B flat--works, easily gracing the "Summus Mons" of co-spiritual
achievement; that impulse which selects, confirms, and then unites all
the fair fibres of Art.

Berthold Tours personally possessed the evident characteristics of a
musician. No doubt could be entertained whatsoever, by any who once
saw him or his large meditative form, that music was his calling. The
duties inherent to the post of "music taster" to the house of Novello,
Ewer, & Co., he hopefully acquitted for many years, succeeding to
that office on the retirement of my once, in a choral sense, esteemed
conductor, Sir Joseph Barnby. The pianoforte accompaniment to many
of the classical works of continental composers he transcribed and
carefully arranged for his employers, whose confidence he completely
enjoyed, whether in addressing them on matters relative to prospective
treaties with contemporary composers, or in regard to works tendered
to them for publication, or on recommending them upon the pianoforte
arrangement of orchestral scores. Personally, I participated in the
satisfaction of frequently dining in his company. Amongst the
personal memories which I might in passing allude to, being my
entire deferential attitude towards him of reverence, ere ever being
acquainted with his patronymics, although already largely conversant
with, and a sincere admirer of his music. To have been spoken amiably
to by this distinguished "virtuoso" is a not unnoteworthy reminiscence
to be recorded. He evinced much concern in the early rehearsals of
his choral works; being individually present at the moment of their
preparation; but it not infrequently appeared to me ambiguous, that
unless accounted for by the responsibility of vast calls, he with
frequency turned his back upon the musical conservatories wherein
his choral works were performed; a custom due evidently to his innate
modesty, and perhaps to his susceptibilities as a foreigner. Berthold