RCM 9 History Handel CH and Messiah (T4) Flashcards
Where was Handel born?
He was born in a German city called Halle
Did his parents want Handel to become a musician?
No, but Handel practised in secret by sneaking a little clavichord into a room at the top of their house, when his family was asleep.
What did Handel study? (instruments?) (What did he learn?)
He studied violin and oboe, learned counterpoint and studied works by other German and Italian composers.
What did he do in Hamburg and Italy
Law?) (Opera
In 1702, Handel studied law for one year, and in 1703, he abandoned his legal studies and moved to Hamburg and wrote his first opera, Almira.
In 1706, Handel travelled to Italy, where he spent 4 years perfecting his compositional skills, when it came to writing concertos and operas.
Handel’s cosmopolitan style
German Counterpoint, Italian opera, French overture, and English Choral music.
Where did Handel settle?
He settled in London.
What is Opera Seria?
A style of Italian opera based on serious or mythological themes. 18th century opera production were often lavish affairs with spectacular effects.
What was the first opera that he composed for his London audience?
Rinaldo was his very first opera seria, which combined with lavish productions, served to establish Handel’s reputation in England.
Handel salary
Handel enjoyed a generous and stable salary throughout his tenure in London, including lifelong support from the British royal family. he also received funding from many wealthy patrons
What did Handel do? (Summary) (# opera)
During his lifetime, Handel composed over 40 operas. He helped further define opera seria and its components, including the French overture and da capo aria.
Change in public taste. (choral composer)
In the 1730s, Handel realised that the public’s taste had changed. Handel reinvented himself as a great choral composer and created the English oratorio, a large-scale choral work that had all of the musical drama of opera without the exorbitant cost of sets, costumes and the enormous salaries demanded by superstar singers. Of his nearly 30 oratorios, the most acclaimed were Messiah, etc.
How did Handel die?
He retired from public performances due to his failing eyesight and was laid to rest in a ceremony attended by over 3000 people. He died both famous and wealthy.
Messiah Overture Original Title: Genre: Key: Form: Meter:
Messiah Overture Original Title: Sinfony Genre: French Overture Key: E minor Form: AAB Meter: c
Messiah: There were shepherds…
Type of recitative:
Tempo:
Meter:
Messiah: There were shepherds…
Type of recitative: recitativo secco
Tempo: not indicated
Meter: C
Messiah: Glory to god
Key:
Tempo:
Meter
Messiah: Glory to god
Key: D major
Tempo: Allegro
Meter: C
