The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-06-01
TWO GREAT ARTISTS
YsAYE, vIoLINIsT-G ERARDY,
CELLoIsT, IN THE CITY
The Maestro Gossips a Bit About His
Valuable Instruments-100,O 900
Francs Worth Of Violins

1t Is pronounced Izz-ah-ee, without any
accent 1t is given yariously by the public
as Isay, Isaya, LIZA, Izsah, and SO on, but
the first above given is phonetically the
correct way. for 1t comes from the highest
authority, the great virtuoso himself, cS
he sat in the pastors study In the Simpson
tabernacle last evening waiting for his call
to Vieuxtemp's fourth concert in d minor.
The maestro sat in an ecclesiastical chair,
such as would befit a bishop, for 1t had
been removed from the pulpit to make
place for the Instruments; and, in fact, he
looked like a prelate. for he Isl somewhat
ponderous and well fed IN appearance, with
Just the nice little side-whiskers that are
affected by churchmen when they reach the
episcopate. SO he appeared perfectly in
keeping with his surroundings save for the
subtle odor of an exquisite cigarette which
he pulled at while chatting.
BY his side was the cello case Of Ger
ardy, and Ysayes long, slim white hand
caressed 1t fondly as he talked. Through
the doorway came the heart-stirring
strains of the young artists cello giving
out the sonorous, complicated strains of
De Swerts concerto, and the elder mans
thoughts were evidently much of the time
affected by the wonderful power Of the
youths instrument, for the different har-
monies and measures plainly affected his
countenance, as the varying touches of
zephyr would ripple the surface of clear
pool.
Eyes, we have had most charming well
come" he said, land am very glad to see
Los Angeles again after the three years
have been away in Europe. Much has hap
pened in that time, not the least Of the
events being the passing of Remenyi In San
Francisco the other day." And here he re-
manned silent q moment, meditatively gaz-
ing at the little spiral of blue ascending
from his cigarette. I'VE have selected
program which seems to go well, for know
by the past that you were musical people
here, and that only the best compositions
would be acceptable to- you.
Have you heard Gerardy? No. Well,
you must; listen to that, now" and tones
TOO tender. too spiritual to be described by
the writer, yet strong enough to touch ones
lnmost soul, came through the partly open
door to the pulpit stage.
Eyes, he does play q magnificent instru-
ment"-this in response to remark on the
varius made in ITO, and 1t seems to have
retained some of the mellowness and
sweetness of every note that has ever been
played upon It.
"violins? Well, we have some precious
instruments here-something over a hun
dred thousand francs worth. That cello
of Gerardy's Is worth many thousands Of
francs, and my two violins-well. let me
tell you. One Is a Stradivarius Of 1882 and
the other Ia Guarnerius of 1772. It is hard
to choose between such violins, Is 1t not?
I play either one, often changing from one
number to another" Here there was a
storm Of applause, and in a few moments
young Gerardy came painting into the room,
having just finished his concerto. He could
only catch his breath when he had to re-
turn and bow his Acknowledgements and
give another selection to satisfy the clam
ors of the audience. Gerardy Is boy Of
10 and Victor Thrane, who Is the manager
land who, by the way, is the man who dis
covered Ellen Beach Yaw and brought her
OUT says that he has often to clear way
for the young man from the stage entrance
Of the theaters to his carriage through
throng of girls and women. who seem to be
carried away by their admiration for him.
Mr.. Ysaye. Mr.. Lachaume, the pianist.
and Gerardy are having an enjoyable time
of 1t here, as they are overrun with invita-
tions and attentions from musical people.
They will be here two days longer.