Stephen H. Branch's Alligator, Vol. 1 no. 03, May 8, 1858
General
Stephen H. Branch's Alligator, Vol. 1 no. 03, May 8, 1858
New York (N.Y.) -- Politics and government
The youthful artist has created a perfect _furore_ in musical
circles—amateurs, professionals, _dilettanti_ and every body else;
his talent is wonderful, and his improvement still more remarkable.
He has, withal, the modesty which is the companion of true merit. His
second concert was given at Niblo’s Saloon, on Thursday evening, and
it was attended by as full and fashionable an audience as that which
welcomed him on Tuesday evening. Mayseder’s grand variations were
given for the second time, upon a single string; the second attempt
was even more successful than the first, and the young artist gave the
highest proof of genius in overcoming difficulties previously regarded
as insurmountable. Another gem of the soiree was a duet for violin and
piano-forte, by Julien and Richard Hoffman. It was capitally given and
was encored. The vocal part of the concert was given by Mme. Commettant
and M’lle. Henrietta Behrend. The enthusiasm of the audience at the
matchless execution of Julien was unbounded.
But an episode occurred yesterday which was more telling in its effects
than the applause of the audience on Thursday evening. It was a grand
“variation” in the form of five one thousand dollar bank notes, a
gift to the young musical genius. The following extraordinary letters
describe the affair:
NEW YORK, April 21, 1854.
_Master Paul Julien_: I have heard your delightful music in the Concert
room, and you have had the kindness to play for myself and friends
at my residence. In earlier life I strove to learn the violin, but I
abandoned it as too difficult for me. Its intricacies are unconquerable
to all save those who are inspired. I have heard of the extraordinary
perseverance and severe pecuniary trials through which your father has
passed, to impart to you, his only child, a musical education. And I
deem the efforts of both father and son highly commendable, and truly
worthy of encouragement. I therefore present you with five thousand
dollars, which I trust will be consecrated to your intellectual,
musical, and moral culture.—Sincerely,
ORISON BLUNT.
[_Turn over for Paul’s response._]
New York, April 21, 1854.
_My Dear Sir_:—Mere words, though brightly glowing with affection,
could not express my grateful emotions for your unexampled munificence.
Nor could the most stirring strains I ever expect to conceive, reflect
the chords you have touched in my heart. I can only assure you, that
I will be very studious, and fondly cherish you next to my father and
mother. I may soon return to France, and if you should ever visit
me, I am sure that my friends would cordially receive you, for your
substantial kindness to me during my sojourn in a far distant land.
Affectionately,
PAUL JULIEN.
Alderman Orison Blunt,
Warren street, New York.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account