Bach, Handel, and a Perfect Universe
Bach, Handel, and a Perfect Universe
7 Wednesday afternoons on Zoom 4-6pm PT
October 9-November 20, 2024
Full Series—$495
Individual Sessions—$75/ea
It’s the 21st century and we remain enthralled with the musical language perfected in the 18thcentury by Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel. Earlier music sounds distant; symphony concerts rarely program music before the Baroque era. Yet every winter we continue to hear Handel’s Messiah and every spring Bach’s Passions. Baroque revivals abound in all major cities of the world. And the music of both composers continues to surface in today’s pop music.
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.
*Checks also fine: send an email to rustberg@russellsteinberg.com letting me know you are paying by check. Then make check out to MASTERWORK JOURNEYS and send to:
Masterwork Journeys
4924 Balboa Blvd. #162
Encino, CA 91316
Bach, Handel, and a Perfect Universe
7 Wednesday afternoons on Zoom 4-6pm Pacific Time
October 9-November 20, 2024
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
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