Page:Anecdotes of Great Musicians.djvu/211

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The uninitiated who attend a performance of Handel's "Messiah" are frequently surprised when, at the first notes of the "Hallelujah Chorus," the whole audience rises to its feet. Some think this custom arose from the desire to pay homage to the words. But if that be the case, they might well stand during the whole oratorio. Others imagine that it was because of the intense enjoyment in the music some audience had a hundred and fifty years ago, which brought them to their feet.

But this is said to be the truth of the matter: At one of the early performances of this grand oratorio, the king of England, George I, was present. During the singing of this chorus, His Majesty, either greatly enjoying the music, or perhaps simply desiring to change his position, stood up; at once the courtiers and people followed suit, thus originating a custom which is quite pleasant in view of the physical relief afforded by the change of posture in a two-hour performance.  

Beethoven was a man of stern and rugged disposition, a man whose exterior was rough and whose actions were frequently peculiar; but at the same time he had a very gentle and kindly side to his nature. Those who did not happen to see his character displayed in that light thought him hard-hearted and boorish, but that was because they saw him at his worst.

Beethoven had his own love affairs, and, as the following incident shows, was not averse to helping other people in theirs.

In 1811, Beethoven was staying at Toplitz, and took his meals at a certain inn where, as it happened, an actor named Lowe, was accustomed to dine, and, at the same time, engage in the enjoyable occupation of making love