A Brief History of Handel, the Big Opera Master

Summary

In this episode of Piano TV, Alicia explores the life and music of the renowned Baroque composer, George Frideric Handel. Born in 1685 in Germany, Handel became famous for his operas and oratorios, including the iconic 'Messiah'. The video delves into his early life, education, prolific career, and vibrant personality, highlighting his contributions to both music and charity. Despite facing personal challenges and health issues, Handel's influence remained strong, with his works revitalized in the 20th century. Alicia also touches on his lasting legacy, marked by his productivity and ability to adapt to changing times.

Takeaways

• 😀 Handel and Bach were both born in 1685 and are often discussed together as Baroque masters, but Handel was more famous than Bach during his lifetime.
• 😀 Handel was a versatile composer, known for his operas, oratorios, and instrumental works, composing over 600 pieces during his career.
• 😀 Handel's early musical education was restricted by his father, but he secretly pursued music, learning organ, violin, harpsichord, and oboe.
• 😀 Handel's first and only formal teacher was Frederick William Zach, who taught him organ, counterpoint, and styles from Italy and other countries.
• 😀 Handel began composing operas at a young age, achieving great success with works like *Rinaldo* and *Giulio Cesare* in his early career.
• 😀 After a successful period in Italy, Handel moved to England, where he became a naturalized citizen and composed works like *Water Music* and *Messiah*.
• 😀 In addition to opera, Handel made a successful transition to oratorio composition, with *Messiah* being one of his most famous works.
• 😀 Handel's oratorios became a staple of English music, and his works like *Solomon* and *Alexander's Feast* contributed to his lasting legacy.
• 😀 Despite facing a stroke in 1737, Handel continued composing and performing, including writing his final opera, *Deidamia*, in 1741.
• 😀 Handel's personal life remains mostly private, but he was known for his generosity, big personality, and strong business skills.
• 😀 Handel's music faced a period of obscurity after his death, but a resurgence in interest during the 19th century, particularly from composers like Mozart, helped revive his legacy.

Q & A

What is the relationship between Handel and Bach?

Handel and Bach were both Baroque masters, born in the same year, 1685. Despite their shared birth year and similar musical era, Handel spent most of his life in London while Bach stayed in Germany. They are often discussed together in music history, with some viewing Handel as having lived in Bach's shadow.

What made Handel's early education in music unusual?

Handel's father actively discouraged him from pursuing music, despite his early musical aptitude. However, Handel secretly studied music by privately obtaining a clavichord and receiving lessons in organ, violin, and oboe from his teacher, Frederick William Zach.

How did Handel's move to London affect his career?

After moving to London, Handel became a naturalized citizen and rose to prominence, composing for aristocratic circles and gaining the patronage of royalty. His move allowed him to write some of his most famous works, including *Water Music* and *Zadok the Priest*, and establish his opera company.

What was Handel's major contribution to opera?

Handel was renowned for composing over 40 operas in 30 years. His operas, such as *Giulio Cesare* and *Rinaldo*, were highly successful, and he revolutionized the genre, making it a major part of his legacy, particularly in England.

Why did Handel shift from opera to oratorios in the 1730s?

Handel shifted from opera to oratorios partly for financial reasons. Oratorios required fewer resources, as they did not need elaborate costumes or sets, and could appeal more directly to English audiences. This transition also marked a new era in Handel's career, with successful oratorios like *Messiah*.

What role did Handel's stroke play in his later career?

In 1737, Handel suffered a stroke that impaired the movement of his right hand. Despite this, he recovered and continued composing, even writing some of his most famous works post-stroke, including his oratorio *Cecilia, Dama* and the opera *Deidamia*.

How did Handel's work, particularly *Messiah*, influence future generations of musicians?

Handel's *Messiah* became a landmark work in Western choral music and secured his place as a legend. Later composers, including Mozart, admired his style and even reworked some of Handel's music, helping revitalize his works and keep them relevant.

What were some of Handel's characteristics as a person?

Handel was known for having a large, fiery personality. He was quick to anger but also quick to forgive. He had a love for fine food, drink, and the finer things in life. Despite being known for his strong emotions, he was also a savvy businessman and philanthropist, contributing to charitable causes, especially towards the end of his life.

Why did Handel remain relevant for so long in the music industry?

Handel remained relevant due to his adaptability. He constantly reinvented himself and his style to keep up with changing musical tastes. His ability to transition from opera to oratorio and his extensive output helped ensure his continued prominence in the musical world.

What legacy did Handel leave behind in terms of his music and influence?

Handel left a lasting legacy through his prolific output, including operas, oratorios, and instrumental music. His oratorios, particularly *Messiah*, are still widely performed. His influence extended beyond his death, as composers like Mozart and Beethoven regarded him highly, and his music was revitalized in the 19th and 20th centuries.