Not the ideal
musician we read of, but a gentleman. Berlioz told Legouve to see
Chopin, "for he is something which you have never seen--and some
one you will never forget." An orchidaceous individuality this.
With such personal refinement he was a man punctual and precise
in his habits. Associating constantly with fashionable folk his
naturally dignified behavior was increased. He was an aristocrat-
-there is no other word--and he did not care to be hail-fellow-
well-met with the musicians. A certain primness and asperity did
not make him popular. While teaching, his manner warmed, the
earnest artist came to life, all halting of speech and polite
insincerities were abandoned. His pupils adored him. Here at
least the sentiment was one of solidarity. De Lenz is his most
censorious critic and did not really love Chopin. The dislike was
returned, for the Pole suspected that his pupil was sent by Liszt
to spy on his methods. This I heard in Paris.
Chopin was a remarkable teacher. He never taught but one genius,
little Filtsch, the Hungarian lad of whom Liszt said, "When he
starts playing I will shut up shop.
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