The daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1848-1851, 1851-05-06

The following extract from Col. Montgomery
Maxwell's book of " Military "reminiscences" en-
titled my Adventures" dated Genoa, Feb. %,
1915, supplies the earliest record which has been
given to the public respecting Paganni and affords
authentic evidence that some Of the mysterious
tales which heralded his coming were not without
foundation He could scarcely have been at this
time 80 years old
Talking of music, have become acquainted
with the most outre, most extravagant, and
srangest character ever behed, or heard, in the
musical line. He has just been emancpated from
durance vile, where he has been for a long time
lncarceraed on suspicion of murder. His long
figure, long neck, long face and long forehead
his hollow and deadly pale cheek large black eyes,
hooked nose and jet black hair, which is long, and
more than half hiding his expressive Jewish face
all these rendered him the most extraordinary per-
son | ever beheld. There is something scriptural
in the tout ensemble of the strange physognomy
OF this uncouth and unearthly figure. Not that, as
in times of old, he plays Holy Writ tells US, on
en.strlnged instrument; on the contrary, he
brings the most powerful, the most wonderful, and
the most heart-rendng tones from one string. His
name is Pagann He is very improvident and
very poor. The D-s and the Impresario Of the
theatre got up concert for him the other night,
which well attended, and which occasion
he electrified the audience. He is native of Ge-
noa, and, if | were judge OF violin playing, |
would pronounce him the most surprising per-
former in the world !"
Among other peculiarites, Paganini was an in
carnation OF avarlce and parsimony, with a most
contradictory passion for gambling. He would
haggle with you Tor slxpencs, and stake rouleau
single turn at rouge ct noir. He screwed you
down in bargain as tightly as if you
pressed in vice yet he had intervals of berality
and sometimes did generous action. In this he
bore some resemblance to the celebrated John Ell
ives, OF mserly notorlety, who deprived himself of
the common necessares OF life and lived on po-
tato hut titpaa 81. o1y f,r ,o
public charity, and contributed largely private
subscriptions. | never heard that Pagann actually
did this, but once or twice he played for nothing,
and sent donation to the Mendcity when he was
in London.
Paganns valet surprised me one morning by
walking into my room, and, with many excellen-
zas and gestculations Of respect asking me to
give HIM an order. | said why do you come to
me Apply to your master-won't he give you
Why not? " Because he'll stop the amour,
out OF my wages " My heart relented | gave
him the order, and paid Pagana the dividend
told him what it was, thinking, as a matter OF
course, he would return it. He seemed uncertain
for moment paused, smiled sardonically looked
at The three and sxpence, and, with a spasmodc
twitch, deposited it in his own pocket, instead of
mine.
When Pagann was in Dublin, at the musical
festival OF 1880, the Marquis of Anglesey ther
Lord Lieutenant OF Ireland every night tt
the concerts at the theatre and was greatly pleased
with his performance. On the first evening" be
tween the acts, his excellency desired that he nigh
be brought round to his box, to be introduced anc
paid him many compliments. Lord Anglesey wal
at that time residing IN perfect privacy with his
family at Sir Harcourt Lees country house nea
Blackjack, and expressed wish to get evening
from the great vionist, to crafty his domestic
circle.
The negotiation was rather difficult one as Pa
ganini was of all Others, the man who did nothing
in the way of business without an explicit under
standing, and clearly defined consideration. II,
was alive TO The advantage Of the honor, but h
loved money with pa amount affection. knew
that he had received enormous terms, such as G200
for hddling at private parties in London, and
trembed for the Vice Regal purse; but under
took 10 manage the affair, and went TO work ac
cordlngly, The ad-de.camp in waiting, callet
with mt on Paganlul was introduced in due form
and handed hun card of invitation to dinner
which, OF course, he received and accepted wit
ceremonons politness. Soon after the officer hat
departed, he said suddenly, "This is great honor
but am expected to bring my Instrument ~ "O
yes,' replied, " as a matter of course-the Lor
Leutenanl 5 family wish 10 hear you in private
"Cdr0 dm'co," rejpined he, with pelrifying compo
sure, "Pdg1n'n, con violiao et Paganini Senzd uio
tinO, eccO due dn,mdH distinti" "Paganini with hi
fiddle, and Pagt without it, are two very dill
terent persons.'
knew perfectly what he meant and said 9Th
Lord Lieutenant Is a nobeman OF exalted rank an
character, liberal in the extreme, but he is nc
Crnsus; nor do think You could, with any con
sIslency, receive such an honor as dining at his ia
bic, and Afterwards send in bill for playing tw
or three tunes IN the evening"" He was staggered
and asked, 'What do you advise /" said, Don
yon think present in the shape of ring or snI
box, something of that sort, with short nscriI
tion would be more agreeable mode of settle
menl!" He seemed tickled by the suggestion, al,
closed with it at once dispatched the ntelgenc
through the proper channel, that the violin and tn
grand maestro, would both be in attendance. II
was in his very choicest mood, made himself e.
tremely agreeable, played away, unsolicte,
throughout the evening, TO the delight of the who
party and on the following morning, gold snu
box was duly presented TO him, with few con
plimentary words engraved on the lid.