The Handelian Keyboard Fugue

Abstract

Four programs of harpsichord related recitals were given in lieu of a written dissertation.

Two lecture recitals explored the repertoire of George Frideric Handel: the first lecture recital, Apollo e Dafne, spoke about the early Italian cantatas of Handel followed by a complete staged performance of the cantata Apollo e Dafne. The second lecture recital focused on the keyboard fugues of Handel and how they are influenced by Handel’s fugue exercises. A paper titled The Handelian Keyboard Fugue was written to accompany this talk. Two solo harpsichord programs were also given: the first, Recital in G, presented all themes and variations in the key of G. The second, The Singing Harpsichord, presented new and old works that required vocalization, singing, and narration in addition to playing the harpsichord. Three new pieces were commissioned for this recital.

Friday, January 17, 2014, 8:00 PM, School of Music, Britton Recital Hall, The University of Michigan. Apollo e Dafne HWV 122 by George Fredrich Handel. A lecture was presented followed by a fully staged performance of Apollo e Dafne, staging by Leann Schuering and Jean Bernard Cerin.

Wednesday February 26, 2014, 8:00 PM, School of Music, Blanche Anderson Moore Hall, The University of Michigan. Girolamo Frescobaldi Partite 12 Sopra L’aria di Ruggiero (1615); William Byrd Walsingham (1591); Johann Sebastian Bach Aria with Variations (“Goldberg Variations”) BWV 988 (1741).

Saturday, April 5, 2014, 8:00 PM, School of Music, Blanche Anderson Moore Hall, The University of Michigan. Andy Costello For Harpsichord (2014); Girolamo Frescobaldi Capriccio Obligo di cantare la Quinta parte (1624); Johann Sebastian Bach From the Schübler Chorales (1748): BWV 645, BWV 646, BWV 647, BWV 650; Bret Bohman Meditation (2014); An Outalian A New Song set after the Manner of our Foreign Composers of Musick to English Words. (1715); Edward Ryan Song of the Sleeping God (For the singing Harpsichord) (2014).

Thursday, September 25, 2014, 8:00 PM, School of Music, Room 2044, The University of Michigan. Lecture recital entitled The Handelian Keyboard Fugue.