Signor Tito Mattei composes most of his instrumental music at the
piano, but songs are composed anywhere, wherever and whenever he feels
so inspired.
One thing he considers absolutely indispensable to the success of a
composer, viz., a thoroughly good musical education, without which no
one, however gifted, can hope to make a name.
"As a whole," writes this composer, "the English people love music, but
are not, strictly speaking, a musical nation, the reason being that
they do not give sufficient time and care to the study."
The accompanying few bars of music are taken from his popular song
"Beside Me."
[Illustration: _Beside Me._
Dark is the night with-out, I fear The storm, beyond the bar!
_Tito Mattei_]