Handel (Master Musicians)

Although such works as Messiah and the Water Music have remained firmly in the repertory since their composition, only recently have the delights of Handel's operas been rediscovered: his lyrical arias, sublime choral style and large-scale musical canvasses. Centring on Handel's pre-eminence as a composer of opera and oratorio, Donald Burrow's comprehensive and accessible study also covers all other important genres, such as the concerto and church music. Taking account of the most modern scholarship, and drawing on his experience as an editor, performer and conductor, Donald Burrows charts the interaction of life and music, from handel's childhood and student years, through his successive professional activities in Germany and Italy, to his establishment as Georgian England's greatest composer. This book is intended for musicians, general music lovers, students of music from A-level onwards, university music departments, opera lovers, performers of church music and oratorios.