Handel in Italy

About this course

The course examines Handel’s formative years in Florence, Rome and Venice, considering how Italian musical culture influenced his operas, sacred works and cantatas. Sessions combine lectures, discussion, quizzes, guided listening, video and score study. Topics include early operas such as Almira, Rodrigo and Agrippina, Italian-style oratorio, cantata patrons and librettists, and orchestral writing around 1700. The course also considers how Handel later adapted Italian techniques for his London career and the cultural context of his travels.

What you'll learn

• Explain how Italian musical style influenced Handel’s early compositions.
• Outline the chronology and cultural contexts of Handel’s Italian travels.
• Recognise how Handel adapted Italian techniques for English audiences later in his career.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners with a basic interest and beginner’s knowledge of classical music, particularly those who regularly listen to it. No music-reading skills are needed. Learners with little or no experience of Western classical music may benefit from taking an introductory course first.

• No specialist music-reading skills are required.
• Some additional reading outside class is encouraged.

Before you go

• Handouts, scores and links to online videos are shared through Google Classroom.
• Music books and recordings discussed in class may be purchased separately.