Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-05-13

eminent of Partisan performers with establishments
Tor they were characterized by lineamens resem
6hng, III no one point, what you will find the con-
certos oil Yiotti, kreutzer, or Rhode. In speaking
OF has FIRST concerto, you must not conceive that
aiude TO the hrst OF his oPere: it the ore with
which he opened upon the musical world at Paris
Others preceded 1t, but at each advancing step to
wards the mastery ne has now achieved both those
and subsequent compositions, to the extent of ten
compositions, have been destroyed. That to which
refer has escaped his ruthless hand and deservedIv;
tot is repetc with originality, and very effective in
its accomplishments.
Though the volubilty of his lingering per,ak,s Of
the marveous,-though his continued or transient
flow of harmonious sounds, on single or double
strings, Is unlike any thing which has been
heard or conceived betore,--and his skill in playing
upon solitary string would seem require every
combination of power which the violin possesses; We,
The command which he exercises over his JoD-the
ease the elegance, the velocity, and the energy with
which he Yields it-have either been most unaccount-
ably left unnoticed. or have been considered as a
MINOR auxiliary TO his triurnphs which, am bold to
say, they are not If indeed. nothing can surpass
his mastery Of finger, he does stand thu less I'M
rivaed in the mastery Of his bon. And how sweet
are HIS tones as we'll lnspirltng, and energetic,
and persuaslve!--how he narrows the soul and then
mellows down the excited feeling, and breathes lis
heavenly spell around them. What sublimity,-
what thrilling melody,-what more that earthly &C
cents fell upon the ear, when this copsumate master
poured forth the prayer of Moses"
In short. will not attempt to describe the impress
sion Paganinl has produced. 1t merely wonder
surprise, and admirationi but if tnayadventure so
daring an expression, delirium of enthusiasm.
70. J. G.
from our Correspondence
PARIS, Tuesday, ED March, 1881.
Inc all-engrosslng topic of conversation, in every
fashionable parsy, is the astonishing performance of
the hitherto unrvalled Paganini He has performed
thrice at the Academic Royale de Mssique and each
time with increasing applause. Language cannot
90 justice to his wonderful eXertion, and he must h.
heard, as he soon will be in London, to appreciate
MS exquisite powers The violin in his mastery
hand is an orchestra The most astonishing tones
and combinations Of harmony float from lis ms. ru-
ment to the audience,-who, we're they kept from
the ssht OF the performer, would be at loss TO de-
ternne the source of these celestial sounds. III he
moment you hear the warbing of the flute, next tue
brlance of the octave hageolet. a trio succeeds
IN solemn adagio, deep toned bell seems occasional
y TO be heard, then the exquisite effect of the must
cal glasses. Now powers are given to the instru-
ment, which even the most eminent musicians de-
care, they were not aware Was within lis compass.
lie plays entirely from memory, without the inter
Ventlon OF desk between hm and the enchanted
listeners His appearance is singular, and denotes
the enthusiast Strong black aair curs in profusion
round his face, which is of az asky paleness. His
eyes lash ire, his nosrs appear distended and could
we hide the organ from which he prorocss surh ma
glc tones, he would be excellent representative o.
prophet foreteling the future. l conclRde by la
mentng that all description Of his powers must fall
short OF his attalnments; and to philosophical mind
perhaps the amazing powers Of that delicate instru
Hent the human hand, were never eXquisitely de
veoped. The Fellows of the Royal Society who
are writing on that SUBJECT for the munifcent prize
of the late Earl of Brldgewater should conclude
tilpr essays until they nave heard PaganIni.