H-P Sauce: how Handel and Purcell flavoured the English Baroque (Summer School) at University Of York

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Course details

How long is the course?
1 week

Attendance pattern
Short Courses

Course qualification
No qualification or certificate

When does the course begin?
This course last started on 13-Aug-08

Please contact the college to enquire about new start dates.

Course info
In its sheer variety, the period framed by Purcell and Handel was perhaps the most exciting in England's musical history. The precocious Purcell, though largely known for Dido & Aeneas and his church music, blended several foreign styles to make something uniquely English. His contributions to the theatre, as well as to keyboard music and song, became part of the national bloodstream. For continental composers 'on the make' in the early 18th century, London was the place to be. It attracted a clutch of Germans and Italians, personified by Handel, German-born and fresh from visits to Italy. But he gradually assimilated English ways, enjoyed success at all levels of society, took out citizenship and went on to become the founding father of English oratorio. For all their virtues, these two tended to overshadow some of the lesser lights. George Jeffreys and Pelham Humfrey were among those who laid the groundwork on which Purcell capitalised. After his death, and before the arrival of Handel, composers like John Blow and William Croft kept his flame alight. All were inspired by the growth of public concerts and the founding of music societies and festivals such as the Three Choirs, the world's oldest. The course will concentrate on the two titans of the English Baroque, while giving proper recognition to their lesser-known contemporaries, relating them all to the cultural ferment of the times. It will be mainly classroom-based and illustrated with a wealth of recordings, but there will be two half-day visits to period houses, including Castle Howard. Specialist musical knowledge is not required. H-P sauce? More like a feast.

How much will it cost?
Course fees for the 2008 programme are £650 (except for the course on Eat, Drink and Be Merry - A History of Yorkshire Eating and Drinking Habits which is £700) and will include tuition time, meals, accommodation, evening talks and course-related field trips. All of the courses are organised and administrated by the Centre for Lifelong Learning.

Equipment and Materials
It is suggested that students bring binoculars - they are useful when looking at such things as roof bosses in dark churches.

Where is the course held? (view on a map)
University of York
Heslington
York
North Yorkshire
YO10 5DD

Venue details
Childcare facilities are available on site. Early booking of sessions is strongly recommended due to high demand of limited places. Guidance and advice may be available for all aspects of student life. Facilities/Support are available for students with hearing impairment. Facilities/Support are available for students whose main language is not English. Facilities/Support are available for students with learning difficulties. Facilities/Support are available for students with restricted mobility.