The organ at Adlington Hall |
Tradition has it that Handel himself once played the Adlington organ, and even composed his famous harpsichord suite, The Harmonious Blacksmith, whilst staying at Adlington Hall. We know that Charles Legh was a firm friend of Handel’s, and it is almost certain that the composer stayed at the Hall in 1741-2, if not at other times. So it seems safe to assume he did play on the organ – the family would have asked him to, and he would certainly have been keen to do so. A few years later in 1747, the Gentleman’s Magazine published Charles Legh’s Hunting Song, and four years later, Handel set the song to music and presented it to Charles as a gift. The original manuscript can still be found in the Hall, complete with Handel’s signature too.
There is a chance to hear the organ on Saturday 1 August 2015 when it will be played by Gordon Stewart for an afternoon recital. Tickets are £20 and include cream tea! Just phone 01625 827595. Further information from Adlington Hall website.
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