Bach vs Handel: A Musical Comparison

classical music enthusiasts often grapple with the question of whether one can choose between Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel. Each composer has a distinct charm and appeal, making it a challenging yet fascinating debate.

Personal Preferences

To me, Bach’s music feels almost too perfect, almost divine, while Handel’s is brilliant with a touch of humanity. I love both, but the choice between Handel’s Trumpet Voluntary and Bach’s Tocatta and Fugue would leave me in a state of indecision. Both compositions make my heart beat a little faster, capturing the essence of pure music.

Handel: A Master of Eloquence

When it comes to choosing, Handel is my preference without hesitation. His compositions are characterized by their intense dramatic quality. Beethoven once referred to Handel as 'the master of us all,' praising his ability to create grand effects with simple means. Just listen to the chorus 'He gave them hailstones for rain' in Israel in Egypt; the extraordinary delicacy of the passage at the end of 'Glory to God' in Messiah; or the splendid anthems and settings of the Te Deum.

Handel also had the fortune to set some of the greatest poems in the English language, including Milton's L'allegro and Il Penseroso and Dryden's two St. Cecilia odes. The emotional depth and range in Handel's compositions cannot be matched by Bach's.

One of the most notable differences between the two is Handel's excellence in opera composition. Bach did not write operas, which places Handel at a significant advantage in versatility. Handel’s operatic works stand among his finest, such as Rinaldo, Ariodante, and Alcina, showcasing his unmatched dramatic and musical genius.

Bach: The Master of Solitude

Both composers are absolutely wonderful, but I believe Johann Sebastian Bach emerges as the winner in terms of sheer genius. However, George Frideric Handel is a very close second. Bach’s music often feels lugubrious, creating a haunting and profound tone. His explorations in choral works like the b minor Mass and the St John and St Matthew Passions are unparalleled. These pieces stand as towering monuments of Western classical music, influencing countless musicians and composers.

While Bach's works are undoubtedly masterful, his music may not be the pinnacle of Western classical music history. Handel's contributions, particularly in opera, range from the exquisite to the magnificent, making him a notable and respected composer in his own right.

Both Bach and Handel were roughly contemporary and admired each other's work. Their influence on the development of classical music is immense. Generations of musicians have been shaped by their compositions, and it is difficult to choose between them. Both stand as giants in the world of classical music, each with a unique and unassailable legacy.

Conclusion

The question of Bach versus Handel is serious and interesting but ultimately impossible to answer. Each composer offers a unique and profound musical experience, making the choice a matter of personal preference. For those who appreciate the finer nuances of classical music, both Bach and Handel provide ample reason to celebrate and cherish their contributions to the world of music.