The Wichita daily eagle., 1893-12-31

word. and this is better than a con
| tract" This anecdote is characteristic
! of the man.
The second trip in Norway was a
triumphal march. At the last of a
series of historical piano recitals given
| in Bergen, DeGreef was presented
with laurel wreath after magnifi-
cent performance of Grieg's "A Minor
(! Concerto" The artist at once stepped
down among the audience, took the
composer, who was present, BY
the hand, led him to the plat
form and placed the wreath on
! his head Grieg, of course, resisted,
while DeGreef, who is a giant in physic-
al as well as artistic strength, persist
ed. but finally, amid deafening ap-
plause, the Morse tone-poet was per-
mitted to take the wreath and crown
the Belgian interpreter of his tone
/ poem with it.
After having played at all the prin-
cipal cities of Norway. NJ DeGrecf
and his friend sailed from Christiania
on the steamer Alpha. bound for Ant
werp. At Arendal. one of the ports
where they touched, gentleman
came on board and proposed concert
at Christiansand, their last stopping
place in Norway. The idea was favor
ably received, the captains consent to
delay the vessel was obtained and the
gentlemen speedily telegraphed the
news to friends in Christiansand They,
in turn, announced the concert by tel
ephone to all parts of the city. 1t was
then four o'clock in the afternoon
The programme, which was written on
tist among the passengers and fastened
later on the door of the concert hall, A.,
stated that the concert was to begin
promptly at eight o'clock in the even
ing. DeGreef made his toilet on board.
A crowded house awaited his coming,
and he was greeted as an old friend by
hosts Of admirers he had won through
responded good-naturedly when
piece after piece was called for
regardless of the prescribed pro-
gramme. The concert was followed
by champagne supper at the club,
enlivened by sparkling toasts, and
then the entire company followed the
guests to the steamer, wishing them
prosperous voyage and a speedy return.
Capt. Nelson, the captain in charge,
who had been present at both concert
and supper and had excused himself
early, surprised them with a magnif-
cent display of fireworks.
In January, 1890. the celebrated
Colonne of Paris gave the second part
of his concerts on two consecutive Sun
days to Edward Grieg. intrusting to
him the precious baton which, save
himself. no other than Rubenstein
and Tschaihowskv had welded before
Upon this occasion Arthur DeGreef
once more PLAYED the Grieg A minor
piano concerto in the French metropo-
lis. this time By Grieg's special invita-
tiou. and with an orchestra under
Grieg's leadership. The Morse cornpos-
er's admiration for him as a man ard
an artist had not been dulled
BIZ time. and having discovered the
gifted Belgian's great talent for COM
position he begged him not 70 allow
his skill in interpreting the works Of
others TO Interfere with his own orig
inal productions There were others
who discovered his ability as com
poser y manuscript ot his 'Varis-
tious for String Orchestra on Flern-
ish Popular Air fell one day into the
hands of Gevae-t. the omnipoten- di-
rector of the Brussels Conservatory OF
Music he ordered i, 20 be performed
By his orchestra. which ranks exceed
ingly high. having finer strings than
any other IN the world, since the best
violiuists are now Of the Belgian
school This was an exceptional CON-
pl;ment. :or according TO tradition IL
was customary for the works ot no Iir-
ing composer 70 be given a. The per-
fornaDces of this orchestra Evcn
List. VINO az one time expressed De-
sire 20 have something OF his brought
out under Ge-aert's magic baton. -.-
ceiveG the reply. Yes. master. some
day when ron are above"