Words of Greeting
The Academy is again observing its intention to examine the influence of Baroque music on the compositions of later years with Mozart and Beethoven symphonies, an impressive Mozart piano concert und classical chamber music.
Mozart’s late works were strongly influenced by Handel’s compositions. His adaptation and performance of the “Messiahs” in 1789 was greatly admired by his sponsor, Baron van Swieten. He wrote in a letter to Mozart: “Anyone who is able to dress Handel which so much celebration and taste that he even finds acceptance, on the one hand with the slaves of fashion and who on the other hand, despite all always shows the original nobility, he – I say – has understood his value, he has understood him, he has gone back to the original, which effects his concept, and from this he is able to develop his own creation. This is how I see the result that you have achieved.” Based on consideration of the historically informed performance The Academy is attempting to develop a link between “origin“ and “own creation“, at the same time avoiding becoming “Slaves of fashion“ it is attempting to rediscover and recreate what is known.
The Symposium will analyse Handel’s Opera “Alessandro“, which will be produced within the framework of the festival.
We are extremely grateful for the financial support of the City, the Federal State, the Handel society as well as all the other sponsors, without whose help the realization of The Academy would be impossible. We would also like to thank the State University of Music Karlsruhe, who provides The Academy with the infrastructure and an ideal venue.
Prof. Christine Daxelhofer
Artistic Director of the Internationale Händel-Akademie Karlsruhe
Achim Thorwald
Chairman of the Internationale Händel-Akademie Karlsruhe