Vol. V. JUNE, 1843. No. 6.
Louisa Vinning.
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.