The first edition of this work appeared in 1880; but its circulation was interrupted by a fire which destroyed the plates. A renewed demand for the work seems, however, to warrant the author in presenting a revised and much enlarged edition, in which the scope of the general subject has been widened, and its illustration has been made still more complete by additional stories of composers whose success has been due in some degree to the influence of woman. The work has been written in the leisure hours of other pursuits, and of necessity is compiled from the writer’s musical readings. A long list of authorities has been consulted for facts bearing upon the subject; and, so far as is known to the writer, only the highest have been laid under contribution. As a well-stocked musical library is something of a rarity in this country, he ventures to hope that his compilations, and his comments thereon, will be of interest to the musical student, and possibly of value to the general public.

G. P. U.

CHICAGO, 1886.

If to the depths of tenderness and devotion in which the true and irresistible empire of woman must commence, and deprived of which she is only an enigma without a possible solution, Nature should unite the most brilliant gifts of genius, the miraculous spectacle of the Greek Fire would be renewed; the glittering flames would again sport over the abysses of the ocean without being extinguished or submerged in the chilling depths, adding, as the living hues were thrown upon the surging waves, the glowing dyes of the purple fire to the celestial blue of the heaven-reflecting sea.—LISZT.

There is no living soul so capable of enjoying and correctly judging of a work of art as a finely cultivated woman; for her whole inner life is in itself a sort of work of art. Even the highest kind of men have something formless and unfinished about their natures. The hasty demands of life do not stop to inquire whether it be Sabbath or not: they surprise man amid the worship of the beautiful, and scarcely give him time to refrain from profanation of the altar. But the life of woman,—how calm as a festival day, how full of harmony may it not, should it not be! When the storm-bells of passion have rung out, then a pure ether remains behind.... In such minds the impression made by a work of art is correct and immediate; for they are prepared to receive it,—themselves serene and pure as bridal devotion.—EHLERT.

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN 60

FRANCIS JOSEPH HAYDN 84

WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART 96

FRANZ SCHUBERT 112

ROBERT SCHUMANN 125

FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY 138

FREDERICK CHOPIN 149

CARL MARIA VON WEBER 162

RICHARD WAGNER 177