The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1847-12-18
From Chambers Journal.


One of the most remarkable instances oil
the efficacy Of music occurred during the
celebrated Farinelli's visit to Spain. The
queen determined to Try the effect Of his as
tonishing powers on the king, who had
had passion for music. He was then la
boring under such detection Of spirits, as
bafled all medical treatment, and dlSaP-
pointed every effort made to divert his
thoughts. Neither pleasure nor business
could rouse him from the hopeless melancholy
under which he labored Utterly incapable
of managing public affairs, or Of enjoying
domestic intercourse, he remained in state
Of the most deplorsble sadness and apathy.
FarinelH was placed in room adjoining
that where the king sat he sang some OF
his pathetic songs with all the captivating
expression for which he was so remarkable.
The queen anxiously watched the effect
nor was she disappointed. The king seemed
surprised; and as be listened, he became al
fected. and tears forced their way, and the
peni-up feelings gushed forth once more
Another song, and he ordered the attendance
Of the singer. Farinelh appeared; the king
gave utterance to his delight and admIra-
tion, and desired him to say how he should
reward him for the qualification which his
wonderful talents had given. Fainelli,
who had been directed how to act, only in
treated that his majesty would permit bis at
tendants TO dress him, and that he would ap-
pear in council as usual The king com
piled; his spirits returned; and thus Farinelli
effected cure in some moments which the
sblest medical men in Spain, all the devo-
ted courters, and the anxious family, had in
vain endeavored to bring about. This al
fecting anecdote naturally reminds us Of the
playing Of David before Saul, when the evil
spirit departed from the king, and he was
well. To this very remarkable case, the
beautiful lines Of Cumberland, now almost
forgotten, but worthy of being remembered,
are appropriate. The last stanza runs
thus -
The turbid passions shall retire
Before the minstrel's art,
And the same hand that sweeps the Tyre
Shall heal the stricken heart
As TO Farinelli, he rose to the highest favor
al court; and, to his great credit instead Of
being elated BY an elevation so exciting to
one Of humble birth, he preserved humil.
ty and simplicity which endeared him &c
the Spanish nobility. and won from them
their esteem and confidence. The various
anecdotes recounted Of this gifted man, re
feet as much honor on bis disposition anc
character as they do on the genius that Sc
eminently distinguished him. There wal
such enchantment in his singing, that i
completely overcame Senesino, who wa'
himself one Of the finest singers. He anC
Farinelli had long wished to hear each 9th
er sing the opportunity was at length al
Gorded, and they were engaged to perform a
the same theatre. Senesino played the par
Of an memorable .yrsnt, and Farineli o
his unhappy captive. When ne appeared
in chains, he sang with such exquisite pathos
that Senesino forgot the cruel part he had
to sustain; he forgot everything; and, throw
ing himself into Farinelli's arms, he burs
into tears. But this need not surprise us
when we recollect that two hired assassins
VINO, it may be presumed, were not possess
ed of very tender feelings, when they wait
ed to fulfil their engagement TO murder Sra
della, near the door Of church in Rome,
where he was taking part in an oratorio
were so completely overcome by his pathetic
music, that they not only abandoned theiI
purpose, but confessed it to him, and warn
ed him Of bis danger. The complete mas
terry which music often e1erts over the minc
may be considered its greatest triumph.
need only allude to the RAM des Eache.
Of the Swiss, and the LOchaber no more Of
the Scotch regiments. It's influence over
the affections may be illustrated by an anec.
dote connected with custom which is OBJ
served among the Greeks. The young
Greek often leaves his home for foreign
land, but never without grief. Fondly at
tschsd to the place o5'9is birth, and to his