Bach
Felix Mendelssohn
Found this in a Wikipedia article about opera:Opera started in Italy at the end of the 16th century (with Jacopo Peri's lost Dafne, produced in Florence in 1598) and soon spread through the rest of Europe.As always, though, you have to verify the information on your own. Hope this helps!
"A musical composition for voices and orchestra, telling a sacred story without costumes, scenery, or dramatic action. [Italian, after Oratorio, the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri at Rome, where famous musical services were held in the 16th century.]. From Answers.com It differs from opera in that there is no particular plot or interactions. It is often a piece of scripture set to music.Bach, Handel, and Haydn are just three composers noted for their oratorios. Handel's Messiah is probably the best known example. In this, various portions of scripture related to the promised Messiah, the events surrounding Jesus' birth, and the promise of his second coming are directly quoted and woven into a brilliantly cohesive and varied whole. Typically, oratorio is for any combination of orchestra, choir, soloist, and organ. All of these are used in the Messiah.
George Frideric Handel began to write religious oratorios when operas fell out of favor and became less profitable. He shifted his focus to this genre in the early 18th century, creating famous works like "Messiah," which showcased his ability to blend dramatic storytelling with sacred themes. This transition not only revitalized his career but also significantly influenced the development of the oratorio as a musical form.
Do you think Handel's Messiah will continue to be as popular in the twenty-first century as it was in the twentieth? Explain your answer.
Niccolo Paganini.
in the early 19th century
William Walon
Christmas was first celebrated in the 7th century.
The original composer of "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" is unknown. However, it's been said that the song originated from England in the late 16th century. It was said to be sang to wealthy families hence the "now bring us some figgy pudding" lyrics admist the song.
The tune is French, 16th century, and was first published as a branle in a collection of French dance tunes. The words, which turned it into a Christmas carol, were written more than 250 years later by English composer George Ratcliffe Woodward and were first published in 1924.
Aaron Copland was the composer of the 20th century, known for using folk based fiddle tunes.