The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-08-06

shrouded the violin. 1t was rich SUBJ
dued brown in color, almost shading int
black, and the transparent. enamel-like
varnlsh. OF which the old Cremona makers
knew the secret, was unscratched.
The makers name is not effaced," saic
the professor, handing the reporter the
violin, you will see it inside" The label
of Stradivarius, the greatest of Cremona's
vioIiE-makers. was yellow with age, but
varius. Cremona, faciebat 17l7."
Nineteenth century sharpers are in the
habit of forging the great Antonius'
labels, and sticking them inside violns
that are modern and nasty. But the proof
of CremOna is ia its playing. every bit
as much as the proof Of pudding is in the
eating.
THE Stradiyarius has magnificent
sounds" said the old professor with low
Seraphino. Crepsona. too. if you remem-
Der. SeraphinO was Stradivarius' cousin.
1t has suffered much" added the old mi an
ptyingy. as he drew the silk cover from
another and paler-colored violin. The
SeTaphinO has travelled a great deal; once
it was shpwrecked and the owner
drowned. They saved the violin, and as
made present of 1t TO me. That was
many. many years ago. See bow l was
forced to have 1t mended. The head is
clamped with brass and the body is peced.
but the repairing was we'll done and Ser
aphno's voice is as sound as ever.
Il will let you hear IL" he said, smiling
with naive pleasure at the interest taken
In his treasures. THE two have very diff
ferent voices" he added. STOPPING 10 screw
Ssraphino's pegs. This is sweet and 10
for drawing-room. The Stradivarlus can
be heard two blocks away, Its voice is for
grand concert"
IL was touching to see how tenderly and
lovingly the old musician handled his
viOlins. The most casual observer would
have guessed that in his eyes they we're
not bits of wood, cunningy peced to.
gether by mems hands. but living, sympa-
thetlc friends, who for many a long year
had listened and responded to his iDmo st
thoughts. vibrated inisympathy with his
own puIsatiOns. aud never, oh, never, be-
trayed his secrets,
The Seraphino was delicate ladylike
little creature. made to sing melodies for
the home. Professor Beaujardin drew his
DOW across the strings and broke into a
light 1alryike air that just suited the sweet
ringing soprano Of the violin. Though
his old hand trembled a little, it still re-
tained the touch Of master.
Leopold Laistenbarg, one of my pupils.
VINO is now directing the orchestra in the
Conservatory of New York. used TO come
ana see me on purpose to play this violin.
ne ,reIerred 1t to the Stradivarius.
ou notlse how much louder and more
penetrating that u.s." he added, picking UP
the osher Cremona, and bringing out rich,
Imll tones. In fine ''cantable" passage.
linen lie put his bow down. enchanting.
sadly; An. yes, l am old, and little
makes me tired, playsd better at - than
l 40 at 80. But my master Massard is
sun alive and his voice is Law in the Paris
conservatory. though he is 100. 1t seems
as u we both should 60 on living and
teaching forever. Yes; nave many
pMHplis In this city and elsewhere. II.
Wrlsmer is one Of them"
no" much You love your violins," the
reporter observed involuntarily, as the old
man wrapped The Cremonas tenderly in
'h s.f, SILK castings again.
lhry nave been my friends for MANY
years. n" replied. But am preparing
now 20 part with the Seraphino. Not In
.lis city An, no. A hundred dollars would
, ne tnought high price in San Francisco.
Inc otrauiVarlus, which is not for sale, IS
worth $4,000, and the SeraphinO not much
less"
And then Professor Beaujardin gave a
| meaIuelt sigh, as though It hurt him to
| sIiInk mat necessity forced him to esti-
lhate LIE money value Of his friends.