The times., 1901-06-02
RECOLLECTIONS OF BERLIN
A Washington Pianist Talks About
the German Capital.
The Greatest Music Centre in the
WorId-Institutions and Organiza-
tiona Aided by the Government
nioritz MoszhoyysI<i n Teacher.

A Washington pianist. young woman
who is as interesting as a talker as she
is entertaining as player, gives a glow
I ing description of Berlin, where shC
studied for several years. and discusses
with profound pride the qualities of he1
teacher Moritz Moszkowski, the eminent
composer and pianist. Berlin, she says
besides being one of the worlds first
cities, is undoubtedly it's greatest musical
centre. Music as an art is there en-
couraged and patronized by the Govern
ment, as is the case in most Continental
cities. and the Royal Opera, which gives
daily performances during ten months of
the year: the Royal Opera House Or
chestra. which, besides assisting at these
performances, gives a series of symphony
concerts every season. and the Royal High
School of Music, under the direction Of
Joachim, the great violinist, are subsi-
died by the Government, which thereby
plays an important part in fostering art.
Besides these, there are innumerable con-
servatories, societies, academies. and
schools of music, and Beriins advantages
in this direction are so great that it is
naturally mecca for music students, who
flock there in countless numbers from
every quarter of the globe, and form a
considerable and considered element in
the population of that great city.
las a natural consequence of-perhaps
the reason for-its great musical activity
it is the place of residence of many of the
worlds most eminent musicians and ar
lists. creative and productive. Among
this galaxy none was more renowned
admired, than Moritz Moszkowski. In
the capacity of composer he is known all
tha Acid HI
cradle works for orchestra, his operas,
concerts, etc, what piano player is not
familiar with his delightful compositions
for this most popular of instruments? In
this genre is Moszkowski particularly
happy, for all his piano pieces are pecu-
liarly grateful, both musically and pianis-
tically. and his reputation would be as
sured in this branch of art alone. As
man and friend. his popularity is dis
puted with no one, and ne bears the
reputation of being personally the best
liked and most popular musician in Ber-
lin. He lives in the West End, the new
and fashionable residence quarter OF the
city, occupying the top floor of a hand
some apartment house.
1T is a remarkable habit. this universal
Continental one of living on the top floor,
and it leaves foreigners at loss to COM
prehend who can possibly occupy the
lower floors of the huge apartment houses,
which are the feature OF Continental arch
itecture. During a residence of several
years in Germany l was never able TO
discover one single person who lived less
than four or FIVE long flights of stairs
up, for the natives have an artless habit
of never counting the first two stories as
such, simply alluding to them as parterre
and mezzanin.
''Moszkowskis beautiful home was
until few years ago, presided over by
his charming wife. and it used to be the
Berlin custom. when taunted with the
notorious fact that none of her great
musicians lived in domestic harmony, TO
point with pride TO the Moszllowskis,
who seemed completely to refute the ac-
cusation.
Frau Moszkowski was a Parisienne, a
sister Of Cecile Chaminade, The cele-
brated composer. Moszkowski met and
married her during a residence of some
years at the French capital 1t appeared
to be a happy match. but after several
years of married life they separated
owing to incbmpatibility of temper, and
Frau Moszkowski returned TO Paris
leaving with their father their two lovely
tiitAl d 10y VI 4DAAs anu
Silvia a girl of two.
u enquired one day If either Of the
children was specially musical, and Herr
replied: No; Gott sci Dank,
but my son is nevertheless a wunder-
kind. 1 asked wherein. and ne made
answer: Because he is already four
years old and does not play the piano
is great wit, and his bon
mots' are features of Berlin's Bohemian
life. His brother Heinrich is the editor
of comic paper, and it is an open secret
that most of it's wit emanates from the
clever brain Of Moritz. One day after
lesson, in helping me get my Jacket on,
he picked it up awl1wardly, slightly tear
ing the fur collar in the seam, remark
ing, apologeticaTly: oh! pardon me; ]
took a wrong lingering that time
In spite of his motto, 1T is better to
receive than give-music lessons which
would seem to prove that it is not a
favorite occupation with him, he was a
most inspiring teacher Devoting most
Of his time to composition and besides
being almost a nervous invalid, he limits
himself in the number of his pupils
never accepting more than ten or twelve.
On account of his International reputa-
ton. he is the most sought after teacher
In Berlin. and the difficulty of procuring
lessons from him is a great one.
ITO become his pupil one must have
extraordinary qualifications, recommenda-
ions, or good fortune. but when one has
,couired the honor, all is smooth sailing.
and lessons are a delight His manner is
so friendly and genial that all the feel
ng Of awe one expects to experience in
he presence of great man is entirely
absent He encourages and inspires a
pupil to his best efforts. He is great
pianist himself. and nothing but nervous
ness precuded his being great yirtuoso
o which career he once aspired. In his
music room two grand pianos stand side
By side: at one the pupil sits, at the other
Herr Moszkowski, pointing his criticism
with manual illustration. in spite of the
fact that he rarely practices of recent
years, his repertoire and technique still
cover the eh.ire field of piano literature,
and anything his pupils may be studying
he is able to play from memory in the most
mastery manner. He rarely loses his
,uayity of temper during his lessons
iever unless the pupil is very talented,
and he is therefore specially interested.
IN which case he sometimes gets into
age, If the occasion demands it. His
east talented pupils have, therefore, the
highest opinion of his gentleness. Being
lervous himself, he can fully appreciate
he feeling in his pupils, and makes al
owanee for it, although he will not ex-
use too much on its account. / can still
'ividly remember how / felt at one of my
essons, when, to palliate some wretched
exclaimed, oh. indeed,
Herr MoszkoWski, l could play that quite
we'll at home, when l was practicing it
~ myself A look of great weariness
his countenance as he an
~ lag