The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1871-06-11
"reminiscences of Aub.r.


/. "reminiscences Of Aubsr
Daniel Francois Auber, born ON the 29t
of January, 1882, has departed this Iif.
He was the son Of o wealthy merchant, an
he first saw the light at Caen, during
journey which his parents, who were IN
haoisants OF Paris, were making in Nor
mandy. He gave proofs of his musica
genius at an early age; and was instructed
In the elements of music by Ladurner. Il
such speedy effect that, while still youth
he composed several romances, which wer,
greatly admired by persons of conspicuou,
taste; nevertheless his debut as a lyri,
composer was deferred until he had reached
the mature age, for a musician, of thirty
one years.
Tue great secret of the wonderfully green
old age which Auber managed SO easily ia
attain lay in the minute regularity bro1gh,
to bear on all his habits during the later
period OF his lifetime: In giving an account
life, 1t may almost be said that give an
account of the last twenty years of his ex-
1stence. Auber was but q poor sleeper.
He actually slept less than Napoleon 1. He
retired at one in the morning and rose
at four in simmer and five in the winter
ne then went throug % the important opera
tion OF dressing, which he pr rfOrmed en-
tlrely without the aid of valet, and with
the greatest care for he was very particu-
lar about his linen and the general appear-
ance of his person. He dressed simply. in
sober colors, but yet there ALWAYS was
about him touch of the past beau. His
toilet accomplished, he would sit down to
his piano aud compose until six or seven
O'Clock, at which hours his doors were open
to visitors, He received all those who
asked admittance to his presence. Then.
for couple hours or SO he went through
the very tedious and fatiguing task of lis
tening to the applications of parents de-
siring to obtain the admittance of their
children to the Conservatoire Of Music. of
which he was director; or hearing the COM
plants OF pupils as to the mode of singing
they were forced to adopt by their profess.
ors; or again giving his attention to the
demands for changes of classes; or listen
ing to the singing Of those who wanted to
obtain his opinion and his advice. In the
latter case he often accompanied the appli.
cant on the piano himself, seeming rather
pleased If the pieces chosen were from his
own operas. When the clock struck nine
his doors were closed to the public. He
then generally went to the Conservatoire to
see for himself how things stood there.
Then, after driving about town in his
brougham on his business calls, he would
hasten back to his piano and work at his
compositions. In summer, on fine after
Moons, at the fashionable hours of four or
five, he could be seen In the Champs
Eiysees, seated in "Duc,"-a light kind
stepping black English horses, two beaIti-
fui animals with swan-like necks and limbs
as line as those of antelopes. His English
groom was ON the bog behind him, with his
arms folded, and as stiff as English grooms
usually are. On the seat to his left sat
little oiack-and tan terrier, very small, but
great pet of his master. This turnout
had stylish but quiet and genteel appear
ance, which denoted the refined taste of its
owner. Auber knew and was known by
all persons of distinction 10 Paris, and con-
sequentiy, when going round the lake of
were given aud returned. AS half-past five
he took his only meal of the day, his din
ner. He neither breakfasted nor lupched,
but simply partook of one repast, and that
very light and simple one. After his
dinner he would regularly go to the Grand
Opera, FROM which he returned at one o'clock
in the morning, alone and quite unprotect-
ed. Auber was, in the fun sense of the
word, finished gentleman. His manners
were aftable, and his poiiteness, particu-
larry to women, prOvSrbial. He was,
moreover great amateur of pictures. He
had a cabinet where he kept a rare collec-
tion of pictures and marbles. Que LAST re-
mark will prove once more how wonder
fully this extraordinary man retained all
his vital powers to their full extent. Until
the very day of his death Auber was never
seen to wear glasses; his eyesight was
keen aud his hearing exceedingly acute. aa
indeed they must have been, for he pre-
sided at all the yearly concours of the Con
servatoire. The great composer epioyed
an income OF hundred ana fifty thousand
francs. he was humane aud generous, aud
always ready To obiSe. The numerous ap-
pllcati"ns Tor help which were made to him
Were always hst"""o ~ and granted. All
his atteldauts were old people, who has,
waited upon hi'S, Some Tor about thirty
years. Other tweniy ar tNenty five. The
porter OF the loaS. was Al leasL seventy to
seventy i've years old. Aubrr had ,uhab-
tied the same house 10 the Rue ST. George
Tor thirty years or more. He never left
Paris, which he loved, even oncs duriur