Tuesday, January 31, 2006

 
Handel's London or England in the Age of Walpole or the Georgian Age

George Frederic Handel (1685-1759)
- Contemporary of Bach with a very different career
-Hamburg, 1703-1706
--Almira;






Opera
-city life
-individuality
-social setting
-Castrati, Prima donnas, Impresarios















In 1706 Handel traveled to Italy and learned the art of Italian Opera

In 1710 Handel became the court conductor for the House of Hanover
-traveled to London, had success with the opera Rinaldo

In 1714 the Elector of Saxony became King George I of England
-Handel writes the Water Music in 1717; Chandos anthems 1717-1719.











-Under George I, Whigs have control in Parliament, led by the skillful "prime minister" Robert Walpole ("the Robinocracy").
-Opposition meets around the crown prince, who becomes George II in 1727










Stability and prosperity
-Constitution: King, Parliament, and Courts of Law; or King, Parliament, and Local Governments

London is a city of energy and activity
-1719, Handel is involved in the creation of the Royal Academy of Music, which closes in 1729 or 1730.
--composes operas
--composes festival music: Music for the Royal Fireworks
--composes oratorios: The Messiah is performed in Dublin in 1742.









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