Bach and Handel

An exploration of the lives and music of the two leading composers of the High Baroque: Johann Sebastian Bach and George Friedrich Handel. Their contrasting life experiences and musical preoccupations will be set within the social and cultural framework of the period: Bach as a provincial composer, servant to minor German aristocrats and the Lutheran church, virtuoso organist and pedagogue; Handel as a cosmopolitan celebrity and entrepreneur, creator of operatic and instrumental entertainments for English royalty.

Evaluation will be based on several quizzes, short papers, and a final exam.

Enrollment limit: 19 (expected: 12).