Abstract

Händel's artistic work marks a turning point in the development of modern European culture. Together with his pedagogical goals, Händel's skills in applying imitation and allegory individuate the identity of an outstanding composer and justify his early reception as a classic. During his lifetime and short thereafter, attention had been paid to some striking aspects of his musical language, occasionally incline to physical rather than psychological effects. From a contemporary perspective, however, the modern character of Händel's art consists of a peculiar relationship with historical time. The awareness of his historical distance allows us to appreciate the echo of an ancient beauty in his music.