The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1880-10-22

Mr.. Dexter Smith e, A..
Boston Herald some ,on.rlpu.os W tne
cences Of the late az nm,i Tx ae v;nl;s
ist was verv abstemious and careful
nevar .tat ank no strong liquors, and
,,io ccrc % excess. His food was SIM
ta an sisting largely of fruit and vege-
49, To this mode of lie may be
w .iDuted Lis general good health. He
vas remarkably neat and simple in his
/ attire. He never wore heels upon his
shoes or boots, contending that they had
the effect of givina the body an un-
natural, STOPPING posture. He had a
great aversion TO hypocrisy and affec-
taiion. Upon one occasion, visitor
laughed immoderately at one of the
vioiinist's, witty stories, and afterward
apologized for seeming rudeness. "Oh,"
said Mr.. Bull, Z" do not mind; l like to
see any one natural. Do not be ashamed
OF laughing nor crying when you feel
II &c it. 1t is strange that human nature
is prone TO make an excuse for its better
impulses"
He disliked much of the German
music, and Wagner's compositions in
particular, although he was personally
warm friend of that composer. He
preferred Italian music to all others.
~ do not have to try to like the music
of Verdi" he said; lit comes without
trying" He considered Aida" a
masterpiece. He was also fond of
Gounod's Faust" why" he re-
their mechanical exactness and endless
harmonies, but they neglect the purer,
sweet melodies which reach the heart OF
the people. The majority of the public
have no time to read between the lines"
Captious critics have averred that Ole
Bull was not a classical musician, be-
cause he played folks songs and catered
| to the taste of the public. Why" he
said, Z" if the people pay their money to
hear me play Lucy Long and The
Arkansas Traveller why should / not
crafty themP Ishould feel that had
cheated them if l did not consult the
taste of my audience. Beside, 1 gener-
after having given them more solid
selections" tF..
Many anecdotes might be related to
illustrate his wonderful good nature and
hearty, sincere desire to add to the hap
piness of all with whom he came in
contact. Upon one occasion n friend
had called upon him to invite him to
take ride in the suburbs OF Boston. At
about the same time he heard of little
boy of his acquaintance who had
broken his leg, and was unable to leave
his bed. 81 must decline your kind
invitation to ride" he replied to his
friend, md he passed the afternoon
playing the violin for the amusement of
the little invalid.
While upon a concert tour in New
England he went into BARRIERS shop in
q small town where he was to play, in
order to be shaved. AS he entered the
shop, he found the barber fiddling away
with more strength than skill. AS the
barber began to lather the musicians
face, the latter remarked; $50 you play
the violinp" ION, yes" was the re-
joinder; &C am going to hear the
famous Ole Bull tonight. and expect
great treat. Have you ever heard
himP" Often, said the violinist. "How
do you like his playingP" continued the
barber. "Oh, he plays pretty well, but
l am never fully satisfied with his
work" "Is it possible ?" asked the bar
Der. "Wen," said he, &c am going to
hear him tonight and shall judge for
discovered the barber in the audience a
most attentive listener. When the
violinist entered the shop again the next
morning to be shaved, the barber said !:
AZ have broken my fiddle all to pieces. !"
Ole Bull made him present OF good
violin, and gave him from time to time
some most valuable instruction.
Meeting beggar in the streets of a
European city, he threw some money
into the hat of the men licant. He is .
Dane" Ole Bull remarked to his COM
paniOn, but he must not starve for all
that"
One instance is recalled when, hear
ing that distinguished clergyman had
been engaged to give lecture for the
benefit of struggling parish and had
taken more than the receipts for his pay,
Mr.. Bull volunteered his services and
freed the society from debt. He was
far from being well ON the night of the
concert, but be braved the Indictment
weather, saying: IF this had been an
engagement, whereby l was to receive
payment, should have felt like break
ing it, owing 10 illness, but cannot be
excused when such noble cause is to be
assisted"
He disliked rules and creeds with a
feeling approaching detestation. He
created his own canons of art, and he
changed them ut pleasure. A we'll
known Boston conductor once pleasantly
accused Mr.. Bull OF never playing the
same piece In the same tempt. "Of
course not" was the reply; ANY one
can follow the time in the same old
way; never feel in the same mood
twice. Why should | always play in
the same time and with the same colorp
1t is your Flooding nobody who is
satisfied. am ambtious" The con-
ductor appreciated the wit, il not the
logic, of the reply.
1t had been his intention to write a
work upon the violin, and he had, in
fact, laid out the work, but it is feared
that many Of the suggestions he might
have at least submitted to students of
music will not be given to the world,
unless his widow, who is thoroughly
conversaut with his ideas, should think
proper to publish them.