Professor Samuel Snaer, a native of New Orleans, is in his forty-fourth year, and is a musician of remarkably fine powers. He is a brilliant pianist, and a most skilful performer on the violin and violoncello. As a violoncellist he has but few equals anywhere. He is an esteemed teacher of violin and piano, and is organist at St. Mary's (Catholic) Church.
But Professor Snaer's musical abilities do not end with the accomplishments just mentioned. He is, besides, a ready composer, and has produced much music of a varied and very meritorious character. Extreme modesty, however, has prevented him from publishing many of his pieces. Generally his habit has been to sit down and compose a piece, and then allow the manuscript to go the rounds among his acquaintances. As he would make no request for its return, nor express solicitude regarding its fate, the music rarely returned to the composer; so that to-day the most unlikely place to find copies of his works is at the professor's own residence.
Professor Snaer has a memory of most wonderful power. When he was eighteen years old (that was twenty-six years ago), he composed his "Sous sa Fenêtre." Without having seen this music for many years, he can to-day write it out note for note. He remembers equally well each one of his many compositions, some of which have been of an elaborate and difficult character. He has lately rewritten from memory, for a gentleman in Boston, a great solemn mass which he composed several years ago. Those who are familiar with the original draught of this mass say that the present one is its exact counterpart.
The following comprises in part a list of the works of Professor Snaer:—
"Sous sa Fenêtre," published by Louis Grunewald, New Orleans.
"Le Chant du Départ," published by Louis Grunewald, New Orleans. (Two editions issued.)
"Rappelle-toi," published by Louis Grunewald, New Orleans. (Two editions issued.)
"Grand Scène Lyrique" (solo and duetto).
"Graziella" (overture for full orchestra).
"Le Vampire" (vocal and instrumental).