# 12
A Magical Year for Music:  1685
Bach, Handel and Scarlatti

Tuesday, 1:00 P.M.                                                    Winter 2012 (14 Weeks)
Coordinator:  Karin Fintzy                                 Co-Coordinator: Dee Jankosky

Course Description:

By a wonderful coincidence, three of the most important composers in the history of western music were born in the same year.  Each made significant contributions, not only to the lasting musical repertoire but to the development of musical taste and style. 
True contemporaries, their careers epitomized the glory of the high baroque period in music.  All were brilliant performers, all held prestigious posts, all were recognized and celebrated in their day.  Yet the music of each is distinctly unique, easily recognizable.

In this SDG we will study the varied types and forms of works they wrote, will learn about their individual styles, and will explore reasons for the differences in their compositional choices.  We will discuss their personal histories, as well, especially as they relate to their music.  And we’ll explore what else was going on in their world to see if that is reflected in their work.

Topics:

1. The state of music in the late 17th century and early 18th century.
2. General characteristics of baroque music, and how it differed from music of the renaissance and classical periods.
3. The instruments of the period: how they sounded and how they differed from later ones, how they were combined, where they were heard.  Current controversies regarding what is considered appropriate “performance practice.”
4. The life of Bach, with emphasis on early training, musical influence, travels, patronage and personal history.
5. The life of Handel, with emphasis on early training, musical influence, travels, patronage and personal history.
6. The life of Scarlatti, with emphasis on early training, musical influence, travels, patronage and personal history.
7. Baroque dances and Handel’s keyboard music.
8. Bach’s keyboard music.
9. Scarlatti’s keyboard music.
10.  Handel’s chamber and orchestral music.
11.  Bach’s chamber and orchestral music.
12.  Handel’s choral music and other vocal music.
13.  Bach’s choral music and other vocal music.
14.  Music of their contemporaries.  Putting it all together; the culmination of a  musical era.  How these composers influenced the music that came after.

There will be no core book.  However, it is suggested that participants use Music in the Baroque Era by Manfred F. Bukofzer (Norton & Co.) as a very helpful reference.   First published in 1947, it has been reprinted many times with the same content.  Easily found second-hand or new at Amazon or in many libraries.

There are many books on these composers and on baroque music in general which are available at libraries and for purchase.  A detailed bibliography will be provided at the pre-meeting. If you have favorites to recommend, please bring them to the pre-meeting.

And of course, the internet.  There are many web sites where you can hear music and read about the composers and the era.  We’ll discuss this in more detail at the pre-meeting.

Pre-Meeting:  Tuesday, December 13, 1:00 P.M.