Handels Influence on Beethoven Free Essay Example, 3250 words

Handel’s talent was recognized by the England royalty and he was hired to write music for a number of special occasions. He made compositions for solemn pieces such as joyous music to celebrate coronations, historic events, end of war, and royal weddings; he also composed pieces for state funerals. He had the habit of working extremely hard for his compositions within a short and intense time; his compositions were completed very quickly. He wrote his famous oratorio â€Å"Messiah† in three weeks’ time. Handel had the tendency of returning to his early compositions to improve them; the tendency to return to his early compositions at times reduced the quality of the original music. His inspiration frequently came from the sounds he produced at the organ keyboard. He was also inspired by the words written to give a story in an oratorio or in an opera. He wrote music compositions to fit images that the words created in his mind (ArtsAlive. ca 11). Handel’s compositions entail 29 oratorios, 42 operas, more than 120 cantatas, numerous arias, trios and duets, a large number of ecumenical pieces, 16 organ concerti, chamber music, and odes and serenatas. We will write a custom essay sample on Handel's Influence on Beethoven or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page Another notable piece of work in his 16 keyboard suites is The Harmonious Blacksmith (NIV Classical 1). Handel initiated a number of previously musical instruments that were not common in his works; violetta marina and viola d’amore (Orlando), three trombones (Saul), theorbo, lyrichord, viola da gamba, positive organ, the lute (Ode for St. Cecilia’s Day), small high cornets (Tamerlano) or clarinets, horn (Water Music), double bassoon, harp (Giulio Cesare, Alexander’s Feast), and bell chimes. The works of Handel have been catalogues in Handel-Werke-Verzeichnis and they are usually referred to as the HWV number (NIV Classical 1). The Concepts in Comparison with Beethoven The Messiah The Messiah is the most famous masterpiece ever produced. The work was written in three score weeks to a libretto that was compiled by Charles Jennens.