The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1859-02-25
JOHN STRAUSS AND HIS SOPHIE WALTZ.

Strauss is second Orphpus, whose tender
moving, Splrt-strrlng, love-kissing music con-
quers the most nveerate enemy Of TprpSicEorp:
whose magic sounds soothe hearts, still sighs,
dry tears, tame wild beasts, and move the stones
themselves Strauss has written watzes that
are more to me than any operas Ia seven Of
bis measures, there is often more melody than
in as many heavy scores Of other musicians
What fullness Of siren beauty, what rich
miud Of poetry; what neXhauStabe fount of
over-gushing melody And not '"F "',-',-y
aIone-the rhythm, also, win magical iHI"-
ence scizes the BRAIN and enters the heart.-
His violin is a talisman, by which he draws
from the depths of the human soul brightest JOY
and deepest wo, and minglps them with master
hand. The bow with which he draws these
many-colorpd tones from his instrument IS
magic wand, which touches the gtief-worn soul
with the healing baisam Of JOY, and lends her
wings 10 mount up into the heavens OF peace.
There are many waltz compositions as ilch 10
melody, but few as rich in melting rhythm as
those of Strauss-by turns Skipping, hummIng,
Waiting, gliding, and dancing, so inviting, 50
irresist ible, that no dancer can Withstand their
vitchipg influence. He is the IDOL Of women.
In every house, on every piano ia Vienna lie
Strauss waItzes. He has written over two
hundred: all are favoriteS, all are sung and
triIled, and ayed throughout Europe. Cob
bier and dandy hum and pipe them; orchestra
and barrel-organ play them. We hear them IN
the streets, at the ball. in the garden, and at the
theatre. The dancing Viennese carry him on
their shoulders and shout ssStrauss forever !"
This Strauss, this walIz-hero, loved the
daughter of count Sophie was her name.
Her eve was bIuer than Italy's heavens, and
softer than the sweet light of the evening star.
Grace and beauty were in every motion, and
music in every tone. In word, Sophie was
beautiful He would have given worlds 10
win but one glance of love, but she was cold
and stern. Madness, indeed, for poor musl-
clan. with nothing but his violin, 10 dare to
love the high-born Sophie, who had as many
noble ancestors as he had waltzes.
"Impertinent," said Sophie, aad when he
came TO give her brother lesson on the violin
she scarcely deigned him a look Shortly af-
forwards Sophie was berothed to Count Robert
Lord Chamberlain, who had indeed as many
proud ancestors as Sophie,s but beyond thest
and his titles, had nothing Of which he could
boast.
One day, when Strauss Glanced to be alone
with Sophie, he sank upon bis knees before her
and with burning words declared hls love, ant
oesought her TO give but one Wofd or iooA u
love eIe he was quite driven to despair. Bu
neither tears nor protestations moved her; Sh'
was cold and unfeeling marble. 81 am al
afianced bride," she said haughtily; Sand II
were not, think you ! would become the wil'
oi poor musician 2"
She turned away scornfully, and LETT hl'
alone 10 his grieI and despair. The repentance
which sooR awoke in the heart OF Sophir, IN
happily came too late. The bridegroom AM
her father fastened the marriage. In elgh
days she would be The wife of Count Robert
The ceremony was to be performed in the grea
saloon OF the city, and the Count called ol
Strauss to request him TO lead the orchestra Of
that occasion, and to honor his bride with tn
composition OF new waltz.
Strauss, the most miserable man IN Gods uni
verse, promised him both. "He wishes to woun
me yet more deeply" said the unhappy man t
himself; "but forgive him; and may she D
happy-may she never repent her choice. =
He addressed himself earnestly TO his work
This waltz should be The interpreter oil his pas
SION aud his grief 10 Sophie. 1t should cha
lengeat least her pity, if not her love. WhP
all The great city slept, Strauss took his violin