Fragments of an Autobiography. By Felix Moscheles. (J. Nisbet and
Co. 10s.) - We must be prepared, we suppose, for a volume of recollections from every one who is sufficiently notable to be included in "Who's Who." Mr. Moscheles has at least an average right to speak. He has known distinguished people. His early associations were with music ; naturally enough, as he was the son of a distinguished musician. Mendel- esohn was his godfather, and Barry Cornwall wrote a little christening ode, in which he prophesied blessings from "the sweet maid, Music." Mr. Moscheles has followed, however, another of the arts. This seems to have brought him interesting friendships. He painted Mazzini, of whose sombre figure he gives us a fine reproduction, and President Cleveland, and Robert Browning. There are not many good stories, but the whole book is pleasant reading. Here is an example of the hoc vilium est cantoribus. Madame Schumann was wanted to play at a little musical reunion, but she did not respond. Mr. Moscheles was deputed to approach her. "Was she inclined to play ?" "Particularly disinclined," was the discouraging response. The envoy mentioned her husband's Carnaval. "One part I particularly love, the March of the Davidsbiindler.' If I could only hear you play just that page or two!" This roused her. "Page or two, indeed ! " she cried, "Wean man den Carnaval spielt, spielt man ihn ganz." And she played the whole. From the Browning chapter we take one fine saying of the poet. Mr. Moscheles, to account for the Anti-Semitic feeling, alluded to the difference in appearance and manner between Christians and Jews of the lower class. "Naturally, their characteristics would become more intensified through long exclusion from other groups of men ; their manners would be unlike those of others with whom they were not allowed to mix. No wonder, if hedged in as they were those peculiarities took offensive shapes. Does not every develop- ment, to become normal, require space ? Why, our very foot, if you restrict it and hedge it in, throws out a corn in self- defence !"
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