Scan 96
Voice and violin: sketches, anecdotes, and reminiscences by T.L. Phipson, 1898
10 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 78. See the scan on archive.org.
1clapping of hands whilst the violinist bowed his acknowledgments.
3Then the music changed to a soft, plaintive melody of the most tender and expressive kind, the long, luscious notes of the violin being evidently listened to with rapture.
5Soon the features of the audience betokened emotion, signs of sadness appeared, and tears were actually seen to rise in the usually ferocious eyes of the Bey of Tunis. In a short time, indeed, there was not a dry eye in the whole room. Every one was completely enchanted; all listened with the most profound attention to this truly marvellous playing.
7When this had lasted for a few minutes, the Sicilian violinist continued his performance with a succession of vigorous chords and arpeggios mingled with brisk staccato passages. The music took such a martial complexion that not only were the tears of the audience soon dried up, but every one felt inclined to rise and march.
9Some beat time with their feet or their hands, their heads swayed to and fro with the rhythm of the music, and a general state of excitement and restlessness prevailed. The Bey raised his arms and flourished them above his head, keeping time with the music, and in this he was imitated by numbers of his favourites. Thunders of applause and deafening cheers followed this part of the performance.
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