George Frideric Handel

George Frideric (or Frederick) Handel ( HAN-dəl; baptised Georg Fried[e]rich Händel, German: [ˈɡeːɔʁk ˈfʁiːdʁɪç ˈhɛndl̩] ; 5 March [O.S. 23 February] 1685 – 14 April 1759) was a German-British Baroque composer well-known for his operas, oratorios, anthems, concerti grossi, and organ concerti. Born in Halle, Handel spent his early life in Hamburg and Italy before settling in London in 1712, where he spent the bulk of his career and became a naturalised British subject in 1727. He was strongly influenced both by the middle-German polyphonic choral tradition and by composers of the Italian Baroque. In turn, Handel's music forms one of the peaks of the "high baroque" style, bringing Italian opera to its highest development, creating the genres of English oratorio and organ concerto, and introducing a new style into English church music. He is consistently recognised as one of the greatest composers of his age. Handel started three commercial opera companies to supply the English nobility with Italian opera. In 1737 he had a physical breakdown, changed direction creatively, addressed the middle class and made a transition to English choral works. After his success with Messiah (1742), he never composed an Italian opera again. His orchestral Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks remain steadfastly popular. One of his four coronation anthems, Zadok the Priest, has been performed at every British coronation since 1727. He died a respected and rich man in 1759, aged 74, and was given a state funeral at Westminster Abbey. Interest in Handel's music has grown since the mid-20th century. The musicologist Winton Dean wrote that "Handel was not only a great composer; he was a dramatic genius of the first order." His music was admired by Classical-era composers, especially Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven.

"'Pastoral Dreams: Classical Works" - 2026-06-10T00:00:00.000000Z

"052 Classical Music Discoveries": Mignon - 2026-06-10T00:00:00.000000Z

"'Lock In": Classical for Study - 2026-06-09T00:00:00.000000Z

"'A Garden in Golden Light: Classical Works" - 2026-06-08T00:00:00.000000Z

The Karajan Sound - 2026-06-08T00:00:00.000000Z

"The Lighthouse Sonata: Classical Edition" - 2026-06-07T00:00:00.000000Z

"077 Piano Evocations": Juliet - 2026-06-07T00:00:00.000000Z

"078 Piano Evocations": Pantomima - 2026-06-06T00:00:00.000000Z

Renaissance (Extended) - 2026-06-05T00:00:00.000000Z

"A Soundtrack for Springtime": Classical Seasons - 2026-06-05T00:00:00.000000Z

"Echoes from the Coast: Classical Edition" - 2026-06-04T00:00:00.000000Z

"075 Piano Evocations": Mercutio - 2026-06-04T00:00:00.000000Z

Peaceful Cello - 2026-06-04T00:00:00.000000Z

"Garden Awakening: Classical Masterpieces" - 2026-06-03T00:00:00.000000Z

"081 Piano Evocations": Entretiens - 2026-06-03T00:00:00.000000Z

Grande Dame - 2026-06-03T00:00:00.000000Z

"Benitoite": Classical Gems - 2026-06-02T00:00:00.000000Z

Handel: Messiah, HWV 56 - 2026-06-02T00:00:00.000000Z

"074 Piano Discoveries": Invocation - 2026-06-01T00:00:00.000000Z

"Soft Sunlight: Classical for Spring" - 2026-05-31T00:00:00.000000Z

"A Springtime Evening" - Relaxing Piano - 2026-05-30T00:00:00.000000Z

"The Architecture of Light: Classical Edition" - 2026-05-28T00:00:00.000000Z

"A Waltz Among Flowers: Classical Edition" - 2026-05-27T00:00:00.000000Z

"The Secret Garden: Classical Works by Bach, Mozart & more" - 2026-05-25T00:00:00.000000Z

"Prelude to Spring: Classical Works" - 2026-05-24T00:00:00.000000Z

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