The Copybook

Short passages for reading, drawn from history, legend, poetry and fiction.

1621

From Wikimedia Commons.

Fiddler Tam Clay Lane

An 18th century bon viveur and virtuoso violinist, Thomas Erskine is currently being ‘rediscovered’ by the classical music industry.

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1622

© Gryffindor, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: CC-BY-SA 3.0.

The ‘Raindrop’ Prelude Georges Sand

As the storm raged around him, raindrops fell like music on the pianist’s heart.

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1623

© tango7174, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: CC-BY-SA 4.0.

The Miracle of Piso Livadi Clay Lane

Three fishermen let their tongues run away with them, and were left counting the cost.

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1624

© Jorge Royan, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: CC-BY-SA 3.0.

The Harmonious Blacksmith Clay Lane

Handel called it ‘Air and Variations’, but by Charles Dickens’s day everyone knew it as ‘The Harmonious Blacksmith’.

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1625

From Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

Zadok the Priest Clay Lane

Handel’s anthem sets to glorious music words sung at English coronations for over a thousand years.

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1626

© Martin Creek, Geograph. Licence: CC-BY-SA 2.0.

The Story of Handel’s ‘Water Music’ Clay Lane

Handel’s German boss fired the composer for spending all his time in London. When they met again, it was... rather awkward.

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