es under which it
was formed; the blissful idyl of the lovers in the isle of Majorca; the
awakening from the dream, and the separation--these and other striking
circumstances growing out of a close association with what was best in
Parisian art and life, invest the career of the man, aside from his art,
with more than common charm to the mind of the reader. Having touched
on these phases of Chopin's life at some length in a previous volume of
this series, we must reluctantly pass them by.

In closing this imperfect review of the Polish composer, it is enough to
say that the present generation has more than sustained the judgment
of his own as to the unique and wonderful beauty of his compositions.
Hardly any concert programme is considered complete without one or more
numbers selected from his works; and though there are but few pianists,
even in a day when Chopin as a stylist has been a study, who can do
his subtile and wonderful fancies justice, there is no composer for the
piano-forte who so fascinates the musical mind.

THALBERG AND GOTTSCHALK.

Thalberg one of the Greatest of Executants.--Bather a Man of Remarkable
Talents than of Genius.--Moscheles's Description of him.--The
Illegitimate Son of an Austrian Prince.--Early Introduction to
Musical Society in London and Vienna.--Beginning of his Career as a
Virtuoso.--The Brilliancy of his Career.--Is appointed Court Pianist to
the Emperor of Austria.--His Marriage.--Visits to America.--Thalborg's
Artistic Idiosyncrasy.--Robert Schumann on his Playing.--His Appearance
and Manner.--Characterization by George William Curtis.--Thalberg's
Style and Worth as an Artist.--His Pianoforte Method, and Place as a
Composer for the Piano.--Gott-schalk's Birth and Early Years.--He is
sent to Paris for Instruction.--Successful _Debut_ and Public
Concerts in Paris and Tour through the French Cities.--Friendship with
Berlioz.--Concert Tour to Spain.--Romantic Experiences.--Berlioz on
Gottschalk.--Reception of Gottschalk in America.--Criticism of his
Style.--Remarkable Success of his Concerts.--His Visit to the West
Indies, Mexico, and Central America.--Protracted Absence.--Gottschalk
on Life in the Tropics.--Return to the United States.--Three Brilliant
Musical Years.--Departure for South America.--Triumphant Procession
through the Spanish-American Cities.--Death at Rio Janeiro.--Notes on
Gottschalk as Man and Artist.

I.

One of the most remarkable of the great piano-