ption and correctness of detail, that they rather resemble a
highly finished picture, than a colder work of words only. They have
all the splendor of a brilliant painting. He seizes the secrets of the
nationality of these forms, traces them through the heart of the Polish
people, follows them through their marvelous transfiguration in the
pages of the Polish artist, and reads by their light much of the
sensitive and exclusive character of Chopin, analyzing it with the skill
of love, while depicting it with romantic eloquence.

To those who can produce the compositions of Chopin in the spirit of
their author, no words are necessary. They follow with the heart the
poetic and palpitating emotions so exquisitely wrought through the
aerial tissue of the tones by this "subtle-souled Psychologist," this
bold and original explorer in the invisible world of sound;--all honor
to their genius:

"Oh, happy! and of many millions, they
The purest chosen, whom Art's service pure
Hallows and claims--whose hearts are made her throne,
Whose lips her oracle, ordained secure,
To lead a priestly life, and feed the ray
Of her eternal shrine, to them alone
Her glorious countenance unveiled is shown:
Ye, the high brotherhood she links, rejoice
In the great rank allotted by her choice!
The loftiest rank the spiritual world sublime,
Rich with its starry thrones, gives to the sons of Time!"

Schiller.

Short but glowing sketches of Heine, Meyerbeer, Adolphe Nourrit, Hiller,
Eugene Delacroix, Niemcevicz, Mickiewicz, and Madame Sand, occur in the
book. The description of the last days of poor Chopin's melancholy life,
with the untiring devotion of those around him, including the beautiful
countess, Delphine Potocka; his cherished sister, Louise; his devoted
friend and pupil, M. Gutman, with the great Liszt himself, is full of
tragic interest.

No pains have been spared by the translator to make the translation
acceptable, for the task was truly a labor of love. No motives of
interest induced the lingering over the careful rendering of the charmed
pages, but an intense desire that our people should know more of musical
art; that while acknowledging the generosity and eloquence of Liszt,
they should learn to appreciate and love the more subtle fire, the more
creative genius of the unfortunate, but honorable and honored artist,
Chopin.