Louisiana capitolian., 1880-06-19
THE SOUTHERN VI0LIN1sT.

The great charm Of the entertain
ment, however, lay in the violin per-
formance Of Mr.. Monte Pickens, Of
Courtlagd, Ala. TO say that Mr..
Pickens showed himself master Of the
violin is only to reflect the opinion Of
all who heard him OH this memorable
OCCASION. The high degree of per-
tectiom which he has attained in this
eminent branch Of the musical art is
| wonderful, when it is remembered
that he is comparatively youthful and
entirely self-educated in music
Throughout the long and exquisite
"Ma Normandie,' and the beautiful
but difficult "Fitth Air' of Beberiot,
which he played, his bowling and in
donations were executed with such
graceful ease and artistic excellence
that one was reminded of the great
Wil|iclmj. Mr.. Pickens was accom-
panied on the piano under the accu-
rate and exquisite touch Of his sister,
Miss rtrude.-NashriIle Americ0n.
At mere glance, the above may
prove unintercstiDg to our readers,
but when it's local connection is made
known, pride will take the part Of
indifference, The notice comes from
one of the most prominent Journals
in the South, and attests the unbotn-
dcd success of y0urg man VINO, 10
our knowledge, has had hard and
discouraging contest withadverslty IN
his ambitious struggle for the devct-
opmcnt of his genius and its attend
ant reward-fame. The successful
ovation alluded to was on the occa-
sion OF concert given in honor OF
the Knight Templars, iii Nashville,
Tenn, some time ago,
Monte Pickens is n native Louis
, ianian, having been born in the classic
and picturesque little town OF Sparta
from whence, after the war, he went
4 with his parents to Coushatta. Here
t the usual routine of life's pursuits
] marked his career until he reached
L manhood's estate. About this time
he developed a talent for the "ar
divine" and throwing up his "sticl
and rule" he gave up his fellowship
10 in the typographical craft, and besa'
the study of music.
h Since that period his life has beer
g checkercd, traught with povert,
+ and disaster; but by 1int Of indoml
II table will, which has so characterlze'
II his efforts since childhood, he wade'
+ through, advcrsitics and surmounte
n obstable after obstacle. From Lou
d isiana he went to Alabama and loca
Of ted at the pleasant little village {
S. Mountain Home, where greater al
T. vantaccs were afforded him. Fo
l. two wears, in this secluded retreat
lc he applied himself zcalously. Afte'
l. wards he went to Georgia, where ff
'e q long period lie applied alternatel
III to setting and his violin-tl
n one to "keep the wolf from the door
while the other nurturcd his hungr
T. love for music. In this way he h;
&C changed from State to State and plat
re to place until he has q lnost attalne
10 the acme of his exalted ambition
III And though Alabama has been ii
H. principal seat Of his learning, and
w whom should be given the great NEE
to of praise and gratitude, still, viii
congratulatiny our young friend, "
nc would remind him that Louisial
lis holds the birthright of his genius.
All hail, gifted dcvotee of the vi
az lin-all hail! Your generous you'
as heart and sweet melody will soon W
p you an exalted place in the hearts
en- orr cOuntrymen