During Pride month we are lifting up modern day composers, musicians, and performers from the LGBQT community. When we look at composers from the past it gets tricky. Many were functioning at a time when it was dangerous to be ‘out.’ You could be thrown into prison, or even killed. So they were understandably cautious.
Some scholars believe George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)l was likely gay. While he was extremely guarded about his private life, it is known he moved in circles where same sex love was tolerated. Musicologist Ellen T. Harris in her book Handel as Orpheus: Voice and Desire in the Chamber Cantatas (Harvard University Press, 2001) finds enough evidence after exhaustively researching his cantatas that she concludes: “Although Handel’s love life remains veiled, the 18th-century context demonstrates, I believe, that a component of same-sex love and desire is far from untenable.” The previous statement is ‘scholar speak’ for ‘I can’t prove it, but this is the most likely scenario given my extensive research into the existing evidence.’
For more information on Dr. Harris and her book, read the interview published in the San Francisco Opera blog in 2020: Click here.
One of the most dangerous places for creatives to be ‘out’ is the church. This has been the case historically and often remains true today. A few years ago, a couple visitors approached me after worship and one of them introduced herself as the daughter of composer David N. Johnson (1922-1987), a name I had known my entire life and whose works I frequently play. She expressed appreciation for Plymouth’s focus on Pride and said “You know, my dad was gay.” She shared that, as many gay men working in church music did, he took the culturally acceptable step and got married. After raising six children, the marriage ended in the early 1970s. Soon after he connected with John Payne, who would be his long term partner.
In preparing to record my favorite piece written by Johnson for worship, I noticed that this work, Trumpet Tune in A, was composed in 1974 and is dedicated to John H. Payne. Upon seeing the dedication, I was instantly struck by the fact that this work is so passionate and energetic! David and John were able to be together for the remainder of David’s life. David Johnson’s birthday was June 28. In his honor, and in honor of all those who have had to hide their true selves, I will be sharing Johnson’s Trumpet Tune in A for the postlude Sunday, June 27. -Dr. Wanda Griffiths, Director of Music and Organist