Well Gulled.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 11 August 1911, Page 4

Well Gulled.

iSignor I'ueeini, the composer, refers his strangest musical reminiscence to Milan. I nku-own, as be supposed 'himself to- be, lie attended in that city a production of his own opera, "La Tosea." His own aecou.nt of tlyj experience is printed in the "Washington "Star.'' "La Tosca" was received warmly by a crowded house. The applause was almost frantic- In tact, a young lady seated on my lelt got so annoyed because I didn't clap and shout- that she rebuked me, a Irown wrinkling her pretty brow. "Why'don't you applaud this masterpiece " she- said. ".Masterpiece' said I, and 1 laughed sarcastically. "Masterpiece! 0 dear!" "Don't you like the music?'', nke demanded in amazement. "Xo," said I. "It's the worlc of an amateur." 'You know nothing of art." she cried, "or von wouldn't- talk like that!" "Oh, don't I!" said I. And then T proceeded to prove to her, according to the laws of thoroughbass and counterpoint, how poor a work "La Tosca" was. I told her this aria suggested 1 Verdi, that oilwirus was a reminiscence of Hi/.e-t. In. a word, .1 knocked my own music into a cocked hat. When I had finished the young lady said : "Is that your real opinion--your sincere conviction?" "Absolutely." said I. "Very well," she said with an odd little laugh ; and, at breakfast the next -morning the first thing T saw in my newspaper was the headline. "Puccini on Tosca." And there T read, word for word., my remark's of the night before-I he voii-ng lady- a musical critic had recognised nie. When T thought I was gulling her. she was gulling me.