George Frideric Handel, originally from continental Europe, became so closely associated with British music that his Germanic origins were largely forgotten.
Performer Biography
The Avison Ensemble, named after Newcastle-born composer Charles Avison, is one of England's leading exponents of 18th-century music performed on period instruments.
Composition History
Handel's Concerti Grossi Opus 6 were written in a burst of creative energy over two months in 1739, with a proposal for publication appearing even before they were finished.
Historical Context
At the start of the 18th century, Britain offered musicians a comfortable living independent of the church and aristocracy, unlike the continent where musicians were often treated as servants.
Compositional Technique
Handel's 'Grand Concertos' (Opus 6) pay homage to Italian violinist Arcangelo Corelli by using the same opus number and emulating his famous Op.6 concertos.
Compositional Technique
Handel frequently borrowed and re-used musical material from other composers, such as Domenico Scarlatti and Gottlieb Muffat, as well as from his own operas and organ concertos, in his 'Grand Concertos'.
