George Frederick Handel
Composer, Organist, and Keyboardist
The Baroque Period
Born: 5 March 1685
Halle, Duchy of Magdeburg (modern day Germany)
Died: 14 April 1759
London, England
A Hint About Handel
Handel was a composer of Operas, Oratorios, and instrumental music and is perhaps most known for his composition The Messiah which is performed throughout the Advent season. Handel started studying music at an early age and by his early 20's he was an accomplished musician and composer but decided to pursue a degree in liberal arts at the University of Halle. After completing his education in Halle, Handel traveled throughout Italy and met many famous composers of the time such as Alessandro Scarlatti, Domenico Scarlatti, and Arcangelo Corelli. Handel's time in Italy greatly influenced his compositional style and his success in Italian Opera spread throughout the country so much so that he became known throughout Europe. In 1711, Handel's opera Rinaldo was performed in London to much praise and he eventually returned for multiple productions of his work as well as ultimately relocating to London and becoming a British Subject. Handel spent the rest of his life composing English Opera, Oratorios, and other choral and instrumental works and was seen as a true reflection of the English national character even though being a german born composer.
Time Line
23 February 1685
1697
1702
1710
1711-1739
1742
1745
1752
14 April 1759
Georg Freidrich Händel was born in Halle, Duchy of Magdeburg now modern day Germany. He would later anglicize his name to George Frederick Handel.
Handel's father passes away
Starts at the University of Halle and becomes organist at the Calvinist Cathedral in Halle.
Became Kapellmeister to German prince George and moves to London
During his time in London, Handel premieres more than 25 operas!
Handel premieres Messiah
Handel composes Music for the Royal Fireworks
Handel writes his last oratorio Jephtha and soon after begins loosing his eyesight.
Handel passes away and was buried in Westminster Abbey.
Listen
Want to listen to some Handel? Check some recordings of some of his most famous keyboard and ensemble works. Maybe if you're a fan of one of these pieces you could start learning it!
![[Heidsieck] Händel: Passacaille for Piano, HWV432](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5UOlZJutANA/maxresdefault.jpg)