A Biographical Dictionary of Fiddlers di A. Mason Clarke
Biographical Dictionary of Fiddlers. 1.09
bow was a mouthful. All that he played was of his own composition, which manifested him to be a very exquisite harmonist, and a genius of uncommon order for those days, and of a boundless fancy and invention. When he first came to England he was very poor, but not so poor as proud, which prevented his being heard or making useful acquaintance for a longtime, except among a few merchants in the city, who patronized him; and setting a high value on his condescension, he made them indemnify him for the want of more general favour. By degrees, however, he was more noticed, and was induced to perform at Court. His demeanour. however, did not please, and he was thought capricious and troublesome, as he took offence if any one whispered while he played, which was a kind of attention that, had not been much in fashion at the English Court. It was said that the Duke of Richmond would have settled a pension upon him, if he had chosen to change his manner of playing, and suggested that one of his pages should show him a better style. Mattheis, for the sake of the jest, condescended to take lessons of the page, but learned so fast, that he soon outran him in his own way. He continued so outrageous in his demands, particularly
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Dictionary Fiddlers England Court English Court Duke Richmond When His Mattheis
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