Bach or Handel?

[high_school_bassoonist]

The age old question people?, who totally and utterly dominates the Baroque era?, is it bach or handel?

p.s i tried to attach a poll, but if it doesn't work, just submit an answer and an opinion. cheers!

[MaestroX]

Hmm....there's a poll now?

I voted for Bach as I think his output was far more varied and of higher quality than handel, even though I do like both composers very much.

[ascottk]

Handel was more famous in his time while Bach was only known for his keyboard skills. It wasn't until the classical era when Bach's music was fully appreciated. Besides, there are different eras within the baroque & Bach was at the tail end.

[Majesty]

Both Handel and Bach were at the tail end of the Baroque. In fact, they were both born in the same year.

I wish I could vote but its too hard!

Each composer had such a different approach to the music of their time. And, each had a different agenda with his music. So, for me its impossible to choose.

Handel's gift for dramatic vocal writing is something I've always loved. Bach's overall ingenuity is overwhelming. No way I can vote on this one! :tongue:

[Will Kirk]

Hehe, I have to agree with Majesty on this one, I can't pick just one!

[oisfetz]

IMHO,Bach had more talent in his little finger,that Haendel in all
his brain. To campare them is like to compare a Ferrari-Bach with
a Fiat-Haendel.

[stevel]

Originally Posted by Majesty

Both Handel and Bach were at the tail end of the Baroque. In fact, they were both born in the same year.

I wish I could vote but its too hard!

Each composer had such a different approach to the music of their time. And, each had a different agenda with his music. So, for me its impossible to choose.

Handel's gift for dramatic vocal writing is something I've always loved. Bach's overall ingenuity is overwhelming. No way I can vote on this one! :tongue:

Actually, Scarlatti was also born in the same year. Telemann, was born within a couple of years of those three. Handel and Telemann are actually "more Baroque" than Bach - Bach sort of is in a class by himself - as others have said, he wasn't as well known in his day. I won't venture whether that's a good or bad thing.

This I do no though, WAY too much emphasis is placed on Bach. I think Bach should be studied, but not to the exclusion of all else. Hell, even CPE and JC should be held in high regard. And again, Handel and Telemann. Did you know Telemann has so much music they're not even close to cataloguing it all! Talk about a composer! To me, Teleman is the most "enjoyable" of this group of composers. I like Bach OK, but I feel like I have to pay attention to every little detail in Bach whereas with Telemann (or even Handel) I can just let the sounds happen. There's something to be said for that.

My thoughts anyway,
Steve

[stevel]

Oh, and I voted for Handel just to even the odds a little bit :-) After all, Messiah alone has all of Bach's works total beat for most airplay!!!!

Steve

[Shiva]

Very true

Its hard to judge these two together as they music of Germainic baroque and English baroque was quite different. Somtimes I can find Bach's music too dense in counterpoint, whereas Handel's tends to be a bit lighter in texture.

[Ron Ofir]

There's really no way (for me) to choose, I like them both! Hell, I love all Baroque music!

BTW, who are CPE and JC?