Historical Happenings

February is the month of Saint Brigid, but it is also the month in which Victor Herbert was born. The grandson of Irish composer, painter, and novelist Samuel Lover, he first saw the light of a Dublin day on February 1, 1859. Young Victor spent much of his childhood at the home of his famous grandfather who influenced him greatly. After his father died, Lover suggested that his widowed daughter send her son to Germany for an education. His musical education began as a piccolo player, but he soon took up the cello in which he made rapid progress, playing in orchestras conducted by Liszt, … [Read more...] about Victor Herbert

One-Hundred Forty Five years ago, on January 17, 1861, Marie Gilbert passed away. It is no surprise if you don't know of her, for she gained her fame under another name, and hers is a most interesting story. Born in Limerick in 1818, her father was in the military, and Marie and her mother dutifully accompanied him to India where he was posted. When he died in 1825, Mrs. Gilbert remarried an officer from Scotland, but young Marie was not happy. A rebellious and independent child, she was sent to Scotland to continue her education, and hopefully improve her manners at a boarding school. She … [Read more...] about What's in a Name?