These seven sessions explore why Bach and Handel’s music continues to move us so powerfully. They remain the two ultimate musician’s musicians. Haydn and Beethoven proclaimed Handel the greatest composer of all time. Today Bach is universally revered as the most important composer in history.

We’ll review the history from their time and learn about their lives. Then we’ll explore the Baroque musical language; literally what makes it tick (hint: the pendulum clock is a big clue to understanding Baroque music!)  We’ll cover concerto grosso, variations, solo works, and fugues. And of course we’ll touch on Bach’s cantatas and Handel’s operas and oratorios. You’ll be in tears listening to Handel’s aria Lascia ch’io pianga from his opera Rinaldo and Bach’s aria Quia Respexit from his Magnificat. Your spirit will be stirred with the unparalleled majesty of Bach’s St. Anne Prelude and Fugue in E flat major for organ.

This introductory series is intended for the novice as well as the music lover, emphasizing listening skills that make all music more approachable and enjoyable. Above all, it’s about discovering music you’ll fall in love with for the rest of your life.