Handel vs Scarlatti: Harpsichord Battle - Passacaglia in G minor
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- Опубліковано 31 сер 2023
- Step back in time to the musical clash between two harpsichord virtuosos, George Frederic Handel and Domenico Scarlatti! In the year 1709, both maestros, born in 1685, faced off in a musical showdown in a palace in Rome. Who won remains a mistery, but rumors say some preferred Scarlatti's performance. However, Handel did win on the organ, leaving Scarlatti in awe of his skill.
In this video, we bring to life the timeless rivalry through Handel's "Passacaglia in G minor," the last piece from his harpsichord suite No. 7 (HWV 432). This presentation is inspired by a scene from the film "God Rot Tunbridge Wells," where the same duel is portrayed.
Scarlatti (in the black costume): Mees Torn
Handel (in the blue costume): Luuk Torn
Camera: Marijn Valk
The video was recorded in the workshop of Bom Harpsichords in Schoonhoven (Netherlands) www.bomharpsichords.com
Harpsichords:
Double manual German after Mietke and a single manual Italian after Giusti, both built by Hans Nieuwenhuijzen.
![[Baroque ornamentation and improvisation] G. F. Händel - Passacaille in G Minor - HWV 432](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/2HynpKOlESU/mqdefault.jpg)
![[Baroque ornamentation and improvisation] G. F. Händel - Passacaille in G Minor - HWV 432](/img/tr.png)
I love how in 1685 God was like: “Ok, I need to make some new music.” and Bach, Handel and Scarlatti were all born 😂
😄
The reality is that they were born just after a major shift in musical instrument technology, and had the talents to exploit that. A huge core of what established Bach as a master was that his patron owned one of the most advance organs in the world, and hired Bach to compose and perform music on it. Handel took what he learned in Germany, and told the English Crown what instruments and skilled musicians he needed to make hos music.
Abundare melius quam deficere est... as the wise Latins would say 😉
It's a matter of right time, right place just like Steve Jobs and Woz and Bill Gates coming out of California in the 50s. These magnificent musicians were born in Europe at the beginning of the Baroque
Also Corelli
GUYS LET'S MAKE HARPSICHORD FAMOUS AGAIN 📢📢📢
Hahaha, yes!
A mi me gustaría ver ese duelo, pero con piano.
Yasss revive its popularity it just sounds so crunchy while still fitting the baroque era
@@HYP3RK1NECT these composers.wrote for harpsichord and nor at all for pianoforte: it didn't exist
@@liciatani9443 Al principio eso pensé. Pero gracias a Bach, comprendí que no importa el instrumento. Siempre una composición suena bien.
I can't believe you somehow nailed the seemingly paradoxical balance between awe-inspiringly cool and ridiculously silly.
The best description!
have you seen the film version? it’s excellent as well!
"Prince Ruspoli it was who invited me to take part in a keyboard contest with maestro Scarlaaatti." Great job guys 💪🏻
"And the applause I received was well merited" :)
Thanks for watching!
I remember that vid, every time I listen to the harpsichord ver.
"There were ladies and courtiers and I can't seriously aprove such idle contests but I won "
@edwardghosthive5650 "or atleast I think I did. I DID, and the appaluse I received was well merited"
Delicious quotes all .😊
Finally someone recreated the duel, thank you guys, good job ❤
Thank you Riccardo!
Yeah, great duel, but nobody dropped dead. No fun... :/s
@@davidcoxinparis only minor (pun intended) damages :D
There is a film. These people are imitating the scene in the film.
@@Jarchiporz Just curious, what film? Seems good.
When the competition becomes really intense, Scarlatti can be seen tea bagging his harpsichord . A rare treat.
@@FrankGrimes4051 you are pardoned.
im speechless that a recording of such historic battle is in such quality even for todays standards! great find!
Thanks Jonathan!
I was there on the first row. Epic AF. There is actually a painting where I can be seen, next to my good buddy, George and de' Medici boyz hyping up behind.
The challenge took place in 1709. It was organised by Prince Francesco Maria Marescotti Ruspoli, under the auspices of Cardinal Ottoboni. The first session took place at the harpsichords, in the Ruspoli palace, and was essentially a tie, although Haendel made it tricky by playing while holding his hat under his arm, without dropping it.
The second challenge was held at the organ of St. John Lateran. It was won by Haendel, due to his familiarity with the pedal board, which was not very common on Italian organs. The one at the Lateran had it, as well as two keyboards with keys broken on chromatic, i.e. with 'mesotonic' tuning. (honestly, I found this is information on the net)
I had been hoping someone would recreate that duel for years
Fr
Your picture... Dwayne 'the BaRock' Johnson?
ye its old i don't want to change it
@@MitchBoucherComposer
Maestro Scarrlaaaatti.
Same.
But for centuries here, dawg. 🤙
😄
This is like a rap battle 18th century style. Maestro Scarlatti vs. Head Master Handel. Begin!
😆 Haha! It indeed is!
Now Mozart vs Skrillex
@@MARTIN201199mozart would kill him bro💀
Scarlatti's music is underrated in my opinion. Most of his music (more of them are sonata"s) are very technical bud lovely to hear.
I agree! I also composed three sonatas in his style (they are on my UA-cam channel)
550 in total... he literally would have written the equivalent of 1 every 3 weeks or so
Yes, and his music sounds so much better on harpsichord. I don't like Scarlatti piano transcriptions!
i mean they're still great but sound so much better on the instrument they're written for; so many people try to play soft and "beautiful" but that was very rarely the intent@@michellebelle2135
not what I expected to see in my youtube feed, love it.
Great! It's much appreciated, thanks!
Bravo guys! "...and though I cannot seriously approve of such idle contests, I won... or at least, I think I did."
Nice Händel quote. Because George didn't frequent soirees, he didn't know that no one wins a duel. Duels were an excuse for aristocrats to drink to excellent live music while hurling insults at the other "team" in what could be called musical roasts. The teams were either friends or else the aristocrats would divvy up on the spot. So the winner was never really official.
Make Harpsichord Great Again!
And so Scarlatti ultimately won the contest...thank you for this video, I really enjoyed it!
You're welcome!
I loved this video, and even if Romanticism is still a 100 years away from this, somehow it feels incredibly passionate. Amazing.
Thank you, really glad you liked it!!
I often wonder why we think that "feelings" and "passion" didn't exist before Romanticism? The only thing that didn't exist before Romanticism was egotistical self-enhancement! Narcissism was born when we ditched the "gentleman/gentlewoman's craft ethic", not emotion. Emotion was there forever in music.
@@pamelaschutz1248 well, i was referring to the fact that feelings often are not represented in the music before romantic period while in this performance is at the center.
@@notthatgerry , yes, and thank you for answering me, Gerardo, but maybe controlled feelings are as valid and real as overt feelings? I get real joy listening to Handel, and a sense of wonder listening to Bach, and often laugh outright at the things Haydn and Mozart do. Their music sounds so very controlled compared to the Romantics, but there is so much passion, so much feeling, so much intelligent humour, so much humanity in there! It's maybe like reading a sonnet, compared to reading a free-form poem. Just because the sonnet is controlled doesn't lessen the feelings, the love, hate, pain, joy, wonder, fear, combativeness, that humans feel and express. It just "bottles the rainbow" in a prism instead of letting it spill over, I guess. I have no doubt whatever that you are probably a real musician. I'm only a great lover of some music, and a dabbler in playing, but I really believe that there is so much feeling pre the Romantics! I tend to find the Romantics somewhat overbearing and/or mushy at times. Pardon me, that's a personal feeling, but I get swamped by a lot of them. I really loved the way the two gentlemen brought it out in this video, though. It was great fun!
When I was younger, I avoided Baroque and early Classical stuff because I felt it was devoid of feeling. When I grew older I discovered I was blind and deaf and I was missing all of it even though it was right under my nose.
hahahahaha! That was one of your most fun videos to date. I hope it was fun to make. Luuk, you play this music so effortlessly and well that I am convinced you come from another time. Very enjoyable to watch these videos. Thank you.
Thank you Grotrian! It was indeed very fun to make! Marijn (the organist from our ensemble) was also present to do the camera work. So nice to hear you like my playing, thanks very much!
I love how they’re struggling harder to make grumpy faces rather than playing. So smooth, they manage to make it look so effortless 🤭 lovely and funny. Both recordings are delightful.
Haha! True!
I watched that scene on UA-cam many times over the years. I'm so happy to see this very faithful remake!
:) Great you also liked this remake 😊
I love this, you can’t imagine how many times I’ve watched the original despite the poor audio quality.
This interpretation is so beautifully adorned in a simple yet elegant way, it’s so amazing to have it in a modern recording.
IMMACULATE TECHNIQUE ❤🤩
I'm so pleased I was able to guess who was who based on style and expression before reading the description! Handel always struck me as the kind of guy who needs everything "just so." I feel like Scarlatti is more dramatic and expressive and that he would respect Handel but also tease him mercilessly.
Since this is legitimately the best part about "god rot tunbridge wells" it is really funny, that you recreated the "Battle Scene". I just miss the Intro where Händel so despitefully calls Scarlattis name. Also a very nice rendition of the Passacaglia! Even with the super fast Arpeggios and the final cadence as in the Movie! Awesome!
😀 Thanks, I'm very glad you enjoyed this version of the battle too!
How long did it take them both to learn this music?? It'd have taken me ages!
@@MitchBoucherComposer @MitchBoucherComposer Hi Mitch,
Actually, I was the only one who played the parts. First, I recorded the audio of both Handel's and Scarlatti's parts on the harpsichords. A few weeks later, we recorded the video. When you see Scarlatti's hands in the video, it are actually my hands. Too make it look like my brother played, I put on his costume :)
The piece sounds difficult, but it is actually fairly easy. It took me a few days to learn.
Whoa, so you did double the work! Wow. That's super impressive!
Where can one find the score to the piece?
@@MitchBoucherComposer Haha, thanks! I found this score on IMSLP (it's part of Händels suite in G minor, HWV 432)
Subscribed, instantly! Beautiful and witty performance aside, I felt a sense of wonder and awe, daydreaming about watching Handel or Scarlatti play, just like this. Thank you!
This is one of the nicest comments I have had, thank you very much Kevin!
Was too amazing. I loved the recreation. Both play with a great technique 🎉🎉🎉
I just can’t keep away from this recital, listen at least twice a week
🙂 That's so great to hear! And I can tell you a secret: a part 2 is coming this summer! (And it will probably feature other instruments than harpsichords)
Thank you for remaking this scene with some proper audio and live performances.
You're welcome!
Handel and Scarlatti would be proud of you. Thank you 🌟🥇🙏🏻
Haha, you're welcome!
Very cool!
Omg y’all recreated this battle PERFECTLY! Like y’all even had the exact same facial expressions from
The movie!
Omg this has made my day ^^!
Haha, I'm very happy you liked it. And yes, we tried to imitate the facial expression s from the movie scene.
So cool
By listening this battle I realised that even if I love Handel and Scarlatti, I have to listen to them again and more deeply to get all the nuances of their play.
The way how you act it it's so funny, I tought it was the same person till I read the description but I guess you are twins. Hope this battle cool down some unresolved conflicts haha
And last but not least, harpsichord rocks !! the battle of electric guitars that we have now in metal music are pure descendants of that
Peace
細かく演技しながらちゃんと弾けるの素晴らし過ぎる
はい、それは本当に挑戦でした！ うまくいってよかったです！ (Google翻訳がうまく翻訳してくれるといいのですが)
Absolutely amazing! I can see this 'going viral'!! It deserves it 👏👏👏
:) Thanks!!
You both should do a duet lol
You were right about it 'going viral' haha!
@@luuktorn 31k lets gooooo
@@luuktorn I have a sixth sense for these things ;-)
Excellent!
Brilliant!
Wonderful
Wonderful recreation of my favourite scene from God Rot Tunbridge Wells! Bravo!
😀🤗 Thank you!
This is lovely. Nicely done...
Amazing, so many levels!
Magnificent!!
I love it!! Thanks for that!!
It's our pleasure, thanks for watching!
This just made me laugh, great job, I loved the original scene. Man, I wish I had a harpsichord because I'm so curious how it feels
If you happen to come to the Netherlands once, you are welcome to visit me and play on my harpsichord :)
I have a harpsichord (a "Zuckerman z-box", Google it) and I can tell you that it plays nothing like a piano.
Дуже оригінальне виконання, дякуємо
i was looking for this, great job.
:) Thanks!
Cool,very cool. Bravo!
Вау, это прекрасно! У вас невероятный талант. 😊
Thank you!
You're welcome :)
This video totally made my day!
😊
Great vid man !
This is such a fine piece of history here!
So much effort to recreate the legendary scene of the Handels movie. Congratulations
Thank you 🤗
BEST VIDEO ON THE INTERNET !!
You're welcome 🤗
Very talented
This made me smile a lot
:) great, thank you!
Magnificent, beautifully done!!❤
Thank you!
They are both talented, funny and... lovely 💕👍
Loved it! Spot on rendition
Thank you! 😊
Wonderful!
Thx!
Great performance! very fun and well done
Thank you, appreciate it!
this is absolutely amazing! I'm so happy to see this duel get the recognition it deserves!
🤗 Thank you very much!!
@@luuktorn you're very welcome! can't wait to see what else y'all will play!
I didn't intend watch this... There was in YT an excerpt of the movie, and I realize it is more there. And decided to watch your performance. It is very accurate according to one I heard on the film. What a relief!!! Thank you both!!! This is the sound I was searching for!
And your expressions!!! Amazing! Thanks again!!
@@gyj6626 Thank you very much!!
@@luuktorn you really did it great!!!
Great job guys
Thank you !
Absolutely Great Actor!
Ha! This is so good. Great job to you both!
😊 Thanks Mitch!!
You're welcome!
C'est parfait....! Littéralement ce que j'imaginais ❤
Absolutely hilarious...and very fine playing
Thank you!
Well done! Love it! Absolutely stunning ending! Heavenly music!
Thank you very much!
Wow, I just stumbled upon your channel . Looking forward to more videos!!
:) Glad you like my content! Friday there will be another video with ensemble 'Recorgani'
One of the best videos I have seen on this platform!!! Keep up the good work💪🏻
That's very nice to hear, thank you!
I LOVED IT!!!! And the facial expressions were priceless! The playing...astounding as always. Very talented you two!!! 👍👍❤❤
Haha, thanks Gary! Nice to hear that you liked the facial expressions, because we did put effort into that!
Someone needs to adapt this into a rap battle. After all, this is practically the ancestor of rap battles!
Bravoooòoo! 😊
Genial y sublime solo de imaginar que tu mejor adversario es tu mayor admirador.
such a great piece.
God I can't stop listening to this
Now I want a harpsichord, (well I always wanted a harpsichord but now I want one more)
Great performance! What a clever idea, Luuk! Both instruments sounded great! I did not know that Mees also played harpsichord! We just never know what wonderful surprises you will have for your viewers!
Thanks, Rickey! I already thought you would like it.
Mees does not play the harpsichord, when you see his hands it are actually my hands. Too make it look like Mees played, I put on his costume :)
I just came back to this video, and it has over 100k views??? Good job guys ❤️ i know it would have blown up
Wat ontzettend leuk, Luuk! Ik ging met een big smile slapen. Jullie zijn me toch een duo hoor!
:) leuk, bedankt!
This was fun! Please do Thalberg vs. Malibran next :D
Just wait till this channel grow and do it again in Roma, Versailles or wherever it fits, it deserves it
Who knows..
Wonderfully well played. Full and rich. Revealing. What I wouldn't give to be able to play so extraordinarily well.....
:) Thank you very much!
Thank you for the video! It's wonderful! Well played and really enjoy the costume and playing on the harpsichord! :)
I believe that Handel is left with emotional Scar after this and needs a Latti to tender his wounds! :D
(from what I know Scarlatti was slightly better on the harpsichord, while Handel was better on the organ).
Thank you very much Rolando! I'm glad you liked the costumes in particular, because we have put money and time in getting them.
About what I have read about the real batlle is that Handel was indeed said to be better on the organ, while Handel and Scarlatti where both judged equal on the harpsichord. However, the Cardinal only said they where equal because he liked not to give preference. After the battle, Handel and Scarlatti agreed that Scarlatti was better at the harpsichord.
Yes, that's what the common vulgata tends to state. Scarlatti a better harpsichordist, Haendel a better organist. The Yin and the Yang, we may say...
this is fabulous ❤😂🎉
Absolute brilliance!
Thanks!
LEGENDARY
Oh so GOOD! Great job gentlemen. 🎹
Thank you :)
Part 2 coming this summer!
@@luuktorn Oh yeah. Looking forward to that. Sub sub subbed.
Music battle are the only one we have to do!
Fantástico!
Cool, cool, cool😅 und genial gespielt. Danke Luuk
Thank you Thomas, have a nice rest of the weekend!
Hi thank you so much! I was in love with little sonatas by Scarlatti, one of my favorites authors . All my love from Venice! ❤❤❤❤
:) thank you!
Complimenti, suoni divinamente, al pari dei due mostri sacri!
Love it!
Thx!
@@luuktorn This was great fun and marvelous music. Not to mention how enjoyable it was to watch you two excellent musicians. I hope you do more.
truly truly exquisite
Thanks :)
There is just something special about a harpsichord
Hell yeah, this is the content I want to see more of on UA-cam. 😆
Haha, great!
Das habt Ihr sooo süß neu umgesetzt! Beides Meister in Ihrer Art und vielleicht die glanzvollsten Lichter der späten Barockmusik! So schön gespielt auch: Bravo!
Thank you!
二人とも音楽を知り尽くした神様のよう。崇高な精神。いつまでも聴いていられる。
🥂🍾
:) Thank you!
It's important to know that battles are not recent.
I think that Handel and Scarlatti were excellent in composition and playing on a harpsichord.
Good playing and sound for this video.
I think that it's better to play this piece on a harpsichord rather than on a piano.
And Handel has composed little pieces easy to play but very nice.
🎹 🇨🇵 🎶
Isso é incrivel, Parabens Pela Performance, Nunca Pensei que alguém fosse recriar esse duelo do Filme, Tocaram com muita maestria e sem Perder A Essencia da Musica. Eterna Gratidão de Brasil 🇧🇷
Thank you so much! Very glad you liked this version of the battle. Greetings from the Netherlands 🇳🇱
P.s. My harpsichord teacher is also from Brazil :)
Salve!
I am awed by your digital dexterity. When I play this, my fingering is a hopeless tangle.