It was the year of the Exposition, and MacDowell and his mother attended a festival concert at which Nicholas Rubinstein played in memorable style Tchaikovsky's B-flat minor piano concerto.
His performance was a revelation to the young American.

"I never can learn to play like that if I stay here," he said resolutely to his mother, as they left the concert hall.

Mrs.MacDowell, whose fixed principle it was to permit her son to decide his affairs according to his lights, thereupon considered with him the merits of various European Conservatories of reputation.

They thought of Moscow, because of Nicholas Rubinstein's connection with the Conservatory there.

Leipsic suggested itself; Frankfort was strongly recommended, and Stuttgart seemed to offer conspicuous advantages.