Gerge
...appeared on the platform to conduct his music. Grieg (never a rabblefearer) simply waited until the hostile demonstration had subsided somewhat, whereupon he embarked upon the loud opening of his In Autumn Overture, thereby drowning out what remained of the shouting and hissing. At the end of the concert, of course, he was acclaimed with that frenetic applause which crowds reserve for those who are indifferent to them. The full story of his connection with the "Dreyfus Affair" may be enjoyed in David Monrad-Johansen's book, Edvard Grieg (an English translation of which was issued in 1938 by the Princeton University Press). 5 All interested in Grieg and his music should read this stimulating and highly informative book, which is a model of musical history. There was in Copenhagen a Danish operatic composer who was well known for his plagiarisms. 6 Shortly after the performance of one of his unoriginal operas, this composer dined with Grieg at the latter's hotel. During the dinner Grieg, who was always a charming host, said nothing derogatory. But when the Dane had bid his host good-bye and was looking for his umbrella, which he could not find, Grieg heard him accuse one of the hotel bellhops 7 of having stolen it. This was too much for Grieg, who always was on the side of the 'under dog'. He burst forth from behind a curtain and thus admonished the surprised plagiarist, 'You dare to call anyone a thief! You, who steal from us all!' A few years before the master's death one of the world's greatest piano manufacturing houses offered to present ...