Born in the same year as last issue’s featured composer JS Bach, the German-turned-British composer George Friedric Handel (1685-1759) is also regarded as one of the greatest and most influential composers of the Baroque era, and indeed the entire canon of Western Art Music. His remarkable catalog of works has long been praised for both its technical skill and dramatic power. Among these, several pieces have been used at key historical events, during his lifetime and to the present day, and are embedded in popular as well as classical music culture. Zadok The Priest, for example, has been performed at all 10 coronations from George II to Elizabeth II. His Water Music and Firework Music are regular – almost default – accompaniments to appropriate occasions. His 40 operas have been staples throughout the generations, and selections from which are well-known components of British culture – for example, The Arrival Of
The Queen Of Sheba from Solomon was used at the opening of London’s 2012 Olympic Games. Here, however, I have selected an aria from perhaps his most celebrated work, the 1741 oratorio Messiah.
This story is from the November 2020 edition of Guitar Techniques.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2020 edition of Guitar Techniques.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
DOUBLE-STOPS
Playing two notes together is a useful addition to any guitarist’s arsenal. Simon Barnard shows how this can be used in a variety of styles.
BOB DYLAN
This month Stuart Ryan shows how the fleet fingerpicking acoustic style of the protest song legend enriched song accompanient forever.
BRIAN SETZER
For this issue Andy G Jones is looking to unravel the style of rockabilly’s most ardent torchbearer, the stupendous Stray Cat himself.
ALLAN HOLDSWORTH
Experiencing Metal Fatigue? Sinking in quick Sand? Then join Charlie Griffiths as he unlocks the secrets of the master of Wardenclyffe Tower.
RADIQHEAD
Martin Cooper checks out the sound of an era-defining band from Oxford, and guitarists Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, and Ed O’Brien.
MUDDY WATERS
The father of Chicago blues is in the spotlight this month. Join David Gerrish as he examines the man who electrified and defined the genre.
JOSÉ FERRER El Amable (Andante Sostenuto)
This month Declan Zapala explores a hidden gem from 19th-century Spain's heritage of composer-educators of the classical guitar, whose influence is still felt today.
THE CROSSROADS Eric Johnson
This month John Wheatcroft looks at the iconic guitarist from Texas, atrue crossroads’ artist with a 4 phenomenal command of touch, tone and technique.
ULF WAKENIUS Seven Jazz Licks
John Wheatcroft brings you an exclusive lesson from the Swedish ex-Oscar Peterson virtuoso, showcasing his phenomenal technique and incredible jazz lines.
Country-Blues-Rock!
This month Andy Saphir shows how mixing Major and Minor Pentatonic scales, adding extra notes and country guitar articulations, can build you a whole new lickbag.