me had taken nearly every one completely
captive. I refer to the "Beautiful Blue Danube" waltz. But he declined
to play it. I again and again entreated him; for I not only delighted
to hear as often as possible this charming-selection, but, knowing Mr.
Jamieson's rare powers as a pianist, I was especially anxious to hear
_him_ give life to its magic strains. No amount of persuasion could
move him, however; and he finally ended the matter by telling me that
he never, under any circumstances, played dance-music, as he deemed
its practice an injury to one who wished to reach the highest
positions as a pianist. So I was compelled to pocket my
disappointment, and to go elsewhere for my "Beautiful Blue Danube."

Mr. Jamieson is an assiduous student, devoting several of the early
morning hours of each day to practice on the piano-forte. Even during
the heated term, when most artists neglect their instruments, and hie
away to enjoy the refreshing breezes of the sea-shore or the
mountains, he may much of the time be found at his rooms, undeterred
by the hot atmosphere, diligently at work keeping up the nice degree
of proficiency he has already attained, or bravely attacking whatever
difficulties remain to be overcome. He does, it is true, go away every
summer to a quiet nook in the country, remaining, however, only a
short while, and during which he does not, to any great extent, lessen
his hours of practice.

During the winter of 1874 he several times appeared at public concerts
in Boston and in other parts of New England. His performances at a
_soiree musicale_ at the Meionaon, Tremont Temple, Boston, were
alluded to in the following gratifying terms by "The Boston Globe:"--

"Mr. Jamieson exhibits much power and delicacy, and a
certain confident but not obtrusive manner, which will go
far, with his abilities, to place him in a high rank among
our pianists. He gave much satisfaction; his performance of
Liszt's fantasie on themes from Verdi's 'Rigoletto' showing
great skill in mastering the difficult technicalities in the
variations on the theme."

And in this manner by "The Boston Traveller:"--

"Mr. Jamieson has come into prominence in this city as a
pianist, and the ability he has shown has won him the regard
of musical people. His selections last evening were all of
the highest order, and were uniformly well performed.
Compositions of Chopin, Boscovitz, and L