WHEN WAGNER VISITED LONDON.

Lake County Press, Issue 2134, 6 September 1906, Page 7

WHEN WAGNER VISITED LONDON.

Alfred Keisenauer, the pianist, tells an amusing incident of Wagner's experiences in • London. Wagner was requested to he especially amiable to Lord Patkin, a most unmusical man, but of high social position. In due season the two were presented. "Where is your entertainment to be?" a-sked his lordship after the introduction, when Wagner's forthcoming concert was mentioned. "At St. .James's flail," replied the composer. "1. trust your lordship will be able to come." "I may, I may," replied the great personage. The concert took place as scheduled and.a. week or more later a patron of Wagner gave a soiree in honour of the composer. Lord J'atkin was prominent among the guests, and he siezed Ihe first opportunity to walk over to Wagner and congratulate him. '•J. was at your entertainment," he said, "and I don't know when I've enjoyed anything more. I laughed till T cried. Von art; very funny llerr Wagner." The company stopped talking and an amazed look spread over Wagner's face. "Hut you know," continued the affable lord, "it was almost half an hour before. I recognised you, with block face and crinkly hair." When Lord T'atkiu stopped laughing he saw that he was alone in his merriment. "Why—what 1 hope 1 haven't— It was St. James's Hall, wasn't it? I—er " Some one then explained that St. James's Hall consisted of an upper and a. lower auditorium, and that his lordship had evidently wandered into one where a troupe of minstrels were giving a jubilee entertainment.