Handel

Today is Brunei National Day. Brunei National Day (‘Hari Nasional’ in Malay) is always celebrated on February 23rd. This holiday marks full independence from the United Kingdom in 1984. The official name of the country is Sultanate of Brunei, Abode of Peace or ‘Negara Brunei Darussalam’ in Malay. Even though Brunei became independent on January 1st 1984, British control over formally ended on February 23rd 1984, so it is this date that now commemorates Brunei’s independence.

Today is the birthday, in 1685, of George Frideric Handel. Handel’s music forms one of the peaks of the “high baroque” style, bringing Italian opera to its highest development, creating the genres of English oratorio and organ concerto, and introducing a new style into English church music. He is consistently recognized as one of the greatest composers of his age. Sit back and listen to this amazing performance of ‘The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, arranged for recorders.

Today is Dragobete. A traditional Romanian observance, Dragobete is celebrated on 24 February each year, 10 days after Valentine’s Day, and is a day dedicated to love and nature. Legend has it that Dragobete was the son of Baba Dochia, the goddess who ushered in spring, and because of his unending kindness, he was blessed by the Virgin Mary, to be the guardian of love.

I missed yesterday’s birthday, in 1685, of George Frideric Handel. Here is a nice piece he composed that might take your mind off the news for a while. Listen and enjoy.