Years in Days

Abstract Dwight regained a modicum of freedom when Ditson took over management of Dwight’s Journal, and he took the opportunity to make a Grand Tour of Europe. No sooner did he arrive than he learned of the death of his wife, who had remained in Boston. Dwight consoled himself with incessant travel but was paralyzed when it came to writing. Once back on track, he kept Journal readers abreast of his activities via letters that detailed his adventures. Dwight sought to hear plenty of music, but he was also determined to identify musical trends in European music education, tour conservatories, and inventory innovative undertakings. Along the way, he met and conversed with famous musical personalities. Dwight boarded the steamship Great Eastern—“the greatest ship ever built by man”—bound for home. Two days into the voyage, storm gales severely damaged the ship. Dwight recounted his personal harrowing tale of fear, anguish, and ultimately salvation.