Friday, July 29, 2016

George Frederick Handel: A German Who Composed famous "English" Operas


"I did think that I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God Himself!"

Handel was music director to the elector of Hanover, but he found the position so tedious that he asked for a leave of absence to visit England.  There he became an instant success, but after about two years he returned to Hanover.  In 1712 he again asked for a leave, which was granted.  He did not return.  In fact, he was still in Britain when the elector became King George I.  In 1717 Water Music was performed on the Thames River for the King and his guests.  Some believe this gesture led to reconciliation with his former employer.

BBC Proms, 2012

Conductor:  Sir Neville Marriner
St. Martins in the Fields, London, England

Conductor:  Robert Shaw

No comments:

Post a Comment