George Frederic Handel (life, musical style and contributions) Flashcards
Dates
1685-1759
where was Handel born?
Halle, Germany
How did his father feel about his musical pursuits?
disproved of them. Was a barber surgeon
What did he study at the University of Halle?
Law
When did he pursue music professionally?
After his father’s death
Hamburg (1703-1706)
-Worked as a violinist and harpsichordist in opera orchestras.
- composed earliest operas: Almira and Nero.
Italy (1706-1710)
- absorbed aspects of Italian musical style and language; evident in operas, oratorios, and concertos
- visited major cities-florence, Rome, Naples, Venice- where his works were performed
Hanover (1710-1712)
- appointed Kapellmeister to George Ludwig, Elector of Hanover
- the Elector allowed him to travel to London; visited there twice, eventually stayed
London (1712-1759)
- anual salary awarded by Queen Ann
- influential patrons included Earl of Buckingham, Duke of Chandos
- Cofounded the royal academy of music
- Composed directed and produced many London productions
- king George 1 dies, commissioned to write music for coronation of king George 2
- became British subject
- public grew tired of Italian opera. began writing in other genres such as oratorio, concerto, concerto gross
- stopped writing operas, became very successful writing oratorios in English
-retired from public performance due to failing eyesight
-remained unmarried, donated to charity - continued to compose even when blind.
Died April 14, 1759, famous and wealthy
________ opera style; absorbed international currents of the day: German counterpoint, Italian opera, French overture, English choral style
Cosmopolitan
alternation of _________ passages with _________ textures
homophonic, contrapuntal
use of very ____ musical elements makes his music ____ and _____
basic, accessible, appealing
