Anecdotes of Great Musicians/Anecdote 43
43.—MUSIC AND MADNESS.
There are many stories told of the benefits of music in cases of sickness and insanity, and some of them tax heavily our credulity. Here is one that may be taken for what it is worth.
A friend of Madame Camporese, when that lady was once singing in Milan, told her there was a man in the hospital that was a musical fanatic, and had gone mad from the failure of one of his operas. Hearing of her arrival he demanded to see her, and this being denied, he became so furious that they had to fasten him to his bed.
When this was told her, although she was preparing for an evening party, she at once gave that up and went to the hospital. In an adjoining room to the maniac she sang a melody of Haydn's. He soon became quiet and finally burst into tears. She then went to his bedside and sang again. After she had finished the song the now quieted man pulled from underneath his pillow a melody he had composed, and asked her to sing it for him. She did so, and at his request repeated it. When she left the building the poor musician was gentle and docile, all produced by the kindness of heart of the good Camporese.