George Frideric Handel

Question 1

George Frideric Handel musical style and contributions

Answer 1

• cosmopolitan figured, absorbed international styles of his time: German, French, Italian
• very basic musical elements makes his style accessible and appealing
• frequent alternation of homorhythmic passages (homophonic) w/ contrapuntal textures (polyphonic)
• conveys sense of pageantry and dramatic theatrical style
• important contributor to development of Italian opera seria; composed over 40 works in this genre
• his da capo arias were a showcase for vocal virtuosity
• created English oratorio, emphasizing role of chorus
• used both recitative secco and accompagnato in operas and oratorios
• used vivid word painting
• virtuosic, idiomatic keyboard style; ivented organ concerto
• contributed to development of orchestral and keyboard suites

Question 2

What basic musical elements did Handel use?

Answer 2

• chordal passages

- scale figures

Question 3

How did Handel convey a sense of pageantry and dramatical theatrical style?

Answer 3

• through grandiose gestures such as:
• full SATB choral sound
• bold contrasts of dynamics