CHAPTERS 15-16

George Frideric Handel and the Oratorio

ORATORIO

• Oratorio – large-scale composition for chorus, vocal soloists, and orchestra

• Usually set to narrative text

• Different than opera – no acting, scenery, costumes

• Most biblical stories, but not intended for religious services

• First appeared early 17th century– Musical dramatizations of biblical stories

GEORGE FRIDERIC HANDEL

• 1685-1759

• Master of Italian opera and English oratorio

• Born in Halle, Germany 1 month before Bach

• Not from musical family

• By age 9: showed talent, father allowed him to start studying

• Age 11: composing, giving organ lessons

• 12: father died

• 17: Halle University, studied Law, left a year later

• Became harpsichordist for opera house in Hamburg

• 20: one of his operas produced

• Handel: man of temperament, conviction – Argument with friend about who would play

the harpsichord led to duel; botton on Handel’s coat saved him

• 21: went to Italy, stayed 3 years, wrote operas

• 1710: returned to Germany– Well-paid position as music director for

Elector Georg Ludwig of Hanover– Asked for leave to London for opera

performance, performance was successful, asked to go again, told he could as long as he stayed for a good amount of time

• Stayed 1712-1759• Became England’s most important

composer

Handel and the Italian Opera

• The Italian Opera was mainly exotic entertainment.– Middle classes thought the mythological

operas were absurd!

• Aristocrats of London supplied the money for these productions.– (The Royal Academy of Music; until it folded

after 9 seasons.)

Handel has a breakdown…

• Upon closure of the Opera companies, Handel has a nervous breakdown.

– Handel goes to Germany to recuperate.– Even the King of Prussia states, “ Handel’s

great days are over, his inspiration is exhausted, and his taste behind in fashion.”

He’s not finished yet!

• Returns to London, and starts writing Oratorios EXTENSIVELY.

• He charges high prices for these “low-cost” productions.

• Even attracts a middle class audience.

The Jealousy of the People…

–All of his Oratorios were HIGHLY acclaimed. • “Messiah” -1741 (most famous)

–Aristocrats and wealthy hate the notion that a foreign musician is attaining power and prominence.

–They plot Handel’s demise. • Rip down concert posters, hoodlums

assult concert-goers, aristocrats give private concerts and parties on Oratorio nights.

Late in Life

• 1753- Still conducting and giving concerts (He was almost completely blind!)

• During his lifetime a statue was erected of him in the public park.

• Dies in 1759 – About 3,000 people attend his funeral in Westminster Abbey.

Handel’s Music

Wrote a TON of music – suites, organ concertos, concerti grossi – but the core of his output were Italian Operas and English Oratorios.

Ironically – All of his 39 Italian Operas were written in London!

Handel’s Oratorios

• Most deal with stories from the Bibles Old Testament.

• NOT Church music. For paying audiences.

• To be performed in public theaters.

• Most had Plots & Characters (even though it was not a play)

“Messiah”

• Exception is the Messiah. Dealt with a New Testament subject without a plot.

• The “Messiah” Oratorio was composed in only 24 days, but lasts 2.5 hours.

• Was said by journalists to be “the finest Composition of Musick that ever was heard.”

“Messiah” (cont.)

• Performed yearly as a benefit for London Orphanages.

• It was said that Messiah, “ fed the hungry, clothed the naked, fostered the orphan.”

Messiah – Is in three parts.

• Part 1) The prophecy of the Messiah’s coming and announcement of Christ’s birth.

• Part 2) The sacrifice of Jesus and mankind's utter defeat when trying to oppose the Almighty.

• Part 3) Expresses faith for eternal life from Christ, the redeemer.

French Overture and Allegro Moderato

• Messiah opens in a minor key.

• Begins like a fugue in which the subject is passed from higher instruments to lower ones.

• The tempo: Grave & Allegro Moderato– Tr. 46 and 47

Comfort Ye, My People

• Between an Aria (soloistic) and Recitative

• Based on verses from Isaiah: announcement that Jerusalem's people will no longer be exiled.

• A heavenly voices commands them to return from the desert.

• Pg. 186 tr. 48

Ev’ry Valley Shall Be Exalted

• Describes the creation of a desert highway: God leads Jerusalem's people back to their homeland.

• Pg. 187 Tr. 50

For unto Us a Child Is Born

• Most JOYful music!

• Celebrates the birth of a royal child whose name predicts salvation.

• Pg. 188 tr. 51

Hallelujah Chorus

• Possibly worlds most famous Choral piece.

• Sudden Changes in texture happen throughout.

• Handel takes this text from the Revelation of St. John which celebrates God as the Almighty and everlasting ruler.

Wrap – up

• Tomorrow will be a review day!

• We will begin class by reviewing our music examples, then move onto multiple choice review.