Handel’s Escape

Early in his career, Handel heard that the post of organist in Lübeck was vacant. He walked there to apply—only to discover a remarkable condition attached to the job.

Whoever won the position was required to marry the deceased organist’s daughter.

Handel turned around and walked straight back without even submitting his application. Had the young woman been prettier, and Handel’s purse heavier, the outcome might have been different—and his whole career changed, most likely for the worse.

The musical world can be grateful that the young German was not tempted by that flaxen‑haired daughter. Otherwise, he might have settled into respectable obscurity in an old German town and never followed the path that made him such a towering composer.