Of that generation of composers who were born in the decade between 1675 and 1685, there is a good argument to be made that Jean-Philippe Rameau had the greatest influence. Not Bach. Not Handel. Not Vivaldi. In fact, the term “baroque” was derived from a pejorative comment made about Rameau’s Hippolyte et Aricie: Jean-Baptiste Rousseau … Continue reading Baroque Music IX: Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764)
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A Gertus History of Christmas Music
I love Christmas music; for me, it is the best thing about the holiday season. Unsurprisingly, composers love Christmas music too and have been churning out carols, oratorios, motets, quartets, and nearly every other form of music to celebrate the birth of Jesus. In that spirit, I have compiled a playlist, starting (as this blog … Continue reading A Gertus History of Christmas Music
Telemann and Handel
Handel and Telemann kept up a robust correspondence and, not surprisingly, Telemann’s friendship and correspondence resulted in numerous Conversations between the two composers. And perhaps uniquely, this was a true two-way Conversation, with each man influencing the other. Here is an example of how Telemann influenced Handel. Handel, a subscriber to Telemann’s Tafelmusik publication, took … Continue reading Telemann and Handel
Telemann and the Orchestra
Telemann’s contributions to the development of the modern orchestra should be noted. He wrote a ton of “overtures”—not necessarily for operas, but rather as proto-symphonies. These multi-movement works are the bridge from the concerto grosso form to the symphonies of Haydn and Mozart. Georg Philipp Telemann, Overture in B Minor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08r6oV9jCS0&list=RD08r6oV9jCS0&index=1 Telemann's favorite instrument may … Continue reading Telemann and the Orchestra
Telemann and Opera
Telemann’s operas have fallen largely out of favor: I cannot recall one being given a major production in my lifetime in NYC. That is unfortunate, as he and Handel were responsible for essentially creating the Germanic opera tradition. Here is a selection from his best-known opera, Der geduldige Socrates. Rodisette’s Aria, which is occasionally selected … Continue reading Telemann and Opera
A Gertus History of Music 