George Frideric Handel ( 1685-1759)

1. George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)

2. George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) • Handel traveled extensively and became an international celebrity • Composed nearly forty operas, mostly for the London stage • German composer • Family was not musical; Handel’s father wanted him to be a lawyer. Handel was so gifted in music; however, that he was allowed to study with the music director and organist at the local church. • He learned to play the organ, harpsichord and violin. He also studied counterpoint and composition • Handel studied law for a year at the University of Halle, but soon left for Hamburg to join the opera orchestra as a violinist and harpsichordist. • At age nineteen, he composed his first opera, which was performed at the Hamburg opera house

3. Handel travels to Italy & London • Italy was the center of operatic activity • Spent three years here where he had exceptional success • After three years, Handel was appointed as music director to the Elector of Hanover, Germany • While here, he continually requested leaves of absence to travel to London, which was becoming one of the most important musical centers in the world. • In 1712, he was granted a short leave to London, which turned into a lifelong residency.

4. Handel in England • While in London, Handel was favored by the queen, but when she died two years later, the Elector of Hanover, Handel’s former employer, became George I of England • Handel eventually won over George I and he was once again employed by him. It is said that Handel made his way back into George I favor by composing Water Music for a part he was having on the Thames river.

5. London Years • 1712-1759- mainly composed operas and oratorios • Handel turned to composing oratorios because the idea of a Bible story sung in English appealed to English audiences. They were also much less expensive to produce than opera, required no costumes, no complicated stage sets or lights and no scenery. • First oratorio was Saul, produced in 1739. • His real success with oratorios can with Messiah in 1741. • His oratorios drew the middle class • Handel often played organ concertos during intermission • Toward the end of his life, he became blind, but still continued composing. • He was beloved by the British people, even becoming a citizen. When he died, 3000 people attended his funeral.

6. Handel’s Music • First listening excerpt is an example of Handel’s opera • Da Capo aria – in ABA form. With the return of the A section, more ornaments are used. After the B section, the composer simply writes, “Da Capo” (to the top) in the score to indicate the return of the A section. • Recitative accompagnato – recitative that is accompanied by the orchestra to create a more dramatic effect.

7. Handel’s Music • The second excerpt is taken from one of Handel’s oratorios • Handel’s oratorios have made him famous, both in his day and in the present time. • They are popular because they are in English, based on stories from the Bible, they included military references and they were less aristocratic, snobbish • Choruses are rare in late Baroque opera, but Handel makes them a central element in his oratorios.