Handel

George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) was an influencial composer who lived during the Baroque Period of music. He was born on February 23, 1685, in Halle, Germany. His father was a surgeon. His father wanted George Frideric to become a lawyer, since that would be a financially secure profession, especially when compared to the profession of musician, in most cases. But little George loved music. Legend has it that a small clavier (a kind of keyboard) was hidden away in the attic so that the young boy could practice. The strings were even muffled so that his father would not hear him practicing. However, many experts today feel that, in reality, George Frideric's musical talent was actually encouraged by his family.

By the time Handel was 11 years old, he could play the organ, harpsichord, violin, and oboe. He had already composed 6 sonatas, and was the assistant organist at Halle Cathedral. In 1696, Handel paid a visit with hisfather to the court of the the future King of Prussia (Frederick I). The future king heard George Frideric play the organ and remarked to the boy's father that he should be allowed to study music seriously.

In 1702, young Handel entered Halle University, for the purpose of studying law. However, the following year, 1703, he quit and moved to Hamburg, Germany, which was an operatic center during this time. He composed his first opera there in 1705 ( it was called "Almira"). In 1706, Handel went to Italy to study Italian musical styles, including opera, religious music, and oratorio. After 4 years, he returned to Germany. In 1710, he became the musical director at Hanover. He also visited England that same year. He was a popular composer in England, and when he was asked to move there, he returned to England in 1712 and remained there for the rest of his life.

In 1714, the queen of England, Queen Anne, died, and her cousin from Germany became the new king. This was George Ludwig, Elector of Hanover (where Handel had worked), and he became King George I of England. King George probably knew who Handel was when he was still Elector of Hanover, and now he was king of a different country. Handel had recently composed his "Water Music", which is said to have been performed for a royal water party on the Thames River in 1717. King George I was so pleased with this music that he gave Handel an annual salary for the rest of his life!

Handel became a citizen of England in 1726. He also became the director of the Royal Academy of Music and remained at that job for more than 20 years. People in England really liked George Frideric handel.

In 1742, Handel conducted the first performance of his famous oratorio, "The Messiah". It is said that he wrote this entire composition in less than one month. It was performed for the first time in Dublin, Ireland, and was an immediate hit. The "Hallelujah" chorus from this oratorio is very famous. Handel wrote many huge musical works during his lifetime. For the last few years of his life, he was almost completely blind, but he continued to workanyway. To give him honor, the king allowed Handel to be buried in Westminster Abbey, where many English kings and queens are buried.

Handel's Music

During his lifetime, Handel composed more than 20 oratorios. These works are like operas, but without the stage action. Many of these works are religious in subject matter. "The Messiah" is the most famous of Handel's oratorios.

He also wrote orchestral pieces, such as "Water Music" and the "Music for the Royal Fireworks" (approximately 12,000 people attended the rehearsal of the fireworks music at Vauxhall Gardens - people loved his music!).

Handel also composed more than 40 operas, concertos, cantatas, anthems, and sonatas. He also wrote a Christmas carol which we all still sing today: "Joy to the World". George Frideric Handel was a Baroque composer whose music is still loved in the 21st century.

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