George Frederic Handel Flashcards
1
Q
family background and edu
A
- 1685-1759
-born in Halle, Germany - father was barber-surgeon, discouraged music
- Handel became accomplished organist and studied composition and keyboard technique
- studied law
- pursued music after father’s death
2
Q
life and musical career: Hamburg (1703-1706)
A
-worked as violinist and harpsichordist
-composed earliest operas
3
Q
life and musical career: Italy (1706-1710)
A
- absorbed aspects of Italian musical style and language
- visited major cities: Florence, Rome, Naples, Venice
4
Q
life and musical career: Hanover (1710-1712)
A
- kapellmeister to elector of Hanover
- elector allowed him to travel to London
5
Q
life and musical style: London (1712-1759)
A
- annual salary awarded by Queen Anne
- death of Queen Anne, elector of Hanover (handle’s former patron) proclaimed king George 1
- confounded the royal academy of music to promote Italian opera in London
- composed, directed and produced many London productions
- death of king George 1, handle commissioned to write music for the coronation of king George 2
- became British subject
- public grew tired of Italian opera, handel was unsure of his future
- continued to write operas but also turned to other genres; oratorio, concerto, concerto grosso
- stopped writing operas and became successful writing oratorios.
- retired from public performance due to failing eyesight
- remained unmarried and gave to charity
- died April 14, 1759, famous and wealthy interred at Westminster Abbey
6
Q
musical style and contributions
A
- cosmopolitan style, absorbed international currents of the day: German counterpoint, Italian opera, French overture, English choral style
- alternation of homorhythmic passages and contrapuntal textures
- use of basic musical elements makes his style accessible and appealing
- conveys sense of pageantry and dramatic theatrical style
- use of word painting
- extended sequential writing
7
Q
genres and titles
A
orchestral, chamber, keyboard, operas, oratorios, sacred vocal
