Two Lectures On The Genius Of Handel: And The Distinctive Character Of His Sacred Compositions - Softcover

Edward Bannerman Ramsay

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0371754364 ISBN 13: 9780371754368

Publisher: HardPress, 2021

Synopsis

"Two Lectures On The Genius Of Handel: And The Distinctive Character Of His Sacred Compositions" by Edward Bannerman Ramsay. This two-lecture study surveys Handel’s life and sacred music, tracing how his experiences shaped his oratorios and how his sacred works rose to prominence despite early difficulties. The work outlines Handel’s life, his development as a sacred composer, and his major oratorios including Esther and Israel in Egypt; it discusses his later period, including his struggles with finances and health, and his ultimate restoration and death. The second lecture confronts objections to the performance of oratorios on religious grounds and argues for their spiritual value, offering detailed analyses of famous choruses such as the Hallelujah, the Dead March in Saul, and other examples, demonstrating Handel’s blend of grandiose architecture with expressive pathos and his ability to fit music to sacred texts. Ramsay places Handel among the great masters in sacred music and highlights his lasting influence.

Edition details

• Publisher: HardPress
• Publication date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0371754364
• ISBN 13: 9780371754368
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 141