Scan 89
Celebrated violinists, past and present; ("The Strad" library), 1897
4 lines. Read by computer on 18 September 2026. Printed page 77. See the scan on archive.org.
1an attempt to infuse new life into the quartet societies existing in those towns.
3During his stay in Florence he found the ground had already been prepared to some extent for the founding of a quartet, since a wealthy professor named Baseri had established a society there for the study of Italian chamber-music which, however, did not confine its performances to native art notwithstanding its title, but also produced works by the German classical writers, and even offered prizes for the composition of chamber works. From time to time this society gave subscription concerts, and in 1865 Becker received the offer of an engagement to lead ten of the society's concerts in the following winter; he consented and brought the violoncellist, Hilpert with him. On looking into matters he found the "quartet society" in a state of dissolution, only the violist, Chiostri, and the violoncellist, Isadelli, still remaining. As stated above, Masi joined them as second violin, but he possessed only a very poor instrument and had played but very little chamber-music. Becker, however, took him in hand, and gave him lessons in addition to presenting him with a Stradivari violin, while he himself played a Guarneri. Earnestness, zeal and indomitable courage led the four players to an ensemble which had rarely been heard before in Italy, and their first concerts were an unquestionable success. They, however, remained in Florence until their ensemble was absolutely perfect, and then they began those travels which led them through a great part of the world. In 1866 they were in Switzerland and South Germany as well as in Leipzig and Berlin; in 1868 they visited Vienna where the quartet was put to the severe test of comparison with Hellmesberger and his party. In addition, Joachim had just before given three concerts, and Hellmesberger six, and the Viennese public were wearying of chamber-music. The consequence was that Becker's first concert was scantily attended, but the few wise ones spread the report of the skill of Becker's party so that the second soiree was over-crowded, and
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