A VIOLIN ROMANCE.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 197, 4 August 1916, Page 2 (Supplement)

A VIOLIN ROMANCE.

ERNST S STRADIVARI US. Three wealthy musical enthusiasts were once discussing the merits of Madame Norman-Neruda, when one of them chanced to remark that it was a pity that she had not a violin worthy of hsr powers. "Ernst's violin is for sale," said an other. " Suppose we were to buy ik for her "Agreed!" was the swift response, and the famous Stradivanus with whihe Ernst had moved so many hearts was bought for s.even hundred pounds, and presented to this greatest of al! women players, one of the generous donors l>e.ng the Prince who afterwards became that most popular and tactful of monarchs, Edward VII. A romant : c incident enough in it se'.f, and bringing a I'felong thrill of joy to the lucky artiste; hut there was a deeper romance hanging round thnt wonderful violin. GO! MAKE A NAME: When Ernst was quite a young man, and playing upon a much poorer violi* than that with which Neruda had been presented, he fell jn love with a yoim® girl, beautiful, pure, and devoted tt» l'j'ni, and would have married her: outlier father stern'v intervened. "I like you," he said not unkindly. "You are worthy ,and you play tlo violin divinely; but you are a nobod't. Ho away, travel into other countries, Paganini did; make a name; then com* back here and you shall have m> daughtei There were tears and protests «f course; but Ernst had to obey, because marriage in that country without a father's consent was impossible He went away, and travelled to all the great cities of Europe, and proved himself in some respects superior even Paganini. He secured that wondertu Cremona violin, and with it thrilled th-3 world with his impassioned playing.

In Ins hands it was not a mere instrument; it seemed a human soul, pouring forth a strange tale of woe and hope and eternal ]oj. The world rose r.s him: and with thei wild plauditsringing in his ears, and his Stradivariiis in the coach hieside him, he after some yea"s presented himself before the father of his fair Madhcen. "Come here." said the father: and Ernst, unable to utter a word, followed l.iin to a room above, where lay a coffin Mivered with white flowers. "She u> dead, but she loved you to the end." breathed the broken-hearted father. "I wish I had not sent you away."

A FAMOUS ELEGIE. The two in-en clasped hands and part-, ed, and Ernst composed on his w.olin that tender and pathetic Elegie which will tell li s sad romance as long as violin players and the world exist. I" »s a song withou, words, in the minor key. which begr.ns like a whisper out of the land of dreams, with an accompaniment which marches along grim and inexorable as fate; then it merges invo the brighter major key, and becomes nn impassioned duet; and finally leaves the sopiv.no singing alone, gliding upward and upwards till it dies awav on the harmonic E. clearly representing tlie wafting of a pure soul up into heaven.

Of the violin on which this romance was composed Han?is wrote " Hero ton, was formed that wondrous violHhvliii hj, in tb • hands o f Ernst, and never since, drew tears and laughter from en<hrnted nmhui.ties, until it was difficult to boiiove ti.at the spirits of the wad were not employing jts pathet'c vih; at ions t<> convey to mortals the exof tlio r infinite longings and ineffable aspirations. . . . Great, deeps:mi!o(l, weird imgieian of the Crem-or-a! I c;in see thy pale, gaunt face in en now' Thy Cremona should have Von buried with the.o. T see it every se;wm in the concert-room; Madame Norman-Neru'la plays it. I know she is an admirable artist. 1 do not hear thy Cremona; its voice has gone out with tine: its -oul has pissed with thine."—From "Chambers .Journal" frr Ma..-. By William C. Hoiveyman, .iMitl r.r rf ' 'I he Viol n and How to >1 aster Tt."