"Mr. White is eighteen years and a few months old. Since a year ago he has been in the Conservatoire, and studies in Alard's class.
"But where has he taken his first lessons? How did this son of America become the equal of the greatest violinists known in Europe? That is what we do not know, and what we ask to know for the honor of the American school, of which Mr. White is a splendid example."
The paper, "Le Pays," of the 5th of August, 1856, expresses itself in terms none the less flattering:—
"The concourse of violinists has presented this year a beautiful sight. The fight has been one of the most brilliant. The first prize has been awarded to Mr. White, pupil of Mr. Alard.
... "As for Mr. White, he showed himself so much superior, that there ought to have been (so we think) created in his favor an exceptional prize. He has played with an extraordinary animation, not like a pupil, but like a master,—like a great artist who commands his auditory. The jury itself was electrified. In order to compete with that young man, there ought to have been masters there."
It was at this brilliant concourse that Rossini, the great composer, remarked of White, "Since the day he took an interest in him, and protected the young artist, there was no festivity at the maestro's without the violinist playing on his melodious instrument." Besides, this letter from Rossini, addressed to White at the time of his father's sickness, shows how much the master loved him:—
To Mr. White. Sir,—Allow me to express to you all the pleasure that I felt Sunday last at my friend Mr. David's. The warmth of your execution, the feeling, the elegance, the brilliancy of the school to which you belong, show qualities in you as an artist of which the French school may be proud. May it be, sir, that through my sympathetic wishes I may bring you good fortune by finding again in good health the one for whom you fear to-day! Accept my blessings. Sir, I wish you a happy journey, and a speedy return.
G. Rossini.
In November, 1858, Mr. White was obliged to return to Havana, called back to his dying father. He then left France; accounts of his success in which, carried to the dying man, were a sweet consolation and happiness,—thus to see, before dying, his son who was called to such a brilliant career. After the death of his father, he started for France again; not, however, without having first obtained great success in different cities of Cuba, where he was received in triumph. Gottschalk, the celebrated pianist, who was one of the first who had advised White's family to send him to Paris, said that in all his life he had never seen such a beautiful success, and such a deserved one.
After his return to Paris, White gave a great concert. "L'Illustration" of the 4th of May, 1861, gives an account of that evening's entertainment in the following terms:—