to the satisfaction of his French friend that he was still the same
great artist who had formerly delighted his listeners in Paris.

The wine business turned out so badly for our violinist that he was fain
to return to his old and legitimate profession. Through the intervention
of powerful friends in Paris, he was appointed director of the Grand
Opéra, but he became discontented in a very onerous and irritating
position, and was retired at his own request with a pension. An
interesting letter from the great Italian composer Rossini, who was then
first trying his fortune in the French metropolis, written to Viotti
in 1821, is pleasant proof of the estimate placed on his talents and
influence:

"Most esteemed Sir: You will be surprised at receiving a letter from an
individual who has not the honor of your personal acquaintance, but I
profit by the liberality of feeling existing among artists to address
these lines to you through my friend Hérold, from whom I have learned
with the greatest satisfaction the high, and, I fear, somewhat
undeserved opinion you have of me. The oratorio of 'Moïse,' composed by
me three years ago, appears to our mutual friend susceptible of dramatic
adaptation to French words; and I, who have the greatest reliance on
Hérold's taste and on his friendship for me, desire nothing more than to
render the entire work as perfect as possible, by composing new airs in
a more religious style than those which it at present contains, and
by endeavoring to the best of my power that the result shall neither
disgrace the composer of the partition, nor you, its patron and
protector. If M. Viotti, with his great celebrity, will consent to
be the Mecænas of my name, he may be assured of the gratitude of his
devoted servant,