by J. R. Sterndale Bennett 1907

Tone Deaf

Joseph Joachim was regarded by most people in Europe as the greatest violinist ever, but in the home of Sterndale Bennett there was a dissenting voice.

after 1858

Queen Victoria 1837-1901

Introduction

Pianist, composer and teacher Sir William Sterndale Bennett (1816-1875) enjoyed the friendship and respect of many illustrious figures in the world of music, including Felix Mendelssohn, Jenny Lind, Robert and Clara Schumann. Bennett appeared alongside supreme violinist Joseph Joachim on many occasions, but not everyone in the Bennett household shared Sterndale’s admiration for the great man.

by J. R. Sterndale Bennett 1907

BENNETT found good and true friends in all sorts and conditions of life. He owed much to the companionship of the dogs who in turn became members of his household. One of these, a half-bred pug, came to him in 1858, and it can be said with certainty that the faithful creature did much, a few years later, to help his master through a time of sadness.* ‘Pug’ was full of character and intelligence, and, though he led an independent and nomadic life, spared a great deal of time for his master, generally accompanying him on his long drives into the country, and invariably keeping himself free from other engagements on the particular days reserved for teaching at Southgate.

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* Mary Bennett (née Wood), Bennett’s wife of eighteen years, died on October 17, 1862, aged thirty-seven.

Précis

Sir William Sterndale Bennett kept a pet dog, named simply Pug. He was a great comfort to Bennett after the distinguished composer’s wife died, and though Pug shared himself generously with Bennett’s neighbours he kept his master company on his frequent trips into the countryside, and made a point of being there whenever Bennett was teaching at home.

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