We are not accustomed to thinking of the composer of Carmen as a
pianist, but the following anecdote from the _London Musical Standard_
throws new light upon the subject:
"It may not be generally known that the French composer, Bizet,
possessed to a very high degree two artistic qualities: a brilliant
technique and an extraordinary skill in score reading. On various
occasions he gave proof of this great ability. One of the most
interesting is the following:
"Bizet's fellow-countryman, the composer Halevy, who filled the position
of secretary to the Academy of Fine Arts in Paris, had gathered a few of
his friends at his house for a little supper. In the circle were Liszt
and Bizet. After they had finished their repast, the company went to the
host's music room. Gathered around the fireplace, which increased the
charm or comfort, and with cigars and coffee, the guests gave themselves
up to an animated conversation; finally Liszt seated himself at the
piano. The famous master played one of his compositions which was
unknown to those present. He overcame its tremendous difficulties with
the customary audacity and strength. A storm of applause followed the
brilliant execution. Liszt ended with a brilliant passage which seemed
absolutely impossible to mortal fingers. Every one pressed around the
great pianist, shaking his hands enthusiastically and admiring not only
his unequalled playing, but praising also the clever composition, which
could have been written only by so masterful a composer.
"'Yes,' replied Liszt, 'the piece is difficult, terribly difficult, and
in all Europe I know only two pianists who are able to play it with the
interpretation which belongs to it, and in the tempo which I have used,
Von Buelow and myself!'
"Halevy, with whom Bizet had studied, had also joined the circle around
the piano and complimented the master. Suddenly turning to the young
Bizet, whose fine memory and ability he well knew, he said:
"'Did you notice that passage?' He accompanied the question with a few
chords which sketched the passage in question, which had aroused his
attention. Accepting the implied invitation, Bizet took his place at the
piano, and, without the slightest hesitation, repeated the passage
which had drawn out the admiration of his teacher.
"Liszt observed the clever youngster with astonishment, while Halevy,
smiling slyly, could scarcely suppress his joy over Liszt's surprise.
"'Just wait a moment, young man, just wait!' said Liszt, interrupting.
'I have the manuscript with me. It will help your memory.'
"The manuscript was quickly brought, and placed upon the piano rack.
Bizet, to the general astonishment, immediately took up the difficult
piece, and played it through to the final chord with a verve and
rapidity which no one had expected from him. Not once was there a sign
of weakness or hesitation. An enthusiastic and long clapping of hands
followed the playing. Halevy continued to smile, enjoying to the full
the triumph of his favourite pupil.
"But Liszt, who always rose to an occasion and was never chary of praise
for others, stepped to the young man's side after the wave of applause
had subsided, pressed his hand in a friendly manner, and said with
irresistible kindness, 'My young friend, up to the present time I
believed that there were only two men capable of overcoming the
tremendous difficulties which I wrote in that piece, but I deceived
myself--there are three of us; and I must add, in order to be just, that
the youngest of us is perhaps the cleverest and the most brilliant.'"