George Frideric Handel (1685–1759)

Born:

23rd February 1685 in Halle, Germany.

Monument to Handel in Westminster Abbey

Died:

14th April 1759 in London.

Buried:

Westminster Abbey, London.

Type of Music:

Classical music from the baroque period.

Some famous pieces:

• The ‘Hallelujah’ chorus (from the ‘Messiah’). (See below for a video.)
• Largo (Ombra mai fù from the opera Xerxes).
• Zadok the Priest.

Some great pieces:

• The Messiah. (See the video of the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ below for an example.)
• Water Music.
• Music for the Royal Fireworks. (See below for a video.)
• Organ Concertos Op. 7.
• Operas such as ‘Agrippina’, ‘Alcina’ and ‘Xerxes’.

Some interesting facts:

• He was the Kapellmeister (person in charge of music) for George, Elector of Hanover. This ‘George’ became George I, King of England. So Handel became the offical composer for the King.
• ‘Zadok the Priest’ was written for the coronation of George II in 1727. It has been used at every British coronation ever since!
• ‘Music for the Royal Fireworks’ was written to go with a fireworks display.
• ‘Water Music’ was written to be played on a boat as the King travelled along the river Thames in London.
• It is traditional to stand up when the ‘Hallelujah’ chorus is being played. There is a story that George&#160II was so moved when he heard it, that he stood up—and if the King stood up, this meant everyone else had to too!
• This is what Beethoven said about Handel: “He is the greatest composer that ever lived. I would uncover my head and kneel before his tomb.”