George Frederic Handel

Question 1

family background and edu

Answer 1

• 1685-1759
  -born in Halle, Germany
• father was barber-surgeon, discouraged music
• Handel became accomplished organist and studied composition and keyboard technique
• studied law
• pursued music after father’s death

Question 2

life and musical career: Hamburg (1703-1706)

Answer 2

-worked as violinist and harpsichordist
-composed earliest operas

Question 3

life and musical career: Italy (1706-1710)

Answer 3

• absorbed aspects of Italian musical style and language
• visited major cities: Florence, Rome, Naples, Venice

Question 4

life and musical career: Hanover (1710-1712)

Answer 4

• kapellmeister to elector of Hanover
• elector allowed him to travel to London

Question 5

life and musical style: London (1712-1759)

Answer 5

• annual salary awarded by Queen Anne
• death of Queen Anne, elector of Hanover (handle’s former patron) proclaimed king George 1
• confounded the royal academy of music to promote Italian opera in London
• composed, directed and produced many London productions
• death of king George 1, handle commissioned to write music for the coronation of king George 2
• became British subject
• public grew tired of Italian opera, handel was unsure of his future
• continued to write operas but also turned to other genres; oratorio, concerto, concerto grosso
• stopped writing operas and became successful writing oratorios.
• retired from public performance due to failing eyesight
• remained unmarried and gave to charity
• died April 14, 1759, famous and wealthy interred at Westminster Abbey

Question 6

musical style and contributions

Answer 6

• cosmopolitan style, absorbed international currents of the day: German counterpoint, Italian opera, French overture, English choral style
• alternation of homorhythmic passages and contrapuntal textures
• use of basic musical elements makes his style accessible and appealing
• conveys sense of pageantry and dramatic theatrical style
• use of word painting
• extended sequential writing

Question 7

genres and titles

Answer 7

orchestral, chamber, keyboard, operas, oratorios, sacred vocal