Complete Encyclopaedia of Music/A/Artot, Joseph

Artot, Joseph, a celebrated violinist, was born at Brussels on the 4th February, 1815 ; received his first lessons of his father, who was first hornist at the theatre ; at the age of six or seven, played in public a concerto of Viotti ; was sent to Paris, and made a page in the royal chapel ; took the second prize at the Conservatoire, at the age of 12. IIe then performed with success in his native city, London, he., and then for some time was attached to orchestras in the theatres of Paris. But the desire of distinguishing himself led him to renounce these situations for an artistic tour in the south of France, where he had brilliant success. He visited the United States, and gave concerts with Mme. Cinti Damoureau, in 1814, and died soon after his return to Europe. Some interesting particulars of the last days of Artot appeared at that time. "He made, the year previous, a journey into Italy for the benefit of leis health, and, finding it somewhat reestablished, was anxious to go to Madrid, hoping there to add a flower to his crown. He was, however, full of sad presentiments, and receiving, on the eve of his departure, the order of Leopold from the King of Belgium, said to his friends, after expressing his pleasure at the unexpected distinction, 'It is a crown upon a coffin.' At Madrid he had a brilliant success ; the queen wished to hear him, but at one of his last concerts he was exposed to a current of freezing air, and the cold thus caught brought on a mortal illness. Seeing his end approach, the poor artist wished, at least, to die in France, and was, though with great difficulty, transported thither. There is something in these details which harmonizes with the feminine delicacy and refined sentiment that distinguished the playing of Artot."