Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1858-10-30
CARL FORMEs.

We offer no apology to our political readers In
thus introducing to their notice this eminent man.
The extraordinary furore which he created in New
York, in London, and wherever he may go, de-
mands from us more than a passing notice to salts
fy our readers. To say be is a great basso-per-
hays the greatest-would be but to speak half his
praise he lie more-be is a great patriot. His
great grandfather was Formes de Narez, Secretary
of Spanish Legation at the Hague. His
grandfather and father were also born there.
They were both soldiers, the latter having fought
under Napoleon. After retiring from the service,
he settled at the little village Of Mrchlenheim, on
The Rhine, where the great basso was born on
the 9Th Of August, 1918. We will not embellish
his childhood with any extraordinary traits OF mu'
steal genius, as is generally done it is sufficient t"
say that he desired to become a musical artist his
father opposed it, and having bound him to his
brother, young Carl ran away and enlisted in the
Austrian army. This brought him to VIENNA
Here, fortunately, Bassadonc heard him sing, who,
having obtained his discharge, instructed him il the
art, and finally enabled him to make his first APP
carance, lat Cologne) on the 6tb January, 1872,
taking the role of SdraStroS in Mozart's opera,
die ZluLerhotte". His debut was moro than a
mere success; it established his fame, and from
that day forward he could make his owl terms. In
lS43 he became n member Of the Court opera at
Mannheim, and in 1855 he is recorded at Vienna as
primo. basso- profundo Of the Imperial Opera House
Here, says Leslie's Illustrated paper, upon what
authority we know not, he is honUred with the
largest salary ever given to u German artist, ana
tchich is to be paid TO him during has life hme."-
lie held this position for four years, or until the
revolution of l848 broke out. The masses Of Eu.
rope had been gradually learning the princi
pies Of Washington. Franklin, Jefferson, &c.
1t is indeed surprising that they ever did rise
against the tyrants of ages. Truly surprising as i
may appear that the people did rise, they who had
been oppressed, it is yet more wonderful that one
who had received nothing but the caresses-the fa
vors of the Court, could take sides with the people
But such is the fact, Carl Formes was at heart
stern republican--the allurements and fascination
Of theCourt had not corrupted him. When his coun
trvmen struck for liberty he was with them, Tht
mimic battles of the stage were transferred to rea
life, and unsheatbiDg his sword, he threw away thu
scabbard. He was found among abe people, erect
ing and defending the barbados. Every ons
knows The result they were put down, and our he
70 had to betake himself to Holstein. He soon re
ruined the pursuit of his art in Hamburg, but bi,
republican views being offensive to Austria, anC
his extradition being demanded, he Immediately
FASTENED to London, where he took rart in the
formation of that celebrated German opera com
pany- consisting Of Caradori, Rudersdorf, Reich
ardt and Carl Aschutz. Here he exhibited anoth
er trait in in his character, even more praiseworthy
than all else, since it displayed a kind and gener
Gus heart. lie sang night and day and refused al
compensation, in order that his poor countrymer
might not starve, and even went so far as to spent
his last dollar. Here he took part in the produc
( ton Of Les lIugenots,' and Robert lie Diabie,'
by Mey erbeer's request. lie also appeared in ora
!. torio, his magnificent and deep basso organ risin
above the din and crash of the ochestra. Quee
l. Victoria appointed him the musical tutor of he
n children. Flotcw has written MARTHA" an
Stradella the Merry Wives of Windsor, for him
=. Costa composed Ell" for him. lie can sing i
+. English, as well as in German. Italian and French
4 His rendition Of the bay of Biscay," is said t
be superb. lie was brought to this country fo
n the purpose OF bringing out the works of the gres
r masters, and to produce oratorios in a perfect maj
ner.