A Cyclopaedia of Female Biography/Goddard, Arabella
GODDARD, ARABELLA,
Was born of English parents at St. Malo, in France, in 1836. Her marvellous talent for music manifested itself at a very early age; when only four years and a half old she performed in public a fantasia on themes from Mozart's "Don Juan." She was placed under the instruction first of the celebrated pianist and composer Kalkbrenna, of Paris, and afterwards of Mrs. Anderson, pianist to the Queen, and instructress of the Princess Royal. At eight years of age she performed before Her Majesty and Prince Albert; subsequently she became the pupil of Herr Kuhe, and then received her finishing lessons from Thalberg. In 1850, she came out at the Grand National Concerts, and at once established her reputation as a first-rate pianist. Her execution is most rapid and brilliant, her touch remarkable for its delicacy, and her playing altogether is full of grace and vivacity. If she wants anything it is power, and this she is rapidly gaining. She has lately been performing at Her Majesty's Theatre, and studying musical composition under Mr. Macfarren. She has in her the soul of music, and her composition will no doubt, by and bye, equal her execution.