And the
world, ever greedy for new sensations, goes on its way amid the
unceasing ebb and flow of its desires. Already its thoughts have
changed, and new musicians are making new songs for the future. But it
is the voice of a century of tempest that passes with you.
CAMILLE SAINT-SAENS
M. Saint-Saens has had the rare honour of becoming a classic during his
lifetime. His name, though it was long unrecognised, now commands
universal respect, not less by his worth of character than by the
perfection of his art. No artist has troubled so little about the
public, or been more indifferent to criticism whether popular or expert.
As a child he had a sort of physical repulsion for outward success:
"De l'applaudissement
J'entends encor le bruit qui, chose assez etrange,
Pour ma pudeur d'enfant etait comme une fange
Dont le flot me venait toucher; je redoutais
Son contact, et parfois, malin, je l'evitais,
Affectant la raideur."[110]
[Footnote 110:
Of applause
I still hear the noise; and, strangely enough,
In my childish shyness it seemed like mire
About to spot me; I feared
Its touch, and secretly shunned it,
Affecting obstinacy.
Pages:
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142