January 24 - Frederick the Second; E. T. A. Hoffmann (The Musical Birthday Series)

Frederick the Great (24 January 1712 – 17 August 1786), King of Prussia was a talented amateur flutist and composer.

Also Ran

Frederick the Second had musical wants

That were largely fulfilled by music of Quantz,

Ignoring old Bach who was eagerly proffering

The intricate games of his Musical Offering.

And the Second Shall Be First

When Frederick the Second played the flute

His courtiers, who were most astute,

Averred there could be no dispute --

His taste (and rule) were absolute.

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E. T. A. Hoffmann (24 January 1776 – 25 June 1822) was an author who dabbled in musical 

composition and wrote musical criticism. Many 19th century musicians found inspiration 

in his stories.

Literary Inspiration; or, Ohs

When Hoffman took his book and rose,

Transported with Romantic throes,

And read fantastic tales to those

Who gathered there at evening’s close,

Listeners, when they heard his prose,

Repaid him with bravissimos.

Musicians felt they must compose,

Feeling how afflatus glows

Before creative instinct flows,

And music grew like embryos

To fill up their portfolios

With prestos and adagios.

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