When capricious singer, soprano Francesca Cuzzoni (1696-1778), refused to sing the aria 'Falsa immagine' from Handel's opera "Ottone, re di Germania", Georg Friedrich Handel (1685-1759) threatened her that he will fling her out of the window.
At first, the singer and composer began to argue fiercely, but then he thundered:
At first, the singer and composer began to argue fiercely, but then he thundered:
“Oh! Madame I know well that you are a real she-devil, but I hereby give you notice, me, that I am Beelzebub, the Chief of Devils."
Having said that, Handel grabbed her around the waist and carried her to the window, threatening that he will fling her out, if she doesn’t do what he says.
Francesca started begging for mercy.
She was now ready to sing the aria.
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