A Modest Request.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 29 July 1910, Page 4

A Modest Request.

CARRKNO IN THE COUNTRY. There is .something sublime in the niMiiiuT in which some, people ask u;,- favours. During her recent tour through the North Island, Carivno, deemed by many .to bo the -neatest living pianist, and certainly one whose artistic pre-eminence is beyond all question, received from Patea the following letter:— "Being a 'musical student, I. am delighted to hear you are paying Ilawera a visit. 1 intend going to Ilawera. where I study, for the purpise of attending your concert in Urn evening, but I am wondering if it will be'askiug too much for you to play to me in the afternoon .some of tin' pieces I rfini studying. If you will be so good as to do so, will you kindlv let mo know where I may find you during tht afternoon, and which time will suit you best ? 1 am sure if will be the greatest pleasure to both my teacher and myself t:> meet you and talk about music I am entering for the musical competitions at Auckland in November. I • intend competing Against professionals, and the pieces chosen to lie played are as follows (names g'ven). I shall be delighted if you iind you could play one or two of these for me on Mondav."

iJY.:r Benno Scherek, Carreno's manager, replied in all seriousness: "Madame Carreno has handed me your letter of the l!)th insi. In answr, I I.ieg to say that .Madame regrets that she oanno't see visitors on (l'n-. day of the concert. A private recital, such as you ask for, might" be at ranged for you in the afternceii. the fee for such being Iwo hund'i-ed guineas. Tt would be necessary to have the recital in tho h-'ill, as the concert piano which Madame Carreno uses will he there.'' --Dominion.