Page:Anecdotes of Great Musicians.djvu/61

Rh In other cases where the musical talent is not so great, continual repetition can hardly be forgiven.

It frequently occurs in the Latin service that parts of sentences must be repeated; and in order that the sense may be preserved the composer must have a good knowledge of the Latin. Otherwise he is liable to make some such blunder as did Porpora, Haydn's teacher, who once, in setting the Latin creed to music, arranged his words thus: "Credo, non credo, non credo in Deum." The church authorities were scandalized by such a sentiment expressed in a church service, and it was only by his explaining that he was ignorant of the Latin and did not mean to say he did not trust in God, that he saved himself from the terrors of the inquisition.

He was not the only composer that has set unorthodox words to his music. Many lesser lights in our own days are grinding out church music that is said to "combine poor poetry, bad music, and worse theology."  

Tartini was one of the greatest violinists of the last century. He was born at Pirano, in 1692. His parents were determined that he should enter the priesthood, but being unsuccessful in turning the lad that way, persuaded him to study law.

His secret marriage with a beautiful girl being discovered, he had to take flight. Finding refuge in a monastery, he remained there for some time, till he was discovered by a former acquaintance. His whereabouts being reported to the irate parents and a reconciliation being effected, he returned to his young wife, and, making his home at Padua, took up the study of the violin. He became famous in the musical world, and was besought by other countries to visit them that they might hear his wonderful playing, but he could not be tempted to leave his native soil.

The following story, concerning the composition 