One of the most learned composers that has ever existed, the instructor in vocal culture to Marie Antoinette - the illustrious Gluck, was distinguished by his fidelity to the recitation of the rosary. This devotion preserved him from the philosophical and irreligious spirit that pervaded the society in which he was constantly obliged to move during his long and brilliant career.

Like the greater number of famous artists, the celebrated composer learned the first elements of his art beneath the roof of an ancient cathedral. One day, says his biographer, a poor couple brought before the provost of the Cathedral of Vienna a pale, delicate-looking child, to obtain his admission among the number of children who sang the praises of the Lord of Heaven. The child was as happily gifted in heart as in mind. His voice was so wonderfully rich, its expression so pure, that whenever he sang the Cathedral was filled with an immense crowd listening in admiration. Thus passed Gluck's early years, advancing in art as well as in piety. Often, during the religious ceremonies, when the organ filled the vault with its sacred melody, the child was moved to tears. Often, too, when his youthful comrades were engaged in their innocent games, he was discovered alone praying in the deserted church. At evening when the rays of the setting sun scattered over the stalls of the sanctuary the varied hues of the stained-glass windows, Gluck, prostrate at the foot of the tabernacle, meditated and prayed.

On one occasion, after he had sung better than usual an anthem of our Lady, as he was about to leave the church he was met by a venerable religious.

"My son," said the man of God, "you have caused me to shed tears of joy today. I regret exceedingly that I cannot give you something as a testimonial of my gratitude and delight; but take this rosary, and keep it in memory of Brother Anselm. If you cannot recite it entire every day, at least say part of it; and if you are faithful to this practice, I assure you that you will be as dear to God as you will certainly one day be great among men."

Gluck faithfully recited his rosary. His family was so poor that they could not furnish him with means to continue his studies; but the young man was not discouraged, and continued his pious practice. One evening, a knock was heard at the door of the poor dwelling. It was the celebrated chapel-master; who, having been charged with the task of collecting the works of Palestrina in Italy, came to take Gluck with him and have him continue the studies so happily begun.

From that time he advanced rapidly; but never did he cease to be faithful to the counsels of religion and the practices of piety. At the court of Vienna - that court so irreligious - amid amusements and pleasures of all kinds, the illustrious composer might be seen at evening separating himself, and, as a priest would do in order to read his breviary, seek some secluded spot to recite piously his rosary. And when, after a long and glorious life, death came to claim him, he was found ready. He still held the poor and precious rosary of Brother Anselm; it had never left him, and he continued recite it up to the time of his death.