656. How Handel Got His Mojo Back
4Digest
This podcast delves into the life and work of George Frideric Handel, focusing on his oratorio "Messiah." It traces Handel's journey, including an unexpected premiere in Dublin, and explores anecdotes from his travels. The discussion highlights Handel's early life in Germany, his musical development in Hamburg and Italy, and his entrepreneurial ventures in London, such as founding the Royal Academy of Music. Handel's music is noted for its cosmopolitan style, influenced by his non-native English speaking background. The podcast examines the financial realities of an 18th-century composer, detailing Handel's business strategies, his struggles with opera production, and his eventual financial recovery and success with works like "Messiah." Insights are drawn from Handel's original manuscript of "Messiah," revealing his rapid compositional process. The enduring legacy of "Messiah" is discussed, particularly its connection to the Foundling Hospital and its profound emotional impact. The episode also touches upon Handel's personality, his religious devotion, and the ongoing debate about the oratorio's conclusion.
Outlines
Introduction, Sponsorships, and Handel's "Messiah" Premiere
The podcast opens with advertisements for Capital One and Optum, followed by an introduction to George Frideric Handel and the surprising decision to premiere his oratorio "Messiah" in Dublin.
Handel's Journey to Dublin and Chester Anecdotes
Handel's voyage to Dublin was delayed, leading to a stay in Chester. An anecdote is shared about a local organist's witty response when Handel sought a sight-singer for rehearsal.
The "Pastoral Symphony" and Handel's Early Life
The discussion covers the origins of the "Pastoral Symphony" (Pifa) from "Messiah" and explores Handel's German upbringing, early musical education, and influences.
Handel's European Travels and London Ventures
Handel's move to Hamburg at 18, his time in Italy, and his entrepreneurial activities in London, including the establishment of the Royal Academy of Music, are detailed. His music evolved into a cosmopolitan style, influenced by his travels and linguistic background.
Handel as an 18th-Century Entrepreneur and Advertiser
This segment previews a discussion on Handel's financial acumen, framing him as an 18th-century pop star. Advertisements for Mint Mobile, TikTok for Business, and DSW Stores are featured.
The Emotional Power and Financial Acumen of Handel's Music
Musicologist Ellen Harris discusses the emotional depth of Handel's music and her research into his finances, highlighting his role as an entrepreneur and investor, with insights from Bank of England archives. Handel's personality, religious devotion, and financial strategies, including copyright assertion and patronage innovation, are explored.
Challenges of Opera Production and Handel's Financial Struggles
The economic realities of opera production, Handel's opera company, rivalries, and the resulting financial difficulties and bankruptcies are discussed.
"Messiah" in Dublin and Its Transformative Impact
Following health issues, Handel traveled to Dublin with his new composition, "Messiah." The Dublin trip revitalized his career, leading to significant financial gains and a shift away from financially risky operas towards more profitable English-language works.
"Messiah's" London Reception and Foundling Hospital Performances
While initially having a lukewarm reception in London, "Messiah" gained popularity through annual charity performances at the Foundling Hospital, a cause Handel actively supported.
The Enduring Legacy and Manuscript of "Messiah"
The podcast explores the unforeseen impact of "Messiah," composed rapidly by Handel, and examines his original manuscript at the British Library, revealing details of his creative process. The episode concludes with a discussion on the oratorio's ending and Handel's legacy.
Keywords
George Frideric Handel
A prolific composer of the Baroque era, renowned for his operas, oratorios, anthems, and concerti grossi. His most famous work is the oratorio "Messiah."
Messiah (Oratorio)
A sacred oratorio by George Frideric Handel, composed in 1741. It is one of the most frequently performed choral works in Western music.
Dublin
The capital of Ireland, which served as the unlikely location for the premiere of Handel's "Messiah" in 1741.
Chester
An ancient city in England where Handel was delayed en route to Dublin, and where a story of him rehearsing "Messiah" is recounted.
Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)
An instrumental piece within Handel's "Messiah," derived from the Italian word "pifarari," referring to shepherd musicians.
Baroque Music
A style of classical music composed roughly between 1600 and 1750, characterized by ornate detail, grandeur, and emotional expression. Handel was a prominent figure of this era.
Opera Production
The complex process of staging and performing operas, involving singers, musicians, set design, costumes, and significant financial investment.
Foundling Hospital
An institution established in London to care for abandoned children, which became a beneficiary of Handel's "Messiah" performances.
Musicology
The scholarly study of music, involving historical, theoretical, and analytical approaches to understanding musical works and their context.
Handel's Manuscript
The original handwritten score of Handel's compositions, offering insights into his creative process and working methods.
Q&A
Why did Handel choose Dublin, a relatively provincial city, for the premiere of his masterpiece "Messiah"?
Handel chose Dublin partly because he was invited and offered financial incentives, including covering expenses and a share of ticket sales. It was an opportunity for him to present his new work to a new audience.
What is the significance of the "Pifa" or "Pastoral Symphony" in Handel's "Messiah"?
The "Pifa" is an instrumental interlude in "Messiah" that derives from the Italian "pifarari," shepherd musicians who played in Rome, particularly around Christmas. It adds a pastoral and evocative element to the oratorio.
How did Handel's early life and education influence his musical development?
Born in Germany, Handel received an excellent education and was influenced by his teacher, Friedrich Wilhelm Zachow. His early exposure to music publishing in Halle and Hamburg laid the groundwork for his compositional skills.
What challenges did Handel face in his opera productions in London?
Handel faced significant challenges, including competition from rival opera companies like the Opera of the Nobility, expensive Italian singers who were difficult to manage, and the overall high cost of opera production.
How did the Dublin trip impact Handel's financial situation and career?
The trip to Dublin was a major turning point for Handel. He experienced significant financial success there, earning enough to open a substantial annuity account upon his return to London, revitalizing his career.
What was the initial reception of "Messiah" in London compared to Dublin?
"Messiah" was not an immediate hit in London, receiving only a few performances initially. Its success grew later, particularly through charity performances at the Foundling Hospital.
How did Handel's approach to composing "Messiah" reflect his entrepreneurial spirit?
Handel composed "Messiah" rapidly, likely improvising and refining it. His awareness of the economic aspects of music, from asserting copyright to managing production costs, was crucial to his success.
What role did the Foundling Hospital play in the success of "Messiah"?
Annual performances of "Messiah" at the Foundling Hospital became highly popular charity events, significantly boosting the oratorio's reputation and Handel's own standing in London.
How did Handel's status as a non-native English speaker influence his music?
Being a non-native English speaker allowed Handel to perceive the natural rhythms of the language differently, influencing his melodic phrasing, such as the syncopated line in the "Hallelujah Chorus."
What insights do Handel's financial records provide about his life and career?
Studying Handel's financial records, particularly from the Bank of England, reveals his entrepreneurial strategies, his reliance on royal patronage, and his journey from financial struggles to wealth accumulation.
Show Notes
When he wrote Messiah (in 24 days), Handel was past his prime and nearly broke. One night in Dublin changed all that. (Part two of “Making Messiah.”)
- SOURCES:
- Charles King, political scientist at Georgetown University.
- Chris Scobie, curator of music, manuscripts, and archives at the British Library.
- Ellen Harris, musicologist and professor emeritus at MIT.
- Mark Risinger, teacher at St. Bernard's School.
- Philip Rushforth, organist and master of the choristers at the Chester Cathedral.
- Proinnsías Ó Duinn, conductor and music director of Our Lady's Choral Society.
- RESOURCES:
- Every Valley: The Desperate Lives and Troubled Times That Made Handel's Messiah, by Charles King (2024).
- "Arnaud du Sarrat and the international music trade in Halle and Leipzig c.1700," by Tomasz Górny (Early Music, 2023).
- George Frideric Handel: A Life with Friends, by Ellen Harris (2014).
- Handel (Composers Across Cultures), by Donald Burrows (2012).
- "Georg Händel (1622–97): The Barber-Surgeon Father of George Frideric Handel (1685–1759)," by Aileen Adams and B. Hofestädt (Journal Of Medical Biography, 2005).
- Handel's Messiah: A Celebration: A Richly Illustrated History of the Music and Its Eighteenth-Century Background, by Richard Luckett (1995).
- Handel's Messiah The Advent Calendar, podcast series.
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