This little artist of nature, who has recently excited the astonishment
of the musical world, and claims the admiration of all, as a remarkable
instance of precocious powers, was born on the 10th Nov., 1836, at
Kingsbridge, Devonshire, England. Her father, John Vinning, is
a musician of talent: as violinist and composer, he has acquired
celebrity. His two brothers are also musicians, having been induced, by
an irresistible inclination for music, to abandon the professions to
which they had been bred.
When the little warbler who is now the subject of notice, had reached
the age of nine months, it was observed that she derived intense
delight from music; and if she was ever fretful, the sound of her
father’s violin immediately soothed her; at the same time her whole
frame would move in unison with the measure, and her face beam with
ecstasy. Her father indulged the child in occasionally playing to her,
but the excitement was so intense that he became apprehensive it might
injure her. He accordingly took the advice of several medical men, who
recommended a moderate indulgence only of the child’s passion.
Before Louisa could speak words, she began to sing tunes with accuracy
and effect; and often while asleep, she would warble forth some soft
and sweet melody,――an air she had heard, or the impromptu suggestion of
a dream. On one occasion the father was called by the mother, whom he
found in tears by the bed-side of the sleeping child, who was singing a
beautiful air, in a soft and mellow voice. The father remained at the
place, and the little warbler repeated it several times. He immediately
took a pen and wrote it down. This song was sold to Mr. Burkley, of
London, who wrote some lines to it, and it was published under the
title of the “Infant’s Dream.” This composition has been much admired.
In the morning after the child had sung this song in her sleep, she
said to her mother, “Oh, I have seen such beautiful angels in my
sleep――all gold――beautiful gold!”
When this interesting prodigy was two years old, she was announced
to sing in public in London. Her performances were such as to excite
the utmost wonder, even of musicians of the highest standing. The
celebrated Thalberg, then in London, Sir G. Smart, and the Misses
Moschelles, stated that her singing was astonishingly correct, her
voice pleasing and of great compass, her ear correct, and her feeling
quick and deep. Such was her fame, at this age, that the queen sent
for her to come to Buckingham palace. On hearing the child sing, her
majesty was so touched, that she clasped her warmly to her breast, and
afterwards placed a large diamond pin in her bosom, as an expression of
her delight.
From this time, this little singer continued to attract public
attention, and promises, when she arrives at maturity, fully to realize
the hopes her early displays and genius have inspired.
Importance of a Fly.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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