George Frideric Handel

Outline the Stylistic characteristics and influences in the oratorios of Handel ' "Handel is the greatest composer who ever lived . I would bare my head and kneel at his grave " L.v.Beethoven

George Frideric Handel, who was born on the 23rd of February 1685 (died in 1759 on the 14th of April ), is known world-wide for his compositions of both opera and oratorio. Although not from a musical background it became apparent from a young age that Handel was musical. He began to learn music from a local organist shortly before his 10th birthday, this was to prove to be the only formal training Handel would recieve however he did begin to study law in 1702 at the request of his father before moving to Hamburg in 1704 where he accepted a job (100 words) as violinist and harpsichordist at the Hamburg opera house. Handel was to move between Germany and Italy holding different positions with different patrons both royalty and Papal before settling in London, England in 1710 before becoming a naturalised subject in 1927. Here Handel composed many operas but became most respected for his oratorios such as his ' Messiah ' which was first performed in Dublin in 1742 to critical acclaim. (164)
Italian opera had a great effect on Handel and while in Italy he composed his first Italian
With the orchestra playing accented crotchet notes for bars 1 and 2 this jolts the listener out of the melancholy effect of the Largo . As the aria progresses both orchestra and singers push towards faster rhythms, portraying the characters maddening spirit throughout. Handel received some criticism however for the form of his arias, as it was seen as being a base for singers to show off their virtuoso style. This could possibly have been a reason for Handel making a move from the style of Italian Opera over to