The long, effective sweep of the bow was one of the characteristics of Viotti's playing, and was alike the admiration and despair of his rivals. His compositions for the violin are classics, and Spohr was wont to say that there could be no better test of a fine player than his execution of one of the Viotti sonatas or concertos. Spohr regretted deeply that he could not finish his violin training under this great master, and was wont to speak of him in terms of the greatest admiration. Viotti had but few pupils, but among them were a number of highly gifted artists. Rode, Robrechts, Cartier, Mdlle. Gerbini, Alday, La-barre, Pixis, Mari, Mme. Paravicini, and Vacher are well-known names to all those interested in the literature of the violin. The influence of Viotti on violin music was a very deep one, not only in virtue of his compositions, but in the fact that he molded the style not only of many of the best violinists of his own day, but of those that came after him. LUDWIG SPOHR. Birth and Early Life of the Violinist Spohr.--He is presented with his First Violin at six.--The French _Emigre_ Dufour uses his Influence with Dr. Spohr, Sr., to have the Boy devoted to a Musical Career.--Goes to Brunswick for fuller Musical Instruction.--Spohr is appointed _Kammer-musicus_ at the Ducal Court.--He enters under the Tuition of and makes a Tour with the Violin Virtuoso Eck.--Incidents of the Russian Journey and his Return.--Concert Tour in Germany.--Loses his Fine Guarnerius Violin.--Is appointed Director of the Orchestra at Gotha.--He marries Dorette Schiedler, the Brilliant Harpist.--Spohr's Stratagem to be present at the Erfurt Musical Celebration given by Napoleon in Honor of the Allied Sovereigns.--Becomes Director of Opera in Vienna.--Incidents of his Life and Production of Various Works.--First Visit to England.--He is made Director of the Cassel Court Oratorios.--He is retired with a Pension.--Closing Years of his Life.--His Place as Composer and Executant. I.