ROSSINI Nowadays it is difficult to form any idea of Rossini's position in our beautiful city of Paris half a century ago.

He had retired from active life a long time before, but he had a greater reputation in his idleness than many others in their activity.

All Paris sought the honor of being admitted to his magnificent, high-windowed apartment.

As the demigod never went out in the evening, his friends were always sure of finding him at home.

At one time or another all sorts of social sets rubbed elbows at his great soirees.