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Signature. George Frideric (or Frederick) Handel ( / ˈhændəl /; [a] baptised Georg Fried (e)rich Händel, [b] German: [ˈɡeːɔʁk ˈfʁiːdʁɪç ˈhɛndl̩] ⓘ; 23 February 1685 – 14 April 1759) [3] [c] was a German-British Baroque composer well known for his operas, oratorios, anthems, concerti grossi, and organ concertos.
- 14 April 1759 (aged 74), London, England
- University of Halle
- Overview
- Life
George Frideric Handel, a German-born English composer of the late Baroque era, was known particularly for his operas, oratorios, and instrumental compositions. He wrote the most famous of all oratorios, Messiah (1741).
What was George Frideric Handel’s early life like?
George Frideric Handel showed a marked gift for music at an early age, becoming a skilled keyboard player by age 9. Although his father did not like the idea of his son pursuing a career in music, Handel followed his musical inclination, later becoming well known for his compositions.
When was George Frideric Handel born?
George Frideric Handel was born on February 23, 1685, in Halle, Brandenburg (now in Germany).
George Frideric Handel (born February 23, 1685, Halle, Brandenburg [Germany]—died April 14, 1759, London, England) was a German-born English composer of the late Baroque era, noted particularly for his operas, oratorios, and instrumental compositions. He wrote the most famous of all oratorios, Messiah (1741), and is also known for such occasional pieces as Water Music (1717) and Music for the Royal Fireworks (1749).
Handel was the son of a barber-surgeon. He showed a marked gift for music and became a pupil in Halle of the composer Friedrich W. Zachow, learning the principles of keyboard performance and composition from him. His father died when Handel was 11, but his education had been provided for, and in 1702 he enrolled as a law student at the University of Halle. He also became organist of the Reformed (Calvinist) Cathedral in Halle, but he served for only one year before going north to Hamburg, where greater opportunities awaited him. In Hamburg, Handel joined the violin section of the opera orchestra. He also took over some of the duties of harpsichordist, and early in 1705 he presided over the premiere in Hamburg of his first opera, Almira.
Handel spent the years 1706–10 traveling in Italy, where he met many of the greatest Italian musicians of the day, including Arcangelo Corelli and Alessandro Scarlatti and his son Domenico. He composed many works in Italy, including two operas, numerous Italian solo cantatas (vocal compositions), Il trionfo del tempo e del disinganno (1707) and another oratorio, the serenata Aci, Galatea e Polifemo (1708), and some Latin (i.e., Roman Catholic) church music. His opera Agrippina enjoyed a sensational success at its premiere in Venice in 1710.
Handel’s years in Italy greatly influenced the development of his musical style. His fame had spread throughout Italy, and his mastery of the Italian opera style now made him an international figure. In 1710 he was appointed Kapellmeister to the elector of Hanover, the future King George I of England, and later that year Handel journeyed to England. In 1711 his opera Rinaldo was performed in London and was greeted so enthusiastically that Handel sensed the possibility of continuing popularity and prosperity in England. In 1712 he went back to London for the production of his operas Il pastor fido and Teseo (1713). In 1713 he won his way into royal favour by his Ode for the Queen’s Birthday and the Utrecht Te Deum and Jubilate in celebration of the Peace of Utrecht, and he was granted an annual allowance of £200 by Queen Anne.
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Composers & Their Music
Recognized by prominent members of both the English aristocracy and the intelligentsia, Handel was in no hurry to return to Hanover. Soon he had no need to do so, for on the death of Queen Anne in 1714, the elector George Louis became King George I of England. In 1718 Handel became director of music to the duke of Chandos, for whom he composed the 11 Chandos Anthems and the English masque Acis and Galatea, among other works. Another masque, Haman and Mordecai, was to be the effective starting point for the English oratorio.
- Charles Cudworth
Apr 2, 2014 · Learn about the life and works of George Frideric Handel, a Baroque composer who composed operas, oratorios and instrumentals. Find out his famous compositions, such as 'Messiah', and his early musical influences and career in Germany and Italy.
Jul 20, 2023 · George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) was a composer of baroque music who was born in Germany but became an English citizen. His most famous works include his Messiah, Water Music, baroque Italian operas, and English oratorios. A hugely successful composer in his own lifetime, his last years were blighted by blindness.
- Mark Cartwright
- What is George Frideric Handel famous for?George Frideric Handel is famous for being a composer of baroque music, in particular, the Messiah oratorio.
- What are 3 facts about George Frideric Handel?3 facts about George Frideric Handel are he wrote the Messiah oratorio, probably the most popular choral piece ever written, he was born in Germany...
- What is unique about Handel's music?A unique feature of Handel's music is that he created a new type of performance, the English oratorio, which was a mix of sacred music with operati...
- What is one of the most famous works of George Frideric Handel?The most famous work by George Frideric Handel is his Messiah oratorio, first performed in Dublin in April 1742.
Feb 23, 2024 · Learn about the life and music of George Frideric Handel, one of the greatest composers of the Baroque period. Discover his masterpieces, from Messiah and Water Music to operas and oratorios, with videos and playlists.
- 4 min
Learn about the life and career of the Baroque composer, George Frideric Handel, from his early years in Germany to his later achievements in London. Explore his musical influences, genres, compositions, and legacy through this comprehensive guide by the English National Opera.
George Frideric Handel - Composer, Baroque, Oratorio: The first basis of Handel’s style was the north German music of his childhood, but it was soon completely overlaid by the Italian style that he acquired in early adulthood during his travels in Italy. The influences of Arcangelo Corelli and Alessandro Scarlatti can be detected in his work to the end of his long life, and the French style ...
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