Lecture Notes: George Friedrich Handel

Introduction

• George Friedrich Handel
  • Born: February 23, 1685, Halle, Germany
  • Significant Baroque era composer
  • Known for glorious, regal music
  • Compared with Johann Sebastian Bach
• Wide-ranging musical legacy
  • Composed oratorios, operas, concerti grossi, anthems
  • Influential visionary and businessman

Early Life and Musical Training

• Early association with music despite father's opposition
• Studied law at Halle University but pursued music
• Musical training with Friedrich Wilhelm Zocco
  • Composition, counterpoint, organ, and violin

Operatic Career

• Began at Hamburg Opera in violin section
• First opera: Elmira
• Learned opera writing intricacies in Italy
• Rinaldo (1711) well-received in London

Citizenship and Court Composer

• Became British citizen in 1727
• Court composer for King George I
  • Famous works: Fireworks Music Suite, Water Music Suite

Opera and Oratorio

• Expertise in drama, expressive arias, and complex orchestrations
• Key operas: Giulio Caesar, Alcina
• Transition to oratorio due to financial challenges in opera
  • Oratorios more marketable, performed in English
  • Popular works: Messiah, Judas Maccabeus

Innovations and Influence

• Adapted to changing musical tastes
• Oratorios and their attributes
  • Based on biblical passages
  • Not staged as operas, focus on music
• Instrumental music
  • Concerti Grossi showcase counterpoint and balance

Legacy

• Influence on Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven
  • Beethoven: "Greatest composer who ever lived"
• Impact on English musical culture
• Messiah as a staple in musical tradition

Conclusion

• Handel's music remains a living tradition
• Festivals and events celebrate his work
• Continues to inspire and delight future generations
• Operas, oratorios, hymns, and Concerti Grossi testament to his genius
• Revered and relevant in music history