This course is part of Classical Works.
This engaging course, led by Harvard's Thomas Forrest Kelly, delves into Handel's iconic Messiah. Students will explore the oratorio's musical highlights, composition process, and historical context. The course examines Baroque era musical forms, text-music relationships, and cultural significance, making classical music accessible to learners of all backgrounds. Through detailed analysis of the premiere performance and its lasting impact, participants gain a deep appreciation of this enduring masterpiece.
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Instructors:
English
English
What you'll learn
Appreciate the musical brilliance of Handel's Messiah
Understand Baroque period opera and oratorio genres
Analyze text-music relationships in 18th-century composition
Master basic concepts of musical texture and form
Explore the cultural context and performance history of Messiah
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
PreRecorded video
Graded assignments, exams
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
Limited Access access
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Module Description
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of Handel's Messiah, examining its composition, premiere, and historical significance. Students will learn about Baroque musical forms, oratorio style, and the cultural context of 18th-century sacred music. The course covers musical analysis techniques, text-music relationships, and the work's performance history, making complex musical concepts accessible to beginners while offering depth for experienced music lovers.
Fee Structure
Individual course purchase is not available - to enroll in this course with a certificate, you need to purchase the complete Professional Certificate Course. For enrollment and detailed fee structure, visit the following: Classical Works
Instructor

11 Courses
Prominent Scholar Advancing Musicology and Early Music Performance
Thomas Forrest Kelly is the Morton B. Knafel Professor of Music at Harvard University, specializing in performance practice, early music, and liturgical music. He earned his BA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his PhD from Harvard, where he has been a faculty member since 1997. His influential works include "The Beneventan Chant," which received the Otto Kinkeldey Award from the American Musicological Society, and "Capturing Music: The Story of Notation." Kelly has also authored "Early Music: A Very Short Introduction" and "First Nights," which explores significant musical premieres throughout history. He is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and has received numerous accolades, including being named a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres by the French Republic. His extensive contributions to musicology encompass research on medieval music and its performance, as well as teaching at various prestigious institutions. Through his scholarly work and active participation in the music community, Kelly continues to influence the understanding and appreciation of early music traditions.
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