The Delaware ledger. (Newark, Del.) 1879-19??, 1885-11-14

given no intimation of its strength. Now
she seemed to have an unbending will. a
patient perseverance that would stop al
no delay. She asked again and again for
violin. She begged for "real violin
and teacher" Her father was utterly
opposed to giving a girl violin and it
was only at the end of persistent en-
treaties that she received her hearts de-
sire--a small violin.
The affair was talked over and the
First Violin of the orchestra, Mr. Felix
simon, now teacher at Fordham Col
lege, near New York, became so inter
ested IN the girl that he offered to give
her lessons for a year. Then, if it was
proved that the girl had real talent
she must go to Paris.
She was about five years of ACE whom
she began to visit the First Violin,s
house every day for her lessons. First
there were the lessons in merely holdino
the instrument. Hours were spent study
ing without bow, merely getting an
easy and graceful position. The demure
child gravely held the violin as she was
DID ten minutes at time and then laid
II down for rest. Again hold it in posi-
ton. Head up, left arm bent forward so
that she could see her elbow under the
violin. Stand perfectly still with tbe
right hand hanging down. Three weeks
OF this business and then came the bow.
NOT sound yet. Only dumb motions
Tor two hours at time every lesson.
This was studying music.
Tears and terrible weariness over the
dreary task. She could not do it right
and yet she kept on trying. Her hand
was too small, her limbs too young and
yet she kept on, not alone because she
was taking lessons, but from her own
earnest will, her determination to be-
come player. Every day three hours
practice with the dumb violin. Three
months labor and then it was decided
that the young pupil could have some
rosin on her bow. Now she would real
ly begin to play.
The first lessons in music were merely
exercises in long slow notes TO gain n
fine pure and sustained tone. Weeks
grew to months and the tone grew in
strength and beauty. More than a wear
passed and during this time she had
only once played before any one, save
her teacher and her family.
From the time she appeared for the
hrst time at the Town Hall in her native
Nantes, till she was fourteen wears of
age, she lived strange, eventful life.
There is this about music, that, however
great or beautiful it may be at the time
1t is heard, when it is past it is like a
tale that is told. 1t is difficult to under
stand the enthusiasm of those who
heard music we cannot hear. 1t is the
same with Camilla Urso. The story of
her childhood must always have GER
tain sense of the romantic.
Concert giving in the United States
Is Is severe trial to brain and body and in
June, 1868, she felt constrained to escaps
70 Europe again for rest and-practice.
Many would call it work, not rest vet
there is this about the musical life-it
helps, and soothes and Strengthens those
who heartily love it. 1t is the bad air
the cold ante-rooms and the light and
glare OF concert giving that wears on
nerve and heart
Madam Urso remained at Boulpne srr
her for some time, and in September.
1869, were directly from Paris to San
francisco, California. Here she insti-
uted and gave a great music festival
lhere were at that time no regular choral
iocleties, and to secure chorus she had
o call one together from towns in Cali
ornla and Nevada and to set them all at
heir practice lessons. A very large
orchestra had to be engaged and drilled,
public interest in the festival excited
Ihd, IN TACT, all had to be done from the
'eglnnlng. The festival was a greet
ocial and musical event, and did more
Q create an interest in music in that
'tate than anything that has ever been
lohe' Many of the Choral Societies now
i work there date their inspiration and
'irth from Camilla Urso's example and
enthusiasm. The festival lasted five davs
nd the attendance each day exceeded
Ilteen thousand. There was chorus of
we've hundre |, and orchestra of over
hree hundred musicians, and ON two
ays there was chorus of two Thousand
ublic school children. The festival was
wen Tor the benefit of the Mercantile
horary Association of San Francisco.
ut at Madam Urso's risk, and the share
the profits given to the Association
mounted to $4,000.
from that time to the present she has
ppeared in nearly every portion of the
Villzed globe, and no place has she
cen received but with the greatest on.
lusiasm and praise.
In personal appearance Camilla Irrso
uhder the medium height, has large
lu expressive eyes and most pleasing
nd attractive manner. In nlavino sbo
ecomes intensely absorbed in her work
ld permits her rather fiery spirit to
ave iull sway. At rest and away from
le concert stage she is quiet, though
right and talkative in certain plain
nd pleasant homely fashion.
These things l have written down from
intimate knowledge of the life and
orks of Camilla Urso and as tribute
respect to a great artist. In book en-
tied 'Camilla-a tale of violin" these
W notes of an active life are more fully
eated.
The study of any life must be n helm