Page:Anecdotes of Great Musicians.djvu/63

Rh were used by an ignorant gardener to tie round some young apple trees, thus to preserve them from harm; and how many of Schubert's beautiful melodies lay for years in garrets and in out-of-the-way corners, until resurrected by Schumann and other enthusiasts.

But perhaps the worst misfortune that ever happened to a composer in this line, fell upon Rinaldo di Capua, said to be the originator of the "recitative." Whether this honor justly belongs to him or not is, however, uncertain. Be that as it may, he was an excellent and industrious writer, and accumulated during his years of composition a goodly number of scores.

In his old age, feeling the need of the money they would bring from the publisher, he searched for them, but could find them nowhere. Further inquiries pointed to the probability that a profligate son, who had been the apple of the old man's eye, so to speak, had disposed of this valuable pile of manuscripts to a dealer in waste paper!  

It is no infrequent thing in musical centers, especially in European cities, to find organized attempts to affect the appearance of some prominent singer, either favorably or the opposite.

Perhaps the manager of the opera may have some new star whom he wishes to bring to the notice of the public in the most flattering manner possible. Perhaps it is some singer unknown to that city whom he wants to give a flattering reception. If so, the machinery is at once set in motion.

Men and women are scattered through the house, and each one has his instructions to assist in the applause, the "bravos," the encores, and probably the flowers that are sent up to the stage. The favorite is brought before the curtain and a spontaneous (?) ovation is given her, and, of course, the public are informed of all this in