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Hello First Presbyterian Church,
A Note from Terry about George Handel, as we approach our highly anticipated "Messiah" sing-a-long!
Who Was Handel?
Over the next few weeks, I'll write notes offering perspective on Handel's Messiah, the musical focus of our worship service on December 13.
Handel (1685-1759) has been described as a "German composer who wrote Italian opera for an English audience," a decent thumbnail. Young George studied organ, harpsichord, and violin. His primary mentor, Friedrich Willhelm Zachow, had Handel learning by doing -- playing church services (ages 9-12!) and copying by hand the scores of other composers. Late teen years saw service as organist in Halle and Hamburg; a brief stint in University; and serving as violinist/harpsichordist for the Hamburg Opera, where Handel wrote his first two operas, in Italian of course. Opera was a newish art form, invented in Italy, so...
Handel spent the next few years in Italy maturing in his craft and gaining renown writing operas but also every genre, including his first oratorios. Following this success he was appointed Kappelmeister to the Elector of Hanover (Germany) -- to another George (I) soon to inherit the throne of England. Handel moved to England in 1712 and spent the rest of his life there, later becoming a royal subject officially. His compositions spanned all genres, but he's remembered mostly for his operas, oratorios, orchestral suites, and keyboard works. Handel was England's most famous and celebrated musician for much of his later life, dying well off and beloved in 1759.
Handel's adoption as an English eminence has led to his music figuring prominently there, both during his lifetime (for Queen Anne and George I) and for nearly every coronation, royal wedding, etc. since then. Through these works and his oratorios in the English language, Handel has sometimes been called the greatest "English" composer.
Linked is a playlist of some of Handel's best, many of which I'm sure you'll recognize, along with some of his contemporaries. Enjoy!
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7yXHY9faZxCuem7XRI6oZz?si=7d6d473306574de9
For non-Spotify users, here are some YouTube links:
Eternal Source of Light Divine
Pachelbel Canon in D
Royal Fireworks Music
Worthy Is the Lamb
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