The state herald., 1890-07-04
4!szr AND The eYesles,
Weird MusIc ny Itouna anisns for the liehi.
~ u tho Great Maestro.

when Franz List was staying at tho
Castle Basili Alexhndris, In Mirccsci.
lie expressed a wish ID hear Roumanian
gypsy mtssic, and his friendly host Gu
gagged band Of gypsies to come. They
were gypsies from Jaifa and their lead.
err was called Barbh Lautar. All tho
band wore sort Of kattans, which
wer- belted girdles. They also wore
caps OF sheepskin and on their feet
they had sandals.
When they were brought into the
hall, where there was numerous
company assembled, each one laid his
hand on his heart and bowed deeply.
upon which the host had them served
with champagne rs greeting. Then
Barbu gave n sign by pointing with his
first fingers Of his right hand, and inn
mediately there resounded strangely
peculiar music through the hall. Tho
Instruments consisted of tiddlcs, flutes
and the cobza. tho strings OF which
were beaten with drumsticks. At first
they played u national march. After
1t was finished the Roumanian Bojars,
who were present, full of enthusiasm.
threw gold pieces into the old mans
cup. while they called Drink, Borbu
Lautar; drink master!" And the old
leader slipped his wine. while he kept
the gold pieces in his mouth,
After that followed u gypsy melody.
The whole melancholy Of the Steppes
breathed from this piece, when sud-
denly tho song was Interrupted by d
shrlll cry Of lamGntation, then tho in
strumtht stormed away in d wild
piestissin,o, like regiment of cavalry
passing over to an attack.
List was, completely enchanted by
thu wcnsleriul performance of the mu.
steal vagabonds, of whom none knew
n note, and when at the close all broke
out In applause, he, too, went up to old
Barbu. thew gold pieces into his cup
and drank to his health. Then he
said: You have now made me ne
quainted with Your musiei you shall
alsc hear mine"
With these words the great virtuoso
seated himself at the pianofor,e. while
every one listened eagerly and all
noise ceased. After n short prelude
tho master impruvised d Hungarian
march, whose broad melody hi Adorned
most wonderfully Win irills aud ar
pegsioA He seemed to intoxicate him
self on the tune and to forget every
thing around him. 1t was felt that he
sought to give vent to his excitement
which was called forth by tho gypsy
performance, With iantastical swift
mes, his fingers few over the keys, and
always again resounded the vibrating
melody OF the march through the cas-
calcs of sounds. The hearers seemed
spellbound. and hardly. dared ID
breathe. Old parl,n stared with wide
open ewes Al The player, and not note
Escaped him.
When the storm Of applause had
subsidized. which had broken out by
this improvisation. the old leader. too.
went up to List with glass of cham
payne in his hand and said: .Now il is
my turn. master. TO beg YOU to drink
with met While the great nrtist
knocked his glass against the upr held
by the gypsy, ha said! well Barbu,
what say you to this melodyPr lit is
pretty. MASTER replied the old leader.
II would like to try aud produce ii, if
you will allow it."
Li.st smlled Somewhat ,iuubtfully.
but nodded an assent. Then I.au,ar
turned % his S'vhts,la. popped his
Nddls UP % ms chin and played the
Hungarian march. M trill, no arpcg-
gio. and none OF the other ornarven,,ngs
Of the melody were waiting, Note for
note Barb. reproduced the improvisa.
Hon of the piano player on the violin.
His orchestra accompanied him. all the
members keeping their eyes on their
leader and following the low blending
which his bow indicated, as though led
by instinct, When The Inst soind had
died Away hisii sprang up, claspci the
Sla fellow stormily IN his arms and
called out. completely enrap,urcd;
"Barbu. yon are truly an artist OF
Coda me,cy!'