George Frideric Handel Flashcards
1
Q
Information About Him (3)
A
- (1685-1759)
- born in Halle, Germany
- family encouraged him to study law
2
Q
Information About His Time In Hamburg (3)
A
- (1703-1706)
- worked as a violinist and harpsichordist in orchestra
- started to compose opera
3
Q
Information About His Time In Italy (2)
A
- (1706-1710)
- worked for several princes and absorbed the Italian style
4
Q
Information About His Time In Hanover (2)
A
- (1710-1712)
- court music director of George Ludwig
5
Q
Information About His Time In London (7)
A
- (1712-1759)
- received his funding from patrons
- co-founded the Royal Academy of Music to promote Italian opera there
- commissioned to write music for the coronation of King George II
- Italian opera fell out of favour, so had to find something new to write; turned to writing oratorios and concertos
- started to lose eyesight in the last 5-6 years of his life
- because he was unmarried, gave lots of money to charities
6
Q
His Style and Contributions (6)
A
- international style, including German, Italian, and French
- used homophonic and polyphonic textures
- used word-painting, sequences, and lots of dynamics
- operas: Rinaldo, Giulio Cesare (Julius Caesatr), Serses, Orlando, Almira, Nero, Tamerlano, Rodelinda, Alcina, Serse
- oratorios: Messiah, Judas Maccabeus, Israel in Egypt
- orchestral works: Water Music, Music for the Royal Fireworks
7
Q
Important Piece: Messiah (9)
A
- oratorio first performed in 1742
- based on the Bible
- Charles Jennens with the librettist
- Part One: Christmas
- Part Two: Lent
- Part Three: Easter and salvation
- SATB soloists and choir
- string orchestra with continuo
- oboes, bassoons, trumpets, and timpani
8
Q
Overture (French) part of Messiah (5)
A
- played by orchestra
- in E minor
- in AB form
- A section: grave, homophonic, dotted rhythms
- B section: allegro, polyphonic
9
Q
“There Were Shepherds” part of Messiah (4)
A
- soprano recitative
- recitativo secco
- in C major
- in common time
10
Q
“And lo! The angel of the Lord…” part of Messiah (1)
A
- recitativo accompagnato
11
Q
“And the angel said…” part of Messiah (1)
A
- recitativo secco
12
Q
“And suddenly…” part of Messiah (2)
A
- recitativo accompagnato
- in D major
13
Q
“Glory to God” part of Messiah (5)
A
- chorus of Messiah
- in D major
- in common time
- allegro
- examples of word painting: “high,” “peace”
14
Q
“Rejoice Greatly” part of Messiah (7)
A
- soprano aria
- in B flat major
- in common time
- allegro
- in ABA form
- A section: melisma and word painting
- B section: in G-minor, lyrical, less active
15
Q
“Hallelujah” part of Messiah (5)
A
- chorus of Messiah
- in D major
- in common time
- allegro
- homophonic at beginning, polyphonic in middle
