THE SINCEREST FORM OF FLATTERY

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLVI, Issue XLVI, 14 March 1914, Page 9

THE SINCEREST FORM OF FLATTERY

Mr Bernard Shaw's defence of literary "pillage" was anticipated by his fellow conutryman, Balfe, the composer of "The Bohemian Girl," who used to borrow generously from other scores. On one occasion (the Express recalls) he was rehearsing a new opera at Drury Lane, and the first fiddle, an Italian, was horrified to come upon page after page of familiar music. "Mr Balfe, Mr Balfe," he said in horror, "dat is Mozart." "And a capital man, too," was the Irishman's reply. "Get on with the rehearsal."