"But you are to be congratulated on having attained this verdict.

Everything that people cannot quite understand is called CLAP-TRAP in England; as for instance the matchless violin-playing of Sarasate; the tempestuous splendor of Rubinstein; the wailing throb of passion in Hollmann's violoncello--this is, according to the London press, CLAP-TRAP; while the coldly correct performances of Joachim and the 'icily-null' renderings of Charles Halle are voted 'magnificent' and 'full of colour.' But to return to yourself.

Will you play to me ?" "I have not touched the instrument for two months," I said; "I am afraid I am out of practice." "Then you shall not exert yourself to-day," returned Heliobas kindly.
"But I believe I can help you with your improvisations.

You compose the music as you play, you tell me.

Well, have you any idea how the melodies or the harmonies form themselves in your brain ?" "Not the least in the world," I replied.
"Is the act of thinking them out an effort to you ?" he asked.
"Not at all.