How "Messiah" Was First Sung At An Inn

Radio Record, Volume XII, Issue 29, 30 December 1938, Page 3

How "Messiah" Was First Sung At An Inn

Famous Handel Lost His Temper

FIRST public performance of Handel’s "Messiah," favourite’ Christmastide oratorio in New Zealand, was given in Dublin; first private performance in an English inn, En route to Dublin to direct the memorable first performance, Handel was detained at Chester for several days by contrary winds. Handel seized the opportunity to try oyer some of the choruses with local church-singers. . One of. the local singers who was invited to help was a housepainter named. Janson, who "had a good voice, and was one of the best musicians in the Chester Cathedral Choir." Exactly at the appointed hour, Handel met the singers in his apartments at the "Golden Falcon," but, sad to say, on trying over the chorus, "And With His Stripes We Are Healed," Handel was roused to grotesque fury by Mr. Janson’s inability to read his part at sight. The composer became purple _ With anger and abused the poor painter by swearing at him in four or five different languages.

‘He shouted at him: "You Schcundrell Tit you not tell be dat you could sing at soite?" "Yes, sir," replied Janson, "so I can, but not at first sight!" |Handel’s rage vanished as quickly as it appeared. He burst out laughing and called the rehearsal off, So excerpts from the immortal oratorio were sung. (even if. ime perfectly) for the first time anywhere, and the little room at the old "Golden Falcon" became the scene’ of a highly " important musical event. . This old inn with its decorated timbered front still stands as it did on that memorable day in November, 1741, and there may not be many in Chester itself who know that its old rafters once rang toa scratch rehearsal of choruses from the noblest oratorio ever composed. 1YA listeners heard a recorded performance of Handel’s "Mes- _ siah" on the afternoon of Christmas Day, performed_by the BBC Choir, Soloists and" Orchestra, under Sir Thomas Beecham.