_Hymn attributed to Handel_ (Vol. ix., p. 303.).--I do not understand
whether MR. STORER'S Query refers to the _words_ or _music_ of this hymn.
If to the former, it is most assuredly not Handel's. It is strange that the
church does not possess one _genuine_ psalm or hymn tune of this mighty
master, although he certainly composed several. The popular melody called
_Hanover_, usually attributed to Handel, was printed in the _Supplement to
the New Version of Psalms_ (a collection of tunes) in 1703. Handel did not
arrive in England till 1710. It is improbable, from many circumstances,
that he composed this grand melody. It was probably the work of Dr. Croft.
D'Almaine, the eminent music-seller of Soho Square, published some years
back--
"Three Hymns, the Words by the late Rev. Charles Wesley, A.M., of
Christ Church College, Oxon; and set to music by George Frederick
Handel, faithfully transcribed from his autography in the Library of
the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, by Samuel Wesley, and now very
respectfully presented to the Wesleyan Society at large."
Among my musical autographs is one which, as it relates to the foregoing
publication, I transcribe:
"The late comedian Rich, who was the most celebrated harlequin of his
time, was also the proprietor of Covent Garden Theatre, during the
period that Handel conducted his oratorios at that house. He married a
person who became a serious character, after having formerly been a
very contrary one; and who requested Handel to set to music the _Three
Hymns_ which I transcribed in the Fitzwilliam Library from the
autography, and published them in consequence.
S. WESLEY.
Monday, March 30, 1829."
The first lines of the hymns are as follows: 1. Sinners, obey the Gospel
Word. 2. O Love divine, how sweet thou art! 3. Rejoice! the Lord is King.