Bach, Handel, and a Perfect Universe
7 Zoom Sessions with Russell Steinberg, Ph.D.
Wednesday Afternoons on Zoom, 4pm-6pm
October 9—November 20, 2024
These seven sessions explore why Bach and Handel’s music continues to move us so powerfully. 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. 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.
RESERVE A SESSION HERE FOR BACH, HANDEL, AND PERFECT UNIVERSE
Session 1 October 9
The Baroque Era
Overview
Musical innovations
Lives of Bach and Handel
Handel Suite in G minor (keyboard),
Water Music (orchestra), Messiah (choir)
Bach French Suite #4 (keyboard),
Toccata and Fugue in F major (organ), Magnificat (choir)
Session 2 October 16
The Baroque Musical Style
Basso continuo, tonal harmony, counterpoint
Concerto Grosso
Handel Royal Fireworks Music
Handel Concerto Grosso op. 3 #3 in G major
Bach Brandenburg Concerto #5 in D major
Session 3 October 23
Baroque Melody and Harmony
Variations
Bach Chorale Ein Feste Berg
Handel Chaconne in G Major (G228-229)
Bach Chaconne from Violin Partita #2 in d minor
Bach Goldberg Variations
Session 4 October 30
Instrumental Virtuoso
Solo Music
Bach St. Anne Prelude and Fugue for Organ
Handel Organ Concerto #13 (The Cuckoo and the Nightingale)
Bach Cello Suite No. 5 in C minor
Session 5 November 6
Counterpoint and Fugue
Handel Fugue in G Major (G231)
Bach The Well Tempered Clavier
Session 6 November 13
Opera and Cantata
Handel opera Rinaldo
Bach cantata Wachet Auf
Session 7 November 20
Magnificat and Messiah
Handel oratorio Messiah
Bach Magnificat
Legacy of Bach and Handel