A Biographical Dictionary of Fiddlers di A. Mason Clarke
Biographical Dictionary of Fiddlers. 1.09
for his solos, that few would comply with them, and he remained in narrow circumstances and obscurity for a long time. Nor would his superior talents ever have contributed to better his fortune, had it not been for the zeal and friendly offices of two or three dilettanti, his admirers. These were Dr. Walgrave, a prodigy on the arch-lute. Sir Roger L'Estrange, an expert violinist and Mr. Bridg-man, the under secretary, who accompanied well on the harpsichord. These gentlemen becoming acquainted with him, and courting him in his own way, had an opportunity ot describing to him the temper of the English, who, if humoured would be liberal, but if uncivilly treated, would be sulky, and despise him and his talents ; assuring him that, by a little complaisance, he would neither want employment nor money. By advice so reasonable, they at length brought him into such good temper, that he became generally esteemed and sought after; and having many scholars, though on moderate terms, his purse filled apace, which confirmed his conversion. After this he discovered a way of acquiring money which was then perfectly new in this country. Observing how much his scholars admired the lessons he composed for them, which were all duos, and that most musi-
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Dictionary Fiddlers Roger L'Estrange English These Walgrave These After
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