Walker-My_Musical_Ex.. - Walter Cosand

34
MY MUSICAL EXPERIENCES
associations were strongly entwined, and ending with
a family sorrow, which for a long, long space of time
so utterly benumbed me that I neither wished to play
myself nor even to hear music, submerged, if I may
so express myself, all my musical past.
I was for two whole years quite unable to find any
charm in music, though able to pursue other studies
with plenty of energy. And then at last—it was on a
day in spring—I laid my hand on the keys, and per-
ceived that music had once more awakened up within
me, and I was glad, and I set myself in a manner to
' get into step ' again.
Many changes had in the meanwhile passed over
our home, and it was no longer possible for me to go
off alone, and give myself up to practice as I had once
done, though only during a few years, and not for a
sufficient period to bring anything to maturity. But
I now began again to work a little, and that little very
thoroughly ; and as we passed through London the
following year. Sir Sterndale Bennett kindly received
us for a long visit, and at his request I played to him
several pieces by heart : Scherzo to the Midsummer
Night's Dream, Beethoven's Sonata in D Minor,
Scarlatti's Sonata in A Major ; and as I still retained
the ease and freedom from undue anxiety which I had
ever felt in his presence, these pieces went well, and
he was much pleased, telling me, however, as truly
and faithfully as he had ever done, where the weak
points lay, and saying to my mother, ' It is a pity she