We do not know very much about Handel’s compositions on poems by Barthold Heinrich Brockes. We can only date their composition to approximately 1724–1727. The autograph does not shed any light on the titles nor the sequence of the works. It does not even give the instrumentation. Thus there are several alternatives for the solo instrument that imitates the vocal part – although violin, flute or oboe are the most likely. Our practical edition not only contains additional parts for the solo instrument and the bass but also a realization of the figured bass in the score by the editor Ullrich Scheideler.
Content/Details
- Nine German Arias
- Künft'ger Zeiten eitler Kummer E flat major HWV 202
- Das zitternde Glänzen der spielenden Wellen E flat major HWV 203
- Süßer Blumen Ambraflocken g minor HWV 204
- Süße Stille, sanfte Quelle F major HWV 205
- Singe, Seele, Gott zum Preise a minor HWV 206
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Preface
Although the Nine German Arias by George Frideric Handel (1685 – 1759) rank among the composer’s bestknown chamber works with voice, we know amazingly little about the purpose, context or reception of these pieces. Raised and educated in Halle an der Saale, Handel settled in Hamburg in 1703, but left for Italy in 1706. He returned to Germany four years later but … more
Critical Commentary
About the composer
Georg Friedrich Händel
He numbers among the most important composers of Italian operas and is a major proponent of the oratorio; his immense oeuvre also comprises concerti grossi and solo concertos, liturgical music, chamber music, and music for keyboard instruments. He worked in London.
| 1685 | Born in Halle (Saale) on February 23. |
| 1702 | Organist at the Palace Cathedral in Halle. |
| 1703 | Employed as a violinist, later as a harpsichordist, at the Oper am Gänsemarkt in Hamburg; premiere in 1705 of the opera “Der in Krohnen erlangte Glücks-Wechsel, oder: Almira, Königin von Castilien” (“The Change of Fortune Won in Crowns, or: Almira, Queen of Castile”). |
| 1706–10 | Stay in Italy, with opera performances. |
| 1710 | Employed as music director by the Elector of Hanover. The 1711 London premiere of “Rinaldo” is a great success. In 1712, he will travel once more to London, where he will remain for the rest of his life. |
| from 1720 | Important position at the Royal Academy of Music, which he founded in 1717. |
| from 1724 | Successful premieres of “Giulio Cesare in Egitto,” “Tamerlano,” “Rodelinda” in 1725, and “Alessandro” in 1726. |
| 1728 | After the dissolution of the Royal Academy of Music, Handel continues to lead his own company. |
| 1733 | Competition from the Nobility Opera, which is supported by the aristocracy. Premiere of “Orlando.” |
| 1734 | Engagement of a French ballet troupe to outdo the Nobility Opera. Integration of French elements into his own operas. |
| from 1735 | Premiere of “Alcina,” “Giustino” in 1737, “Serse” in 1738 (containing the famous largo “Ombra mai fù”). |
| 1736 | Three “Water Music Suites,” HWV 348–350. |
| 1739 | Twelve “Concerti grossi,” Op. 6, after Corelli’s example. |
| 1741 | Unsuccessful premiere of the melodrama “Deidamia”. From then on, composition of oratorios, including “Messiah” (1741), “Judas Maccabaeus” (1746), and “Jephtha” (1751). |
| 1749 | “Music for the Royal Fireworks,” HWV 351. |
| 1759 | Death in London on April 14. |