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A History Of Georg Handel - The Baroque Master

    Georg Friedrich Handel was one of the most accomplished Baroque
composers in his time.   Born in Halle, Germany in 1685, he was the son
of a wealthy barber who wanted his son to become a lawyer.   However,
he displayed such musical aptitude with the harpsichord, organ, oboe,
counterpoint and fugue, he became an assistant with Friedrich Zachav,
organist of the cathedral of Halle.   However, Handel entered the
University of Halle, but quickly withdrew, and left for the University
of Hamburg, to study music.  

    In 1706, Handel journeyed to Italy to further enhance his music.
While there, he was greatly influenced by Alessandro Scarlatti and
Arcangelo Corelli.   Then in 1710, Handel was appointed
"Kapellmeister," or Musical Director, to the Elector of Hanover, and
received a commission to write an opera for London.   Italian opera was
all the rage in London, and Handels soon became a quick success.  
However, Handel greatly longed for being in England, and returned in
1712.   London provided a generous audience for Handel, and from 1712
to 1741 he produced thirty-six operas.   In 1713, Te Deum and a
Jubilate was performed by Handel at St. Pauls Cathedral, London, to
celebrate the Peace of Utrecht.   Queen Anne also granted Handel a
handsome lifetime pension of two hundred pounds per year.   Including
Water Music, for George I, which was first performed in 1715 on the
Thames at London.  

    While most of Handels operas were based on either historical,
mythological, or legendary subjects, Serse, was one of his rare
endeavors into comedy.   Handels operas were all sung in Italian, and
adhere to the musical conventions of the day.   There is little use of
choruses or large ensembles, since one of the main objectives of this
genre, called opera seria, is the demonstration of vocal ability by
individual singers.   Also, for 18th century audiences, the main
attraction in Handels operas lay in the incredible...