I was so impressed by what Dr. Lang has done in his new and very fresh approach to Handel; his life and works; that I can find only one word to express my feeling about it: Monumental! mdash; Eugene Ormandy.Universally known and admired for his great oratorio Messiah; George Frideric Handel (1695ndash;1759) ranks among the greatest composers of all time. Over a career of more than 50 years; most of it spent in England; the German-born master composed numerous other oratorios; operas; concertos; chamber music; orchestral suites; cantatas; and more. But until now; far less has been known about the man "possessed of a central calm" but whose "driving force was incalculable."In this immensely thorough and readable biography mdash; considered by many scholars the definitive work on Handel mdash; renowned musicologist Paul Henry Lang penetrates the mystery of Handels life to paint a vivid portrait of the great composer; while offering expert analysis of Handels music mdash; its sources; nature; forms; and influence.Detailed; meticulously researched discussions cover Handels birth and childhood in Halle; his early musical training and years at university; sojourns in Italy and meetings with Corelli; Scarlatti; and other major composers; Handels adoption of England as his home; his business dealings in London; his somewhat puzzling relations with women; the onset of blindness in 1751 and the end of his artistic career; his death in 1759 and burial in Westminster Abbey; and many other aspects of his long and complex life.In addition to the breadth of biographical material; Dr. Lang offers detailed discussions of Handels music; of both its general characteristics and the specific features of such masterworks as the oratorios Messiah; Israel in Egypt; Solomon and Judas Maccabaeus; the operas Giulio Cesare and Rinaldo; the orchestral suites Royal Fireworks Music and Water Music;the pastoral Acis and Galatea; the odes Alexanders Feast and Ode for St. Cecilias Day; and many other compositions. Perceptive; extremely thorough and obviously a labor of love; this masterly biography belongs in the library of every musician; music lover; and student of music and music history.
#1015553 in eBooks 2012-04-30 2012-04-30File Name: B00A73AVBI
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A new way to look at your bookshelvesBy Miranda BeeDuring April (National Poetry Month) my local library held a Book Spine Poetry Contest. At the time; I had never heard of such a genre but; once I found out about it; I was instantly hooked and began scouring my (and my friends) bookshelves for likely material to compose my own poems. The results were odd but strangely satisfying.Only later did I learn that Ms. Katchadourian was the originator of this form of poetry; some twenty years ago. Hats off to her. I think this technique would be an excellent way to introduce poetry writing to young people (or to anyone daunted by the idea of composing a poem from scratch).In addition to many handsome photographs of these unique poems; there is illuminating introductory text by Ms. Katchadourian and by British author Brian Dillon.Im very glad to have this book on my shelf. My only quibble might be that I prefer the term "book spine poetry" to "sorted books."0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Nina Katchadourians work at Art Basel Miami 2012:By Paul D. HarvillNina Katchadourians work at Art Basel Miami 2012 was my absolute favorite; with Chris Mars as a close second. Nina has at least two books -- this and "All Forms of Attraction" -- buy them both and enjoy.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Ruth N. CuadraA visual and literary delight.