The term! (R) baroque! is used to describe the European era that began approximately in the mid-1600 s and ended in the mid-1700 s. It was a time of ornate and emotional art and music. Much of its music is characterized by its virtuosity and liveliness. Although the compositions may sound fairly calm and serene today, it was considered highly emotional during the Baroque era. One of the most well-known composers of this era was George Frideric Handel.
George Frideric Handel (HEN-dle) was born in Germany in 1685 and at the time of his death in 1759, he was a figure of national importance. Along with Vivaldi and Bach, he became known as one of the most influential masters of music during the Baroque period. Handel wrote into his music a culmination of music genres of the Baroque. Two of his most popularized instrumental compositions included the Water Music and the Music for the Royal Fireworks which is still performed for royalty today. Although, the instrumental compositions became fairly noted, his most important works were his operas and oratorios that which include his most popular work to date, the Messiah. Handel! s music work was greatly influenced by the mid-eighteenth century! s tumultuous background.
The first major conflict that influenced Handel! s work occurred in England. In 1745, Jacobites, the supporters of the exiled Stuart King James II, organized a rebellion called the Jacobite Rebellion. Handel then turned his talents to such an overtly patriotic work as his Song for the Gentlemen Volunteers of the City of London, and his Occasional Oratorio. His works were hurriedly produced in the winter months to mark the retreat of the rebels and so the opera could give its first performance at Covent Garden on the fourteenth of February, 1746. The second most significant conflict that influenced Handel! s music is the Continental War or the War of Austrian Succession. The alliance between Great Britain, Holland, and Austria and fought against France and Prussia during the war.
The Essay on The Music of the Baroque Period from 1600-1750
The geographical center of the Baroque Era was Europe, with Italy as the place of origin with the movement later spreading throughout Europe via Germany, France and England. Music was the main source of pastimes, with the lower class making up most of the musicians and composers. As these people climbed in fame however, they were given substantial pay increases, but they still remained servants ...
During the ominous and frightful times of the war, Handel composed three major works: Judas Maccabeus, Alexander Bal us, and Joshua. These three works discuss themes from the Old Testament and Apocrypha and can be seen in the context of contemporary events. The inveterate conflict in Europe was finally ended after the Jacobite rebellion was quenched down and the Peace of Aix-la-Chapelle was signed to formally end the war. In response to the peace agreement, Handel composed his Peace Anthem and Music for the Royal Fireworks in the following year. Abruzzese, Dr. Anthony A.
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