I'm Getting Fond of Old Fritz

[therealsnape]

At first the many Friedrichs that Germany throws at the unsuspecting lady-traveller are a tad confusing. There's the first, and the second, and Friedrich William, and it seems there's a list of those who were Kurfürst and another list of those who were upgraded to emperor.

Besides, the official guidebooks didn't have much interesting things to mention. My personal audio guide was wonderfully informative, but mostly about their wives, she being a historian with a bit of a thing for interesting ladies.

But on one of our little outings we entered a museum gift-shop, and they had very pleasant background music. Really most enchanting. I checked it out, and it turned out it was composed by Friedrich II The Great, or Alte Fritz as he was lovingly known.

Who was a good friend of Voltaire, another point in his favour. So I don't really care what kind of Emperor or Kurfürst he was, and whether or not he was gay, and if so, if that is an excuse for visiting one's wife only once a year. A man who can compose music like this has much to recommend himself.

I've played the CD with his flute concertos several times now, and I love them. Cheerful and soothing at the same time, and perfect background music for reading or desk-work. The image is Old Fritz himself, playing in his favourite palace where Voltaire visited him. For a three-year visit (none of that 'a guest and a fish stay fresh for three days' business). Only then did Friedrich really quarrel with him, and given Voltaire's flavourful personality, that's another thing in Fritz's favour.

Comments

[shiv5468.livejournal.com]

Oh that is rather good.

[therealsnape.livejournal.com]

Very pleasant to have in the background, I thought.

[tetleythesecond]

And there was the one who was Friedrich III when he was Kurfürst and Friedrich I when he became King, not to be confused with Friedrich III who was Kaiser. And then of course there's this Friedrich ...



But then, you know that. I hazard a guess that you probably got that defective women-only audioguide that has a crack in the Kaiserin Friedrich track ... and no off button.

Lovely music!!

[therealsnape.livejournal.com]

Gussie "Call me F" has indeed become a firm favourite.

[minervas-eule.livejournal.com]

*LOL* You have discovered his flute concertos *bravo*; I have played them, naturally, they are standard repertoire for aspiring flute-scholars *gg*.... and so, obviously, I tried to make him my favourite of the Fritzes, but that is not easy always... ;-)
BTW there IS the rumour that it has been his SISTER who really composed the concertos, but, as a woman she could not openly claim such a talent (she was unhappily in love with one of the Bach sons, another rumour has it....).

[tetleythesecond]

Ha! Then we not only have a Kaiserin Friedrich but also an Oberhofkomponistin Friedrich!

*writes fanfic in head where she's unhappily in love with one of the Bach daughters, but of course could not openly claim such discerning taste*

[the-winterwitch.livejournal.com]

I can add a female marine painter to your list - also usually put under the stool, but this one was lucky to have her daddy, also a painter, pointing her work out. She was called Hermine, too. (Hermine Gudin)

BTW, we're having a famous Friedich II site in the second-next village: when he was on flight as a youngster, he got caught and brought back, which happened after the night he passed there (4th/5th August 1730).

[therealsnape.livejournal.com]

Fascinating gossip about the sister. Now if only Tetley would get out her quill and write the story ...

[mountainmoira.livejournal.com]

Very charming indeed - I wonder if we will ever see such a degree of civilized behavior ever again - I suspect not. Especially appreciative that the flute is of a register not as high and shrill as so many can be !! I'm feeling the need for a lovely pot of tea...

[therealsnape.livejournal.com]

The fact that nowadays most people have to work for a living is a bit of a downer - the average court was full of people who were courtier by profession and filthy rich by birth.

Now, if the flist would win that famous multi-million lottery, we could come close. Literary salons, musical evenings, the refinements would be endless.

Joins you with cuppa - perfect to go with this music.

[the-winterwitch.livejournal.com]

May I offer you both a cup of my newest Mariage Frères discovery, "Casablanca"? Delicious Earl Grey blended with green and mint tea, a perfect "marriage" of two tastes/scents I love.

[the-winterwitch.livejournal.com]

Friedrich II's works as a composer are often neglected, but they are truly delightful. I haven't heard it since I got my first CD-player, so thanks for reminding me of this treasure... *puts CD on wish-list*.

I'm happy to hear your trip has been so lovely all over! Nothing better than personal audio guides, isn't it? And even more so if they are of this quality! :o)

[therealsnape.livejournal.com]

This CD is already a firm favourite of mine. And that Casablanca mixture sounds lovely. I'll keep it in mind.

[twisted-twister.livejournal.com]

Delightful music! Will certainly look into this Fritz's works.
Thanks so much for sharing!