GLUCK AND HIS ROSARY.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume VII, Issue 372, 4 June 1880, Page 17

GLUCK AND HIS ROSARY.

One of the greatest artists of the last century, one of the most learned composers that has ever existed— the illustrious G-luck, preceptor in vocal culture to Marie Antoinette, was distinguished by his fidelity to the recitation of the rosary. This devotion preserved him from the philosophical and irreligious spirit that pervaded the society in which he was constantly obliged to move during his lougand brilliant career. Like the greater number of famous artists, tbe celebrated composer learned the first elements of his art beneath the roof of an ancient cathedral. One day, says his biographer, a poor couple brought before the provost of the Cathedral of Vienna a pale, delicatelooking child, to obtain his admission among the number of children who sang the praises ot the Lord of heaven. The child was as happily gifted in heart as in mind. His voice was so wonderfully rich, its expression so pure, that, whenever he sang, the Cathedral was filled with an immense crowd listening in admiration. Thus passed lirluck's early years, advancing in art as well as in piety. Often, during the religious ceremonies, when the organ filled the vault with its sacred melody, the child was moved to tears. Often, too, when his youthful comrades were engaged in their innocent games, he was discovered alone praying in the deserted church. At evening, when the setting sunrays scattered over the stalls of the sanctuary the varied hues of the stained' glass windows, Gluck, prostrate at the foot of the tabernacle, meditated and prayed. On one occasion after he had sung better than usual an anthem of our Lady, as he was about to leave the church he was met by a venerable religious. "My son," said the man of God, " You have caused me to shed tears of joy to-day. I regret exceedingly that I cannot give you something as a testimonial of my gratitude and delight ; but take this rosary, and keep it in memory of Brother Anselm. If you cannot recite it entire every day, at least, say a part < and if you are faithful to this practice, I assure you that you will be as dear to God as you will certainly one day be great among men. Gluck faithfully recited his rosary. His family was so poor that they could not furnish him with means to continue his studies ; but the young man was not discouraged, and continued his pious practice. One evening, a knock was heard at the door of the poor dwelling. It was the celebrated chapel-master, who, haying been charged with the task of collecting the works of Palestrini in Italy, came to take Gluck with him and leave him to continue the studies so happily begun. From that time he advanced rapidly ; but never did he cease to be faithful to the counsels of religion and the practice of piety. — Exchange.