Sensitive sense of hearing – Camille Saint-Saens

When he was a boy, the parents of famous French composer Camille Saint-Saens (1835-1921) took him to a concert. Before that, little Camille heard only single performances of piano and violin, but on that occasion he was listening a real symphony concert.

Later, in his memoires, Camille Saint-Saens wrote:

“The impression of the orchestra was entirely different and I listened with delight to a passage played by a quartet, when, suddenly, came a blast from the brass instruments—the trumpets, trombones and cymbals. I broke into loud cries, “Make them stop. They prevent my hearing the music.” They had to take me out.”

read more...

Entertainer - Fritz Kreisler

Famous Austrian-born violinist and composer Friedrich 'Fritz' Kreisler (1875 –1962) was once asked by some rich American woman if he would be interested to perform at her party. For a certain fee, of course. Virtuoso answered with “yes”.

- “So, your performance at my party, how much will it cost me?” – asked the rich woman.

- “$5000.” – Kreisler answered.

- “Excellent!” – said the hostess. “But, I want you to know that I do not expect from you to chat with my guest and entertain them after your performance.”

- “Even better.” – said Kreisler. “In that case I will charge you with $2000”.

read more...

Insurance – Leopold Godowsky, Jr.

Leopold Godowsky Jr. (1900-1983), American violinist,  inventor of first practical color transparency film (Kodachrome) and son of the famous pianist and composer of the same name, once asked his sister to drive his children, three-year-old twins, to his home.

“Please drive carefully”, Leopold warned his sister, “as I have two violins worth fifty thousand dollars in the luggage compartment”.

“You're so insensitive!” – his sister said. “Which am I supposed to watch first, the twins or the fiddles?”

“The twins, of course” – said Godowsky. “The violins are very well insured”.

read more...

Soul trapped in a violin – Niccolo Paganini

Even when he was still alive, people often claimed that famous Italian violinist Niccolo Paganini (1782-1840) has sold his soul to the devil in exchange for a gift of unmistakable playing.

However, Paganini always denied this and claimed that his soul is, in fact, trapped in a violin.

On one occasion, when Paganini’s precious violin began to curve, he realized that he would have to take it to some constructor of musical instruments who will repair it.

Since he didn’t wanted to lose the violin out of his sight, he watched carefully the repairing process.

Bathed in sweat, trembling, Paganini waited for the outcome of repair.

Each time he heard the sound of tools and creaking of wood, Paganini started to cry and sob.

“My God, this is as if you’re drilling my womb with a chisel.” – cried the famous violinist.

read more...