The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-07-20
OF and About the
Makers of Books.
Notices of Recent Interesting Volumes and
Chats Concerning Literary Men and Women.

| Reber. who perceived his capabilities
and soon promoted him to, the equally
| considerate care of Ambroise Thomas.
1t was Thomas who once said OF the
composer OF Maroon" when accused at
this early date of writing too vast
a deal OF Indifferent stun: LET him
sew his wild oats. You will find that
when he has sobered down and become
more reflective. he will achieve some
thing. He is genius" And Mr..
Thomas prediction was signally real
ized.
1t was In the year 1865 that Massenet
first came into public recognition. by
winning the first prize In counterpoint
| and fugue at the Conservatoire and the
Grand Prize for musical composition at
| the lnstitut de France. NJ. Comettant
narrates upon the authority of M. Mus
senet himself an interesting rem!nis-
cence OF thar epochal period In the
youcg composers career. which we uln-
| not do better than to repeat In his own
| words. 1t should first be said that at
this time although Massenet was 2l
years old and married. he did not look
to be above 16.
"The composer" saws NJ. Comettant,
had just returned to France. after pas
sing in Italy and Germany the regula-
ton period accorded the laureates OF the
Institute. While walking in the street
he met Pasdeloup. the founder and di-
rector OF the celebrated Popular Con-
certs.' Pasdeloup was one of the best
men in the world. but he had the habit
AZ ttv,sr In
brusQue and patronizing manner. He
had only seen Massenet once, and that
was during the performance of the
cantata for which he had been awarded
the Grand Prize. AS has already been
stated. Massenet looked much younger
than he really was. Pasdeloup accosted
him with a frown, as though he had
something disagreeable to tell him,
and speaking in an extensively familiar
and condescendinS manner. said:
"'Ah. so YOU have returned to France.
What have you been doing during your
absence?'
~ have been writing music NJ. Pas
delouc.'
That Is all very we'll: but 1t Is not
sufficient to write; you must write good
music. Is your music really good?'
Sir, 1t is not for me to pass judgment
upon t.
"'You have written. I believe. an
orchestral suite?'
"'Yes. sir.
"'Well. but everybody writes orches-
trail suites. Is yours a good one? Are
you satisfied with IT.?
Ill -
obliged to admit that 1t pleases me
when I play it on the piano, but I
have not yet heard 1t performed by an
orchestra
"'Of course It pleases you. But how
much music is there that pleases Its
composer, and yet Is not worth but
ton? Can see your manuscript
You do me too much honor Mon
sieur Pasdeloup. I will send my score
to you this very evening"
"'Good. I will tell you what think
Of it and whether it pleases me as much
as 1t pleases you. Let me say that I
think very little of the music OF young
men who win the Prix de Rome. They
only know how to initiate the faults Of
the masters they study. However, We
shall see.'
And Pasdeloup Quilted Massenet
with an air of utter dissatisfaction,
THE young composer hastened home
and told his family Of the interview and
Of the faint hope he cherished that his
suite might possibly be performed at
the famous Popular Concerts. He then
rolled up his score, took II to Pasde-
loup's residence and left It with the
concierge. Ten days later Massenet re-
celved by post gift which filled him
with equal joy and surprise. 1t was a
ticket admitting him to rehearsal. He
was Invited to the Cirque d'Hiver, where
the Popular Concerts were given, to
hear a rehearsal Of his orchestral
suite.
Next day, full Of excitement, ne set
out for the rehearsal. On arriving at
the door. however, he had not sufficient
to enter so overcome was he by
his emotions. Perhaps thought he,
the orchestral effect may not be what
i intended and he felt that he had not
strength to brave the severe criticisms
OF Pasdeloup and the jeers of the men,
bers of the orchestra.
"Massenet returned home without
having dared to listen to the rehearsal
Of his work and wholly disconsolate
with himself. He called himself a cow
ard and pretender, and as he passed
along the boulevard his eye mechanic
ally seeking the announcements of the
performances atsthe theatres and con-
certs. he was suddenly astounded to see
his own name on the programme of
the Pasdeloup concert to be given on the |
following Sunday. They were really |
going to play his suite! He ran rather
than walked home to announce the |
glorious news.
They play my suite Sunday
Popular Concerts.-Oh! how my heart |
beats." g.
An equally interesting anecdote Is
narrated concerning Saint Saens VINO Is |
to symphony what Massenet has been
to harmony and counterpoint. Prior to |
The production Of the formers single |
grand opera. "Ascanio," in 1889, Saint !!
5aens, in obedience to custom, had |
1ultted Paris for the country and left |
no word as to his address. When the !
,pera was put under rehearsal It was
supposed as a matter OF course that the |
composer would return to supervise the
,arious details but herein was public
expectation disappointed, Finally the
French governments curiosity was
and 1t instructed It's diplomatic
gents throughout the world to make in
luiries as to the composers where
bouts. The failure Of this inquiry gave
Use to the rumor that Saint-Saens had
lied In some part Of Ceylon where GER
ain French travellers believed they had
'een him as he was making his way to
Japan. The fact was, as afterward
that on the very day that
Ascanio" was produced with great sue
ess In the Academy Of Music. Paris.
was purposely secreted in
me Of the Canary Islands. where he
80 A..