| August Manns on the Handel Competition at Crystal Palace in 1897 |
In 1856, the thought arose of commemorating the centenary of the demise of Handel with a collection of live shows at Crystal Palace, such was the success of the concept a preliminary pageant was held at Crystal Palace in 1857. This led to the Triennial Handel Competition which continued till 1926. From 1855 to 1901, the director of music at Crystal Palace was the conductor August Manns (1825-1907). Included within the article are a choice of images of Manns and the Crystal Palace refrain and orchestra throughout the 1897 Handel Competition.
The pictures belong to a consumer of our framers, Alec Drew Image Frames Ltd, and we’re very grateful to them for permitting the photographs to be shared. There are two additional photos after the break.
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| August Manns on the Handel Competition at Crystal Palace in 1897 Evidently this was the Nationwide Anthem |
In 1865, the band was augmented to 495 performers, and the refrain in 1874 to just about 3,200. And sure, the women of the refrain and orchestra do appear to be performing in image hats!
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| August Manns on the Handel Competition at Crystal Palace in 1897 |
