The Prince – George Friedrich Handel

Famous German composer George Friedrich Handel (1685-1759) spent many years as a composer and music teacher on the English court.

On one occasion, the Queen asked him what he thought of her son’s progress in learning to play cello, and when will her son become a true virtuoso.

Not knowing what to say about the performance of the future king, Handel said:

“Well, His Majesty is playing like a...prince!”

The Queen understood these words the way it suited her, so she decided that the Prince would perform in one part of Handel’s grand concert.

When Handel saw the future holder of the crown on the podium with a cello in his hands, he immediately disappeared from the concert hall.

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Devil and his apprentice – Georg Friedrich Handel and Francesca Cuzzoni

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:

“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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