MUSICAL VIENNA.

Otago Witness, Issue 2232, 10 December 1896, Page 49

MUSICAL VIENNA.

Vienna's reputation as the most musical city in tbe world in as long standing as it is well merited. Other capitals have sought to wrest th:s proud claim frond the Austrian metropolis — at on« time JParis, of late years some of the more progressive .German towns, and yet, in spite of inch ohangetj as time inevitably brings, the spirits of Mozart and Haydn, of Beethoven and Sohubert, seem still to exert their influence over tbe musical life and activity of that spot where, during their lifetime, the scene 'of their most bepeflcent usefulness was laid. Already during the past century, as far back as the days of Emperor Leopold and Prince Esterhazy, when composers had to look to the protection of reigning princes and members of the higher aristooracy for solid encouragement in their labours, Vienna had grown to be famed' as a musical town. The material benefits of that time were, to be sure, meagre and uncertain, and would not of themselves have sufficed to attract the great men of the tone world had it not been for that musical atmosphere which was as indigenous then as it is to-day. A feeling, and with it a fondness, for music has at all times lain in the very nature of the Austrian people. It has expressed itself in their songs and dance measures quite as much as in the development of the symphonic form, which haß now grown classic, and which flourished at a time when the severer style of Bach's contrapuntal composition was expressive of -the musioal spirit of North Germany. Thi musical atmosphere, which may be attribut able in a certain measure to climatic infii/. ences, is felt and recognised by even the least impressionable. ... Of course one must not overlook the influence exerolsed by the many eminent musicians who have made Vienna their home, and who, by their , example and very presence, confer a distinction few other cities can boast. Of these no one is more famous than Dr Johannes Brahms, who, even though one should not be inclined to attribute to him all those qualities his most ardent admirers claim for him, must needs be accepted as the greatest living German composer, and one of the few really great musicians of the present day. Born in Hamburg in 18S3, after various experiences in Germany and Switzerland as pianist and composer, he first came to Vienna in 1862, and, followicg in the footsteps of Bsethoven, whose successor he, has so often been named, he ultimately took up his permanent abode there.- Like the greater man from the Rhine, Dr Brahms soon beoame thoroughly acclimated in the home of his adoption ; so much so that daring the winter months he seldom is away for more than a few days at a time, while in tbe summer he has for years seught that most Vienaease of all villegghatwe places, Ischl. He may be frequently seen on the street, taking with brisk step his daily constitutional, taokiue neither right nor letiL

his bands crossed on his back. Els massive leonine bead, his thick-set figure are "as familiar as household words." In former years he frequently sought the Companionship of Herr Johann Strauss, with whom many a walk in the attractive suburbs was undertaken ; but latterly be has shown a preference for solitary exercise. Not that ho has grown less gregarious with approaching I years ; on the contraiy, it is reported that never has he been so sociably inclined as of late, and there are those who affirm that he has even recently developed a talent for amiability. There v?as a time, it must be admitted, when the tale was told that at the close of a party he offered his apologies in case there should be one among the departing guests " whom during the conrae of the evening he had failed to insult." -The anecdote is doubtleßs apocryphal ; at all events, he assuredly is a sufficiently great man to disregard with a certain degree of impunity the amenities of social intercourse, and it does not occur to his many friends to take exception to bis characteristic outspokenloess. All the more to as there are few who, in a quiet, unosteutaticns manner, do more good by helping poor musicians and dispensing charily where it is deserved than Df Johannes Brahms. Mentally be is equipped bs but few of bis compeers. The profound .learning for which (he name of Brahms is a jynonym extends far beyond the domain of biusio. Indeed, it would be difficult to find anyone better, posted on matters of general Information than he. As truthfully as it is said that there ,is nothing of importance in - musical literature with wbioh he is not intimately acquainted, so are there few studies Into which he has not gained an freight. Brahma's conversation is that of a highly educated man, and though it is not everyone who feels entirely at ease in his society, it is none the lesß justly counted a privilege to sit by and listen to him discoursing after cupper at the renowned "Igel," where he lakes his meals in Vienna, or at the " musical table " in the no less celebrated " Goldenes Krenz "in Ischl. At the latter place he is devoutly regarded in the light of a headpontiff by the numerous musicians who jcome there for the summer from far and wide.— William Yon Sachs, in " Harpers' Magazine." jPOYEBTT TO PLENTY AT A BOUND. Whims and ways of luckx spkoulatobs. Very curious are the effects produced on different temperaments by any sudden Requisition of wealth. Some take the matter quite coolly, others literally jump for joy. NerTous, highly-strung people go mad or Commit suicide. Many marry. 11 BOOM " AND " BLUMP." Speculation always affects the v atrimonial market. The African "boom" of last summer led to an extraordinary number of marriages. In one stockbroker's firm alone tour sons married within, a year. " Take * care," said the prudent papa. . n Don't marry on the ' boom ' only to repent »n the 'slump.'" . . But who can reason with Cupid's victims ? Disregarding this warning, they all married— and the " slump '? came. THEY GOT.JffAEBIED. ] An American musical composer recently won a small fortune at Monte Carlo in romantic oircumßtanceß. After playing and Josing he was about to quit the tables when A young, handsome, elegantly- attired lady whispered, " Play this louis before you go." Supposing this was merely a feminine Caprice, he took the coin and staked it. He won, and oontinued to win. Though faaturallj elated, he contrived to keep a fairly , )evel bead. After winning about £5000, he quietly pocketed his notes and gold and left Ihe, Casino. When he offered the lad 7 a >hare of the winnings, she replied — " No, sir. The louis was given, not lent. jChe money is yours." " Struok by her beauty, her refined manners, And, above all, her disinterested conduct, he ' boldly made her an offer of marriage. She they exchanged pedigrees, and spent to Paris. There they got married, and took the first steamer for New York. dieO in a madhouse. Certain people who have gallantly struggled^gainst every species .of misfortune are frequently orushed by a sudden stroke of luck. A poor fellow who had been failing miserably at commercial travelling, journalism, jshopkeepicg, and other ventures, was suddenly the recipient of a big fortune. He had previously enjoyed good health, but prosperity affected his mind, and he died in ' A madhouse. ' ' j 11 WOMEN ABB SO EXCITABLE." ' Oh the other hand, a compositor who won ' •» £20,000 lottery prize treated the affair with consummate coolness. On arriving at bis printing office one day he was informed that a certain number had won. : " That's my number," he drawled. " It's better than nothing 1 " Astonished at this cool reply, his comrades lusked him whether he realised the extent of bis good fortune. • "Yei, I know," said he. " It's a tidy sum, and I little expected it. Bat I mast get on .tilth my work." j " What t Work after winniDg a fortune 1 " " Certainly. I shall tell my people about It to-night. If I were to go straight home bow my wife might be alarmed. Women Are so excitable, you know." And he commenced work as if nothing had happened. .AN AMBITION TO GO LOWEB. A hardworking labourer who had seldom been able te make both ends meet suddenly :ame into a big fortune. He and bis numerous family occupied a humble lodging on She fourth floor of the poor tenement house. I " Have you not some long-cherished wish Wbioh you will now gratify!" asked a Mend, on hearing of the other's stroke of rack. ) "Aye, that I have," replied the man. III I We are going to move and- take lodgings pn a lower floor." Buch was the extent of his ambition. • FOUND IT INTOLERABLE. A modest tradesman who suddenly came Into a fortune gratified three long-cherished desires— a trip abroad, a photographic studio fitted up in luxurious style, and a little pony Mid trap. But, alai I he soon tired of all these, and finally began to regret his good fortune. "It's Intolerable," he eaid «ne day. ijjreosle seem to xacaxd me as a sort of ourip*

slty. It's enough to disgust one with the possession of money." • " I will relieve you of the burden whenever you like," replied his practical friend. AS IF NOTHING HAD HAPPENED. Last year a baker won a lottery prize of L 20.000. He continued to bake bread, rolls, and cakes for some time, apparently disdaining this windfall. His aspirations were very modest. He wanted to find a brother, whom he wished to share his good' fortune, and ultimately to retire into the country to rear rabbits and smoke his pipe in peace. TWO CONTBASTS. One of the finest fishmongers' businesses in London was started with the proceeds of a lucky bet. Bat the results of betting are not always so satisfactory. Quite recently a man who bad " backed a good thing " was so excited by his luoky venture that be suddenly went mad and careered through the streets without anything on him. He was captured and placed in confinement. WEALTHY FOR A FEW HOUBS. In Spain lotteries still flourish, and prizes of £120,000, £80,000, and £50,000 are not rare. Each ticket coating £20, poor people club together to buy one. So potent is the temptation that all the tickets are eagerly ■napped up months in advance. I Recently tho first list sold in Madrid bore the number 15,220 as having won £80,000. This number having been clubbed for by the I inhabitants of Torija street, that squalid thoroughfare was the scene of delirious rejoicing. * When R second list was issued, confirming the lucky number, Torija street was -thrown into a state bordering on madness. Matrons fainted, maidens danced I wild fandangos with their swaina, children yelled, fathers demolished the household furniture and threw . their tools out of windows. They were all wealthy I— for a few hours. But alas I when the official list appeared

the number 15,220 was conspicuous by its absence. The prize of £80,000 went to the number 15.229. Tbe tail of the 9 had dropped off at the office where the first two lists had v been printed. It is impossible to describe the scenes of weepine, wailing, fainting, and gnashing of teeth caused by this cruelly authentic list. Bat these inveterate gamblers conscientiously starved themselves in order to scrape together sufficient cash to tempt fortune in tbe next lottery.