Tag: G.F. Handel

Händel’s Fireworks

In our modern era, it’s almost inconceivable for us to envision music being written and performed expressly for a single occasion. However, it was exactly that sort of one-time occasion that prompted King George II to commission Händel in 1749 to write “Music for the Royal Fireworks”.

Woodwind Gourmet: Irish Coffee

“Frederick the Great [1712-1786] used to make his own coffee, with much to-do and fuss. For water he used champagne. Then, to make the flavor stronger, he stirred in powdered mustard. Now to me it seems improbable that Frederick truly liked his brew. I… Continue Reading “Woodwind Gourmet: Irish Coffee”