George Frideric Handel
Video Source | civileso
Duration: 9:18
Andreas Scholl performs Handel’s “Cara sposa” from Rinaldo at the Festival de Musique de Dresde in 2008. The aria is sung by Rinaldo after his fiancee Almirena is taken by the sorceress Armida. “Rinaldo” premiered on February 24, 1711, with Nicolo Grimaldi as Rinaldo and Elisabetta Pilotti-Schiavonetti as Armida. It was Handel’s first opera for London and the first Italian opera written specifically for the London stage. The performance is led by Ottavio Dantone conducting Accademia Bizantina.
About the composer…
Handel’s musical career took him to various cities across Europe, including Italy where he composed numerous operas and oratorios. However, it was in London that he truly made his mark. Handel became the director of the Royal Academy of Music and composed some of his most famous works, including the oratorio “Messiah” and the opera “Julius Caesar”.
Handel’s works are characterized by their grandeur, complexity, and emotional depth. His compositions often feature intricate melodies, powerful orchestration, and a wide range of musical styles. Handel was a master of both vocal and instrumental music, and his works continue to be celebrated and performed in concert halls around the world.
In conclusion, George Frideric Handel was a prolific composer whose contributions to classical music are still revered today. His life and musical career spanned continents and genres, and his works continue to captivate audiences with their beauty and artistry. Handel’s legacy as a composer is a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft.