HE WAS SENSITIVE.

Cromwell Argus, Volume XXX, Issue 1514, 17 May 1898, Page 2

HE WAS SENSITIVE.

The following anecdote of Handel illustrates the extremely sensitive condition of the great composer's nerves. Though outwardly of an uncouth and robust appearance he suffeied so much that he could not bear to hear the tuning of musical instruments ; this was, therefore, always done before his arrival in the orchestra. A musical wag, knowing his foiling, and wanting a laugh at Handel's expense, managed to gain access to the instruments, after the musicians, having tuned, had left them for a few minutes at a performance when the Prince of Wales was to be present, and unstrung them a half note or so lower than the organ. On the arrival of the Prince, Handel g.tve the signal for the commencement of the oratorio con spirito, whereon a terrible discord ensued. The enraged conductor started from his seat, overturning a double bass viol which stood in his way, seized hold of a kettledrum, and threw it with such force at the head of the leader of the band that he lost his full-bottomed wig with the exertion. Without stopping to replace his wig, Handel strode to the front of the orchestra, muttering vengeance, but so much choked with choler that distinct utterance was denied him. In this ridiculous situation he stood stamping and staring wildly about him for some some moments, wher3at the whole audience was convulsed with laughter nor could lie be prevailed upon to resume his duties until the Prince went to him and with great difficulty appeased his wrath.