Musical Anecdotes by William Fiske

Musical Anecdotes, ---NO. 1.
By William O. FISKE.

A VERY few of the following anecdotes are original, but the majority of them are collected from newspapers, lives of composer, &c. They will be continued several weeks, it will hardly infringe on the Waverley motto of “Articles all Completed.”

Of course we commence with the greatest composer – Handel.

Transgression and Sin. – Handel, having occasion to bring out one of his Oratorios in a provincial town of England, began to look about for such material to complete his orchestra and chorus as the place might afford. One and another was recommended, as usual, as being a “splendid singer,” “a great player,” &c. After awhile, such as were collectable were gathered together in a room, and, after preliminaries, Handel himself made his appearance, puffing under both arms-full of manuscript. “Gentlemen,” said he, “you all read music?” “Yes!” “yes!” resounded from all parts of the room. “We play in the church,” added one old gentleman behind a violoncello. “Very well; play dis,” said Handel, distributing the parts. This done, and a few explanations delivered, Handel retired to a distant part of the room to enjoy the effect. The stumbling, fumbling and blundering that ensued is said to be indescribable. Handel’s sensitive ear and impetuous spirit could not long brook the insult, and, clapping his hands to his ears he ran to the old gentleman of the violoncello, and, shaking his fist furiously at those two terrified individuals, exclaimed, “You play in de church! Very well – you may play in de church, for we read, ‘de Lord is long suffering, of great kindness, forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin;’ you sal play in de church – but you sal not play for me!” And, snatching together his manuscripts, he rushed out of the room, leaving the astonished performers to draw their own conclusions.