e the ev i Th r an in rmission h r , as young man ’ d en tly has an obj ection to being described and I v e been e o o the Th e e oblig d t go t piano and play for him . mom nt e h e o t H I comm nce laughs and coos and kicks u his legs . e is just as well as h e can be and seems t o be thriving splen l on hi n w Now e t e off u d id y s e food . Ann has ak n him p ’ ‘ stairs and h e is going to sleep to his daddy s B edtime ’ ‘ ’ e th e a i : his Song , all mix d up wi Addio b ll Napol ’ w o t so h e is bo mamma s t favori e songs . I am glad a y e e h r and s uch a sturdy little f llow . Ann and I can a dly ’ t to e ou see him see his t ex wai hav y all , and— Aun Lily s pression when he laughs at h er h e laughs all over his t e he t to eat lit l face . S will wan him up and I am just ‘ wild to hear his grandmamma sing him to sleep with Th e tt e O e A re th e t e the r t Li l n s S ars , I Gu ss , and B igh Moon ’ h e he t his is a Is the Shep erdess . Mayb s will hink daddy e te to him te small boy again . I r ci Thanatopsis and ll him all about Baby Bunting and that is the extent I ’ t red h a t to . We e te t go . I can Sing him hav a brigh nnis , r t e to it o n the t of with a b illiant yellow ra tl hanging , pos the bed our to see in room , and you would roar him in the mornings early cooing and laughing at it while he lies b H e ee o ut o f ft e b u in his little ed . has b n going a rnoons t w W ette the past t o have been t oo cold . hat a baby l r I e tte b u t h e to be rt t hav wri n , has grown such an impo an rt of our e t t t e to let pa liv s , ha for his onc I am going ” oth er matters go and devote it all to baby .

Then came th e christening and th e young father wrote of it to his ow n moth er with pride an d with the reverence he always had 1 0 0

C H A P T E R S E V E N

These were th e words PROCESSIONAL HYMN

’ E R F IS o ER E A E D E TH ST I E , TH B TTL ON

MUSIC BY ETHELBE RT NEVIN

A lleluia IA lleluia IA llelu ia ! ’ The str e is o er the ba ttle d n e if , o ; The victory of li e is won Th n r um h n e so g of t i p has beg u . ALLELUIA !

The wer s o ea th hav d n e the r w rst p o f D e o i o , B ut Chris t their leg ion s ha th d isp er sed : L et sh ut o h l o u t ur st o f o y j y o b , ALLELUIA

The thr ee s a d d ays a r e qu ickly sp ed ; H e r ises g lor ious fr om the d ea d A ll g lory to ou r r isen H ea d ! ALLELUIA

H e cl sed the a wn n a tes o hell o y i g g f , ’ The ba r s fr om H ea ven s hig h p or ta ls fell ; L et hymn s of p r a is e H is tr iu mp hs tell! ALLELUIA

L r d b the str i es which w un d ed Thee o , y p o , ’ F r om D ea th s d r ea d sting Thy ser va n ts fr ee Tha t we may live a n d sing to Thee ALLELUIA AMEN

I wish y ou could have heard the two hundred little e i h e his e s childr n s ing t as they walked up t e aisl . In r mark ‘ to the re tt : w e t e e for child n Mr . Co on said And mus n v r et in our te to e th e on e w ho is so g Eas r Sundays com , soon t o e e w ho for l av us , and wrote you your glorious hymn : ’ Th s tri is th a t l d n ” e e o er e t e e . f , b o ‘ e t t o u e te w e e Ann and I hough of y y s rday , and imag—in d th e boys and Lily making merry over your birthday w e

1 02 H E R B S T G E F U H L

’ t e t did wish w e might have been wi h you . Ann s gif has n ot e et to the t t t e to et cer gon y , owing fac ha I fail d g a Bu t tain thing that is necessary for its completion . Sunday e w e a e e cam , had company and as occasion lly do s happ n — m e t e o ut when on e is keeping house y w al h sudd nly ran . ’ it be e t off But I m going to town today and will s n soon . e e i r t it rett e t . I am su e you will hink p y, Ann and I d sign d e an d m a t e be the er e t e et Goodby , y his y ar v y happi s y ar y r and others to come still happie .

’ Although Nevin s music had gain ed th e approval of musicians and reach ed a wide audience his money struggl es were still many and

f H e te : di ﬁcult . wro

’ I v e ou r t t e a nd tere t e of sold t all my ight , i l in s in som t for 1 25 e r t m e t on e my composi ions $ . Th y b ough in abou re t e but e te e was n eces hund d and ﬁf y a y ar , imm dia mon y — sary th e sacriﬁce seems terrible ! “ ’ I m having a beautiful time ! Varney leaves tomorrow and I have n o servant in View ; this house h as been rented

a n d I shall have to move as soon as possibl e into town . Now ’ v e t e on et as I jus in the bank to mov , g my food and p ay offmy bills o u t here (with n o immediate prospect of ” re e th e t eer ! mo mon y) , ou look is ch ful

t of r e w a th e o t e t e And his , cou s , s psych logical im for hos good

e er er t er t t to e . ang ls , always hov ing ov him , as his mo h hough , app ar In th e following note h e sent his good news : il 1 8 8 9 A r 2 . p , My dear Mother

e e t o As I hav usually , from a small boy up , gon e tr e t re e th you wh n I was in oubl , I mus sha my good n ws wi e r you . Sinc Janua y ﬁrst over e leven hundred copies of my t t t r er e e ee songs and hings , ha Schi m has publish d , hav b n sold and h e today handed m e a cheque for making — in all for nine months so you s ee that is pretty e e er r good for a b ginn r. I was v y much surp ised wh en S chir m er e m e th e e o u e hand d ch ck and y may imagin I was glad . e t e t e th e and I only s nd his lin as I know fa h r, you , boys C H A P T E R S E V E N — Lily will be glad t o h ear of it n ot th e mere fact of my e e e e e t but the t t t having r c iv d som igh y dollars , fac ha my e music is in such d mand .

When summer came th ey were established in th e big house in Mount Vernon Street ; and N evin was looking forward to th e arrival of t e t t er t e e ee Ar hur, his young s bro h , h n b ginning a car r of high

l e e e t e h tte to hi musica achi v m n . Of th se things e speaks in le rs s fath er

This is really the first spare moment I have had for a long time in which I might acknowledge the receipt of your etter r b e t t to . e e ee so to e kind l Th has b n much don , ha e e I e e e e e t e e . t sav xp ns , Ann and I hav don hings ours lv s h as taken much time and even after all I find th e only thing d o e to e th e te . I can w ll is play piano , ach and compos ’ I agree with you that making th e cello an instrument n r o d o of profession is ot a desirable thing for A thur t . W e it is e t t e t it t e e e t n hil a b au iful ins rum n , is s ill d p nd n upo a stronger background ; and does n ot open the way to com t or to It is n o m at posi ion , individual work . confining and t er e on e be e t h e e er how w ll may abl o play , can n v look e t e t e much high r han a place in an orch s ra, and p rhaps a

‘ little t eaching ; b ut even as a teacher on e would never get th e r e to e p ic s paid a piano t acher . “ t w e t e t r e on as th e t S ill , bo h hop Ar hu can com , s ay here will d o him good and his music can b e on e of the e h e branch s should pursue . “ t t e but ee th e e My ou look is mos ncouraging , I f l y ar passed in Quincy outsid e ofmy own development was t r e e the of th e h own away . I must liv and mov in whirl r e et e e wo ld for a whil y , and mak mys lf and my composi — tions known then perhaps I can really live at some place in the t e e e to t coun ry and if I am v r abl buy , I hink I should e But t t is lik my summer home to be in Pennsylvania . ha o a long way ff. “ I am sure I could arrange for Arthur to study very e h e tr it for s a e te e r asonably ; and if could y , y from S p mb r t t e to e ofhis ill January, by hat time we should be abl j udg [ 1 04 ]

C H A P T E R S E V E N

S uch r elea se a n d d ying w w ul m m S eet o d see to e.

Deeper passion and wilder despair could n ot be crowd ed into so h rt an d the e r e t e r ht t e s o a song, whol b i f rag dy is w oug wi h a grand ur

t e It of ee e and climax posi iv ly epic . is a ﬂash Sh r g nius . ’ r t This song was always Nevin s favo i e .

It th e on e e e t h e e t o a t i s . H e e e t to t t is I lik b s , us d y d dica d ha

e t e he th e e en si n a e v on kindly s cond mo h r found in B rlin p o , Fr ul in

n ck Fi .

The e e sa w th e t e e sam y ar publica ion of Wynk n , Blynk n , and ” - r t e t . It Nod , as solo and cho us , wi h four hand piano accompanim n w as e te to tt e son in e h e r te d dica d his own li l , and s nding a copy w o to h is mother

ree r t e e e Paul c ps all a ound and s ands up b sid a chair . Ann ee e e e e e t of his as and I f l lik njoying v ry mom n babyhood , h e r r be e e e . is g owing rapidly and will , b fo long , lik your boys ’ It s too th e e t e t e bad babi s insis upon growing , whil h ir ’ re t ee to be t n i t e to e t e t pa n s s m s a d ng s ill . I d lik hav w n y tt e e r m e the t e li l babi s ound all im .

r H e e A t this time his concert wo k had greatly increased . play d many times in Boston and gave piano recitals and Wagner lectures

ee etr t t e C t e o fthe e We t . in Chicago , Milwauk , D oi and o h r i i s Middl s

ee to e e t e t t h e r te I s m hav j ump d in o a r pu a ion , w o ; r t o be re te are e h o n e and p oofs cor c d pil d igh my d sk , and ” th e b er r r t pu lish is clamo ing for manusc ip .

[ 1 06 ] C H A P T E R E I G H T

NARCISSUS

C H A P T E R ’ E I G H T

’ a e ete e winter s work t Fr nch . I d rmin d last Autumn to e t b ut e e so t f re r ad no hing Fr nch , as I kn w li tle o F nch

ter t e . e e ere t e li a ur So I hav r ad Moli , Hugo , Lamar in and Balzac an—d the English books come like a long Vista of ree t ee w e saw r D o e e e g n r s such as in Windso . you r m mb r th em ? I think I must have been very impressionable at that t e t t t of th e t ee im , as I am cons an ly hinking hings s n and h e r t e n ot so as t e a d h n , much musically , from na ur and t e e e e be t e to for h av s rang n ss . I can n v r hankful nough you in e m e t u t g tak n on such a rip . Pa l has jus had

his ﬁrst walk by himself. I only wish he may have as many arms held o u t to him all through his life as he had th e oth er ” r h to e afte noon when e ok his ﬁrst st ps .

A littl e later he wrote In th e last tw o weeks I have n ot been idle in my com t r e r tte fift - tw o e posi ion wo k , as I hav w i n and sold y pag s r e e m e of manusc ipt . This m ans a good d al for as I u sually e e t t er t e compos v ry slowly , hough in o h hings I go ah ad r e t rapidly and u se up my ene gy . In looking ov r my lis of ’ t e e e e e m u composi ions , I find I hav finish d in my s v n y ars — — sical work counting from my twenty-first year forty ” t eight composi ions .

t t e 1 890 e e 6 th e t ee et In ha y ar , , N vin publish d Opus hr du s for ” “ ” e C e t e r piano , a Vals apric , a Coun ry Danc and a Mazu ka ;

h te of t : Va lzer G en Opus 7 , whic consis d four piano composi ions “ ” “ ” ‘ t l the e th e te e Th e of th e i e, Slumb r Song , In rm zzo and f Song ” I t t e he e th e ffe t th e Brook . t was wi h h m gain d a hold upon a c ions of

t he e e t . amateur pianis , which n v r los In addition to these piano pieces h e published that year his Christ

r r he t r r Th e e t e A e t . t mas Ca ol , Sil n Ski s Full of S a s This was hi d “ t 1 88 9 h e h ad r tte Th e rt H as of his Chris mas carols , as in w i n , Ea h

h of r n . T e e e e G ow Old po ms w r by Bishop Phillips Brooks , whom

Nevin wrote in his diary .

e e t t t e or H e is mor lik a sain han any o h r man , woman ” r child I have eve seen . N A R C I S S U S

r e e e e This same year he also w ote and published Ev rywh r , Ev ry

H is e for t e where Christmas Tonight . lov Chris mas was always v ry It th e e of beautiful and very reverential . was bound up wi m mori s a t happy childhood and deeply associated with his religious fai h . In all — e h h ol - in t his trav ls t e day was k ept in t e d fashioned way I aly, — er or r e th r e th err e t G many F anc wi song and p ay r, wi m im n and

e e w a r r dance . Th r s always a Ch istmas tree ; there we e always happy children to dance round it ; in th e home ofhis manhood as in his boy

e hood hom .

e r e e hi e : Nu n c This y a also , N vin publish d s four Sacr d Songs

D imittis B ened ictus J su J u M iser r e the Jubila te ; e , es , e ; and , h he e te to hi t in . . whic d dica d s pas or Quincy, Dr H Evan

tt n Co o .

the t he re at 30 e t eet In au umn t Nevins we established Pinckn y S r ,

t the ett e t e w e e er et t tt e e in Bos on , pr i s hom v y had , a dain y li l hous ’ ‘ ’ ” h e e e C t e so to e . e e e in H nry abo Lodg s backyard , Sp ak Th r c l “ ’ brated t e t - e t t reet t his w n y igh h bir hday . Paul s g ing wi h a bunch

of er t rte o h t t h e e th e M aven ﬂow s s a d fft e day . Tha mon h play d quelle (for t wo pianos) with M acD ow ell at the Sumner memorial ;

e e e 6th h e r e and D c mb r 1 gave a ecital assisted by Mrs . Juli Wyman

. . hi r h e te and F F Powers . In s dia y wro

e t e off e t e t Ev ry hing pass d pl asan ly nough , hough I was t r te e eter e to e. ho oughly disappoin d in mys lf, and hav d min d t e e e ak a mor d cisive stand in my composition work . Things — have been too n a mby p a mby and I have a horror of be ’ e r - - te t t ing a succ ssful d awing room song wri r , wi h no hing e e to i ls back t up .

he te n he e e e the t This wro on Thursday, and o Friday r c iv d mos — ’ wonderful gift the complete score of The Nibelung s Ring “ with th e following note : With what success y o u have accom

lish ed t he t th e rte re tr t t e e r e p by s udy of pianofo sco , I us h s o ch s tral scores will h elp you to bear still rich er fruit and surpass all ex

ectation r e e e e p of you s lf and fri nds . Wishing you a v ry succ ssful

[ 1 1 1 ] C H A P T E R E I G H T

ree th e e t r e th e to e ca r in gr a musical wo ld , I hav honor r main , your

r r e admi ing f i nd .

And to his mother he wrote “ When I take into consid eration that these scores must at e t e t t e t e t re e t l as hav cos if h y cos a c n , I aliz wha er re e t it t o t o w n e a wond ful p s n was , and hink my nam , t e ert e t e ter a E h lb N vin , s ands in gold l t s on se ] binding . t ft it t e r o n e wh o Oh , wha a gi was , Mo h r, and f om had very little money And above all to think h e deemed m e ’ ’ t o fit so e e I v e e musically wor hy . I m und s rving ; and lat ly had such bitter thoughts and feelings ; and to think that some perso n w ho insists upon being nameless to all b ut e e re t m mys lf, mad such a g a sacriﬁce for e

t e e he e t to New e at th e he e Tha v ning w n York and play d , T odor

e t in the e e the a e t Thomas conc r L nox Lyc um , accomp nim n s for “ ” t ree of — M r m an —t he ft h his songs sung by s y Ra Song , In a Bower and Little Boy Blue ; th e last tw o being still in

r e th e e C e h e at r on the Wed manusc ipt . Wh n y ar los d was wo k ” tr rtette to it e ding Music for S ing Qua , hoping ﬁnish and r con ’ t t the e a t e to con s ruc Trio , for Violin , c llo and pi no , in im risk a

e t of his ow n c r compositions in March .

h is d h te for e e n o e e In iary (which e wro hims lf alon and which y s , s e his s aw t fte his e t there a re t te av own , un il a r d a h) many in ima reve lations of self

’ — In this past week I v e written tw o movements the t th e er or e —to the e ﬁrs and Sch zo , danc W dding Music ’ ’ t tette b ut r i it s e e for S ring Quar , I m af a d all nons ns ; and I question very much whether it will ever see a perform e t e n ot e m e on e rr anc . Tha do s caus half as much so ow as th e thought that perhaps it is s o trivial that it is n ot worth er r It is t t e ette to te e a p fo mance. a housand im s b r wri som t so t n o on e e it t to re te e hing good hat will us , han c a som r S o thing that I S used and does n ot dese ve usage . many of us are going along in this daily life o f battle and tem pt a t t re t o e th e ette e bu t ion , all ing, I am su , l ad b r lif ; 1 1 2 e

C H A P T E R E I G H T

e n ow ete e to bu t e r what I hav d rmin d do , I fe l so ﬁ mly con v m ced t t t t t I am doing wha is righ , ha no hing can dis — m e or e m e te e e e may , mak al r my d cision unl ss som dis t t r tre or r e . W ss calami y, I know no hing of, should a iv e are t w e e w e m a e e bo h young and hav , y hop , many y ars ahead of us ; and perhaps important positions to occupy ; we t e re r e e and mus pr pa ou s lv s . t t be r t Ambi ion canno w ong , and you hful ambition is te the e t t to ter t e e n e of n b s s imulus la ac iv lif . O thing sure ly z I see my ow n imperfections and I am ready to ac e e t e u se e er eff t to t t e e knowl dg h m and v y or hrow h m asid . on e e e e m e t be No ls can judg for . I mus my ow n j udge ; and if I try to look at everything conscientiously ; if I tr to e t e t be y do my r al du y, I am conﬁd n I shall doing t wha is best . My life so far has been entirely governed by a Divine t e t t e t r e e Hand . I am posi iv ha my ar hly cou s is plann d that my daily destiny was long ago ordained ; but my spirit e re t e e to ual w lfa I mus shap for mys lf, according what I can get from my Teach ers and what I can gain from my r e t t m e in n r sur oundings ; and abov all , wha is old by my e — consciousness which invariably discriminates between r r ight and w ong .

ere e e t at V in eacre to ro Th was , as N vin for saw , opposi ion his p ject ed return to Europe ; and h e argued th e matter in a letter t o his mother

ette e re t t e e t e e Your l r, d a s mo h r, cam his v ning , and I was quite prepared for contrary views ; and your ideas were j ust t te n ot to t e wha I wan d , as I do wish do any hing impulsiv ly r ee t e or in a ash way . Ind d , I wan all kinds of advic and dis n ot e e e t i e cu ssio n on th e subj ect . I do b li v I am wha s call d i - hea d ed tr r e t a re ut e re m e p g ; and if s ong a gum n s p b fo , — and prove con v in cing I am perfectly willing to abide by h t ette t t e te . a them . Your l r was j us hing I wan d You s y : I would n ot blame ‘a man if he borrowed money to invest in som ething that would pay him back ; b u t this w be e e e t t t n ould a d ad loss , xc p ing wha you migh gai ’ mentally . H 4 CAST OF ETHELBERT NEVIN ’ S HAND C H A P T E R E I G H T

ow e t er e it W b N , my d ar Mo h , in my cas ould e quite to e t fiv e t r r e e wrong inv s housand dolla s bo row d mon y in , sa e e e e n ot e B y , silv r min s , b caus I am a busin ss man . ut e t t t m n ta ll r sur ly you know ha wha I gain e y , is my sou ce ‘ ’ e e t are n ot e r of incom . My d b s no mous , and I am young e to e e r of m f nough hav y a s ahead e to pay th em off. A ew e it t r e e e e o f y ars from now , is u , I should hav mor mon y own but n ot be e my , my mind would as impr ssionable as it is while I am young ; and w e can never tell what a year r t may b ing for h . “ see e e n ot e You in n wspap r work , I could possibly giv an opinion worth stating ; and I Should have to apply to f r f h Father o advice . Again in points o all t e beautiful and e t t e t lov ly hings a mo h r can do , I would know no hing and o o to e In t of should have t g you for advic . So poin s music — — which was born in m e you must try to think that I t to be r t — e am doing wha I know igh for mys lf. “ I am having such splendid encouragement from all parts of the states ; but it only stimulates my conviction of e - e my o wn incapabilities . I know I hav God giv n talent to u se e e bit of e e t t and I am going v ry n rv , vi ali y and life t t m e to e e it e t t e ha is in d v lop and win a nam ha Shall liv . e t e e t m e e t e e e are Hav pa i nc wi h , d ar mo h r, v n if you n ot convinced I am doing right ; and remember that with r must eel the t t er ou all my wo k I f sympa hy of Fa h and y , and th e brothers and th e Sister who are dearer t o m e than h o f the d iscom almost anything in t e world . Think also forts Anne is going to p ut up with : a small flat in a strange land ; hous ekeeping wh ere t he very language is unknown ; n h er t e e e e e her e t e — her givi g up all i s h r , wh r gr a lov is r e t the ett tte on e f i nds , posi ion , and all p ing and fla ry could r She e e e t m e ee d eam of. giv s up v ry hing for and my car r as ” t t e . an ar is , and compos r

’ t e for n e e he e ert e e Tha s ason , mo y s sak , ﬁll d many conc ngag

e t n ot t bu t New r an d e . m n s , only in Bos on in Yo k Philad lphia

e e tt e r e t t tt e I hav compos d a li l , his dia y r ads , augh a li l ‘ — re e er re a r t en mo , and play d v y much mo cu ious hing wh

1 1 6

C H A P T E R E I G H T — e to m e — cam on Monday washing day , you know and as I was

at it e e t e t er h playing away h r in my s udio , I look d up and h e in t e

r ere our two e r te e doo way w maids , cook and s cond gi l , qui sp ll

h e t e t e t e t . ee re th e bound , h ir mou hs op n wi h d lig Th y had b n lu d all

a th e e e t r the e t e t w y from bas m n laund y by s duc iv une . “ ” And Narcissus went its way in the world ; it sold n ot by thou

but th e re t n o t sands , by hund ds of housands ; composi ion by an

e e to t e te r Yet to Am rican compos r has had s and such w ar and a . ,

its t t e e e r day, vi ali y is unimpair d . N vin hims lf always conside ed it on e of his trivial compositions ; and it was 1 n v ariably with a sort of whimsical amusement that h e s aw himself described as the M a n h i n ot e t . h er W o Wr ote Na r c ss us . This is an unusual d s iny T e gen al public has always loved t o personify th e artist in some on e of his

r t t on e h e th e e e te a wo ks and usually in ha whic mad wid , imm dia p “ e e r Poe the t of Th e p al . ( For y a s Edgar Allan , was known as au hor ” “ en the e t e r r a Rav ) Now dir c , comp lling cha m of Na cissus p

e rt t its e e e n ot e to the peal ed to all h a s . And hough m lodic lin do s ris “ — e e e t its er e t t highest plan , Narcissus is p rf c in kind p f c in uni y and eurhythmic proportion ; and in spite of the fact that for a q uarter of a century it has been thrummed in th e restaurants and whistled in

e th e its i er t t l its re e is th e all ys of world , s nc i y s i l charms and f shn ss

r n ot wo n away .

e on G e r t 28 1 8 9 1 for r e . Nevin sail d a man boa , May , , Eu op

[ 1 1 8 ] C H A P T E R N I N E

‘ OPUS 1 7

1M? “ clwn

C H A P T E R N I N E

e tt e sa l n t e e th e s a lte d - man e hav a li l o , h n com s g er; th n my o e t t e t e t music ro m , which is a b au y ; h n a ki ch n , wi h a e t e ere a n l rang and gas s ov . Th is a c bi et d e toi ette that will make a ﬁn e d ressing- room ; besides there are a large num b e ar er of closets . W e up t hree ﬂights in a very handsome house in the A ven u e M a la kof which is just offth e Bois d e B ul n We t h o og e. hope to get into the apartmen by t e

FRAULEIN V ON F1c AND PAUL NEVIN

r t of t e it t 5 t ﬁ s Oc ob r ; and will cos us $7 a mon h , including

r t re e er e . fu ni u , lin n , silv , china and glasswar “ e bed t t e r but e Ann is sick in oday , wi h n u algia , I hop by h t rr s he be e . s e ee omo ow will w ll again Poor child , has b n used up ! You will imagine it when I tell you that we have been out six consecutive evenings to dinner . On Monday ’ at th e r e evening w e had Baron Haussmann s box ope a . W t e e e dined out and Anne went in full ball cos um . Th n Tu s day Madame Moreau gave a dinner party and reception in at on e of th e e e ofthe e our honor, which m mb rs op ra was O P U S 1 7

e e men u engaged to sing . I nclos and card as they may in t rest e you . I have j ust coaxed Anne o ut of bed and taken her in h h the sal n to let t e e . er e to o room air w ll Poor girl , h ad is S he has een t aching pretty badly. b aking singing l essons e ee t e her t e t e e r e very w k ou sid social du i s ; and Mo h r d a , Ann t e t it is going t o have a beau iful voic . Think wha will mean

to m e to have her sing my songs .

th r e in e e Th en e E ard grand was mov d and work b gan in arnest . That ﬁrst week in the Paris home he wrote the music to Edwin Ar ’ “ ” n old s The Rhine and the Moselle ; and with a wild storm go

on t e e e t t e e te ing ou sid and v ry hing wi hin p ac ful and happy, I wro ‘ h ’ quite a good deal a t the Ec o Scene .

The ere e h e te The t C e days w spl ndid and full , wro . ﬁrs olonn

wa t e 1 8 H is te e t e music concert s given Oc ob r . diary no is sugg s iv

’ Th i e eet e o 1 e e N . programm nclud d B hov n s Symphony , , in e the t tw o v e e t but r e in C major . I miss d firs mo m n s a riv d time for t he last two which struck m e as being played in on t t d e a superficial manner. Wh en e akes in o consi ration the t o f the t e the t u t n the simplici y mo iv s , cons r c io and rc e t t it es n ot ee e to m e to er e o h s ra ion , do s m wis ov burd n it t e e re n e t e t e too it w as wi h forc d xp ssio and s n im n . Th n , , taken in s uch a rapid temp o as to make it very much more h Th t t n eet e e te e it to be . e brillian ha B ov n , I am sur , in nd d ’ of M assenet s Escla r mon d e on the t e h w as music , o h r and , most delightfully played ; and the horns and wood wi n d e et he t work wer som hing to be remembered . T composi ion in itself is enormously interesting and shows Massenet at on e hi e t of s b s moments in handling orchestral coloring . L es M a itr es Cfia n teurs e t its e was play d jus as nam sounds , — re n o e t e o f e e tt e in F nch body , a gr a d al nois , and v ry li l re t of t e b r b ad h one . I fancy Wagn r would e rathe s ur “ prised to hear how really p iqua n t his Dance o f A pp ren ’ t b It t bi e bu r e e e . t t e ic s can mad wasn a rugg d , g ac ful , smooth and quite ballet- like !

The Lamoureux concerts h e thought a vast improvem ent on the 1 2 3 C H A P T E R N I N E

e h h e. A t e t e e t e t e e Colonn a conc r giv n by M nd ls , violinis , h ard ’ ’ r tette v iolin v iola e e M en B ahms Quar for piano , , and c llo , play d by “ dels and his m en in a way that would have l eft Brahms astound ed ” at his own frivolity ; but Chaminade played the piano part to h er

’ for e t t e t Trio piano , violin and c llo ; and was wholly d ligh ful . “ ha Diary l eaves are interesting wh en they show phases of real life

e th e t e e t t e e t h t e e e wh n quo idian v n s h y r cord , houg small in h ms lv s ,

e t r e f reﬂect clearly a personality . I hav ransc ib d a ew pages that y ou ’ see e e the r of t t et e may N vin s lif in Pa is ha day , sk ch d lightly by

ow his n hand .

te te h t . t e Taugh all morning Af rnoon wro a song , words ’ - L V B r i e e as e se. e at e by Sully Prudhomm , Ev ning hom .

e t to . te Dolesome weather . W n church Af rnoon t o La ’ h e rt m ou reu x concert . T e programm was Moza s E minor ’ the e t rt t er Symphony , s cond , hird and fou h par s of B lioz s Romeo and Juliet Saint - Saens Rhap sod ie Breton n e and ’ It th e prelude of th e Flying Dutchman . was n ot good The t- e e t t b . u t playing Sain Sa ns nov l y was mono onous , ’ r t The t well orch est a ed . Flying Du chman was played e e e e r th e e better than anything lse . I n v r h a d sch rzo (Queen — Mab) from Romeo and Juliet taken so slowly it lost ‘ ’ its h u m and buzz ; b ut the cock crowing was th e best I r H a b in R osl in d ir e et e r . W te e e ebr o lz n hav y h a d o g c e . ’ e e t to e et Gave l essons . Ev ning w n Madam Bonn s to meet in d . e e t M rs . e e O u Mr and Eug n Th y sang b au ifully .

off to er 1 h ee : H a l) S ent Schirm Opus 7 , t r songs ein ’ V a ll - i l in L e as e B r s e R e e to . r e R os e , i and pp Wo k d on i 1 6 antas e . ter e Opus , F for violin and piano Af dinn r e t t o r t et ee rte w n a billia d ma ch b w n Ca r and Vignaux . w on te at the G r a n d Ca é Carter . Drank chocola f and

retired late .

Worked all morning and immediately after d eieu n er set off for th e Con ser va toir e t o hear the Bach B minor t e r e r t rt - e Mass . A s unning p rfo manc ; cho us of hi y ight e rt m en t e t - e t n e e e wom n and fo y ; w n y igh Violi s , s v n doubl ’ e tw o e e t en e te Iza utb is bass s , solo doubl bass s , c lli , ﬂu , o [ 1 2 4 ]

C H A P T E R N I N E

e ee the so at d hav b n , in main , happy . Busy packing and e tr t ette the t of ix s oying visi ing cards , l rs and accumula ion s ’ t It en mon hs odds and ends . is almost t and I must dress ” for It t e t e e . o e t t e e a musical will ak an hour dr ss and g h r .

Later

e e e at two-t t th e R ach d hom hir y in e morning . H ard — e t of it at e r pl n y music such as was . Musicales b st a e dis t re ff r m . t t o e ssing a ai s Had a funny hing said by a Mr. ’ - r e Holman or Holman Black , I don t em mber which . A t any rate I w as passing him with a plate ofcakes to be taken t o M r r e r r s . Wa ing (a lov ly lady f om Pittsbu g) when I re ’ r e : t t e e e m e ? d ma k d I don hink you r m mb r , do you I ha ’ t he pleasure o f dining with you here some time ago ? H e ‘ ’

e e : t t . are the r pli d No , I don hink I do Eh , you young ‘ ’ wh o e e man j ust played . I b amed and said y s and went I e er on . t was v ry , v y funny . Anne and I had a pleasant d ejeu n er with a young r r r it e e e te . We t e e e Fr nch cl gyman y s day ra h r d ad d , as e t e he e e but to o ur n i h r nor his wif could sp ak any English , delight w e found th ey both spoke G erman ; so w e had a e are e e r very enj oyable time . Th y v ry poor and liv in a qua t er of Paris that is miles from here and is almost ou t to f r e e are r e o e t . H e e t e Vincennes . Th y f i nds Elb has h lp d h m t ere m e h e n o en d of and during his s ay h , I i agin did good ‘ ’ i a e . H e w s e t at for them . Th y simply worsh p him b s man t e e t e to t e tt e e e h ir w dding , is godfa h r h ir li l baby , whos nam is G eorges Elbert M igot and has proved hims elf a friend e te e t e e indeed . Ann and I had qui a l sson from h ir pur , t t e t e . e are e simple and hon s lif Th y bo h p asan born , and by th eir life of frugality and self- sacrifice have been able to get a church of their own with a congregation of about on e hundred and fifty poor souls th ey have gathered in from of e are e er te e t th e slums Paris . Th y r ally v y in r s ing and h m quite ou t of t e co mon . e ffe the I h ave had a spl ndid o r from Durand , music pub r t - e lish er ; th e only troubl e is the copy igh law busin ss . I t t t e et ee hink I am all righ , h n find I am all wrong , and b w n

[ 1 2 6 ] O P U S 1 7

’ th t t e e is and ha I don t know what to do . If I publish h r ’ — I ll get more fame and a w id er circulation still Schirmer — — took m e up wh en I w as nobody well I want t o make fame and money ; but I want more to do exactly th e u p r ht e t h ig and honorabl ing . Evening ; went over to th e other side of th e town to play at a concert for the workingmen and women of Pas ’ tor M i ot s t e e t e g church . Ei h r I play d abominably or h y are n ot e e t e to fond of music . Whil I play d h y ok up a col e t l c ion . “ r e h t t I ca ri d my chair to and from t e piano . If I hough they h ad enj oyed my music I would have been willing to rr the to ca y piano and from my chair . “ e t e e on the to Anyway, I had a b au iful rid hom p of various busses ; th e moon was glorious and the very breath r th ir e - t e e a . te to bed . of Sp ing was in La , d ad ir d This ‘ ’ ter i af noon I gave my ﬁrst N belu n gen recital . Tomorrow ‘ I give the second Siegfried ; and th e following day th e ‘ ’ t r e t tt r a r n er e t hi d r ci al Go e d mme u g . U p v y arly his r t t t o the t e mo ning , down own wi h Paul bank ; h n shop

. t t et er ter e e ping Bough ick s for B lin . Af noon mad som ’

t to ee t . calls and ook Mrs . Gardiner W ks s udio From ’ r h ' r t e e e t to t e Ca e d e la Paia ere m et . h w n f , wh I Rumfo d ’ e t at th e ett e t tt e a e N el off th e Dinn r wi h him pr i s li l C f o , B uleva r d d es Ita li n We t e o e s . had a good im and a long t t et H r t e e r e e e t m e e et . alk og h r. ( old his s c ) La r found G o g e at our e e ot to ee at Sh a plac . Finish d packing and g sl p t re e A . h M . “ at e e n u t o th e a r d u N rd Up six . Am li we t with s G e o ere w e t o ur o rte her wh ook train f r Coln . Paul pa d from t te r ter the t rt e wi h a s and lamentations . Af mos comfo abl ! ’ e t r r - rt e t and d ligh ful day s t avel in a ﬁ st class compa m n , w e to e e w e r e at Co e which had all ours lv s , ar iv d ln as fr sh r t te t and b igh as if w e had n ot travelled at all . A f r a ligh ‘ ’ er at th e te r r re e e at supp Ho l d u N o d w e eti d , and w r up six- t rt t r te t e e t hi y his mo ning , and , af r ano h r d ligh ful day, e e r w a e e at P . e e e r ach d B lin . M wh r found Fr ul in had le t th e of o ur to p asan rooms for us . And day coming back

er r 30 1 8 92 . B lin is Ap il , 1 2 7 l C H A P T E R N I N E

A n d so the e e be ut a . e e t diary l av s may p aw y Th y hav old , h ere

t e e e o f r in r H e . t t r and h r , of his y ar wo k Pa is had augh a g eat deal .

H e e e e e t had giv n his Nib lung n r ci als ; and , and , in addition he

r e e t e Wa n er Exe i had la g class s in wha was call d g g es s . These lec t e t tr t ere er ur s , wi h piano illus a ions , w v y charming . Sitting at his — grand piano h e talked with ease and ﬂuen cy and his own rare

r . e ere e r te et t cha m His analys s w cl a ; his in rpr a ions , luminous ; his

tr t t . illus a ions , j us ’ — Can you imagine N evin s candle- lit studio for that was th e light — h e loved in Paris ; many people crowded into the oblong room they were opera singers from all parts o f the world and there was whispering in all languages ; and Eth elbert Nevin would come in ?

w ho r te t e e r see n o w e I ( w i down h s wo ds) can him . V ry slim , in his

fter t o f th t te r h e a noon coa black , wi a all whi colla , would come in .

r r h e e The e w as g ey in his boyish air v n then . Laughing a little in his e e he sit at the - mbarrass d way , would down piano , half facing “ en t e it w as to be hi r his audience . Th (for ins anc s Pa sifal e xegesis) he a i t te t would s y in his slow , n ima way, (as hough w e were all “ friends and lovers of th e ideal) You know Parsifal ? The Aryan ’ f r u e derivation o the wo d means : P r Fool . It was as though Wag ” wh o w as t in n er meant to show a man wi hout s .

- t r e on the i - t he the r So , half u n d p ano s ool , would play Pa sifal

t e th e t t e at w h o ere his e mo iv wi his l f hand ; h n looking us , w audi nce, ” te th e t e of th e er t h e would indica mo iv Graal , (p haps hrowing

th e his - h e u both hands on piano in high fas ion d , von B low way) and “ a to t t e er e : e s y us , in ha wond rful , whisp ing voic of his Wagn r ” w ho w as t t sin — t e t evidently meant a man wi hou h n , s opping

r t h e e e th e t t e o f rt ab up ly , would mphasiz mys ic mo iv Amfo as and h r t of red t t e th e t e t e st ia ions black and ha mak mo iv of Kundry . What days those were when Ethelbert N evin interpreted Wag ’ n er to a Paris that knew him n ot ; though Villiers d e L Isle A dam ’ had tried in his poet s way to d o the same thing ! For on e genera — — tion ofWagner students the youth o fthose Parisian days Nevin

[ 1 2 8 ]

C H A P T E R T E N

ARCADY

” L v - W

M d ) 4 M W m M M. ’ l H 9

c al

( M M ; . Mt

FACSIMILE OF LETTER FROM RICHARD STRAUSS To ETHELBERT NEVIN

’ IN ANSWER To TH E LATTER S APPLICATION FOR LESSONS IN COMPOSITION I N A R C A D Y

— e e e r r it te e t to re th e a Say hav b com wo ld ly ics , is in r s ing ad p

h - ter th e e u r iation s t e . p ec of music wri s of day Philip Hal , who fo nd ’ “ ” e eé ﬁliar r r e te : in N vin s songs , p f ag anc and moving charm , wro “ Too many of these local composers forget the great saying of

alt W t th e th e t he ree VV hi man , summing up of wisdom of G ks ‘ a art the e re th e e th e The rt of , glory of xp ssion and sunshin of

etter t . t ett e t n t light of l s is simplici y No hing is b r ha s implici y .

e for e e or for d eﬁn iten es Nothing can mak up xc ss lack of s . To speak in literature with the perfect rectitude and insou cia n ce of the movements of animals and the unimpeachabl eness of th e sentiment of trees in th e woods and grass by th e roadside is the

r art e e ﬂawless t iumph of . If you have looked on him who has achi v d it you have looked on on e of the masters among th e artists of all

e n ot te t h h re t nations and tim s . You Shall con mpla e t e ﬂight of t e g a

e the b a th e ett e e t of th e - r e or gull ov r y , or m l som ac ion blood ho s ,

t e s un - ﬂow ers t e t or th e e r e the all l aning of on h ir s alk , app a anc of

th e sun r e t r e e or the e r e the j ou n ying h ough H av n , app a anc of moon afterward with any more satisfaction than you shall contemplate ’

im r t t t . h . And how ha d a hingis his Simplici y Let m e take an example

e e t e ert e e ten h as H r is E h lb N vin . A volum of songs by him

- f e re e r h f r o e . j ust app a d . Each song b a s t e amiliar hall ma k N vin ’ Wh en I hear a melody by him I think of William Blake s

Pi in d wn the va lle s w ld p g o y i ,

Pi n n l n t l s s o eas a ee. , p i g o g fp g

’ ‘ th e e r t e h e for e And by way , N vin could w i t music Blak s Chim ’

n ee e e . ey Sw p r , if anyon could ’ ’ ‘ e t e e et te e er t Tak , for ins anc , N vin s s ting of S v nson s Ev y Nigh ’ I e My Prayers I Say . t is a song of only a page and it was writt n

r it n o ? r r r e . t e e e t fou y a s ago Is Simplicity itself Th is no pu ili y,

’ the e tr t t ere aﬂfect ation t t he e r is no iviali y ; h is no , as hough compos r ‘ : C e e h o w e said aloud om now , I will unb nd and show you simpl

[ 1 35 ] C H A P T E R T E N

b The e . r h t e th e r I can music is as f ank as t e text . Or ak cha ming ’ setting of O rsola s song from Pa r le G la ive; or in fact any on e at random . You ﬁnd ﬁrst of all a melody apparently spontaneous ; you

r e t t t e h b ut d o n ot th e tte t ﬁnd ha moni s ha suppor , nric , call a n ion away from the singer ; and th e results of faithful t echnical study do

t e The e i re t t e e is tte t to re te n ot ob rud . app al s di c ; h r no a mp c a

ere S timmu n ee t t e t e e i m ly a g ; and , ind d , for ha in a simpl song h r s

r or r ha dly time oom .

New r te r r e t e r te a And his Yo k con mpo a y , Rup r Hugh s , w o in magazine “ Th e remarkable thing about most songs by well - educated com

, e is t t t e are n ot n ot r . e are r pos rs ha h y songs , ly ical Th y ha monic rambles and meditations in which th e voice is treated either like an ’ e h e r instrument or like an elocutionist . N vin s songs av ly ical con t r e t e e e r e e our, ly ical impuls s ; h y com forward in grac ful cu v s lik

e e t e e t e e t t t e e to t e r wav s , and wh n h y r ach h ir d s ina ion , h y ris h i

e e t en d climax and mak a b au iful . “ I know of no oth er American composer wh o has SO much es sen tially of th e song spirit that made Franz Schubert popular ’ t th e e the e e e r among bo h mass s and class s . N vin s p culia ly vocal melodies are supported by accompaniments of the highest artistic

t e e r th e r t e n ew e to the ﬁre quali y . Th y n ich colo , h y add fu l , and t e e et f w n e t h y hav a compl eness and unity o their o . His v ry in ro d uctio n s are like those magic bits of stage mechan ism by which in th e t e et t winkling of an ey a complete scene is s and ligh ed . “ A highly characteristic song is his setting Of Thomas Bailey ’ ‘ ’ Aldrich s familiar Nocturne beginning Up to her cha mber - win d ow cla m ers a ld white r s e e er the t e b bo o e . As you r m mb , wa ching lov r

ee e out of th e t e th e r e to her h e rt s s his lady l an window and ak os a , and h e sighs ’ n h r A h me, twas he tha t wo e

B ca u lim e se he d a r ed to c b .

er e e wh o e t t e re e e Ev ybody ls had r ad ha po m , and I da say v n 1 3 6

C H A P T E R T E N

to th e ﬁre r e r h , wo d com s f om t e boarding house that ’ r t n t t e r Do o hy s vacci a ion is aking lik fu y, so I have had to e the t th ere rt - hav doc or . A hur has been my stand by and e t n r t er t he e e e the r his d vo io is b o h ly in id al s ns of wo d . ’ You ca n imagine I haven t much heart to play at a con e t t e Bu c r his vening . t

M en must work a n d women mus t weep ;

A n d the s n er it s ver the s n er to s l oo o , oo eep .

“ ’ ret t re I m p ty i d .

And after

t e e r bu t o u e ee Nobody , mo h r d a , y would hav b n so t t to e the te e r t t hough ful as s nd l g am you did oday . I ook ‘ it to Anne and s he cried wh en s he read it a nd said : I would give anythin g in the world to have mother s it by ’ e r o h r b my b dside . I t ied t Show e how impossi le this was owing to your many home duties at this holiday season and I laid stress on th e rule of t he hospital which only t r tt e allows visi o s a li l while each day . “ ’ Sh e agreed with m e it wouldn t be considerate under th e t e to t o e but t e circums anc s ask you com , I mus conf ss I have several times been on the point o f telegraphing for h you . I have been almost beside myself wit pain and anxi t r - et h e We e e . t t s y . f a d blood poisoning Had ha in , I s ould e e t at e t t e it e hav s n for you onc , for in ha cas would hav e h e t t h e b en hopeless . Now s e is doing w ll and mus j us av et e ter r t w e are r r to qui and r st . Af Ch is mas looking fo wa d t r t e t te th e w e e e a visi f om you and fa h r . Jus ll boys hav som

too . claims on you ,

Again he wrote

e e b ut t er e e . Ann is doing w ll , s ill v y pal and w ak I only missed on e lesson and that came at a time when it s eemed t o m e i t e r so t t e to my m nd had s opp d wo king , I old Ka i h e t t to bed ask t e pupil to excuse m e . I w n ups airs and had h cr . Yes M t e r e e t t e r e a good y , o h r, I c i d lik six y ; n I p a ticed for my concert which came of Saturday evening when [ 1 38 ] I N A R C A D Y

bat bu t t e te m e e e . I was blind as a , h y ll I play d w ll How ’ e er e t o f e ffe e are v , wh n I hink Ann s su rings , I know min b to t It / et ee ut . o n m ath no hing is Iy s y p y and anxi y I f l ,

e t re r t r to e . e som na u s pain of this sort is p et y ha d b ar W ll , ’ n o h b t I m t t e ﬁ rst person to Suffer n or will I e the las . ’ I v e postponed my tw o recitals ; on e in Boston th e 2 8th

t e r o e r e . and ano h r in New Yo k the 3l st . S mon y is sca c I ’ ’ t t h r r be but t don know wha t e fou docto s bills will , his I — do know m y littl e girl will soon be well and strong and ’ I ll get the money some way even if I have to mortgage ’

t e t e rt too . t my royal i s . And I ll d o it with a ligh h a , Wha ’ is this life worth anyway if it isn t given up to the people you love and w ho love y ou ? Paul and Dor othy are sound asleep bed t in . Ar hur has gone to th e theatre ; ’ and I m reigning su r e rt e ee p em . A i has b n SO kind and sympa th etic ; you can never know how I have d e pend ed upon him and what a delight it is to h av e him r he e with us . H e is kindness itself to Anne and th e chil PAUL AND DOROTHY NEVIN dren ; considerate of the servants ; and h e has a positive genius for rememberi n g to turn off th e el ec tr ’ t . t et e h e en ic ligh Al og h r is a gods d . Wouldn t I give t to e ere r duca s hav you h in my wo kshop tonight , to talk ? to e ! e e er you Oh , d ar N v r mind . Th e are still good tim es l n t e w e t e re r s or for us if only ak ca of ou selves mentally ,

morally and physically .

Again he wrote

’ e e t b u Ann is doing b au ifully , t th e doctors won t allow

h - er to come home before next Tuesday that will be th ree [ 1 39 ] C H A P T E R T E N

ee . t r e te in th e e t e No w ks My hair has u n d qui gray m an im . on e e e en t e e t r und r h av can know wha I hav gon h ough . But t ere are t t r te t e e t o ou h hings I canno w i abou v n y . ”

e er t e . Som day , p haps I may ll you

And a week later

’ What do you suppose I v e been doing and going to d o ? r t d t e e t Fi s of all I was vaccinate his v ning . Sa urday ’ to r e for the t e t e o n I m going Sp ingﬁ ld foo ball gam , h n to New York to make arran gements for my recital there the tee th of e b e e t . e e t to e e ( four n D c mb r, I hink) I xp c hom o n e t o r r r e the t e ft Tu sday wo k up my p og amm for w l h , e r t wh n I give my ecital in Boston . A both recitals I shall h r r e n o t e . t e e hav assis anc I play whol p og amme . “ ’ ’ I m glad I can combine business with pleasure as I m rett e t e o ut th re e ee and p y w ll ir d wi child n , hous k ping anxi ’

Bu I v t e . ety . t e talked enough abou mys lf Anne is doing t e h e e ee . A S W e n ot v ry w ll ind d Doc or arr n says , could

e e ette e e e. u r e it te hav hop d for a b r conval sc nc Of co s , is dious h er but She t e t e t e e to for , is pa i n , g n l and submissiv any and e t h e t r t e t et t very hing t doc o s hink b s . Your anxi y hrough t e t ou e t e but all his may hav cos y pain , my pr cious mo h r , if you could know the comfort your sympathy has given m e ffer re be in my su ing I am su you would happy, and ‘ s a to e : e fe e but e e e t e y yours lf I hav suf r d , I hav h lp d hos ’ r h It ee e ou a e so t t . I lov . Oh , y so good and ough ful s ms er n o t o e t t o m e th e is limi t your lov and sympa hy . If I

e e e ou e re r n ow . v r lov d y b fo , I wo ship you And I wish you how e t e e ffe Sh e e could know Ann r asur s your a ction . r ads

re- e ette e e te te m e how Sh e and r ads your l rs , and r p a dly lls , too e ou e t ee to , lov s y and how h lpful your sympa hy has b n ’ too H e h t h er . ee e . e . Mr Paul has b n v ry loving , says can throw Off th e feeling of anxi ety and care when any of his r r he te t t e etter to m e child en a e in t sligh s roubl . And his l s ffe t te have been most kind and a c iona . ‘ t t t er fte t be t rt Jus hink , mo h , day a r omorrow I Shall hi y n e t e t - on e t t e at o e . Wh n I was w n y I hough I should hav t t e ow t s ee the e th tain ed my ambition by his im . N j us vils e

[ 1 4 0 ]

C H A P T E R T E N

‘ e th e tr e Th e t e i Now com s oubl . Doc or says Ann s very much run down nursing m e and must have a long rest ; and that I must eith er go to th e hospital or leave Boston and have a ete h e compl change . I have decided to close t e house and s nd e the re to V in eacr to fo r th e e t o f Ann and child n e you , r s h ter t r h r e t e win . Doc o says t e best thing in the wo ld for m be e e t er would an oc an voyag , so now I am hinking s iously t the t f r It be e t rt to of aking boa o Genoa . will a gr a comfo m e to e e h e t e know Ann is with you . W av bo h had mor ’ t w e e t t to t han could quite stand . Ann wouldn wan go wi h m e she n ot e e th e e e B ette as could l av childr n , and r ally ich n ot e the re o f t t e e e e is capabl of ca bo h of h m . In cas I d cid fully upon this plan I would eith er come home in April or h r have Anne and t e child en join m e in E n gland in May . r r n My t ouble is more serious than I dare think . My b ai e e at t e t o act e e r fus s im s , whil physically I am as w ll as I can be t t n o w O fcou rse I e r the , hough jus , , am w ak f om long bed r m h e r M . t e t e t er e stay in . Lang old o h v ning (fou ee t t th e t of t t e o f w ks ago) ha amoun composi ion , ou sid any t er r e the t e e e r o h kind of wo k , I have don in las s v n y a s is et e r Th e t t tha t I a m w rked ou t! som hing no mous . ru h is o it be t oo to to ee e B ette Will much ask you k p Ann , ich and ’ the babies for a few months ? I ll try th en to be stron g and well and pick up my loss of this year ’ I m n ot going to try to thank you for th e beautiful ’

r t e e t ou ent e t re re d . Ch is mas pr s n s y s us , as I m v ry i d al a y Please kiss my little boy and girl for m e when you see t e e e e m e ow n e t er n ot h m and , b li v , my d ar mo h , I would to d o s o m e ere n ot re ask you much for , if I w in so dis t re ss . Always your loving son

r Be t .

[ 1 42 1 C H A P T E R E L E V E N

MELODY

C H A P T E R E L E V E N

‘ or so ter he re e A e h e r te her A day af ach d lgi rs w o again , dating ‘ ’ his letter from the Hotel Kirsch at Mustapha

I left Algiers proper this morning and have come up r The h e e . air is better an d it is n ot so depressing as it was h m et h e t e t . e too t te e down in own Th n , , I Whi hous s y es terd a t e are t e e t y , and , as h y s opping h r , I hought I would n ot ee h t the e f l so muc alone . I hink oc an voyage must ’ e et m e bit e t e t so e e our hav ups a , as I hav n f l w ll Sinc day at r t Gib al ar . “ er too h t e few r P haps I did muc hos hou s on land . I ’ ’ haven t done any sight- seeing ; and I really haven t th e e er t t h r r e t e ee n gy o go in o t e A ab qua t r . S ill I hav only b n here tw o days and after Sunday I am sure I shall feel re e et Let m e see t e ee mo nerg ic . wha I hav b n doing “ Yesterday afternoon I went from my hotel down to the bank for letters that could n ot possibly have been ’ t here . Th en I was passing Cook s on th e Bouleva r d d e la ’ R e u bli u e m et h e te e te p q e wh n I t Whi hous s . Af r that I t e to th e Pla ce d u G u ver n emen t e t e s roll d o , and whil I s opp d there te to t r ert e lis ning a mili a y band conc , a young Am r

r e r t : . e ican gi l cam up and said ab up ly Mr N vin , will you t e m e th e t tem for L a Cha n s n kindly ll righ p o your song , o ’ d es L a va n d ier es ? If I wasn t struck dumb ! “ e t t bu t ee the e Algi rs is a polyglo own , s ms in main lik — r re t . e on e a p ovincial F nch ci y Lyons , possibly Of cours ee th e r e r e e e s s A abs , Kabyl s , Moors , Tu ks , J ws and N gro s , b e e is o ula ut th ey seem only as a passing Show . Th r a p p tion o f thirty- ﬁv e thousand French and twenty thousand

English and Americans against twenty thousand Arabs . e is r e on th e t eet on e e Fr nch inva iably spok n , and s r s h ars a f r e e te n te e te good deal o English . An A ab b cam qui i r s d in m a h er H e w as ﬁn e- e yesterday t t e band conc t . a looking e h e l e m e r to h e te t f llow , only fo low d a ound suc an x n , I H e ictur thought it better to return t o my hotel . was p e e th e e t e e t e e r e t te squ in x r m , clo h d in an und r ga m n of whi ’ e e t r e b ut e te cam l s hair, p rhaps a riﬂe coa s , v ry whi and t t e of e t ere clean . Over tha was a unic mad a b au iful cashm

t e s e e re t . H is e rug wi h r d , blu s and y llows p domina ing l gs 1 46 M E L O D Y

ere e th e ee his eet e e s an w bar from kn s down , and f w r in he w as the te u rn use e t t dals . On his ad whi b o ; abov ha , some ropey lookin g st uff wound round possibly twenty i e t t er t es. H s e e im hands w r Slim and b au iful , wi h fing nails r n t e to e polished to pe fectio . I wish I had his pic ur s nd b h r tt e of ut to te t e t t . you , ll u h I was a li l afraid him “ Most beautiful of all is the situation o f Algiers and t e t e e e Mus apha . If you can imagin i rs Of hous s (mod rn e te t e t e t e e e Fr nch archi c ur ) ow ring up , and losing h ms lv s th e r t of th t n e in Old Moorish and A abian par e ow . Th n treet of t ett er e e - tree long s s cocoanu palm os , wond ful p pp r s h t e t e e are and t e most luxuriant eucalyptus . And h n h r e t e e t ee e t e b au iful orang and l mon r s in gr a abundanc , though the banana- plants and the magnolias d o n ot com e f But the t e te par with those o Florida . il d floors and whi r m It is a washed walls of my suite have about f ozen e . pity civilizatio n and Americanism have destroyed so much of th e old r t e You e th e Moorish and A abic a mosph re . h ar — te e e - e l phon Hello and Very nice quite Chicago lik . W e ou e t m e w e t the te h n y com wi h , will go in o in rior — the fi rst and second Oases there we Shall surely find more of th e Oriental atmosphere ; bu t Parisian fashions and the telephone have certainly robbed Algiers of its e r ter a ly charac istics . Tell Paul that this afternoon as I walked ou t into th e t sa w e r e e t as e coun ry, I a d a little baby cam l a ing gr s und r ett tree H e e m e e a scrubby palm o . lik d v ry much , and I am sure if Paul had been here the M u tter - Ca mel would e : e e let e hav said W ll , Paul N vin , I will you rid my baby e t as h a o u for tw o cam l jus muc s y want , only francs a day . Th en every evening th e baby camel would call and get Paul for a promenade and perhaps w e might find a e baby donk y for Dorothy . ’ It re s t he e t t ou e re t ally i n any fun r wi hou y , my d a s ’ e et Nancy . I hav n t my sweet and sympath ic companion to h h i e t e n ew t m e e e . t t s ar sigh s with . N v r mind Jus now e t te te t t t is h al h I am af r ; and af r ha good , s rong , manly ’ work ; and I m su re there is something beautiful for us to h e . M rs te o t s e com . Whi house told m e t ell you would [ 1 47 ] C H A P T E R E L E V E N

t e re m e e t to ou ak good ca of and r por y all my doings . e e t t e t at he te Th y hav s unning apar m n s t Kirsch Ho l , and t e r rt h see t e e ter h i ca s , wagons and coac m jus lik Manch s . Th e t e te r r o h r Mr . Whi house f om NeWp o t is also h ere and w e e t ethe d o et all had lunch on og r. I wish I could g a e te bu i t . e are e t t ee l r from you I am sur you all w ll , s ms ‘ ’ t e e w e - b e e re t a long im Sinc said good y , and my d a s A n n chen ou ar r e e e . e e t , y my whol lif I lov you mo han t th e m e e e r any hing is world could giv , and v n if I am c oss at t e e e e e im s my lov n v r chang s . e t e e n ow at e I hav ak n a nap, had my dinn r, and nin ’ t t in r e for d e t the hir y I m my oom and r ady be . I sp n e e th th e te e wh o e e v ning wi Whi hous s s end th ir lov to you . I am in a small villa about a quarter of a mile from the te e t It w as ho l and coming hom onight I lost my way . h r e few e r t e pitc da k . I pass d a sn aking A abs and s umbl d against a few pepper- trees and a stone wall and th en all of a sudden a voice called o ut : Qui est la? I answered ’ ’ ‘ s t moi Th e e t e e : are ou C e . voic h n grumbl d And who y , ’ t d o ou t to et out o f ere re and wha y wan Only g h , I

e . n ot e te e bu t t e e s pli d Usually I am asily frigh n d , h s Arab e t t t e e t t is e t hav a cunning , un rus wor hy app aranc ha sugg s iv of t t e e e almos any hing . Anyhow I r ach d my villa in et saf y . I shall take this down town tomorrow morning and p er ette ou d o so haps I shall ﬁnd a l r from y . I miss you all much and I fairly long to have Paul and Dorothy in my te t is th e t e ou are e arms . Af r all wha is lif wor h wh n y s pa rated from those wh o make up your life ? I must turn in ’ be n t n ow so t . e ett , good nigh I Shall hom pr y soon , and wo ” I be glad ?

Th e next letter w as written a few days later

t ee t e we e e A n n chen Jus a w k ago oday Sinc land d , d ar , t i i t it w as and it seems a month . S ill t s nicer now han a few a o e e e e e t ac days g , as I hav form d som v ry pl asan ain a nce t t ere are the te e are so u t s . Firs h Whi hous s who q — an d r w as t m e n charming , Monday a ca d brough Miss Susa

[ 1 48 ]

C H A P T E R E L E V E N

l t m e r r e t e wi h e . Giv our boy and gi l a kiss fo m and wi h lov to on e and all Always your loving

e Berti .

The next l etter reads

My dearest A n n chen

Such a delightful surprise was in store for m e this — etter r tte th e 29 th e morning your good l , w i n , cam , and I e e e i e re e ter o n e hav fairly d vour d t . Day b fo y s day I had ’

t e . ee etter etter t also from mo h r I am f ling b and b , and I don o t the t b r r ere tt e g in o own ut est loyally up he e . Th is li l or t to d o but e t e te e t of t no hing r s , no xci m n any kind and no h ing to d o but s it in the garden or listen to the funny Eng r I e lish . Yeste day a man showed m e two Arab chains . ask d

t the H e t n r e . him wha y would cost . said e f ancs ach I ’ ’ t e w o ne whis l d and answered : I ll give you t . Imagi my ‘ ’ ’ ter t e cons na ion when he said : Take them . I m dick ring The r e t l e r t e er . for a pin of o i n a rubi s , b illian s and m alds e e er w ffe e on e j w l wants t o hundred francs for it . I o r d him ’ hundred but h e won t budge ; Simply Shrugs his shoulders ‘ ’ te : M r n It s re e t t and says poli ly e ci bie . ally a b au y, hough , and It w as r I should like to get it for you . worn by an A ab n who to rt t it it er two e woma had pa wi h , and is ov hundr d ’ e The r ere t y ars old . d aperies are very expensive h and I don t t em ttr t e ar too r h on e t re hink h a ac iv , they e Tu kis and i s of the th e gaudy tinsel and bright coloring . This is day ’ e th e r t he e eter but t e t wh n A ab women visi t c m y , h y won let e t e . t o t a man insid I hink I Shall g in o a mosqu , hough , on e ee er r t as s s v y cu ious sigh s . “ r tt r You le er made m e wildly homesick this mo ning , and still I have such delight and happiness in having had

- i t b e to . t . I hought I should d ie the night I said good y you

- e e it b he e . e How v r, now will soon e t hom coming God bl ss n you always my dearest A n n che .

[ 1 5 0 ] M E L O D Y

A l i r F eb. 2 1 1 8 9 . g e s , , 4

My dearest A n n chen

I have been up on th e house- tops watching for the e e er Kais r Wilh lm II , as I shall go down town and p haps ’ see the h d a w o s e to . W e e t Robinsons , if sails y hav had days ’ te r it ee e h t I v e s ady ain and has b n dismal noug , s ill had a ’ ﬁre r ' e e t o e e in my oom and hav r ad my h art s cont nt . “ ’ ‘ ’ ’

te e e e ou e e . te ou t I m qui a b au h r , if y pl as I m invi d to the e e fte e er t n all lunch ons , dinn rs , a rnoons , and v y hi g t t o ? O ha is going on in th e social world . Do I g N ! My e t e te e t r e t M rs r gr a xci m n is an occasional d iv wi h . Chu ch e th e te e who th e e and Miss Hal , or Whi hous s , , by way, hav ’ te m e to o to t t e two tr but invi d g Blida wi h h m , a days ip , ’ I promised I would have d ejeun er with th e Herrons at th eir on as n ot e to e t th e t in villa Friday , and I was abl acc p las ’ v itation ee t e e t d eun er e I f l I mus go , sp cially as his ej is giv n r in my hono . t r e On Sa u day I expect to sail for Marseilles . Th n a day — — ’ or tw o in Paris a week in London and home ! Won t I be j olly glad to be with you once more ? And j ust let m e te on e t ll you hing , NEVER AGAIN am I going away o for re th on e ee e et ee ! fr m you mo an w k , and no oc an b w n ’ ’ te t t t t e e e re I m absolu ly los wi hou you . I don b li v I can tr pack my unk . e te A day has intervened Since I comm enced this . Y s r r to e day morning Louis Chu ch and I walked down Algi rs , h r on t e e r e r . and v y ﬁ st boat cam M . and Mrs Robinson th tr tte t e r t t r th e wi Phillips . I o d h m ound own and h ough t to rte . m e e Arab qua r I also et Mrs . Jamison . Th n I w n a tt e tea- h te e ate li l Shop wit Mr. and Mrs . Whi hous and many

e te h e e . But e small cak s , af r whic I drov hom my day prov d ’ o e t to exciting and this morning I feel used up . I hav jus spent an hour watching tw o young Englishmen killing frogs r - h in a f og pond . W at a thing to d o ! “ are e t e te e t e m e it My plans som wha ind ﬁni . Th y ll is

r e to e ere . cold in London and Pa is , and I am advis d r main h ’ t w e t t to but tr to t e I don kno xac ly wha do , I will y ak

e e t o for e Iiard v ork . things asy . I am comm ncing long som l 1 5 1 i C H A P T E R E L E V E N

I think that will be the best tonic for me and I shall be s o to be h r e e glad wit you and o u precious children ; and I n v r, e e h e m et o e n v r want to go away from y ou again . I av s m delightful English people and ﬁnd th em so cordial an d d I i e n e are n ot ff a ha e . t s pleasa t . Th y as s ti s I imagin d v ry gratifying to ﬁnd how much my compositions are liked by th w n o e as o e . e English nation . I had id a I s w ll known The other day I heard a young En glish fellow whistling ‘ ’ Narciss us with more energy than discretion ; bu t I w el i comed t as an old friend .

am e ou r te e t . I s nding y a picture M s . Whi hous ook The t ee e th - e r is a l mon and e steps are blue til d . My bal e t C r the t e cony ov rlooks his ha ming nook , and in d is anc I h e th e e e e M r . te e hav blu and green M dit erran an . s Whi ous t t e e ou It is to how ook his picture sp cially for y . Show you

ette M rs . e t o t much b r I am looking . Church sugg s s I g wi h ‘ t e to e an d th e G e b ut h m Cann s sail by Fulda from noa, I a m n ot sure my money will hold ou t as I have bought so ’ e th e t n t t ee sh e many things . T ll mo r I can ﬁnd a ri g ha I f l e e bit of old e em would like . I pick d up a b autiful Kabyl

e h t art so e e . e broid ry , w ich is a los now and v ry valuabl W ll , n d t h I will e his rambling letter and go to lunc eon . H ow r e w e e e r tt e many good f i nds hav , my d a li l girl , e ou ere be er e t and if I could only hav y h , I should p f c ly e t e e h e ee et happy . Your lov and pa i nc av b n som hing won fu t d e t o e d er l. t u All ha I am is you , and in j oining your lif

to e e e m e the e te t ft e e . min , you hav giv n gr a s gi of H av n I Shall see y ou soon and we will never have any more part but e th e e of e o n e t er ings , liv in happin ss our lov for ano h

ou r e t . and bl ssings , Paul and Doro hy

A few days later h e wrote the following

My precious A n n chen

’ Your letter and th e lock ofDorothy s hair came this ’ r The e of t the t e ! mo ning . id a your hinking doc or s bill larg ’ Isn t my life to y ou more valuabl e than four hundred dol ’ ? to lars You mustn t worry about that at all . And as

ette w e e t t t as et . Bich , will arrang abou ha soon as I r urn [ 1 5 2 ]

C H A P T E R E L E V E N

er t who the ter e e s van , , by way , was li ally fre zing in summ r er e t r r und w ar and ligh ove coat . My poo little Englishman the to e o n of he e t (who , by way , is going s nd y u o e t ﬁn s fox terriers in England a champion with a pedigree from Algiers to London) was so very ill I feared he w as going to e e e e him collaps ntir ly . I gav some cognac which seemed to

e . W e w e e e it w a r t e t h lp him h n r ach d London s pou ing orr n s . rn flew to r e t e This mo ing I B own , Shipl y for mail and h n e e e e e tr e ngag d and paid for my passag hom , cabl d Bob , i d t o find a j ewel cas ket for y o u an d drove in a hansom be ’ ! a e to tt few e t hind runaway hors Scho s . For a mom n s I t t w e t r r h hough would u n ove t e Thames embankment . I t e to out but et t m e o t ri d j ump , som hing old t wai and finally ’ r r t r e r u n ou e e . ho s was s opped . I was sca d silly I m f a fully r h n o for r e a st ung . I ave t slept th ee nights and I f el s ill as

t e e e but th e e e e t m e . I did las D c mb r, voyag hom will r s I ’ went meekly into Schott s music house and said to a cross ‘ — looking old fellow : You people have re printed some o f

e e to see the t t e . my music , and I should lik v ry much i l s My ’ W h e e th e ef e e . e e nam is N vin ll , I wis you could hav s n e e te t e tr e the e e fe t . Th y absolu ly s opp d ad ; and manag r cam ou t t e r e m e so e af rushing and ac ually mb ac d . I was n rvous ter e r t bu t th e my runaway driv I could ha dly s and , com lim en ts re m e e e e ht eft to p pou d on , and p opl cam rig and l stare at m e ; and some planted th em selves in front of m e e w e e to and Simply drove m e beside myself. Th n cam busi H e e t t o e t e e - t ness . w n on xplain h r was a big law sui going on over my music which th ey were t rying t o protect ; that t er e ere r t r h t We o h hous s w p in ing Na cissus , O , Tha Two ’ ’ ere te e th er t t W Maying , S v nson s songs , and o s ; and ha ’ they ( Schott s) were n ot able to protect th emselves as they ’ n o r t SO o n t t b ut tre had copy igh and . I couldn do a hing m ’ ble tr to te it e see t h . I ll y ll you of wh n I you as his is suc B etter . ut ee e a long l I f l qui et r now . “ te e re t e e be e t t I ll you , my d a s wif , fam may a gr a hing, ’ but it has to be bought at a terrible price ; and I m pay t t be t o u t e ing the full . Soon I rus I may wi h y and h n I can

The music publish ers .

[ 1 5 4 ] M E L O D Y rest quietly and I hav e so longed for th e touch of a loving d n u i e t o u e e hand . My ep e d en ce upon y o s mor han y can v r / So Eth l to re t know , if e beft Nevin is now going do any g a

r ou t be eter e t t he . wo k y mus brave , and d min d ha shall This ” ette e b ut t it . l r is abominabl in every way , you mus pardon

[ 1 55 ]

C H A P T E R T W E L V E

MAGGIO IN TOSCANA

C H A P T E R T W E L V E d iv id ualit it w as t et e on e of t e m t e t t y , and al og h r h os d ligh ful concer s

ht e ew in lig and a rial vein h eard in a long time in N York . ‘ Tw o Et e of e e e e th ro ud s , in form Romanc and Sch rzo , op n d e p

h h a e . T e e s t v e e set gramm Romanc a Lisz ian ﬂa or, a singabl m lody

to eft- t e i e . e e . H a l hand accompanim n , which Mr N vin play d w ll s

e t t ee ette t n t t as w as em l f hand almos s ms in b r raini g han his righ , ’ “ ” hasized te C e e e e the t e e al p la r in haminad s Lisonj ra , wh r h m in ’ e t o th e e t n of e e e t l gro is given l f hand and was o e Mr . N vin s cl ar s

of bits playing . “ ’ of his ow n t e e w as e t : e A group Shor pi c s d ligh ful a Harl quin , ’ ‘ ’ ‘ e e on a e of th e mod l d Schumann s , Lov Song , Song Brook and ‘ ’ th e tte e t h t e In Arcady, la r divid d in o four s or numb rs , in which ‘ ’ ’ Th e e e e bit of t t th e of tw o Sh ph rd s Tal , a garruli y wi hin compass

t e its r t t w as r e e er . . e oc av s in ﬁ s par , o iginal and v ry cl v Mr N vin won ‘ t te u e e for th e te e he sub uns in d appla s , and wh n Rubins in Barcaroll ‘ ’ ” w i e t stituted his o n Narcissus th e house came t o ts f e .

ﬁ e ft re e his a A t of n e ete e . cri ic comp nc , Mr Samu l Swi , cord d p preciation in th e New YorlcM a il a n d Eap r ess a ch armin gly worded and very discerning appreciation

e H is e Eth lbert N evin stands almost in a class by himself. g nius is essentially poetic and in complete accord with th e bright and beau f f t t o e . t e h t t t e e or iful hings lif Bli h , appy and wi h an ins inc iv lov

t t e t hi t to th e ee the th e ligh ra h r han shadow , s fancy u rns fr , gay , and

e t e H e i of tte t t . W l ss s r nuous mo ions s a sort musical a au , limi ing his

e t to the e t e of e te e et his subj c s mor ar iﬁcial phas s xis nc , y informing

t e te art th t e t t The e t ofhis work wi h xquisi and e ru s simplici y . b au y H work is accounted for by the fact that th e subj ect appeals to him . e

e n ot ee to e hi b e th e t do s n d forc s music , and in fact would las man

th e t o H e r t e his e e led in world do so . has simply tu ned whi h r d sir s

A rtiﬁciali r . t is e t e e th e e t e e him y abs n , b caus music is dir c xp ssion of

his n t e t H e e e re t rt of er s e a ural mo ion . achi v s sul s wo hy s iou consid r ation from subj ects that in unsympathetic or Philistine hands would

be t of n o frui ful inspiration .

[ 1 60 ] M A G G I O I N T O S C A N A

t e e e to t r I be t M . e n t t would an inj us ic , how v r, say ha N vi limi s

h of t e t e The r e hims elf to t e sort work j us m n ion d . lyric ath r than the H e dramatic is his stronghold . has shown himself capable of freight

t t t e t as e e his e e of ing his composi ions wi h s r ng h w ll as grac , and s ns

rt as e e e t t of ea t The et propo ion is w ll d ﬁn d as ha b u y and color . qui

tt t e e of t e e e t n e t tre a rac iv n ss na ur mov s him mor ha do s s orm and s ss . The loveliness of a Spring morning wakens in his mind music that

h r The e e it ow n e t e . are has s plac in wo ld m rry danc s of Mayday , to

e re of e he on t him , j oyous xp ssions bubbling happin ss ; and ﬁnds Sp a n eous language in th e tone world to mirror the effect produced on ” him .

th e t but h e te it to So far cri ics ; his own opinion was , and wro his wife anoth er thing

h e i e w This w ol business s nonsens and e must get abroad. e e e e te t t e e If I w r v r con n wi h my playing , I pr sum I Should ff ee e t e . e f l v ry good abou mys lf In Bu alo I had a big hous , ‘ fte h but it t m e e t e to . t e ook som im warm up A r Fantasie, re e e t t I had Six calls , and wh n I play d ha nasty little ‘ ’

t e e e e ee . e ette t Narcissus , h r w r ch rs I play d b r han I did tt but t t he te e in Pi sburg , las nigh in Roc s r I had a perf ct ’ t e h e e ova ion, and I don t know wh n I av play d so well . o f h e ou e In n e o my numbers the gas in t hall went t . I h ard quite a little rustle of confusion in the audience which t e te e to e e but e t e - e hr a n d b com panic , I k p my s lf poss ssion d ﬁn is hed r e e t r h an t t . W my workin o al da kn ss h n I was h oug , h e r e t To ee t e p ople Simply we e wild in th ir en husiasm . k p th em q uiet until th e lights were arranged I again played ‘ ’ t t e tt e it SO t the ha m an li l Narcissus and was s ill in hall , e th t e I f lt e audience could almost hear my hear b at .

Nevin was never to fulﬁl t hat ﬁrst dream of his youth ; he w as ’ e e to e e on e o f th e r re te t t b ut t e n v r b com wo ld s g a s pianis s , his s ason

h e e to his e of t t t h e ros high st point vir uosi y , and al hough e abandon d

his t t to te et t e er he t o pianis ic ambi ion in rpr o h r compos s , was play

in t e bu t re e he e public many im s and in many lands , mo and mor dr w

t r th e e of e ret o w n t owa ds id al int rp ing his composi ions . 1 61 C H A P T E R T W E L V E

i t e e t of e t - at V in eacre h e e Dur ng h s mon hs h al h gaining , had qu s tion ed e re e re t e e h e e e th t his his g nius mo clos ly . Mo han v r r aliz d a

r the r to r te e t t he t wo k in wo ld was w i b au iful music . Tha migh do

t th e e t h e ee e to b e e e r the - te e his in b s way , n d d r l ased f om high nsion d

t t e h H e t e e t H e te e e e t e e. ac ivi i s of conc r room . wan d a s r n r a mosph r

was to it so i e re ﬁnd , as many artists have found t b fo his day and

ee In t r i t t e t . e e s sm , I aly Th in I aly a charm , an inspira ion , for c r ain delicate souls and reverently they accept it which is very difficult

I e n ot i e e to e e . t e th e e t t d ﬁn do s com from b au y, which is , as w r ,

e e e t n e e the t e r aliz d and ﬁx d in I alia v rs and music , and in ci i s and

h h h he t e . T e of t t r r e It t ills charm I aly is sub l e and more ar . is in — very air that the poesy to u se an old and compreh ensive word

e t e b te t te e e t t e xis s ; po sy in a su lima d s a , ss n ial , un ouch d by circum

stance .

The t O f t ! It e to e e it e to D e mys ic soul I aly call d Sh ll y, as call d

e e r it e . t Musset and to Chopin . And N vin h a d s comp lling call I aly

w a o ete or r r s t t e to e e t e . compl , a h r p f c his lyric g nius

H is e e to his e er t on e of e of te e e m ssag g n a ion was lov , nd rn ss , as — ira ion a re e e H e t e e p t di ct m ssag without exegesis . migh hav us d ’ Blake s words (for with Blake h e had much spiritual kinship)

I g ive you the en d of a g old en string On l win d it in t a a ll y o b , ’ It will lea d ou in a t H a n a y e ve s g te.

’ And this message (like Shelley s) w as to be spoken most distinctly

r H e t The e r t o ft he e e e e e . from I aly . a ly par y ar N vin pass d in Flo nc

t e e th e e ere e t e e t of found h r his cousin R v nd Dr . Rob r N vin , r c or ’

St . e Paul s in Rom , and

Cousin Robert was most kind to us and he insists that w o he H e e t e shall g to Rome for t coming winter . sugg s s having an apartment arranged for us in his wonderful house ’ e e to St t t the e t e (r ally b longing . Paul s) and ha V s ry giv m e th e apartment in exchange for my services in training he t h h a te e e t e a t . e s s choir I hink qui fall n in lov wi h Ann , 1 62

C H A P T E R T W E L V E

’ O clock my wife w as Sitting alone in o u r little parlor when te r e e an e e e e a r iﬁc nois , lik xplosion , occurr d , follow d imm d iately by a movement that made th e pictures and mirrors s a nd th he h ad e way e lamp almost upset on the table . S pr s e e o f to it o ut e for an d r e nc mind blow , rush d Paul ca ri d him h st as he w as e e m th r t . down airs , awak scr a ing wi f ig e she et r e t e her t Th n r u n d for Doro hy , bundl d down (s ill

M RS NE C F . VIN AND HILDREN IN LO RENCE

a ee t e h the t . sound sl p) , and h y pas sed the nig t by fron door e e e e te - t e P opl w r li rally panic s ricken , and carriag s and wag ons e e r It w r hi ed in which many passed the n ight . only te ﬁv e e but tw o or t ee e las d and a half s conds , hr mor would e ee ret e hav b n awful . They telegraphed for m e and I urn d e at e hom onc . We e tw s e b ut n o hav had o or three slight shock sinc , damage was done excepting to widen the openings al ready ’ e t made . I haven t the slightest idea what the next nov l y b will e . [ 1 64 ] M A G G I O I N T O S C A N A

’ I v e done some compositions since I have been h ere and e r e e r t to e will soon hav a la g bundl of manusc ip s nd you . ’ t th m ail e e , te I m pos ing by _is a small sc n for pianofor of e e tr e e t th e e t which I hop G r ud will acc p d dica ion . The Pan ‘ ’ tom im e I have changed to Italian Scenes as I v e some t e t to o th it t t a re n ot t o h r hings g wi , ha pan omime, a Noc ’ t e and te for t e urn Quasi Taran lla, ins anc . W te to m e as te d o ri of n as you can , and send m e any ’ er t t to t re pap s you don know wha do wi h , as th e is almost e e of ette t e on r an abs nc l rs ; in fac , wh n e eally does come the e te e t te e xci m n is in ns . e e e m e to r e tt e e R m mb r you wif and li l on s , and with r ffe t for r e wa m a c ion you s lf,

Always your faithful

t e ert E h lb N . A n d again

Dear G ustave

’ et ee e the e B w n you and mys lf and oc an , I m Sick t re o f t e rt e e t e re t w e and i d his a hquak busin ss . Nigh b fo las to e ee on th e ofou r had d camp and sl p piazza in front hotel . The e t so it ee o tte u se whol hing is absurd and , s ms , s u rly e t e t r l ss . Our las Shock cam abou Thu sday morning and such a time as we had packing our youngsters down stairs ; and the excitement o f th e people rushing to the street in all kinds ofundress ! I think the municipal author ities of Florence should at least compel the m en to wear w a e e t re e t e h ad on e e pyj amas . I s min n ly sp c abl ; and I v ry e f w e t e thing ven to my letter o credit . If had had ano h r It ee e w e e our e . shak , do n would hav com hous s ms ludi crou s e fte but at th e t e it is the t u n nough a rwards , im mos t n the e on e canny hing imagi able . Fancy hous Union Squar ’ swaying twelve inches and you feeling that another hair s ’ e t i r To the I v e ee br ad h will topple t ove . cap climax b n trying to l earn to ride the bicycle and y ou would have ett n e r th te ou pr y a ly burst a blood vessel wi laugh r, could y ‘ ’ have seen m e take th e h eader I did the night of our last e P tte e It t e . M . big quak . was abou nin , and ﬂa r d by my [ 1 65 ] C H A P T E R T W E L V E

’ ‘ little ma estr o s praise molto ben e! br a vissimo sig n or e off r er t h ir f e e t e a . o e I ca d , Simply floa ing in All a sudd n some thing seemed to p ut my wh eel in a bad humor and it stopped ‘ and I took the most beautiful h eader you could possibly W en e imagine . h I coll cted my various l egs and arms I t er t r e t le e w as found my rous s o n , my l f g skinn d and I oh , r h e . e e t e t e o f t SO so How v r, righ sid my ana omy is unin ’ e to ter t t it t e jur d and I m going mas his silly hing , if ak s le my oth er g . te of the - e t e In spi small pox , ar hquak s , bicycl e pains , ’ I v e e e e t In th e e and all , don som nic hings composing lin ; and I am sure you will be pleased with my M agg io in ’ ir n z F e e. ’ it to m e e e e v e If s coming , pl as s nd me fi e hundr d so ’ celebrate ' h rt of e I may t e Fou h July in Mont piano . I m ’ e t er e buying a donkey for Paul . H s a s unn and his own r has come down from three dollars and seventy-fiv e cents e — h to tw o fifty . Th n w e have a dog Piccino w o at pres en t is e r r er at te en si n l a ning pa lor mann s a priva p o , which ’ te er r e et e is conduc d and p sonally supe int nded by Pi ro s wif . et is t e et r e e e e e te Pi ro our bu l r, val , nu s , Ba d k r and Ch s r ’ e H e t a e e he t fi ld . has a grandson abou my g , and wh n isn t e e e h e e t e the of o h rwis occupi d , li s ou sid door my music room and listens to my music . H e thinks I am a very great — artist poor duffer ! H e can play the Intermezzo from th e ‘ C av aleria himself and he simply worships La Gioconda . ’ If h e were younger I d t ake him with m e to Boston . Ter r a moti e tu tti e re e re the t , I lov Flo nc and ado I al n ot e h e e e t but te ians , onc av I v r had any hing cour sy and ’ kindness shown m e ; and I v e intimate friends among th e cabmen ; while my little H a n s S a chs cleans my boots and e flow er- e t e wh o compliments my Italian . Ann has a g n l man h r t e of e —calls h er sig n orin a and presents e wi h bunch s ros s Such roses ! “ ’ I don t know of any person I would so much like to e rt e so h ave with m e here as you . You would h a ily nj oy a j ourn in Florence . “ ‘ We went this afternoon to see th e della Robbia Sing ’ e ou t r t e t t e in g boys . Hav y a pho og aph of h m I hink h y 1 66 ]

C H A P T E R T W E L V E

We e e e w r hav mail onc a day, wh n e a e in luck and ’ th e mules aren t stubborn ; and when th e afternoon coach rr e th e e e e e of e te e t a iv s whol plac is a sc n xci m n . There are

' e e t er but the ere fact t ha th n v r any s rang s , m t at particular vehicl e has come from Florence is enough to make every on e t re e- e e er e t S a in wid y d wond m n . “ This pretty little Spot is conducive to thought and im ’ e but e it e n ot e on e pr ssion , I ll conf ss do s giv much energy

for execution .

Then to his moth er

r t few a o h Do o hy was ill a days g . T e doctor came twice b ut it w as e t n o h only a summ r complain , and w s e is running t e on her ee s e t e tt around wi h ros s ch k and a ing lik a li le pig . ’ e - t re e tt e r er r Sh s a plump , good na u d d ar li l gi l . Ev y pe son r h is l e her e to he . S e e e ik s and b nds rapidly b coming spoil d , bu t how can w e help it ? We have great Sport telling her about a Ginger- be- n ooster wh o eats up little girls when h ee h er e e t e are t . s e h y naugh y I wis you could y s , wh n I

talk to her ofthis terrible animal . Z e e er e the e h line knows v y p rson , and flow rs s e h as made for a fair to be h eld for th e benefit of mutes are the delight f h Vi h u - t o t e e S e is o r . e e t llag . main s ay N v r a complain , ee t Sh e o ut t always ch rful and though ful . was walking wi h ’ the Marquis the other evening bu t I don t propose she shall e e e r e The r r b com Madam La Ma quis . Ma quis and Paul a e r e ar great chums and take long walks togethe . W e so sorry h e u We e t ou r fte e leav s s today . hav jus had a rnoon Z e e r e tt e e . t p ay r and a li l r ading aloud lin , Paul and Doro hy e t e t e r e e e h hav h ir lit l p ay r ach day , and whil Paul knows t e ’ ’ r e re he e t et it Lord s p ay r in F nch , do sn y know in Eng re e e so t t h ow ou e t lish . I m mb r dis inc ly and vividly y us d o bring us togeth er of a Sunday afternoon and have u s read r he e A t t e e t it a littl e f om t Bibl . im s I am confid n would have been much easier for you to have had th e repose and o wn e - s acrifice is quiet ofyou r room . Your s lf now finding its reward in my beautiful memory of those times ; and Anne and I are trying to make our little ones feel the nece si y on Sunday of a time wh en th ey should have a s1 t8 M A G G I O I N T O S C A N A

tt e t h re e e ou li l communion wi h t e Sup m B ing . Thank y , t er the e ou e e m e u n my mo h , for h lp y hav giv n by your t iring faithfulness toyour son . ’ We are w ell ah d We v e ou r tt e t e all happy . ha li l im s of tr tr e bu t t e e e ial and oubl h y always blow ov r again . Ann will write to y ou soon and remember always that this small branch of the big V in eacre tree love you and are s o happy ” o r that they belong t and have sp ung from j ust such a root .

the tt e - t e he te rt of th e In li l work shop , wi h barr d windows , wro pa

in T s a n a 2 1 t the t re It M a i c . gg o o , Opus , no ably Pas o lla was pub ‘ h lis h ed 1 8 9 6 t e to te Klin d w ort . in , wi h homag my mas r, Karl This suite no more than any oth er piece of absolute music h as any n eed — ee e r t of in its e e e of words . Ind d d sc ip ions music which is ss nc — non - descriptive are usually mere snares for th e more facile literary

t i tr e e t e e be e e t . On e e . W e t s mo ions hil his u nough , h r may xc p ions afternoon N evin played th e May in Tuscany for the writer of this

e he e h of th e e t e t t pag ; and , as play d e told mo ional impuls s ha lay

h — of e t e ofth e te the it e e . b hind building sui moods , as w r , his work It was a charmings elf- revelation ; and he wh o listened p ut down in

r e are te ere because NeV in e t e wo ds his impressions . Th y prin d h us d h m , t ere fte ert r r e t t e th e e e of h a r, in his conc p og amm s , hus giving h m s l

er t sinc i y .

MA G G IO IN TO SCANA

A RLEC C H IN m l i I . o : o to v va ce

It wa s H a rle n H a rle n H a rle n qui , qui , qui ,

Son th e ra n w h e of i bo , , Wh o wa s born a t th e da wn of a gold en s in In th e a rm s o f a Virgin s ea ;

A r a n t H a rle u n n n ch a la n t r t a m a le l a c a n d ca n r a s a i q i , o , io ous , i b oqu ious o ous bi rd in th e s ea son of love ; th e H a rlequi n of Floren ce a n d th e Sprin gtim e .

R : n I I . NOTTU NO co a mor e

Nigh t in th e V illa of Bocca cc io ; overh ea d th e quiet sta rs a n d fa r below th e y ellow 1 69 C H A P T E R T W E L V E

l h t l ren ce la e tra n el m err a n d e ra le a n ce l th el an d h e r ig s of F o ; di s , s g y y d si b , d b i y w isp

l ttle l e ca a l er len in l a n d e el ea c c to a n d fro a n d i vows of ov ; v i s , sp did si ks j w s , p o k ,

h a c tte r r en h ea rt a n d th e la a t l e un t l l e m te th em n . Th e of b ok s , so y p y ov i ov s i s dow y

a n d n r h kiss sob u d e t e qui et sta rs .

III . BARC HETTA : a lleg retto g r a cioso

Th e s un is s ettin g a n d th e dull Arn o h a s shin in g h in ts of red a n d gold ; un der th e

old r e it h mm er l l n l h e rl cr n h a l e t . T b idg s s i s ike si ke ribbon s . T e bo t g id s sof y gi oo s

th e n of th e a ter h ch th e n h O ha t c m e a n d e a n d l e a n d so g w s , w i is so g of p e t o s go s iv s dies a n d ca n n ot d ie ; a n d th e lover drops h is oa rs a n d th e boa t d rifts down th e

— - n n Arn n er th ol r l n a n h n h wi di g o u d e d b idges i n to si e ce d t e ig t .

IV . MISERICORD IA : la rg o p a tetico

O n ce a n rl e ll i a r m n h a l n A n h te th l h er on a e . At t you g gi di d . w i ey id bi id ig w i i g — — m en bore it on th eir sh ould ers a mid ﬂick eri n g torch es th rough th e Silen t streets ’ al n th e L n Arn a n h h a h a a to h e D m An d a f o g u g o d up t e grea t h ig w y t t le ds t uo o .

ter th e er ca m e m a n rl in h te ea r n wa x ca n le tha t rn e ee l for bi y gi s w i , b i g d s bu d f b y

h e l h e a As th e ca m o h m h e h ea r th e ch a n t n th e t sou of t d e d . y e t t e Duo o t y d i g of

Pr e t a n th r a n i s s d e o g . - . O : a n d a n t u asi im r ovisa men te V RUSIGNU LO e, q p

All w n ter th e n h t n a le a n in th e a r en n len t a m n th e ﬂ er a za n i ig i g s g g d , i so o g ow s , y — h l h O n l h i n a le a a n e a n d sa d a s a re r a ch for of t e b u e n ig t . y s so g w s supp s s d ss p o h e wa s a za n of th e l e n h y b u ig t .

LA R : l n t m lt VI . PASTO ELLA e o o o — a i h a i M n te an Sh e w s a l ttle S e h er e a m an l e a el cl er . It w s n p d ss wo ik ﬁ d of ov o pi o ,

n n a o h K M n l h n H er l r n n t a t t n e e . in th e Ape i es . so di er love h ad bee se w y ﬁg i g ik S e

m rn for th e r h m h a oo ell Sh e e t a t t m e e ca e s h e ou ed love w o s e h d loved t w . w p i s b us ’ l n o o h r h e n e h a t h er l w a s l t for l e a e a n d cou d t go t t e p iest . S k w t sou os ov s s k

h r H er h ee tra e on th e h ll e h er ta f la a t h er eet n h ee e s e m ou n ed . s p s y d i sid ; s f y f u d d ; ’ w th h er a c e on h er n e e s h e h ht h er l er M en el erc e m en a n d i f k s t oug of ov ; of ik s ﬁ ,

h n n f h a On th e ra h ll e . t i ki g o er lost soul sh e sh udd ered a n d c ri ed loud . g y i sid

And N evin said : Through th e window ofmy music room I could

see th e tt e as h e sat on th e e r her hee li l maid , s hillsid , gua ding s p and

t her e r the e n o on e e to her wai ing for lov r to retu n . In Villag spok

th e e t e h er e t w e and p asan s mock d . My wif and I did wha could for

[ 1 7 0 ]

C H A P T E R T H I R T E E N

EV ERYWHERE EV ERYWHERE , CHRISTMAS TONIGHT

Gol r mlzcre evft ~wltem luish rmsio g , g C

C H A P T E R T H I R T E E N

w e ee w e r r vard , and f l a e ve y fortunate in having him take e of ou r is e u charg Paul , as boy v ry yo ng ; in fact , will be the er e t the v y young s pupil in school . “ ’ I v e commenced piano l essons with Paul and I don ’ t t h ’ ’ e s e . t as hink v ry musical I m j us glad . It is an exciting e e t e of e and unr mun ra iv kind lif . There is almost a water famine here ; and in the church es e are e ff e e . The r is te d r pray rs b ing O r d for rain A no qui y . Poor Florence ! She has suffered a great deal in the past

t e e t . You e e e ee r w lv mon hs hav n v r s n such pove ty . A n d the Nevins are right in it !

Pleasant days Withal there was a very charming social life

th e e e oft e in Flor nc hos days . The American Consul w as

C e e t harl s B lmon Davis , and his t e r bro h r, Richa d Harding

w as t e e th e Davis , h r for win

The Labou ter season . cheres the - th and Dana Gibsons , e

t t h e Br e ret o n P ax o n s , s ,

th e scul tor th Thomas Ball , p , e

n e Parkma Blak s , Boardman and Gerhart Hauptmann and V iv arelli; and many others made up th e artistic and cos m op olitan s ociety ofFlorence “ ld t t te . o ha win r Ouida, an — DRAWING OP ETHELBERT NEVIN woman then painted and ' BY CHARLES DANA GIBSON fat am azin in e , g a purpl gown ,

e r te e h er h at e w as w a ing whi plum s in and follow d by many dogs , a

t in the n r e n he e it familiar sigh Cas ci e of an afte noon . N vi ( r cords

his r on e i tt e son th e in dia y) was walking day with h s li l , along Arno , ” e t e and Ouida cam up and s opp d them .

1 76 C H R I S T M A S T O N I G H T

the ell n s he r e t ! Oh , b i o , c i d , I mus kiss him The littl e boy drew away from h er and would n ot allow it ; and “ ’ ” t o his fath er h e said in dig n antly : I don t even know h er !

’ N evin s comment in his diary was this

ere t t r te e ﬁ ure — t t r e r I wond d if ha g o squ g ha c u l , ha d — ened face was all that was l eft of the hea r t in which was ‘ ’ ” r he r ! bo n t Dog of Flanders . Poo woman

t e re e t its e t its t And his lif of Flo nc , wi h social mom n s and Shif ing

er r p sonalities is reco ded in his diary .

ere too h e r te e e Th , , w o of his hom lif

te r 2 r e e 5 . e t S p mb Mo ning v ry warm I canno work . fte t e e e t w e e t e e tea . A rnoon , in ol rabl h a ; idl d a long im ov r e t te to e Paul cam in from school , and Doro hy wan d danc th r t e . e t wi him . Poor li tl Dorothy I n ve know in wha lan guage she is going to en d a sentence ; and her English is ‘ ’ ‘ ’ te h razia m lta V e . S e a G ous absolu ly uniqu will s y o , t i till ’ t e es s en e t e . g , and I you sank ( hank) f rry mu ch Paul , e e e the t e t t I how v r, sp aks three languages wi h a flu ncy ha S e r H e i e to t ree e e e d a . r ma kabl . has school v ry y from n n h It ee to m r b n ot te e s ms e pretty long hours fo a oy qui s ven . \V e We h e Shall have to see how h e stands it . always av a e e he e h e he t er dancing l sson wh n com s om , and can wal z v y ‘ e he h e t of . e e e e t w ll Th n a r pos l sson . That is ard s all for r t e i f m te s a t Do o hy . W s t still or fiv e to seven inu s , y no h t fte e ing , hink nothing . A r that comes a singing l sson and t en r But t r o n e her tt e h a omp . oday Do othy was in of li l et t H er e r s h e e p ulan moods . ey s we e just snapping as j ump d ’ ’ up and said : I won t repose any more ! “ ‘ ’ I said to h er very fi rmly : M iss Nevin She p ut o ut h er little chin and replied just as fi rmly ‘ ’ M r e . N vin

the - e e t v e This is long ago record of a quaint com dy, always k p ali

- h te r t e . e he hi tt e e e e in family All his lif , and s li l daugh r add ss d ach “ ” “ ” t e e e e e to t t t d a o h r as Mr. N vin and Miss N vin , v n ha las y when s h e stood at his bedside and h e said goodbye t o little Miss

e for the t t e 1 N vin las im . 7 7 C H A P T E R T H I R T E E N

And again th e diary

’ t rt to t rr H e Paul will s a school omo ow . s th e pride of my e r t e t . e . e lif Do o hy is cunning , sw and loving Oh , I hav s o t o be t for but t much hankful , s ill I am always wanting something more ; and I am n ot content ed with my bless ee to be e er — ings . I s m v pushing feeling and grasping for something that I cannot express unless it is to ﬁnd in this — life th e truth ! “ Today I corrected and mail ed th e proofs of my n ew compositions and I shall n ot see th em again un til th ey are o u t the r to e r e o r e e in wo ld mak f i nds en mies . I always f el as though I were sen ding on e of my children to ﬁght a tt e e r t e r ba l wh n my manusc ip has gon f om my hands . ' ’ r te o n t e t M ad l wi bl h W o a song x by Baumbach , e e u t s .

' Christmas seaso n s ad and gloomy . I was t aken ill Christmas ’ morning and was in bed nearly all th e time till New Year s

Day . th e 2 th of e e er e th e t t d e On 7 D c mb , I pass d nigh wi h r r e er e e e e er r pa ted spi its . Such an xp i nc I hav n v had befo e r it e e b r e te and I t ust will n v r e ep a d .

This is all h e says in his diary of th e curious experiences of that

r er tr e ffi t to ut r w a h winte illness . V y s ang (and di cul p in wo ds) s t e

r ev e t t thing that befell him Ch istmas . Upon ha occasion h e seemed “ indeed to have broken th rough th e paper walls of everyday circum ” t e t e e t t t t r ro r th e s anc , h s unsubs an ial walls ha p ison us und f om

r cradle t o th e g ave .

It t r too it e e e to the ev e is na u al , , should hav happ n d him on of — th e great day of devotion and mysticism th e day th e Child was

te th e t th e r ere r It . H e bo n . was la and ligh s in music oom w dim — for it ter Sh e e r t t was alone was only af had h a d him playing, ha his

et t th e h er h e n ot Th e wife had Slipped qui ly in o room ; and did see . piano stood in a bow - window and th e moonlight fell upon him as h e sat playing .

er t he e er ere er ere V y sof ly play d and sang Ev ywh , Ev ywh , Christmas Tonight ; th en h e wandered off into st range improvisa [ 1 78 ]

‘ C H A P T E R T H IR T E E N

When the ghostly concert was ﬁnished he went to his room and “ n ot e e it for e e t t t e t did l av many days . Th n cam ha nigh pass d wi h

e te r h t . T e e r h e d par d spi i s n xt mo ning e s nt for his physician , t . . th Villin R u bi e Doc or W H Baldwin of e o a . Th y had a long con

er t r v sa ion . The e is a trace of it in a note Doctor Baldwin wrote a few weeks later

er r t t e th I am v y so ry I missed your visit oday . Among o h r ings

te to e tr r e I wan d mak a note of your ex aordina y fanci s , which could ’ e rre r It ee e t o m e t t on e t hav occu d only in a poet s b ain . s m d ha migh attribute those rainbow visions to the effects of Inﬂuenza ; would ” ou ou ot o f t e m e ? y , could y , j down a sketch h m for

e e e h e e te Thus spok Sci nc , solving t e unsolvabl ; and N vin wro

I know I have given a great deal of pleasure to others t e e to the C in his world . Wh n my summons com s j oin ara

v an b n ot be rr . I shall e quite ready . I shall so y or glad I i t t t e e e e th t shall simply accept t . Wi hou hos v ry n rv s a e m e ffe n ot te t e t t be caus su ring , I could wri a un ha would h wort listening to .

[ 1 80 ] C H A P T E R F O U R T E E N

A DAY IN V ENICE

C H A P T E R F O U R T E E N — II . GOND OLIE RI (THE GON D OLIERS)

Sh e to m e

Wa s a s a fa iry city of th e h ea rt ;

R n l e a t er c l m n r m th e s ea isi g ik w o u s f o ,

Of o th e rn a n d of ea lth th e m a r j y sojou w t . BYRON

Th e n th e a le in th e r t m ea re th e rh thm c th em e h a n t on e swi g of p dd is ﬁ s su s , y i u s , carr e on e out u n ream h h a a re r e en h an th e a ter a V en c It i s po d ig w ys f i v t w w ys of i e .

h r a a t cut to etr n d rea mla n . Th e n l er a re o ff for th e d a out n is s o po y d d go do i s y , upo th e h t r c a ter a l n n th e G ra n Ca n a l n er t he a rc h e t n e is o i w w ys , g idi g dow d , u d d s o

r e th r h ee t ll treet h ere th e t n e a ll on e th er e a re m e b idg s , oug d p , s i s s w s o w s i sid oss d — th a e a n d th e h a ma e th e a ter reen a n d the a ir c l a n d out a a n wi g , s dows k w g , is oo g i

h r l i n t th e r a un l t la n . It in V en ce e e e e el e e n h a n e e en i o b o d s i goo s is i , w p op b i v ppi ss , v

H n o am at r a n d th e n l er h a s n o th er cree . e t t h e e re n th wo k , go do i o d is bi ious , d si s o

l r a i a h r in b ut to be al a a n e s h s t e ere e re him . H e w ll l e a g w ys go do i , f s w b fo i iv l ttle la h a l ttle l e a l ttle h le h e n ra a l ttle w h en h e old h a t i , ug i , ov i w i is you g , p y i is ; w

r l h a e? Perh a h e h as h ea rd h ow o n e his re ather l n n e mo e wou d you v ps of fo f s , o g go , ca rri ed gu ests down th ose sam e wa terwa ys to th e fetes of th e Pa la ce of th e Doge s ; perh a ps th a t h e ca rri ed som e doom ed Victim of th e Forti es o ut i n to th e Ad ria tic a n d

n r Bu t tha t a n a ll h e ar h t r V en c e r tten r h t him ac o m e . d t b oug b k o , d k is o y of i , is fo go

h e n l h t a n d th e n th e a le a n d th e rh thm c h a n t n m el in t su ig swi g of p dd y i , u i g ody of ’

n l r n . L on h la n th e go do i e s so g ife is good t e goo s . — CA Z O E OROSA E E A E S III . N N AM (V N TI N LOV ONG)

Th e l e n r tten in th e k e A ﬂa t th e k e in h ch ea t l th n ov so g is w i y of , y w i b u ifu i gs

n Th e r of th e d a er a n d th e n l er h a s h is l ttle eeth ea rt be h a pp e . wo k y is ov go do i i sw

It a a e h im a n d in all th e rl th ere a re b u t tw o e le a n d th e m n . side , wo d p op oo is s f a n h a l e n e t th ere a n n ten e er r in th e O en n m el for h e d ppy ov so g , y is i s f vo p i g ody , — — Th ec n h as b een a wa y from h er a whole d ay a n d th a t is so lon g som etim es . e s o d

ect ter m re ten er th an th e r t r n to a cl m a in on e l t subj , sof , o d , ﬁ s , isi g i x vo up uous , ’ lan h n ch r er h ch in th e c re th e c m er h a s r tten : Io t a mo ! guis i g o d ov w i , s o , o pos w i “ - - Few rea ter th n a re r tten n ow a a th a n th a t l e n . I love you . g i gs w i d ys ov so g

O A E O D IV . BU N NOTT (G O NIGHT)

As th e gon dolier a n d h is sweeth ea rt glid e ou t towa rds th e Ad ria tic th ey pa ss a n

ria n Pe rh a th e l er n a n a tch old ch urc h from wh ich a n Ave M a is sou n di g . ps ov s si g s

l ee a n d ea ce l of th e h m n erh a th e l ttle rl c r e h er el . N h t e e y , p ps i gi oss s s f ig s ps d p p fu

V n c e h e l h t l m m er eh in th em th e m n ra a l ttle ﬂe ec e l er over e i , t ig s g i b d , oo d ws i y v i ov [ 1 84 ] A D A Y IN V E N I C E

h er a c e li e a n a e w h o em rel ra h er r l ce Th e a f , k bb ss d u y d ws up su p i . y re h a ppy an d

a h r th ey h ope th a t ll t e wo ld is so .

Once Nevin p u t his ' rrrﬁ sical creed into words

e e e t w e ee e e r Abov v ry hing n d m lody m lody and hythm . h r We e i t t e e t t . t t re Th Rhy hm is g a hing hav in na u . e trees

' ” ou r te ee t e our e e sway and s ps k p im and v ry souls r spond .

And it is in the Venetian Suite that this theory has found its ﬁnest

It ad istin ctl t r e t . e t fulﬁlm n gains y I alian colo , as Rup r H ughes points out r its e eet e t t , f om ing nuously sw harmoni s in hirds and Six hs , and ‘ its frankly lyric nature ; and the Day in Venice begins logically

t the e e t te t wi h dawn , which is ush r d in wi h pink and s al hy harmonies , ‘ then Th e Gondoliers have a morning mood of gai ety that makes ’ ere a charming composition . Th is a Canzone Amorosa o f d eep fer ’ v or t t e eet Io t a m ! A m r e h , wi h in rj ions of o and o (which has t e ex ’ cellen t t r t eet e t . 8 1 th it s L h au ho i y of B hov n s Sona a, Op , wi ebe wo l! )

Th e te e e i t t e e e e Sui nds d lic ously wi h a nigh sc n in V nic , beginning ‘ ’ with a choral A v e Maria and ending with a campanella of the u t most delicacy . ‘ in e e n ot e t 1 89 8 It A Day V nic was publish d un il . was signalled as the dainti est bit of lyrical writing for th e piano that many years

I d u r a i Ne n s o e t e . t v v e r e so of had produc d was i , d lica ly wo k d , full

e e te t SO t e its t reticenc s and s cond in n ions , sub l in craf smanship that

h e t t e t r e t it ff t . ee a ords cri ical s ud n cha ming mom n s of analysis Ind d , th e te t its r ter t its e r Sui wi h skilful musical cha ac iza ion , m lodic colo ,

r ofit h r e er e it th e splendo s a monic mbroid y , yi lds up s full charm only

It e h t or the et . r t r to t e analys po is a d licious inspi a ion , wo ked out with consummate skill . — ’ But Venice The N evin s found many friends th ere ; among oth ers

r ert er the te e et e e H e b Faulkn , pain r of V n ian sc n s , and his young

’

the rt t e . rt t e o n e o f e family ; and Mo on Mi ch lls Mo on Mi ch ll , N vin s

e r e t th e et t closest fri nds , hym d , in a polyglo ballad , gai y of hose days

— — e e to it r t and nights in Venice . N vin link d a ippling une and it

to t e e th e er h was sung from gondola gondola , un il v n gondoli s and t e 1 85 C H A P T E R F O U R T E E N — barges caught it up and sang it lustily to a qu eer j argon of th eir

’ — e t e r te t e te own as N vin s boa , d co a d wi h y llow j onquils , ﬂoa d by . H ere it -is

Vened ig is t ein a n d er er S ta d t S in ce the Nevin s ca me to town D er S on n en schein is t g an z mehr hot h wn Sin ce t e Nevin s ca me to to . a Wasser scheint a d ee er lu e D s p b , The sk ta kes on a n ther hue y o , ’ ’ ’ I n a ue a ete a r t u t y q g i p o , n h n a m wn S i ce t e Nevi s c e to to .

The song - boa ts ha ve a ll g on e ou t of biz ’ S in c in in the c t e Nev s i y . The sing ers d r in k wa ter where they used to d r in k ﬁzz ; ’ Is n t tha t a p ity ? F or a ll th D utch a n d In lese in t wn e g o , A n d V en etia n s as well r m the Pr e ect d wn , f o f o , ’ Cr owd the Ca n a l till you d thin k they wou ld d r own T h a r a n d itt o e Nevi y .

Tr ag hetto men n o long er ﬁght ’ S in ce Nevin s come to town The sin a ll d a a n d d r n k a ll n ht y g y i ig , in n m n S ce Nevi ca e to tow . A n d o the n d liers a sc r e f g o o o , A re a lwa ys ﬂoa ting r oun d his d oor Ca lling a n d shou ting for M or e En cor e

Since Nevin ca me to town .

A n d et while tellin these ter r le lies y , g ib , A ut the Nevins her e in t wn bo o , D o you think we wish it wer e other wise Tha n to ha ve them her e in town ’ Corp o d i Ba ccho ! We d on t in d eed ! O u r l ve r them is ur n l cr eed o fo o o y , ” ’ A n d the wen t o we d a ll seced e if y ﬁ , ,

We A L L would lea ve the town . 1 86

C H A P T E R F O U R T E E N

t e t th e la n h l S So far as publica ion w n bi of compositions , during the t n ot r e H e r te th tw . e o I alian sojourn , was la g p in d only songs ,

' ’ M ad el wie blaht s and R echte Z eit ; bu t to this period belong th e tw o

t te the e t e e et t e etter I alian Sui s Flor n in and V n ian ; and h y Show b , it be t t e e th e tw - may , han any hing ls , o fold Side of his nature : the insinuating tenderness which rises often t o the white h eights of pas

th e r e e h e sion ; and g av and abiding m lancholy . T musical form , too,

er r ter t It e e on e e e it at is v y cha ac is ic . is pur N vin ; r cogniz s a glance — ’ e r e r t on e e e lik a f i nd s handw i ing an nv lop . As was once said : Ethelbert N evin wrote like a man wh o had an orchid in his buttonhole a n d the fear o f G od in his heart it was

r e e t e b ut it e e a ph as lik any o h r, d ﬁn d in a way , his music , which is at e r t t e te e e e t re t ten onc a is ocra ic , d lica , chis ll d ; and inform d wi h g a

er e e e r o w n d n ss and a m lancholy p culia ly his . And it seems to m e that in th ese Italian Suites on e sees N evin at — that moment when his genius Spoke th e most personal word they e e t th e te th e r t th e te e t r ﬂ c whi soul , p oud puri y , passiona h ar .

>l4

e e e t ee at t e e the r t te n ot Fiv un v n ful w ks Fon ain bl au , dia y s a s ;

“ ’ e e t for the er e t e e h e te wholly un v n ful lov s of N vin s music , for h r wro h e r t e of te En Pass a n t t ﬁ s numb r his sui , ( Opus In a home letter h e wrote

’ We ve engaged an apartment in Paris and if this cool w t e w e e t th e en d A u eather con inu s , shall mov in abou of

gust . “ Anne and I went int o tow n and on the r ue d e la Pa ia' Anne saw a coachman whom she thought was the on e w e th e ee e re ee e e e t e h ad had w k b fo , who s m d such a d c n f llow ’ r h e e o ut he and didn t beat his ho se . S hail d him and found ’ w t th e e . e er e ot t wasn sam How v , g in and I ook him by

e w e e t t o on e rt e t ter th e t e . th e hour . W ll , w n apa m n af o h r w e e e t e r r e as w e Finally , b cam ir d , hung y and discou ag d , A t t t th e could ﬁnd nothing that suited us . las I old coach man to drive to a caféthat I knew on th e Pla ce d e la M a d e

[ 1 88 ] A D A Y IN V E N I C E

le n e t he re tre r e e t i , and I hink ad dis ss and discou ag m n in ou r e e for h e t r e r : y s , u n d f om his box and said if Mon e r e w ould r e t o rt e t he e si u would lik , he d iv an apa m n kn w fof re t t e it r t er h- h d was n , as his s and was n ar . I a h p oo p oo e th e idea of a Paris cabman recommending an apartment to e - e er e t h er a w ll br d Am ican family . Ann , wi h common t w t e i e e : e e e t s ee t . s ns , said W ll , B r , migh j us as w ll So ‘ : ll z n I said A e d o e . e w e th e rt e t t the t te W ll , saw apa m n , j us loca ion I wan d ’ — off th e Cha m s - El sees on e fl t t r p y , only igh of s ai s and at re e t e P e r er e p s n occupi d by rof sso Palm , whom I kn w e m e It e t W e e e tr e and who kn w . is a b au y . will hav an n anc two sa l ns - r bed - er hall , o , a dining oom , four chamb s , a ’ t he r r re an d ' fift ki c n , maid s ooms and so on , for fou hund d y r t r e e e t r f ancs a mon h , all fu nish d . Emma Eam s liv s j us ound h e r er h fin It 38 r u G a lilee t t e e t e . e co n and whol hing is is . i ? e rt e t Did I t p that coachman well I did . I gav him fo y c n s h e e e er H e e e tee r r and b am d all ov . sav d us igh n f ancs ail ” road fare for another hunting trip to Paris .

’ t e 38 r u e G a lilee e th e A ven u e Ifleber e In his hom , , n ar , N vin did ’ e t e r It t ere h e r t e th e ha n s n d A u tomn e . C a gr a d al of wo k was h w o o , ’ t t u t ett er e t t r t ha ha n ing s ing of V lain s haun ing song , s ill in manusc ip ,

a u n la n 2 ere re t e t t and L L e B che from Opus 8 . Th was a g a d al ha was akin in th e art of Verlaine and Nevin ; and the great French poet

h r r r th e found in t e American composer h is most delicate inte p ete . In li 30 r ue G a lee too r tt e rt En Pa ss a n t . , , was w i n pa of , Opus In addi t to h e e t e t o er ion composing , gav much of his im coaching Wagn

i e to his It e t e r t . s ng rs and piano pupils . was a happy y ar , ac iv and b igh

r r r e t ere e t Pa is held many of his f iends . Cousins f om his hom ci y w s ab li h e r h r F or few ee th e er h e s d just ac oss t e st eet . a w ks in summ was e t e e e e h er e t tr to e e l f alon , whil his wif accompani d par n s on a ip V nic h i and t e Ital an lakes . To h er he wrot e “ re t t t t t t th e I d am las nigh ha Paul and I , wi h Giovanni ( er ere t at th e e tr e th e r gondoli ) , w s anding n anc of G and

[ 1 89 ] C H A P T E R F O U R T E E N

’ te aw ee e to see Ho l and I s you all come up . You s m d glad uS rr e t t e ere t t , and I was so y I wok j us as Fa h r and I w s ar h t e . n e e tt e it ett e . ing for Lido W ll , my d ar li l girl , is pr y lo ly s at for t e th e w e h e Paul and I a long im by window , h n had h n e . ter e e to bed e a d said his pray rs Af had gon , I r ad ’ e the t — i t watch d moon . No hing is wrong t s only tha I am ’

f r . t e o e e t o e e . lon ly you Giv my lov V nic Oh , wouldn I ’ o b re h e e t e t t e t e . t to t e giv duca s h Jus say I lov you , B r , h r te r etter r e whic you w o in you l f om Lugano , was a b au t t e e it t t re iful ouch , my pr cious wif ; and is a hing I wan mo t th than any hing in e world or in life . Th e tt e e are e e t are li l on s w ll , and your dom s ics doing ’ ‘ for r t s t e everything they can our comfo t . I jus plain lon e lin ess I have about made a decision t o take Guido . I s nt him to the Italian Consulate this morning to ﬁnd o ut his t t d eﬁ rights and my rights . I old him I could do no hing h r a nite until t e sig n o came home . “ ’ ’ it t Yes e o u t e t . , I ll s nd y wha mon y you wan If isn as ’ ’ ’ t e e t t e tt e . much as you d lik , w ll , ha s lif , my li l girl Don re e e the te L a Vie ? you m mb r song I wro for you , I am quit e determined you s h all come home as soon as h t be ere th e 20t . you possibly can . You mus h by “

b r . ee r rett e e Now e a good gi l K p you p y fac cl an , and when you are inclined to worry j ust remember you have the love and worship of your er B tie .

Then in th e autumn of th e year Nevin sail ed away from Europe

H e e e New r t er t h e for th e last time . r ach d Yo k in Oc ob , wi h , as said

t e e er e e tw o r re to an in rvi w , a wif and babi s , cana y birds , a g yhound

- in - t and an Italian boy but ons .

[ 1 90 ]

C H A P T E R F I F T E E N

THE ROSARY

t t - ﬁv e e r Old b ut the e r E was hir y y a s , y a s had l eft him young .

H e t th e e r t t e t r r had s ill boyish fac , b igh wi h n husiasm , mi ro

e er e t — t t of e t ing v y mo ion all his hough s b au y or sadness .

t t tr e b ut e e er t r i e th e ( Many ar is s i d , non v por ayed t . ) Abov young face and blue eyes was a great mass of dark hair thick

H a s t te . e w s e e e own wi h whi slim , grac ful in v ry Shift of his ﬂexible — b ut er e e e e he t body , his n v s v n as wh n was a li tle child werekeyed

o t of t te t a pi ch almos painful in nsity .

t e ert e he e th New e This was E h lb N vin , as fac d e York public onc

re fter t e t t ter t r r mo a hos frui ful I alian days , af hose keen Pa isian hou s .

e e t ee ert r the e the r t e t r t H gav hr conc s du ing s ason . Of ﬁ s r ci al a c i ic wrote “ e e e ter th th Tu sday , whil sp nding an af noon wi e compositions of

t e e t e e e r e e t o E h lb r N vin , I probably cam as n a as I v r shall a Simul

f Th e ert e th tan eou s absorption o color and sound . conc was giv n in e

e e H Madison Squar Conc rt all . “ ’ e is e e t t h h e e the N vin s music min n ly colorful , houg d als in half

te e t e t the e t tones and hin d shad s ra h r han in Sp c rum . “ ’ h e t e at t ere r r T e conc r b gan four O clock and h was a long p og am ,

i a ie w e too . t t t w s b ut it as non long And in fac , hough var d and cun ’ in l ut t et e it n ot e e e of the e n g y p og h r, did Show v ry Sid compos r s

e It e e er t e e it the e g nius . show d , how v , hos Sid s of which public lik

e t ere e e t e t t e e he b s . Th w r w n y songs hos marv lous lyrics in which

e e t t t e e t of at e sad te er m s cond ns s ha s rang p rsonali y his , onc and nd , y

t e t e e t t t te tical and gay . And h n h r was ha puissan sui for piano ,

i in T sca n a so t e its so its M agg o o , mu abl in moods , individual in

t o in its tte . modula ions , s rich musical ma r “ h ee The interpretation w as n ot all that it mig t have b n .

wa e n hee w as the Occas ionally a butterﬂy s brok n o a w l . This [ 1 93 ] C H A P T E R F I F T E E N

' e t t t e V B th te t L e as r s e. e cas wi h ha xquisi fragili y , e i In main , how ’

e M r. e te et er e e t n e ot t . v r, N vin s in rpr s s rv d him fai hfully, if brillian ly

- M r . er R a elle toi t t e t r r t Francis Rog s sang , pp an in ima ansc ip ion of ’ — et e - e t e t e ee h e Muss s w ll known po m wi h a gr a d al of f ling , and t

t H e song was qui e within the limits of his voice . was equally happy R ht Z in ec e eit. “ To Miss Genevieve Weaver was intrusted the in terpretation of ‘ ‘ te t e e e e t four songs in a ligh r mood . Of h s I lik b s A Fair Good

te et t t r e e et . Morn I am haun d y by ha ph as , all badinag and coqu ry “ The e e t t e t e t t t th e audi nc by his im , migh ily n husias ic , was in j us

h A d it e t t to ee the mood for t e M agg io . n was a pl asan sigh s com

r r he e t te t to e r pose in f ont of a Steinway grand . T id al s a of hings is h a

er tr e e — it a compos play his ow n music . S ang ly nough for is unusual th e leading American composers ( M acD ow ell and N evin) are

r equipped with tho oughly adequate v ir tuosity . “ w r h e et M acD o ell e e t e e . e plays mo lik d vil N vin plays lik a po .

n ot e r t it er ex His playing is m chanically b illian ; is v y individual , t rem el e t e te e et H e et e te t t e y subj c iv , in ns ly po ical . g s xquisi sub ili i s — of tone as in that sad and charming Nottur n o and the capricious

R usig n uolo .

A t t e ert e at r e e e e e ano h r conc , giv n Ca n gi Lyc um , N vin play d his ” — t d e M rs . e We on e May in Tuscany , Juli yman of his mos — t ter eter r of r ligh ful in pr s sang a g oup his songs , and Miss Isado a “ tr te h e r e Duncan illus a d in classic dances t Na cissus , Oph lia and ‘ ’ Water Ny m ph ofth e Wat er Scenes and for th e ﬁrst time Florian e s ’ re t e the r ter h t e D am , a pan omim by w i of this biograp y , wi h N vin s

f r r r o e t e . music piano and o ch s a , was giv n M eanwhile N evin had taken a studio in Carnegie Hall and an

rt e t at 22 1 e t 5 th r apa m n W s 7 St eet . “ ” ere he te The Th wro Rosary .

e e e Many l g nds , all fanciful and charming , hav grown up round

- r e Its tr e r te te e t . this wo ld lov d song . u o igin is qui as in r s ing

t are e- e e All th e high est expressions oflyric beau y impuls born , v n

[ 1 94 ]

C H A P T E R F I F T E E N

th e r e e it t h In making up p ogramm for his r c al in Bos on , near t e en d th e e e n e e to e t r t of s ason , N vi d cid d includ his manusc ip song . “ ”

M r . r e er 2 1 9 1 2 F ancis Rog rs in Musical Am ica , May , , gives his recollection of what took place “ t ee e e th e t e t Abou a w k b for Bos on conc r , I was dining at th e

e rt t t t - e e th t e e We et . r M . N vin apa m n , in s Fif y s v n s r and Mrs . ’ keld in r r er- i - r S M s . e t n te r F ank g, N vin s b o h law and sis r, we e pres

n t te e r v e m r f e M . e e o e h . Af r dinn r N in hand d a sc ap music pap r wit ‘ some notes and words scratch ed on it in pencil and said : I want you ’ ‘ ’ t ee I Th e r to t e t . t h Sing his in Bos on n x w k was Rosa y . As t e scrap of paper in my hands w as th e only written version of th e song

h for re r t t r k i e te e t e t e M . S eld n in xis nc , and im p pa a ion was shor , g ‘ ’ ’ : e t bet e s er t et t t said B r I ll you a champagn upp , you can g ha ’ f r r r h re o t e t . e e te t e bet song ady you Bos on conc Mr N vin acc p d , re e e m e re th e ee ter t h ars d ca fully in song , which a w k la in Bos on

r had its ﬁrst public h ea ing .

wh o for the r t e h It M r . e t T e was Rog rs , ﬁ s im , sang Rosary ; h r e te ert t Fe r 1 t e e t 89 8 . conc was giv n in S in Hall , Bos on , in brua y ,

h r w r M r m an It t e t t e Ne s . e VVe was sung for ﬁ s im in Yo k by Juli y ,

h r t th r e e e 2 4 to e er at t e eci al in e Ca n gi Lyc um , March , which a r f

re ee ence has al ady b n made .

for r t e e t e te h er r t t e M s . : In dia y ha y ar E h lb r N vin no s Monday, ’ 2d t The r to e t r ! May , ook Rosa y Schirm r his mo ning Today the song is sung in almost every language ; th ere is no hint of e xaggeration in saying that it has j ourneyed round the world and

ere ee r tte re t it t t round again . Th has b n w i n mo abou han abou any on e song ; b ut it may n ot be superﬂuous t o quote h ere part of an

r e e e re article by Madame E nestin Schumann H ink , which app a d in ” the Bohemian Magazine “ The on e song I love best in all th e great song literature is Schu ’ i A ll a h But t e e t e th e es bert s D e m c t. h r is ano h r song public lov — ‘ ’ better t o h ear m e Sing Th e D rinking Song from Donizetti s ‘ ’ r t ere t t e th t Lucretia Bo gia . And h is s ill ano h r song a I love and

[ 1 96 ] T H E R O S A R Y

h h th e e t to e r it r w ic public d ligh s h a , I call my favo ite American ’ ‘ song : it is Ethelbert Nevin s Rosary

/ ‘ ’ - ? Why d o I like to sih g Th e Rosary Because it is a perfect

Th e r t n ot ee t m . e t ere song c i ics may all agr wi h h . But th e public is the e t t fte th e k b s cri ic a r all , and public li es Th e Rosary ; n ot only th e e b ut th e e e er Am rican public , G rman public . If I v have a chance to it t or or t r i sing in I aly , Russia Aus ria, I am su e t will be liked a h t ere too . t t t e to e e r h , You can lway s rus public r cogniz a g eat song . Th e essentials of a reallygreat song are heart interest and beautiful

e e t e to t The melody . Nobody will d ny i h r his song . poem recites a

tr e to the e e e ett soul ag dy which compos r has achi v d a musical s ing , exquisitely conceived in th e lyr ic mood and expressed with simpli

city and directness .

Th e SO ee n ot e r e e x song is familiar, I n d d sc ib how N vin has e

r rt i Bu pressed this sto y of an aching h ea n music . t if you study t he

e t e th e it r e to er the m lodic ou lin of song , may surp is you discov con ’ n e t et ee th e et r th r n ectio that xis s b w n po s image y and e musical fo m .

n ot tell ou r ea d s the but w e t t All of us do b , as saying is , know ha

h e r r t e t r er on e t r et ee t osa y is a s ring of small b ads , wi h a la g s ung b w n ’ h r et ten er e . t e t e er e each s of small on s Now no ic compos s ph as , how

th e e t te t t he e it slips along in igh h no s , j us as small b ads would slip

r at the en d e e e e through our ﬁnge s . And of v ry such phras com s a

e e e t e e e ter th e long note and a paus . This is r p a d ov r and ov r af man

er e the e o ut n er of th e pious devotees of th e rosary . Now obs v m lodic — — line of the climax on the line, To kiss the cr oss sweethea r t to

n te The e es kiss the cr oss! This ﬁrst part is sung on o e no . voic go up

th e sweethea r t th e r e and th en down on word , and concluding ph as ‘ ’ is sung on th e ﬁfth in th e ﬁrst line ! “ Whe n I went to Eu rope last winter I was honored with an in

H e e tert th e ee v itation to sing for t he Kaiser . was n aining Qu n of

e to th e e to e t e tea . England , and I was ask d palac sing whil h y had

b H i e t th e e ee There were none present ut s Maj s y , Empr ss and Qu n

e e e t e e e Alexandra . I sang s v ral G rman songs , and h n , lik a good Am r

[ 1 97 ] C H A P T E R F I F T E E N

’ t e h T e r . h e n o m u ican ci iz n , I sang Rosa y T Kaiser is t only a good sician but e h e e it e e e m e to a compos r, and lik d imm ns ly and ask d Sing

t e er The e t ere n ot re t im o h r Am ican songs . G rman cri ics w as g a ly

re e th e e r But the er p ss d as Kais r by my Ame ican songs . G man pub ‘ lic went wild over The Rosary and compell ed m e to repeat it every t e it e e e th e r SO to im was sung . And r m mb r , I sang wo ds in English ,

r r a maj o ity of my hearers the appeal lay in th e music and n ot in wo ds . SO I have the popular verdict behind my j udgment of Th e Rosary

e t as a gr a song .

e e h e It on e H r in America it is t e song I love to Sing b st . is of th e few t t e e r ofit songs I sing in English , and I know ha v ry wo d will

t t to th e e t e er te e It th e e ef go s raigh h ar of v y lis n r. has always sam

e e i r h d e e t e fect . Th r s a spontaneous bu st ofapplause as t e au i nc ca ch s the r t e e e e t t te e ﬁ s familiar phras e . Th n com s sil nc ha grows ns r and ‘ t e ee ee e er e m e t t t nser . I can s and f l on v y fac before ha wha is in my

e rt t e w e are t e t rt t tr rt h a is in h irs , and bo h sw p along in a is ic anspo t o t t e ha anguish ed cry for a happiness that has escaped us . A song lik ” t t to e e t e t t et e r e . ha , mak all h ar s b a og h r , is a wo k of g nius “ ” The original manuscript of Th e Rosary is in th e Congressional

r at t it e t e ert e . Libra y Washing on ; was giv n by Mrs . E h lb N vin

- And th e season went by with concert giving and composing . In April h e wrote to his publishers

’ I m going to orch estrate th e whole suite of In Arcady fo o o it be e t o r e t . d u t full orch s ra Now , y hink would wis r t the re rt or to et t e the e t p in sco and pa s , r ain h m for mom n in manuscript ? I want to have the thing ﬁnished as soon as m e e r e t o t m e . e co possibl , and Spick r has p omis d assis Som ‘ ’ pany at Newport wants it for a Mid - Summ er Night s ’ D ream performance ; I Shall have to pay Spicker for this ’ t t the t C work , and don you hink Bos on Music ompany could ? demand a bonus for th e performance of the music I believe i t is to be done in th e form of a ballet . “ ‘ ’ What d o you think about Th e S erenata ? Is it better for m e to p ut down the other movements

[ 1 98 ]

C H A P T E R F I F T E E N

e sh e e h e e t t h h Wh n di d w n down in o t e s adows . Slowly and man fully h e fought his way back to the common sunlight and th e daily

t o f e . e t e e hings lif Lov s and du i s aid d him . H e wrote his wife

e e e t t r I b li v in fa ali y . This morning I was walking f om ’ t e the r t e s aw fa h r s room , f on door was op n and I a young

t e t t th e t te . woman wi h a long , black v il j us moun ing fron s ps e t h Y e it t t S e . s In a mom n was in my arms , was my arms ha e e the tt e f in acre We t e t w lcom d li l lady o V e . s ood a mom n , ‘ h er e on e : tt e ter it h ad my should r and I said Lily , li l Sis , ’ ’ ’ t th e t e to t it tr e it e isn im cry . Wasn s ang should hav ’ h e e t t e f t e r it e t t app n d ha in plac o mo h r s a ms , was min ha e e he te ! w lcom d r to h er dear old home . Fa

e t t but r . t t e I hav ha dull pain , I can p ay I hink mo h r ee t e h e : Be r e s s us bo h , and I am sur s is saying b av , chil e e e e t ! dr n , and r m mb r love is wi h you always

[ 2 0 0 ] H A P T E' R _ S I X T E E N

TH E Q UEST

ma be the leam ~l g g im mown gem

C H A P T E R S I X T E E N

QUEEN ANNE ’ S LODGE

’ To A r ca d ha s t n y , ever been ?

H a rk wh le I ive the m s tic k , i g y ey , The p a sswor d tha t sha ll let thee in To A r ca d y !

’ ‘ t e on e on e of M r Now and h n ﬁnds . Nevin s earlier songs dedi ’ cated to e . M r e W e th e Miss Ann Paul Miss Paul is now s . N vin . h n

e ret r e r e e h e d e compos r u n d from his long soj ou n in Europ , last y ar ,

e to at e t e H e e cid d work hom for a im . was tired o f wand ring and t e of e te e t h e f ter ir d xci m n ; had a brain full , and a h eart full o ma ial ,

h e te to ett e et u se it e h e tte and wan d s l qui ly down and . Th n ﬁ d up ’ ’

ee e e . ! It e of t er Qu n Ann s Lodg A music room is a hous song , ra h , a ﬁv e- e tt e ro t he e r in eacre e e room d co ag ac ss ﬁ lds f om V , and som on ‘ h as e th e e- ere t t e to it The r t o A r call d vin cov d walk ha l ads , oad

e is — lit . e t t e e e cady Th r a music room , a s udy , a bedroom wi h s v r tle r e te t t e ere are i on b ds ad , a ba hroom and a ki ch n . Th d ivans and e a n e e e asy chairs , and Turkish rugs and Old V n tian lamp , and d sks

ert e e e of old t e and a conc piano , and sh lv s of music and copi s pic ur s , ’ rtr t of e t t e W C . ow n po ai s agn r and hopin , and Mr N evin s por rai don

e r — as for Mrs . N vin by Cha les Dana Gibson such a collection an artist brings home wh en he returns from going to and fro in th e e t it ere the of th e ar h and from walking up and down . Th songs

V in eacre er e e tte t ere o e are e s i s wer wri n , and h s many mor b ing ‘ r tte e e e hi it was t w i n . Th r I h ard s A Day in Venice while s ill in

r manusc ipt .

It t t e o te t th e was wiligh , and some half doz n fus were sea d abou

e e i to r t in t room wh n N v n began sing . Fi s came a love song I alian , n ot n to r f e et et e . e o Catu ll e y publish d Th a song wo ds e M nd s , also y

h r he t . e e e to e e in manuscrip Th n wa m d his work and sang , b caus

te to the e on e fter t e t t e e or wan d , and songs cam a ano h r wi hou pr fac ‘ ’ ‘ ’ ‘ e e : The a t We Tw o We e W e pr lud Ros ry, O , Tha r Maying , h n ’ the Wh te t t ites—moz Land was i wi h Moonligh , D , Twas April , A

[ 2 04 ]

C H A P T E R S I X T E E N

’ ‘ ’ ‘ Th e The e e Fair Good Morn , Mill Song , N cklac , and There ’ ’ r Littl e Girl Don t C y . H e really seems t o have written all th e songs on e greatly cares

t e t to t o fit t ere e for, his man , and wh n you s op hink , h is s ldom a con

e t e e at h on e e n ot e n th t at c r anywh r whic do s h ar a so g a , some time ‘ r in eacr or t e e V e . o h r, has com f om

e e e t th e are e er Th r was only candl ligh in room , lamps n v used ’ The e e th e bu h t e e . t t e t h r compos r s fac was in shadow , ligh fell on t t e e t e th e e th th ha nobl h ad , and ouch d hair alr ady graywi e labor o f

t to the r r th e t ten e r r giving composi ions wo ld du ing pas y a s . G ay

v e e s o so so e tr e t t o hair abo a fac young , lyric , mobil is a s ang hing

It t th e of th e e eft its e r see. is as hough kiss mus had l Visibl ma k , and

te t t of h er ee it n ot ee t lls ha , if his wooing has b n happy , has b n al o

e at e n t the et e . e s g h r painl ss His wif l aning agai s piano , in black and

te re t e e e o n e the re te e whi , looking mo han v r lik of mo nd r and com ’ f tt e m e e al passionate o Bo ic lli s Madonnas . So how Mrs . N vin has ’ r ere ways s eemed to m e a good deal like h e husband s music . Th is in her something of th e sam e idealism and d elicate sympathy and

eet e er th e r t o re e e the er sw n ss . P haps music has g own s mbl woman , p

h a t o e e e the bu t haps t e wom n has grown r s mbl music , in fancy I can

r n ever quite s epa ate th em . “ Th e e t on on tw o r t t t e music w n and , for hou s as mor als coun im ’ I don t know on what system th ey compute it on Parnassus or in

r b ut ree t t et e th e r of m en ere t he A cady, a G k said ha som im s hou s w

f h t r m e out the r e t accom e o . T e y ars gods s a s ca , and f ogs k p up an

anim en t t e erh r e t e p ou sid , p aps f om som pool in o which , y ars ago ,

Nevin looked and found Narcissus .

In th e ter w e s at th e r at V ineacre th e t af noon , as all upon po ch , alk ra n t e t t e e o f e e ft t hi h r and hi h r, and som us w r dri ing in o a discussion ’ t t r e M r e t e e on e of u ili a ianism , wh n . N vin s fa h r spok up , as having ‘ t r t : We are re t re e t e t w e e au ho i y , and said calmly all c a u s of s n im n , liv

d ie it te it w e it th e t e t r e t e e is . and by , dispu as will , and is s rong s fo c h r 2 06

C H A P T E R S I X T E E N

It t h self to the keenest activity . was as hough e had hints and p re monitions that th e time in which work might b e done was growing

r t h i e t . e e at an tas e n v ry sho For mon hs work d his F for piano , violi ’ ” e r t e r t re t and c llo , w i ing , r w i ing , building , building , wi h that d e

termin ed t e e h th e m an e pa i nc whic only of g nius knows . ( If his was — t th e e e if e e h inspira ional music , as phras go s his m lodi s have t e spontaneity of birds on the wing h e was none th e less a composer

e e e e e r r e e whos sci nc was ampl , whos g amma was imp ccabl , for him ’ ‘ wh o to e h e r e e . knows how r ad ; Bach , said onc , is my daily b ad “ The Fan tasie was left unﬁnish ed as Keats left unﬁnished his

- e e ter e e re e r ete Th e e t half h w d mas pi c . Mo n a ly compl d was Qu s , which William Foster Apthorp discerningly prono unced on e of

h e h e n ot the e It r t e t e t t e e t . b s hings v r did , if b s was ﬁ s giv n , by

M r . . e t r tw o e the t . Bos on Singing Club , G H Tuck r conduc o , y ars h ’ after t e composer s death .

th r f r t r e It at e e e t o . e e W . . was , qu s Mrs N vin , sco d by Hora io Pa k r

I e t rte e t t the er t was giv n wi h pianofo accompanim n , al hough compos ’ t e to r e tr te i t M r . t r r had intend d o ch s a t . A por ion of Ap ho p s c i ical appreciation may be quoted h ere “ The te t rt e e ee et x by Randolph Ha l y, is in an xc dingly po ic ,

t e e r the e er t e. imagina iv v in , app oaching ballad in form and g n al s yl

e to t e t e e e e e t t it the I inclin lay s r ss upon his , b caus N vin vid n ly ook in

t the e e t . e ballad spiri And , in his v in , compos r shows hims lf Singu ’ e t on e t e n e er larly at hom . Say wha will abou N vi s plac as a compos , this much seems incontestable : with the possible exception of M r

M acD owell h e th e on e er e of te t e , was Am ican compos r no in our im

n r e to it h e e who had a ge uinely ly ical gift . Add d , had , and kn w

to e t an e m e etr t e how infus in o his music , nor ous and p n a ing p rsonal

h th t t h e r e t t l r c arm . In is can a a , acco dingly , has don wha a s rongly y ” ent e ical b and p rsonal charm could do . There were to be few years more at V in eacre ; and 1 89 8 and 1 8 99 — e in t - t tr e t o ete pass d a s ruggle against ill h eal h , in a s uggl compl

rt too the th e orch estral works that lay so close to his hea ; happily, , y

[ 2 08 ] T H E Q U E S T

e e e t t t e e of h e - w r pass d in ha a mosph r om and home companionship , h e he e t in whic alon could br a h e freely .

But e w a s n o lon e the H o hom g r same . e wished t be near his fa t e he ee to e m e e e e d a w h r s ms l an upon mor v ry y . And his o n

e t te e e re or mor in ima circl Of wif and child n was broken , f his little ’ so n - e t e at e r (school rip , now) was in a mili ary acad my Dobb s F r y . Of course letters could be written ; and h ere is on e

Vin a cr m 2 e e N ve er 7 1 8 99 . , o b , My dear little man

I had thought that I might pass this week in New r e er it t e er Yo k , and , if Mr. Rog rs would p mit , ak you ov to New Have n to spend Thanksgiving with god p a Billie ’

t but t et . and Norman S urgis , I ﬁnd I can g away ’ It er e e t r t be is v y cold h r his mo ning , and I wouldn e surpris d if y ou have ice at Pocantico Hills . ‘ h b e By t e en d of this week the football s eason will e ov r. ’ H o w d o y ou m en feel about Saturday s Princeton- Yale game ? I hope you will have Harvard in mind for your e e o u t to r e 1 908 or e coll g , as y ough pass you xams in som ere wh around that time . “ i on t r h t d o ou su I had a b rthday Sa u day , and w a y p pose the Slack girls did ? They had a surprise cake- wa lk — for m e t e n ew e et in h ir music room J an , Carolyn , Elizab h , e ee ret t r r er Anni R d , Marga , Doro hy , Do is , Ma y And son t e ett e . e t ere e e and B i Dravo Th n h w r Aun Grac , Mamma, It w as Uncle Bob and Aunt Martha all in costume . simply f h e on r t the e t o . S ﬁn e . Do o hy was funni s all had a Paris pink et te e e e e rt bonn , a big whi f ath r from Flor nc , a calico ski

Sh e e e r t e . and a black sas h . look d lik an I ish cook , j us land d e t e 3 w e e e They had a birthday cak , wi h candl s ( 7 ) and nd d

with a Virginia Reel . “ We are all very well and w e shall think of you on B bo Thanksgiving day . e a good y ! Always your loving “ Dad dy .

[ 2 09 ] C H A P T E R S I X T E E N

] Oft e etter ee e r t t e e n ex n l s s m d poo , cold hings ; h n N vin would u

ected l t e t the t O on e t e tr h p y ak rain for Eas . n of h se ips e wrote to his wife from New York :

“ ’ e r I cam in f om Dobb s F erry last night . Paul has to e t e t e t t e e to ou t mak up w n y d meri s . Tha m ans I hav go t t h e tte o again onigh and Simply wait until is permi d t leave . ’ e the e is b ut it s te for I imagin disciplin good , d ious work h w e e t e m e . t e e our tt e I ink shall l av Tu sday nigh , unl ss li l fte t ets re . e t t e t of man g mo marks A r supp r las nigh , w n y u s m en the e t o u t to see th e e e ( schoolboys) w n clips , and ‘ th e e m e to th e t t company march d s a ion singing Narcissus , ’ ‘ ’ tt e Bo e te et at t t Li l y Blu , In Win r I g up Nigh . I was th e t e t c m e t e e h ad e The mos b au iful o plim n I v r in my lif . ‘ ’ ’ ee e to e m e e m e V boys all s m d lik and call d Paul s G O . h le as a e eet e rt an d n ew Suc a sson I h v had , my sw h a , a e e t t t t e off h at to ambition in my lif . I f l ha I should ak my the re t e a tt e r e th t G od all boys , and b a h li l p ay r a would to t e t make m e a nobler man . I walked Tarry own and w n ee t v an W e t all to Sl py Hollow . Bough Rip inkl and forgo t t e e t e e t m e abou E h lb r N vin , Compos r and ook ys lf back ‘ e was t ert e e e to my boyhood days wh n I j us B i N vin , ag d ’ te the C t W s t eleven . I ll you a skills , a hing on Irving and Joseph Jefferson were a combination that made my hair ‘ r h th e t e sa ea t : e cu l . Some ow , all im I y in my h r O m mo ’ e th t e s r ! ri s , a bl s and bu n “ h ov ete G ilse as te P e G . Mr . P r y invi d aul N vin and his e see his e t of t re w e are to to com and coll c ion pic u s , and have a ﬁn e time with some o f th e people w e read about in ’ i ou w e e r re e e e . M s . D w s r minisc nc s Oh , my lady, I w sh y r te t t with m e . I wish I could grasp your hand and ll you ha ‘ ! you are my string o f pearls and th at you are th e mother iD an k h t er t t e e e . G tt se of t e mos wond ful boy ha v r liv d o ,

h e is like you . — — And another time it was in S eptember 1 9 00 Nevin took a

h e t e t t h e t be e bo tt e room in t school i s lf, ha migh n ar his y for a li l ’ his e e e ht be the e . t o whil , and liv as n ar as mig boy s own lif And wife h e wrote 2 1 0

C H A P T E R S I X T E E N m son r t e e e on t e rt e ee on e y , and you w lv y ars his a h hav b n o f th e r g eatest j oys that has come into my life. “ Be e re e er brav and manly , and m mb I am always and always r Your loving fath e . C H A P TE R S E V E NT E E N

J J M ESU, ESU , ISERERE

- - e s u , m i se t e r e

C H A P T E R S E V E N T E E N

H th e n e t o f the sh e h e e was you g s group , said , and looke d

h er i t th e so et e e e e h e t e v y sp ri of snow , h r al in fac and physiqu was . Th en h e would o back to his studio and to the unﬁnished manu g— r t O u e t t of e er e e at sc ip s his d sk working wi h a sor f v ish n rgy, his “ ” —“ a nt asie et h n ew n t t ere n e e to be on F . sk c ing so gs ha w v r sung

TH E H SE 40T M EE NEW H E OU , RU BULL STR T , AV N, WH ERE NE D E C . ONN , VIN I D

n e t e e r e t e te e t earth . O of h s f agm n s was found on his d sk , af r his d a h the words h e had chosen were

H a r t o min e slee e f p , r Ther e is on ly ca lm in s lumbe .

r H e His h ealth s eemed no worse than it had been for many yea s . was wasted and his strength had failed a little ; bu t h e was ﬁlled

r e t t ere t e er e with b ight activity, with an al r and loving in s in v yon 2 1 6

C H A P T E R S E V E N T E E N

t t the r r ere with whom h e came in con ac . Only da k hou s w darker ;

at e ft n for hours h e sat musing his piano , playing v ry so ly . O e day

r o h e n ew e h e to his e in Janua y ft y ar, said wif — h e e r I t for I am going om , d a mus go , a day , and I must

e re t t t et go alone . I hav a p moni ion ha som hing is going to

e . e n ot see t e . happ n Unl ss I go , I Shall fa h r again

And in a stormthat was almost a blizzard of wind and snow he — r to V in acr j ourneyed n ot fo the last time e e . H e talked with his ’ f r t e H e e t t er father o a long im . sp n hours in his mo h s room and in

h e h r of . e t e e e t e oom his childhood Th n in arly v ning , all his kinsfolk

oft s e who bo t e e h and many ho had known him as a y , ga h r d in t e great room at V in eacre and he played for th em and sang th e songs “ ” t e e h e e t e e F or t e. H e re they lov d . ha v ning was B r onc mor 1 6 o New e . turned t Hav n , January

‘ e t t he at e e It was a b au iful visi , said , I am p ac .

f ee fte ret r h e r te to A ew w ks a r his u n w o his son , Paul

F b 1 e . 2 , 1 9 01 . My dear little man

You are having a beautiful valentine in your moth ’ e e t to b er s visit and I am so glad . I shall xp c you e h er r of her little prince and take good ca e . A t your conﬁrmation I beg of you to consider the seri ou are e ou sn ess of the step you would take . Y alr ady a little champion ofChrist but it seems to m e H e would be much ’ re e te few e r of e e e e e ou mo honor d , if, af r a y a s lif s xp ri nc , y were to go to him and lay your burden at His feet and say ‘ ’

e rt e . in your h a , I am Thin r It is a question y ou must decide for you self. Whether ’ ou e e t r t e or et e o u n ot y op nly acc p Ch is s bann r, wh h r y do , it is te the e ou are tt e r e in qui sam , as I know y a li l wo k r ’ e e rt e t e be t e to H is ﬁ ld . My h a s b s lov , my lad ; ru your e e e e self ; lov your neighbor , and r m mb r I am Always your loving and devoted the Fa r. 2 1 8

C H A P T E R S E V E N T E E N

Ne i e t to the e t e r e re it e e for v n w n r ci al a ly and , b fo b gan , play d half “ ” t to th e as he to e an hour, j us warm up piano , said Bau r, laugh in l H e et r e t h h e ee e t g y . r u n d o t e ous in Trumbull Str t and never l f i i r h a bu r t . t e w s e t t e e aga n Sa u day morning indispos d , h was no

t t of er e e In th e e of the hough a s ious illn ss , and wh n , cours day, his ’ “ ”

e et e e r h e Now e . wif r urn d from Dobb s F r y, said , I am w ll again H e went to the piano and played accompaniments for his little

ter h e th e - hi s h e e . e s daugh , and sang child songs lov d Sudd nly hands

to h h ee e e t e to e . H e e t e t s m d wand r and music s pp d clos d piano , s ood

at it for e t e hi r the o looking a mom n and w nt to s bed oom . In m rn “ his w as s e for h e he e t ing physician ummon d , said f l dizzy and a

H is e h e tr e e . e iﬂ w ak puls was normal , and his physician assur d him

be all t a itt e e A t - t on e th e t would righ in l l whil . half pas doc or was — e h e tw o t er s e e call d again and o h physician . N vin was alr ady

A tt e a fte tw o h e e e n e e unconscious . li l r sudd nly r gai d consciousn ss .

H i tt e te in th e r he e at her e h e s li l daugh r was oom and smil d . Th n ’ “ e his i e s ere : A e h ld w f hand and whisp d nn , I am dying and I do

n ot wish to leave you . His eyes closed ; in a little while th e doctors declared that his

e e to e t heart had c as d b a . ’ t e e t e 38 e r of a e h e e at t ree E h lb r N vin was y a s g ; di d h o clock ,

after e r 1 1 9 01 Sunday noon , F brua y 7 , .

Th en for th e last time all that was mortal of Ethelbert Nevin

e t t o in acr w n back V e e . — ’ We e ft e e r r 2 at t ree th e e dn sday a rnoon , F b ua y 0 h o clock , m mo — rial hour of his death th e funeral service was h eld in the Presby

The e r of e e It n ot er e e t er. t rian chu ch S wickl y . was a s vic lik any o h

. t e t r t e th e e al ar rail was bank d high wi h na cissus , wi h lili s of vall y , with white roses ; and the casket itself was buried in a mound of

narcissus . Before th e cofﬁn was brought to th e church his Love Song

e o n h h r re e th e was play d t e organ ; as t e p ocession ach d door, his J E S U , J E S U , M I S E R E R E

’ h e e t Pilgrim s Marc was play d . Th n a quartet sang his The Nigh Hath a Thousand Eyes ; and while the b urial rites were read the

“ ” ’ t th elo d of e m . A w om an s o e organ gav sof ly e/ y Narcissus V ic “

esu es u e ere . er e sang J , J , Mis r A cl gyman pray d while th e organ ‘ ” ’ “ e e the A v e r the e whisp r d Maria f om d ad man s Day in Venice .

’ ‘ ’ h r Th e t e e T e . O h r sing rs sang Rosa y choir sang his hymn , Love s Redeeming Work Is Done and whe n the sermon had been preached “ ” “ t e the e t a violinis play d M lody, and sof ly a woman sang Good

Night . ’ r - r e It was a musician s bu ial it . Th e casket lid was lifted For th e last time those wh o loved him looked on the face eter

it e tr n ow t t f nally young ; was v ry anquil , wi h a fain smile o Wonder

h h n e e e on th e re o n t e T e t t . e lips . long , hi hands w r fold d b as Ov r ’ r h of r i e t t his hea t was laid a bunc na c ssus , his wif s las gif . ’ Then to Beethoven s funeral march th e coffin w as carried out of

et e of e e e h th e church and on to th e little cem ry S wickl y . Th re e

ee h e sl ps in t e vall y . i illi l i S t terr a ev s .

[ 2 2 1 ]

NOTES — I FRA Nz M AGNUS BO HME

rn a t W ller te t We ma r M a rch 1 1 1 82 8 Bo i s d , i , died a t Dresd en O ctober ,

P l r W 1 8 1 89 8 . . G T e eim a r R . a n d H a tm a n , upi of J opf ( ) , up n a n d ietz

For t en a r m ( Leipz ig) . w ty y e s usic tea ch er in D resd e n ; rec eived th e title

of Pr e r r m th e K n 1 8 8 t ea ch er of sso f o i g ; 7 , of Coun terpoi n t a n d H istory

M c a t th e H ch C n er a t r ra n rt ret re 1 8 8 5 to Dre en of usi o o s v o y , F kfo ; i d sd .

‘ L t era r r : Altd eutsches Lied erbuch Le z 1 8 a c l i y wo ks ( ip ig , 7 7 ; ol ectio n of — G erm a n folk - son gs words a n d m elodies of 1 2th a n d 1 7th c en tu ri es) ;

Aufga ben buch zum S ta d ium d er H a rmonie Kursus d er H a rmonie

M a en ce Geschichte d es Ta nzes in D euts chla nd Le z ( y , ( ip ig , ’ H e th e e t r Er D eutscher Lied erhort a n d h a s l h e ra is di o of k s , pub is d s eve l ’ a cre a rt n a n d c h r e or m n c books of s d p so gs o us s f e s Voi es . — 2 STEPHEN A USTIN PEARCE

a t L n n En la n N m r 6 P l rn e e 1 8 3 . . L . H n Bo o do , g d , ov b 7 , upi of J opki s ;

a n V te th e n te ta t e a n a n a a gradu te of Oxford U iversity . isi d U i d S s d C d in 1 8 6 4 ; beca me orga n ist a n d m usical director of tw o Lon don ch urch es ; return ed to Am erica in 1 87 2 a n d w as a ppoi n ted i n struc tor of v oca l m usic

a ll Ne Y r lect rer on H a rm n etc a t h e n ra l a t C l m C e e w . t G e e o u bi o g , o k u o y ,

Th e l cal em n a r on M us ic a ll Na tions a t th e Pea n t t te o ogi S i y , of body I s i u ,

M us ic a t h n H n n r a lt m re a n d on Cla ss ica l Orches tra l U v e t . B i o , Jo s opki s i si y

r a n t O fth e C lle a te Ch rch th A en e a n d 4 8th tre et New ork O g is o gi u Fif v u S , Y . — S BENJAMIN JOHNSON LANG

m r 2 1 in 9 0 a t n rn a t a lem M a . D ec e e 8 8 3 e 1 9 t Bo S , ss , b , 7 ; di d Bos o ,

l O h i a h r l O n a n d Al re M a . A a n s t e . G . H l t ss pi o pupi f f , of F i f Bos o , of f d

a r In 1 8 5 5 h e t e c m t n in erl n a n d Ja ell a n d Gusta v S tte . s udi d o posi io B i

D ct r a n la n n r L z t . r m 1 8 5 2 r a n t cce el a t pi o p yi g u d e is F o , o g is su ssiv y o o

’ ea le ch rch th e Old th th e th C n re a t n a l c h rch a n d N s u , Sou , Sou o g g io u ’ —ﬁv e ea r r a n t th e Kin Ch a el t n . Al for a t t en t g s p , Bos o so , bou w y y s , o g is of

H a n el a n d H a n S c et t n of h ch h e eca m e c n ct r in d yd o i y , Bos o , w i b o du o

rra h c n c t n th e A ll Cl a n d 1 8 9 5 succ eedin g Z e n . B esid es o du i g po o ub

h e Cec l a n ce th e r r a n za t n h e a e er n m er c n cert t i i si i o g i io , g v v y u ous o s

- rch e tra l ch ral ch a m e r m c o n h is ow n a cc n t . AS a a n t (o s , o , b usi ) ou pi is , ’ c h er c n ct r a n d r a n t h e w a s in th e r t ra n of t n m u tea , o du o o g is , ﬁ s k Bos o s

s icia n s for a th ird of a cen tury ; a n d brought ou t a lon g list of im porta n t [ 2 2 5 ] c m r H is ow n c m t n works by foreig n a n d n a tive o pos e s . o posi io s i n c lud e th e

ra t r D a vid m h n e a n d ert r m ch c h a m er a n d a n m u O o io , sy p o i s ov u es ; u b pi o

m n al n s ic ; a grea t m a n y c h u rch co positio s ; so so gs .

— 4 STEPHEN A LBERT EM ERY

r a Pa r Ma n e Oc t er 4 1 8 4 1 e a t t n A r l 1 5 1 1 n t 8 9 . Bo is , i , ob , di d Bos o , p i ,

a H E a r P rtla n in 1 8 6 2 h e t e n H is ﬁrst t ea ch e r w s . S . dw ds of o d s udi d u d er

la Pa eritz R ch ter a n d H a tma n n a t Le z a n d a ter a r P id y , p p , i up ip ig , f w ds

z n r r P rtla n 1 6 4 n n er r t le . H e re t n e to 8 en a t Dresd e u d F i Spi d u d o d , w t “

E. n r a r h r n in 1 8 6 6 ta h t in th e N. C e t t ere m 1 8 6 to Bosto , ug o s v o y f o 7 o n th e foun d a tion of th e College of M usic of Boston Un iversity h e w as

n a a ppoin ted professor of H a rm on y a d Coun t erpoi n t . H e w s a lso a ssistan t l W editor of th e M usica l H era d . orks : Son atin a s a n d oth er pi eces for th e

rte tr n a rtet a rt n n a l two te t pia n ofo , s i g qu s , p so gs , so gs , so x books

n t e in Pa n rte Pla n a n d Elem en H a rm n Foun da tio S udi s i ofo yi g tsof o y . — 5 KARL KLINDWO RTH

’

Pia n ist a n d ped a gogu e .

m 2 l - a h an er e te er 5 1 8 30. A rec c e t a n t . Born a t H ov , S p b , p o ious , s f ug t pi is ’ At Six h e play ed a pia n o a rra n gem en t of Boi eldi eu s Ca li e d e Ba gd a d ;

n wa s his c h e n tr m en t . At te en h e h e to to h r b ut th e Violi i f i s u ﬁf wis d go Spo ,

n re en te it a t e e n teen l e to ea rn h is ow n l el b u t lac k ofm o ey p v d ; s v , ob ig d iv i

c r of a tra v ell n era tr In 1 8 49 on his h ood h e b eca m econ du to i g op oupe . ,

r a m to c n c t th e G erma n era a tele ra m a r e w ay to Am ste d o du op , g pp is d h im tha t th e v en t ure h ad fa iled ; SO h e w en t ba c k to H a n over a n d ga ve

Wh le on a c n cert t r h e m et L zt a n d in 1 85 2 en t to We m a r lesson s . i o ou is , w i

’ H e m a e ra r re a n d in 1 8 5 4 a rm e th for two y ea rs study . d pid p og ss , d wi

n c r on M a rch 30 cti n en t to L n n . H is r t c e t letters of in trod u o , w o do ﬁ s o ,

a n n a ra le m re n but Wa n er n e t ea r a ppea rs to h a ve m a de u f vo b i p ssio , g , x y ,

a h i r n h ea rd a n d a dmired h im a n d bec m e s ﬁrm f ie d .

Klin d worth gra dua lly m ad e his w ay in Lon don a n d rema in ed th ere

An t n n from 1 85 4 to 1 86 8 a s a pia n o t ea ch e r a n d c o n c ert v irtuoso . o Rubi

m r a l n r a r st ein th en called him to Mos cow a s professor a t th e I pe i Co s e v to y .

Wh ile th ere h e com pleted tw o m on um en tal works ; h is pia n oforte s c ores of

’ R es el n en a n a c m lete re e e t n ofCho Wa g n er s in g d Nib u g , d o p vis d di io ’ ’ A ter h la R n te n ea th in 1 88 1 pin s com position s f Nic o s ubi s i s d ,

in erl n c n n for ten ea r a ll th e c n cert of Klin d worth settled B i , o ducti g y s o s

h h lh a rm n c Con th e Wagn erverein a n d (with Joa ch im a n d Wiilln er) t e P i o i

- al e ta l h e a Kla viers chule V on Biilow co era t n on e c erts . H e so s b is d , op i g

t r m on th each y ear ; th is wa s u n ited with th e Sch a rwen ka Con serva o y wh en Klin d w orth retired to Potsd am in 1 89 3 . 2 2 6

G erma n m c . A ter a n n ter a l lle ch eﬂ c n c ert t r h e s u c usi f i v ﬁ d i y by o ou s ,

ceed ed ch er in 1 8 8 a s c rt -c n ct r a t H a n er b ut r Fis 7 , ou o du o ov ; f equen t ’ em broilm en ts with th e royal superin ten den t of th e th ea tre led to Biilow s

re n a t n in 1 8 80 a n d r m O ct er 1 of h a t ea r n t l 1 h sig io f o ob , t y , u i 88 5 e a cte d

a s mu ilc- Int n t a —M n n h hi s e d a n t a e e en . In 1 88 2 e t s ec n e q S x i i g ook s o d wif ,

M a r e ch a n z e r an a r M e n n n r m 8 o ct e a t e . 1 85 t 1 8 8 8 l d e i S , ss i i g F o , Bu ow

te m ch t m e to tea ch n at th e Ra f C n er a t r ra n rt a n d vo d u i i g f o s v o y , F kfo ,

’ Klin w or h n h h d t s C er a t r erl n . H e l e e recte t e P lh arm n o s v o y , B i ik wis di d i o ic

n c r P r r a n n a C e t a t St . ete d erl . In 1 8 8 8 h e n e t H a m r o s sbu g B i , fou d d bu g ,

th e cr t n C n c ert wh ch were a rea t cce r m th e ta rt Subs ip io o s i g su ss f o s .

Wh en l d e Eth el ert Nev n r te of him Bu ow i d , b i w o

Th e m ca l w rl n of h im a s th e a n t a n d c n ct r a n d usi o d k ows pi is o du o ,

h r o h a h t e outsid e wo ld h a s h ea rd of h im a s a n ecc en tric c reation . N w t t e ’ h a s en d ed his life s ra ce a n d is n ot h ere to ta ke exc eption to th e plea sa n t

4 - — thin gs sa id of h im wh ich were to him v ery disa greea ble I a m sure my cla ssm a tes would all join with th a n ks a n d gra titud e to h im for h is

a We ere n ot a r ll a n t a em t en t n an d en c ra in n truc t n . p i , ki d ou g g i s io w b i i ss

la e t e er a a n rte l s o on e ca n ma n e h is c on s cien b g , jus v yd y pi ofo pupi s , i gi

t e t n to th e a rt Of m c h en it n ot eem a n er er n ious d vo io usi , w did s ov pow i g

i a n f r h a a m ta sk for h m to la bor with our bra i n s a n d h ds o ours t ti e . “ Th ere a re ma n y you n g Am erica n m en a n d wom en wh o h a ve been privileged to work un d er h is guidan ce a n d I k n ow th ey will ech o my a pprecia tion a n d tha n kfuln ess th a t it w a s possible for us to a bsorb som e

n r of h is won d erful k n owledge a n d m usica l i teg ity .

8 —RUDOLF BIAL

rn a t H a el ch er t le a A t 2 6 1 8 34 e a t New Y r Bo b s w d , Si si , ugus , ; di d o k ,

h ra h en ma e a t r in N em er 1 3 1 8 8 1 . V l n t in re la rc e t t ov b , io i is B s u o s ; d ou

ettle in erl n a s c n c t r Africa a n d Austra lia with his broth er Ka rl . S d B i o du o

of th e Kr ll rch e tra a n d 1 86 4 c n ct r ofth e Wa lln e r Th ea tre h ere o o s , ( ) o du o w

C n ct r of his n um erous farces a n d Op eretta s h a v e been perform ed . o du o

ta l a n O era in erl n a n d c n cert a en t in New Y r . I i p B i , o g o k

[ 2 2 8 ] T H E C O M P O S I T I O N S O F ET H E L B E R T N E V I

Seren a ta .

Oh ! tha t we two were mayin g

Valse Rh a psod ie . In Win ter I get u p a t n ight Of speckled eggs the bird ie Sin gs Da rk brown is the river Th e n ight h a s a th ou sa n d eyes M ixed choru s a n d violin obblig a to

P 3 TH EE S S O . , R ONG

’ ’ 1 Dee in a ro e lowin h ea rt on th i l . p s s g g S g wi v o in a nd cello obblig a ti 9 c e 2 n rin m orn in cc cc cc c c . o e sp g g

3 Dori . s

- - ren ad e Good n i ht ood n i ht belov ed . Se ( g , g g , )

M a Da Da n ce Un is on chorus with ia n o - ha/nd a cc y y , p 4 .

1 8 89

Or 4 F E S . , IV SONG

1 H erbst efiihl u tu mn a d n ess . . g ( A s )

2 Cha n on d es La v a n d iéres Wha t ca re I u n willin . s ( , g ) ’ ” Twa A ril 3. s p

n F r om u ward m r t d ri tsdown . 4 Ra t So s . f g ( p y af f )

5 Be ore th e d a brea . f y k

' Th e Ea rth h a s G rown Old . L hris tmas Ca rol

Ev er wh ere E er wh ere Chri tma s Ton i ht . Chris tma s Car ol y , v y , s g

n n Bl n en a n d Nod . . S 0lo a n d choru s o mixed voic es with ian o Wy ke , y k f , p

- n a 4 ha d cc.

1 890

r TH REE D ETS TH E O . 6, U FOR PIANO

1 Val e Ca rice . . s p

Coun tr Da n ce 2 . y

3 M a zu r a . k

F E 7 , OUR PI CES

1 alzer Gen tile . . V

2 lu m r Son . . S be g

3. In termezzo

4 Son of th e Broo . g k 2 3 2 l J su J su i e e M erere . , , s Sacred S ong Th e Silen t Skies a re Fu ll of Sp eech Chris tma s Ca rol

Nun c Dimittis

Ben ed ictu s

Jubilate M iwed Voices

P M . O . 8 1 elo . d , y Violin a nd Pia no

2 . Haban era . Violin a nd Pian o

Un e Vieille Chan son ( If a lov ely la wn there be) .

’ Ba rca rolle ( The crims on g low of su/ns et fad es ) . M en s Voices

F E S , IV SONG

mm r l . A Su e

2 ea t u on min e little h ea rt . B p I w 3. n a Bo er

4 Little Bo Blu e . . . y 5 At T ili ht . w g

WATER SCENES

1 Dra on Fl . g y

2 O h elia . p

Wa ter N m h 3. y p

4 Na rci su . s s

5 rcarolle Pian o . Ba

’ o M n s Voices The Rhin e a n d th e M o selle . Choru s f e

P 1 A Y O . 6, IN RCAD

’ 1 A Sh eph erd s Tale

e h erd s All an d M aid en Fa ir . 2 . Sh p s

Lulla b 3. y

4 Tourn a m ent .

P TH EE S S O . R ONG

’ 1 ab ein Roslein The Ros ebud . . H ( )

Le Va e Bri e The Va se 2 . s s ( )

3 Ra elle-toi Remember well . pp ( ) [ 2 33 ] P 1 8 w O . T o E E , TUD S

1 In the orm of a Roma n ce . . f

In th e orm a cherzo . 2 . f Of S

1 89 3

Ba rca rolle Violin a nd Pia n o

Even in g Son g . Choru s of M ixed Voices

M Lo e horu o Mia' d Voic y v C s f . e es

20 A K S OP. B S , OO OF ONG

1 a ir . . A F , G ood M orn 9 2 Sle ttl uli . ep , li e T p

3 ’ 0 Ev ry Nigh t .

9 Airly Beacon .

1 9 w . 5 Wh en th e Lan d Wa s White ith M oon light 3 6 A Son g of Lo ve

4 Nocturn e ( Up to her cha mber win d ow) . 0 - 0 Dites m oi ( Tell me) .

’

r ola s Son . 9 . O s g

In th e Ni ht 1 0. g

Wh en Christma s Comes . Chr is tmas Ca rol

1 89 4

e err M err La r . . on Th M y , y k S g

La Vie ( Life) .

Ti Salu to ( Thin e my g reeting ) . . S ong

M A Y IN TUSCANY

ﬂ in ' Arlecch o

’ w Nottu rn o ( In Bocca ccio s Villa ) . ﬁ C Barch etta - P i ericord ia F M s R ’ i n . Q I1 Ru sign uolo ( In my n e g hbor s g a rd e )

La Pa storella lfon te ia n o . 6 . ﬁ p )

2 2 Two S S , ONG

echte Z eit ime en ou h! l . R ( T g )

’ e] w ie bliiht s M a id en how s weet . 2 . M ad , ( , ) 2 3 4 l

The Wood pecker

' The Fou r Sea son s . . Ill ia ed Voices

’ O ER HILL AND DALE ’ w T a s a lover an d his la ss . Pia n o

The Th ru sh .

Lov e is a —tra in ev er in ce ma in s y g, s y g Th e La rk is on the win g

S weetest Eyes were e ver seen . . S ong

Wed d in g M orn .

M a rguerites

Ra in Son g .

Fea r Th i e en tle ma id en . I y k ss s , g M U S I C

Marguerites

ETHELBERT NEVIN Moderato con espressione

smile came down

F r all cou nt i s o yri ht 1 1 b TH E B OS TON US IC Co . o r C p g , 9 3, y M e ’ Borne on bea m s

shon e to stra n

M 82 B. . C o . 3 4 ’ k is s d

RECIT .

’ It tou ch d a s el

B. M 82 C0 . 3 4

First grew

white

a il ow a ow a l n e . r . p p ﬁ Fear Th Kis s es n l Maid I y , G e t e en

P ERCY BYSS HE S H ELLEY ET H ELBERT N EVIN

- - I . I fear th k es en tle m a d en Th n eed es t n ot fear y iss , g i , ou Th ou n eed es t n ot fear

M r it to d ee l 1a d en y spi is o p y , ’ In n n h h eart d e v o t n O t is t e s io ,

L e to b ur ov , With which I wor n il pi r a .

un t i s 8 i ht 1 1 b TH E OS TO N US IC CO . For all co B. M . CO . 2 o yr , B r 3 3 C p g , 9 3 y M e A C hristmas C arol

R R E S S ER E E E N MA GA ET . ANG T TH LB RT EVIN

Wh n 1 . e

ow er s p e e.

Ch rist comes with son g bring boughs Ch rist m as comes we light ch eer and mirth and ’ Chr t mas c m e wh er e er h ear th e m er r is o s , y Ch rist m a s comes On s ea love sends gifts from

' z pom r t.

and ﬁr Oh eet ell , sw b s , li t Oh eet ell y, , sw b s , of h me Oh eet ell o , , Sw b s , to h an Oh eet ell d, , sw b s ,

’ m r s Y u l s d m is s ion o H R b . Ha o n o o i h 1 8 A RPER B R T H E . r r . yr t b O S y p r F p e g Pe p e C p g , 9 3, y U e e 82 B M . C o . 3 5 F2 46 ]