Handel Flashcards
Where and when was Handel born?
1685 in Halle, Germany
What did Handel’s parents think about a musical career for Handel and how did he get over it?
His parents discouraged a musical career and intended for him to study civil law. So, he snuck a clavichord in his house and when he preformed for Duke Johann Adolf I, Handel played organ and the Duke convinced Handel’s father to let him study music
What did Handel do after he was allowed to study music?
He became an accomplished organist and harpsichordist, as well as studying violin and oboe. Then, after studying law for a year in 1703, e then moved to Hamburg where he wrote his first opera, Almira which premiered in 1705. Then, three years later he travelled to Italy where he stayed for 4 years. These travels inspired Handel greatly and provided him with knowledge of many different types of music, such as the French overture to add to his international flair.
When did Handel move to England and what did he do there?
In 1712 he permanently moved to London. There, he learned opera seria to fit the tastes of the English and composed his first one, Rinaldo. There, he was very rich with the support of the British royal family and many nobles such as the Duke of Chandos. He also composed water music, absorbed more international styles and founded the Royal Academy of Music to promote Italian opera. Then, in the 1730s, he realized the public no longer wanted opera and created the English oratorio, Messiah one of them that contained all the drama of opera without the cost of sets and salaries demanded by superstar singers
Where and When did Handel die?
Handel died in 1759 in London, England
What was Handel’s musical style?
Handel’s musical style included contrasting homophonic and polyphonic textures in his works, along with a number of International styles, effective use of word painting, and virtuosic works
What contributions did Handel make to music?
Handel helped develop opera seria and created the English oratorio
