The Master of Musical Drama
George Frideric
Handel
When?
February 23 1685
April 14 1759, age 74
Where?
Halle, Germany
Handel was a
Baroque
composer.
As a little boy, Handel loved music, but his father wanted him to be a lawyer. Some say he used to practice in secret on a keyboard he kept hidden in the attic so his father wouldn’t know. Either way, all that practicing sure paid off!
Handel is famous for writing dramatic operas, with colorful characters and very dramatic music full of big emotions.
Although he became blind later in life, Handel still kept writing and performing music. Just like when he was a boy, he never let challenges stand in his way!
Handel is famous for his operas, but even in his concert pieces, Handel incorporated the drama from opera, writing emotional solos and dramatic chorus. He used orchestral color (different combinations of instruments) to help tell the story.
Handel and Bach are the most famous Baroque composers but their styles were very different: Handel’s music is showier and features big, dramatic gestures and memorable melodies, while Bach’s music is less about melody and more about the intricate harmony.
Fun Facts
Both Maestros
On Your Feet
His most famous song is the “Hallelujah Chorus” from the Messiah. It is a big, joyful song written for orchestra and chorus and solo singers. Whenever it is played at a concert, people get up from their seats and stand.
Both Maestros
It’s Good to Be the King
Handel even wrote music for kings. His song called, “Water Music” was written for King George I who wanted some new music for this big party on his private barge on the Thames River. I guess when you’re a king, you can do that sort of thing.
Both Maestros
Too Hot to Handel!
Unlike most composers that came before him, Handel was very famous in his lifetime. His funeral in Westminster Abbey was attended by about 3,000 people!
