It was also in this year that he had the honour of playing at the Court of Victor Emanuel; and, after the performance, the present King, who was then about the same age as Mattei—eleven—came forward bearing a large tray of sweets, and presented it to him, saying, "This is for you and your friends." During his stay in Turin the Marchioness of Barolo offered to adopt him, and the Duke of Litta offered to do likewise; but the boy's father refused to part with him.
It was in the year 1853 that he first came to London. His first appearance here was at Mr. Ella's Musical Union.
His first piece published was a waltz called "Mattei's Waltz," which was the means of establishing his fame as a composer far and wide, being very popular throughout all Europe. After this came his celebrated "Non è ver," then "Non Torno," "Oh, oh, hear the wild winds blow!" and a very great number of pianoforte pieces and songs.
Among his later productions are "Dear Heart," "Kiss and Good-bye," "Chit-Chat," the opera "La Prima Donna," produced at the Avenue, and the following songs:— "Only Mine," "What will you do without me?" "Beside Me," and his latest song, a bolero, "Carita."
Isidore De Lara.
Isidore de Lara.
From a Photograph.
Mr. De Lara was born in London on the 9th of August, 1858. He commenced to study the piano at the age of ten, under Mr. Aguilar; at thirteen he made his first appearance before the public, and continued to play in many recitals. At fifteen he went to Milan, where he studied at the Conservatoire of Music under Signor Mazzucato for composition, and Signor Lamperti for singing. He remained in Italy for three years, taking the grand prize for composition. On his return to England, he commenced to make use of his voice and talent for composing. His first song of note was one named "Only a Song," written about 1882. He next produced a comic opera, "The Royal Word," libretto by Mr. Henry Hersee. His next compositions of note were a choral work, "Song of Orval," poem by Lord Lytton, and a cycle of melodies, "To the Palms," words by Lord Lytton. Of songs he has written about 150, out of which the most popular are "Mine To-day," "All of my All," "How will it Be?" "The Beginning of the Story," "After Silent Years," and "The Garden of Sleep." Mr. De Lara owes a fair share of his fame to his public recitals, of which he has given over two hundred during the last ten years. Nature has endowed him with a good voice, and that, together with his undoubted ability as a composer, has brought Mr. De Lara to the position he now holds in the musical world. His last work is an opera, viz., "The Light of Asia." This was originally a sacred cantata, written for concert work, but, at Mr. Maurel's suggestion, it was converted into an opera, and was produced by Sir Augustus Harris last month. Mr. De Lara is now writing an opera, with Sir Augustus Harris's libretto, the first act of which is finished. The subject is "Kenilworth."
Milton Wellings.
Mr. Milton Wellings was born in 1851, in the county of Stafford. His father, Mr. Joseph Wellings, being an amateur musician, and perceiving his son's love of music, determined to take his musical education into his own hands. The first song Mr. Wellings published was entitled "In the Twilight," which did not attract any
