Fiddler as Brilliant Musician.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 15 May 1914, Page 8

Fiddler as Brilliant Musician.

Fritz Kreisler, the Austrian violinist, who is one of the most brilliant musicians of the day, has been telling an amusing story of an odd experience he had during a recent walking tour in Italy. "I happened to arrive at a village during the celebration of a wedding (he says), and having my fiddle with me, besides being considerably dust-stained, I probably looked very much like an itinerant minstrel. At an£ rate, that i^ what the revellers (*•-„,., "d quickly invited 'me v)' i.i,.j" V»n t.-iti • gaiety by contributing some musir; to accompany the wedding- feast. I willingly complied with their request, and found .in them a most appreciative audience. Indeed, so enthusiastic were they, that I received a most pressing invitation to remain in their village and settle down permanently amongst them. This suggestion was still more energetically advanced when I refused to accept the forty cents which they,offered me as recompense for my musical efforts on their behalf, visions of free musical performances doubtless rising before their eyes ! However, I regretfully refused to pitch my tent in their midst, and i-n a few hours' .time was once again on the road."