Popular Contposers.

SigNor Tostr.

GNOR TOSTI was born at Ortona al Mare, in the pro- vince of Abbruzzi, Italy, and commenced his studies in the Conscrvatoire at Naple.. At that time the violin was his chosen instrument, and he succeeded In gaining frst prize for it, which entitled him to a free scholarship in the Con- servatoire. He continued stuaying until the age of twenty, singing and harmony being his chict objects. His first were “Non Mama Pia” and “Lamento d'Amore.” Curiously cnough, both of these songs were refused by three Ttalian pub- lishers, but eventually became his most popu- lar Italian songs, and Riccordi, onc of the Italian publishers who refused to buy them or publish them, paid a large sum for them

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a year after. Ever since this transaction Riccordi has continued to publish his [talian songs. In consc- quence of the success

of his songs in ltaly, he was appointed teacher to Qucen Mar- ouerite, In the year 1876 Sienor Tostt first came to [ondon, and with his very frst song caught the pub- lic's fancy with “ For Ever and for Ever” His most popular songs arc " For Ever and for Ever"” and “Good-byce"; of the later ones “ Beautics’ Eyes,” * Vencetian Song,” and “My Hearts Delight.” Like many

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other composers, the mclodies he himself ltked best failed to become popular. In Signor Tosti's opinion, the real success of a popular song lies sometimes in the prelude, sometimes ina happy interval, or a happy cadence, but alwavs in having something that reminds the car of =ome- thing clse. His rich passionate Southern melodies have won their wav to our Eng- lish hearts; and Tosti 1= a name that has long =ince shed its forcign garb, and has become to our music-loving folk a housc- hold word. Signor Tosti intends to remain m - Lngland for many vears to come, it being, as he remarks, * his sccond home."

SIGNOR TOSTI,

Dhotograp.]