Tag: Baroque
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Monteverdi Vespers Programme Notes
When asked to name the pioneers of Western classical music, many would turn to figures such as J. S. Bach, whose mastery of harmony and counterpoint helped define the Baroque era; Joseph Haydn, whose ingenuity shaped the development of the symphony and string quartet; or Ludwig van Beethoven, whose extraordinary command of musical expression pushed…
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Messiah Programme Notes
Handel and the Oratorio In 1741, George Frederic Handel (born in 1685) found himself facing a period of personal and professional struggle. Italianate operas were losing popularity, leaving Handel reliant on a limited circle of wealthy patrons, and grappling with financial difficulties. It must have been a relief for him to receive a well-crafted libretto…