The Keyboard in London

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We (Mike Lurie, Greg Dunbar, Lauren Buono, Shawn Riley & Bryn Coveney) are a group of students studying abroad in London for the semester from Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York. This blog is to document our class experiences in "The Keyboard and it's Role in London Society" course, which is being taught by Diane Birr at the Ithaca College London Center, in South Kensington. Our studies focus on keyboard instruments (the Virginal, Harpsichord, Pianoforte, Piano, Organ, Electronic keyboard) and explore how these instruments are historically interwoven with the personal and social fabric of London society.

Wednesday 23 April 2008

Handel in London



George Frederic Handel was born in Halle Germany on February 23, 1685 and died in London on April 14, 1759.  Even though he was of German birth, he had a huge influence in music in England and is actually considered an “English composer.”  He has many great works that are timeless, but probably the best known is the “Messiah.”  One of the most famous of Handel's works is, of course, "Water Music."  It's an orchestral suite first performed on July 17, 1717 to accompany a trip on the River Thames made by King George I and his entourage, and shows Handel's great loyalty to the king.  This river trip, which was avoided by the Prince and Princess Caroline, was a political event, and the first of a series arranged to allow the king to be more visible to his subjects.

Information provided by Shawn
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