John Weeks Moore

“ Aspull determined to undertake himself the care of his education in music, and, foreseeing the advantages to which it might lead, devoted the whole of his time and attention to that object. The fruit of his care and assiduity is apparent in the surprising talent which young Aspull now displays. The instrument on which he performs is the piano-forte, at which he does not usually sit, his stature being so small as to render the position of standing that which gives him the most perfect command of the instrument. His fingers are extremely short, even for his age ”

“ Young Aspull unites with these the talent, which is rare among professors, of extempore playing ; at which, if permitted to do so, he will pass hours, and with a fluency that would indicate musical notes to be that vehicle by which he could best express his ideas. We ought not to omit to state of him, that he sings ballads to his own accompaniment on the piano-forte, in a voice thin and weak, owing to his extreme youth, but with peculiar taste and delicate expression. His appearance and behavior do not differ from those of other children of the same age ”

“ A child, with a certain cleverness and quickness of parts, may be taught, by repeated efforts, to conquer the greatest intricacies, and when conquered, there will remain nearly the same impression from them which results on viewing an exhibition on the tight rope, or the antic tricks of the unfortunate pupils of the posture master. ”