The herald., 1893-10-07
WAGNER l|KENED TO TYPHOID.
The Cheyalier de Konski De-
cries Lohengrin's Auth0r.
A Noted Pianist Who Was a Student
Under Beethoven.
He InduIges in Some Interesting Rem
iniscenses About German Com
posers and HIs Striking
Career.


lisr De Kontski, the court pianist to the
emperor Of Germany.
The chevalier reached this city last
week from San Francisco. and has been
stopping at the Ho,lenbeck. He is ac-
companied by his wife, Mime. De Kont-
ski, and his manager.
While in San Francisco the distin-
guished foreigner was most Hospitality
entertained by the people Of that city.
On one occasion while he was driving in
Golden Gate park, the band played the
Waking OF the Lion, his greatest COM
position. The chevalier was go delight
led that he entered the band stand and,
taking the baton, led the orchestra
through the entire selection. He has
since expressed himself as most pleased
with the San Francisco mueicians, and
stated that they were very excellent
performers.
The Chevalier was seen recently at
his apartments at the Hollenbeck by
HERALD representative and talked very
entertainingly about his career.
1t is the general impression that the
Chevalier is German, but he is not OF
the Fatherland. He was born in Pc.
land, and the characteristic patriotism
OF that race has not died out the least
particle in him. He was born a Po-
lander and his sentiments still cling to
the land of Kosciusko and Thaddeus Of
Warsaw.
The Chevalier is small man and is
78 years of age. While his head, impe-
rial and mouBtBche are snow white,
they are the only indications of his
years. He is very sprightly and con-
verses with much animation. He speaks
English but with not 80 much fuency
as does his wife who is considerably
younger than her husband and is quite
charming.
The Chevalier, however, found sniff
cient quantity of words to express him
self and particularly while discussing
the Wagner fad of the German race.
The Chevalier throws some light upon
the possibly true musical situation in
the Fathsrland, and does not hesitate
to exprels his opinion OF WAGNER.
In addition to his opinion OF Wagner,
Chevalier De Kontski related q number
of "reminiscences OF the older composers.
He was fellow student with Chopin,
who frequently asked his opinion of
come new composition.
One of the most startling character
istics OF the Chevalier is an exception
ally acute and strong memory. 1t is re-
lated OF him that on one occasion he heard
Chopin render one of his mszoprkas.
Shortly after. when he and Chopin were
together, the Chevalier asked for
Chopin's opinion upon a new compo-
.sitioB, .and4going to the piaaos rendered
the identical composition OF Chopin's,
which he had heard before. Chopin
was dun bounded. Finally he managed
to stammer forth his surprise as to how
tho Chevalier had managed to think of
the came selection which he b ad
thought to have been original with him
self. After joking him for some time,
the Chevalier finally explained the joke
which he had enacted upon his fellow
student, who received it with entire
good nature.
Although this was years ago. the
Chavalier is still possessed with q vein
OF humor and INDUCED in number of
dry, joking remarks while being inter-
viewed.
II was first appointed pianist to the
COulb Vi Iubbla Dy EIOuCIlCk Vllncim
Nv, in 1850. He was. himself very
TO very charming circle OF gentlemen
at this court, among them being Baron
Hubert, the writer; Meyerbear, the
composer, and Hildebrand, the painter.
1t was delightful society. We would
discuss biects and Meyerbeer and my
self would frequently play the piano for
them. After one OF my court recitals
the emperor was greatly pleased and
presented me with q large ring which
covered one of my finger joints. On the
next occasion when appeared wore
his gift and performed a number OF
difficult selections. When / had fin
ished, the emperor asked me how l was
able to play the piano 90 we'll when
wore such q heavy ring upon my hand.
"'Oh, your majesty | replied, If
you would bestow upon me ring for
each finger could. play all the better
He was pleased with this retort, and
several evenings after presented me with
another ring. When he died was again
appointed court pianist.
"On another occasion the Empress
Victoria-the present one-aeated her
eelf on the piano stool after had left
the instrument. What are you doing
there?' asked the emperor. i am 90
charmed with M. Kontski'a playing that
| am waiting to see If the key board will
not play itself after he has left it, she
replied.
''rhe present emperor is very different
at the court than when in public HeiB
very affable indeed and is fond OF music,
He is great advocate for Wagner, and
whenever any discussion takes place the
emperor always maintains Wagner. He
will not have any Wagnerian music
played at the court. Oh, no! But, like
all Of the Germans, while he does not
care for Wagner, be is carried along by
the flood of public sentiment. II he
should criticise Wagner the Germans
would accuse him OF being unpatriotic.
'They think that for one to appear
patriotic he must praise Wagner. Ihave
proved that his maaic is without melody,
and what Is music without that quality |
Wagner was scientific man.. but he
took the wrong course. Wagner Is what
you might term the German typhoid
fever. AS you know, if the typhoid is
not shaken off it will destroy you. 1t is
30 with Wagner's music. The German
people should break loose from this food
OF Wagnerism which they cannot under
stand. The Wagnerian music has not
been successfully produced in opera re-
Gently.
Vienna recently it was cursed from |
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