Handel & “Entertainment”

Organ Concerto Op.4 No.4 ‘Andante’ George F. Handel (1685-1759)

Toccata William Zeitler

When Messiah was first performed in London, the audience was exceedingly struck and affected by the music. Some days after its first performance, Mr. Handel went to pay his respects to Lord Kannoul, with whom he was particularly acquainted. His lordship, as was natural, paid him some compliments on the noble entertainment which he had just presented. “My lord,” said Handel, “I should be sorry if I only entertained them; I wish to make them better.”