THE POWER OF MUSIC.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 420, 16 October 1875, Page 3

THE POWER OF MUSIC.

Thalberg, while on his travels, stopped at a temperance hotel, and on ordering some champagne, was greatly astonished to see the eyes of the waiter open with wonder. “ I want some champagne, please,” mildly reiterated the great instrumentalist. ‘ * Cham* pague are you asking for ?” stammered forth the waiter, “Certainly.” “Then you can’t have hit.” “And why?” inquired Thalberg, in increased astonishment. “ The likes of it, including whiskey-punch, is not to be had in this hotel.” For a few momints the thirsty musician looked aghast, “What can I have then?” “Water, tea, and coffee.” “Go and send me the proprietor,” said Thalberg; “I will speak with him.” “You may speak till the day of doom, but you’ll find it of no use,” was the waiter’s observation as he quitted the room. In a few moments the landlord entered the apartment. His lips were closely set together, and a frown was on his brow. He was evidently astonished that a foreigner should persist in his wish to contravene the rules of the establishment. Meanwhile Thalbert had occupied himself in opening a piano that stood in the room. It was not of the newest style, but was tolerably in tune. As the proprietor of the temperance hotel entered he began to play. First the frown gradually vanished from the brows of the landlord, and then his lips unclosed, and finally relaxed into a smile. When the artist had concluded, he waited for a word, but none came. Without turning round, Thalbert thought “ The man is obstinate ; I must try something else.” He accordingly began to play his “Tarantella.” Ere it was half finished he heard the rattling of bottles and glasses on the table, and at once wheeled round. The waiter had re-entered the apartment with bottles of champagne. *‘ I thought it was not allowed?” queried Thalberg. “Oh,” was the reply, “the master will if you like it. He says a man who can knock music out of a piano like you do may have champagne every night if he chooses.”