Scan 576
The violin: its famous makers and their imitators, 1909
7 lines. Read by computer on 27 September 2026. Printed page 498. See the scan on archive.org.
1Cooke replied, "Indeed, madam, he is truly wonderful; but allow me to observe that on this occasion you are indebted rather to your imagination than your ears for the delight you have experienced."
2"How, Mr. Cooke?" "Why, madam, this morning Paganini has not played at all—he has not even touched a bow." "Extraordinary!" exclaimed the lady; "I am more than ever confirmed in my opinion of him; for if without playing he can affect one in such a manner, how much more wonderful are the sensations he must produce when he does play!"
4A ROYAL AMATEUR.
6"Francis the First, Emperor of Austria, was a passionate lover of music, and played admirably on the flute. His greatest pleasure was to perform the Trios and Quartetts of the old masters. One of the household physicians of the court excelled on the Tenor. As imperial etiquette did not permit a simple physician to accompany the Emperor in his pieces unless he had the entrée at court, Francis first created his doctor a baron, and then a privy councillor, thus giving him his petites and grandes entrées. By the help of his Tenor-playing our medical musician insinuated himself so successfully into the good graces of the Emperor, that he became almost the rival of Metternich, and all the other ministers courted his friendship. Such
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