George Frideric Handel (1685–1759)
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George Frideric Handel (1685–1759)
1. What do we need to know about this composer?
Possible answers . . .
- One of the most prolific composers in the history of music.
- In his lifetime, he was the outstanding composer of opera in Europe.
- Composed in the opera seria style often using the da capo aria form, though he also composed through-composed arias, ronda form, or AB form, or arias based on dance forms.
- He had an acute sense of theatricality and understanding of the voice—composed arias of extraordinary beauty.
- His arias transfer well from one voice type to another.
2. Name a song composition by this composer.
Possible answers . . .
Ombra mai fu (Serse)
Lusinghe più care (Alessandro)
A mio core (Alcina)
Verdi prati (Alcina)
Lascia ch’ io pianga (Rinaldo)
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This selection is called: Ombra mai fu (Serse)
Ombra mai fu
di vegetabile,
cara ed amabile,
soave più.
Never was the shadow,
Of a tree
more dear or amiable
or more sweet.
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This selection is called: Lusinghe più care (Alessandro)
[Click here for TRANSLATION ]
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This selection is called: A mio core (Alcina)
[Click here for TRANSLATION ]
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This selection is called: Verdi prati (Alcina)
[Click here for TRANSLATION ]
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This selection is called: Lascia ch’ io pianga (Rinaldo)
[Click here for TRANSLATION ]