[43] Chopinʼs last concert began with one of Mozartʼs trios, in which Alard and Franchomme took part. Then Chopin played his new ʼcello-sonata in G minor (op. 65), and some smaller pieces—studies, preludes, mazurkas, and waltzes.
[44] Chopin always wanted flowers about him, and, if possible, violets.
[45] A facsimile of the original draught of the E minor prelude will be found at the end of this volume.
[46] It is inexplicable why Liszt should have frequently spoken of his “blue eyes.”
[47] A very long winter overcoat, made by Boy, in which his friends said he cut a very comical figure.
[48] The bandmaster Kurpinski, who because he gave scarcely any operas but Rossiniʼs, was often called a Rossinist. There is no doubt that he wrote the anonymous article referred to.
[49] A Polish national opera by Kurpinski.
[51] Another instance of Chopinʼs inclination to superstition.
[52] A castle of the King of Prussia, beautifully situated at the foot of the Riesengebirge.
[53] A reference to his attachment to Mlle. Gladkowska.
[54] General Rozniecki, who was then president of the National Theatre.
[55] Chopin places the instruments in this order.
[56] Mons. Woyciechowskiʼs estate, where he is still living.
[57] Girolamo Ramorino, illegitimate son of Marshal Lannes, was born in Genoa, 1792; he left his country for political reasons, and entered the French army, to take part in the war against Austria and Russia. During the Restoration he lived in Savoy. When the revolution broke out in Piedmont in 1821, he bravely and successfully commanded the insurgent forces. When the disturbances were over he went to France, and in 1830, to Warsaw, when he became colonel in the Polish army. He distinguished himself in several battles and soon obtained the rank of General. At the end of August, 1831, he was ordered to lead 20,000 men against the Russian general, Rosen, on the right bank of the Vistula, and to victual Warsaw. But he failed shamefully. He might easily have beaten Rosen and relieved Warsaw; but, owing to his carelessness, and neglect of the Commander-in-chiefʼs orders, he did not reach the besieged city in time. Instead, therefore, of an ovation he deserved the utmost contempt and reprobation, as the main cause of the miseries which from that time fell thick and fast upon Poland. But Nemesis at length overtook him. In the beginning of 1849, he entered the Sardinian army, and took the command of the fifth (Lombard) division; but he once more disobeyed orders, and opened the way for the Austrians into Piedmont. He was imprisoned, tried by court-martial, and shot at Piazza dʼArmi, near Turin, May 22nd, 1849.