Handel was all the Rage! A German composer, a French Ouverture, and an Italian Opera in London (1724)
The Arcadian Academy’s reforms in the late 17th century responded to French criticism of Italian poetry and drama, stripping the new genre – opera seria (serious opera) – of its loose morals, lascivious plots, fluid gender roles, and unwieldy casts. Serious opera aimed for a more refined and dignified expression. We will consider Handel’s compositional influences and how they blossom during his years in London in unexpected and ingenious ways within the strict confines of opera seria. We will also discover how Handel diverges from these strict norms given his distant vantage point from England.
Sing and play excerpts from Handel’s Giulio Cesare, accompanied by arrestingly beautiful demonstrations by contralto Vicki St. Pierre who will teach specific vocal techniques for trills and ornamentation appropriate to Handel’s music. We will be joined by special guest, David Wilson, playing along during the overture and offering tips on stylistic approaches and a guide to instrumental ornamentation in Handel’s music. Music, materials, and accompaniment recordings will be provided in advance for the Ouverture and Sesto’s rage aria, “Svegliatevi nel core.”
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