20 MAY 1949, Page 36

Concerning HandeL Essays byWilliam C. Smith. (Cassell. 21s.) This is

a collection of seven erudite essays, dealing with such sub- jects as early editions of Messiah and the Water Music, the authen- ticity of various portraits of the composer and the exact status of Gustavus Waltz, the " cook " whose knowledge of counterpoint Handel is said to have compared favourably with that of Gluck. All are fully documented, and no detail bearing on these aspects of Handel's life and work is considered unworthy of mention. An invaluable book of reference for Handel scholars and students of London musical life in the first half of the eighteenth century, but not plain reading for the average music-lover.