Possessing naturally a loftiness of spirit, and with a just conception of his powers; having full faith in and trusting himself; not unmindful of, nor unduly elated by, the many commendations he has received from critical judges touching his musical abilities; wearing easily all the attentions and honors he so constantly wins, and quickly noting and acting upon any suggestions of errors in his performances; at all times a conscientious, a zealous student, impelled by a deep and enthusiastic love for the art of music, and never satisfied unless working amidst its higher forms,—possessing, as Mr. Jamieson does, these rare and valuable characteristics, and being withal still quite young, it is but reasonable to believe that he will ere long attain to the highest distinction, and be ranked with the very first pianists of the time in either the New or the Old World.
XVI.
THE VIOLIN.[13]
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"Thou mystic thing, all-beautiful! What mind Conceived thee, what intelligence began, And out of chaos thy rare shape designed, Thou delicate and perfect work of man?" "The Violin:" Harper's Magazine. |
THE violin, so often called the "king of instruments," is of great antiquity. As to just when it was invented is a point as yet unsettled, despite the indefatigable researches of historians of music and of general antiquaries. The instrument certainly existed, however, as early as the sixth century; this being proven generally by the figures of violins observable on very ancient and respectable monuments still existing, and particularly by a figure cut in the portico of the venerable Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, founded by Childebert in the sixth century, which figure represents King Chilperic with a violin in his hand.
It being thus used in a representative character shows, too, that it has for many hundreds of years been a favorite instrument. Of that ancient guild of musicians, the troubadours,—so long the principal devotees and custodians of the divine art,—those were most esteemed by royalty and the general public who were the best violists.
In the construction of most musical instruments, improvements have been constantly made up to the present time. This is particularly true of the piano-forte; the handsome form, and the purity and beauty of tone, observable in a lately-made "Chickering" or "Steinway," rendering them so much superior to a piano of the olden times, as to barely admit of the latter's being called by the same name. But this is not true of the violin, inasmuch as a long time has elapsed since any change has been made in its construction that would add to its delicate, graceful form, to its nicety, sweetness, and purity of tone, or general musical capacity. To-day a Cremona, or an Amati, as well as violins of other celebrated makers of the long past, commands almost fabulous prices. A Cremona very lately sold for four thousand dollars; while such instruments as I have mentioned, when in the possession of a soloist, are scarcely to be purchased at any price.