Synopsis

Now 18th-century opera is supposed to be a rather staid and stuffy affair. These operas invariably had happy endings, with all the messy human passion and conflicts amicably resolved by the opera’s finale.

But 18th-century opera could arouse some serious emotion offstage. In 1704, an 18-year-old composer named George Frideric Handel was employed as a violinist and harpsichordist in the orchestra of the Hamburg opera house. He made the acquaintance of another young composer, 23-year-old Johann Mattheson. The two became fast friends until, that is, a December performance of Mattheson’s opera Cleopatra, during which Handel refused to turn over the harpsichord to Mattheson.

“Hey, it’s my opera, after all — move over!” Mattheson must have said, but to no avail.

One thing led to another, and the result was a duel. It is said that Handel’s life was saved by a button on his coat that deflected one of Mattheson’s more lethal sword-thrusts.

Thankfully, in the best tradition of 18th-century opera, the two reconciled on today’s date in 1704, dining together and attending a Hamburg rehearsal of Handel’s first opera, Almira, becoming, as Mattheson put it, “better friends than ever.”

Music Played in Today's Program

George Frederic Handel (1685-1757) Oboe Concerto No. 3; Heinz Holliger, oboe; English Chamber Orchestra; Raymond Leppard, cond. Philips 454 363