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Did not you say could sing at sight? - Yes, sir, but not at FIRST sight
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Did not you say could sing at sight? - Yes, sir, but not at FIRST sight
" Did not you say could sing at sight?" - " Yes, sir, but not at FIRST sight!", (1907). The German composer Handel works on his " Messiah" in 1741: detained at Chester for some days by contrary winds, he got together at his inn several of the choir boys from the cathedral in order to try over some of the choral passages in the work. One at least of these trial performers must have carried away an unpleasant experience of the great mans impetuous temper. Can you sing at sight? was the question put to each before he was asked to sing, and one broke down lamentably at the start. What de devil you mean! cried Handel, snatching the music from his hands. Did not you say you could sing at sight? Yes, sir, I did, responded the confused singer, but not at first sight! An episode from the life of German composer George Frideric Handel (1685-1759). From " Story-Lives of Great Musicians", by F.J. Rowbotham. [Wells Gardner, Darton & Co. Ltd, London, 1907]
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Media ID 19299460
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Angry Annoyance Annoyed Choir Boy Choir Boys Choirboy Choirboys Classical Music Composer Darton And Co Darton And Co Ltd Darton And Company Fj Rowbotham Frances Jameson Frances Jameson Rowbotham Georg Friedrich Georg Friedrich Handel George Frederick George Frederick Handel George Frideric George Frideric Handel Handel Handel Georg Friedrich Handel George Frederick Handel George Frideric Impatient Messiah Practice Practicing Practising Rowbotham Rowbotham Fj Rowbotham Frances Jameson Sheet Music Singers Vocalist Wells Gardner Wells Gardner Darton And Co Wells Gardner Darton And Co Ltd Wells Gardner Darton And Company
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a moment in the life of the renowned German composer, George Frideric Handel. In 1741, while working on his masterpiece "Messiah". Handel found himself stranded in Chester due to unfavorable winds. Determined to make progress on his composition, he gathered several choir boys from the local cathedral at his inn. Eager to test their abilities, Handel posed a simple question to each young singer: "Can you sing at sight?". However, one unfortunate performer failed miserably right from the start. Frustrated by this unexpected setback, Handel snatched the sheet music away and exclaimed with fiery impatience, "What de devil you mean! Did not you say you could sing at sight?". The confused singer quickly responded with humility and honesty, admitting that he indeed possessed the skill but not necessarily upon first glance. This humorous exchange showcases both Handel's demanding nature as well as his ability to find humor even amidst frustration. This episode offers us a glimpse into the complex personality of one of history's greatest composers. It reminds us that even musical geniuses like Handel faced challenges and had moments of exasperation during their creative processes. Through this photograph and its accompanying story from F. J. Rowbotham's "Story-Lives of Great Musicians" we are transported back in time to witness an intimate yet amusing incident involving a true musical legend - George Frideric Handel.
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