George Frideric Handel was a German-born composer who became one of the most important figures in the history of classical music. He was born on February 23, 1685, in Halle, Germany, and received his early musical education from his father, a barber-surgeon who played the violin. Handel began composing music at an early age and received his first commission at the age of twelve.
After studying at the University of Halle, Handel moved to Hamburg, where he worked as a violinist and composer for the opera. In 1706, he traveled to Italy, where he studied with the famous composer Alessandro Scarlatti and composed several operas. In 1710, Handel moved to London, where he worked as a composer and conductor for the Royal Opera.
Over the course of his career, Handel composed a wide variety of music, including operas, oratorios, cantatas, and instrumental pieces. He is best known for his oratorios, which are large-scale choral works that tell a religious or historical story. His most famous oratorio is "Messiah," which has become a beloved Christmas tradition in many parts of the world.
In addition to his music, Handel was also a skilled businessman and played a key role in the development of the London music scene. He founded the Royal Academy of Music, which trained young musicians, and was the director of the Royal Opera. Handel was also a philanthropist and used his wealth to support various charitable causes, including the building of hospitals and orphanages.
Handel was a highly respected and influential figure in his lifetime, and his music continues to be performed and celebrated today. He is considered one of the greatest composers of all time and his music has had a lasting impact on classical music. Handel died on April 14, 1759, in London, at the age of 74.
George Frideric Handel: 10 Interesting Facts
This was for Utrecht Te Deum and Jubilate, a composition written for her which was first performed that same year 1713. David Willcocks, Mormon Tabernacle Choir, NightPro Orchestra. Siemons, published in 2009 using the HWV numbering. Although he composed this particular opera fairly quickly, it was rather successful despite the additional fact that he had borrowed several pieces from his earlier Italian works as well. Handel also there encountered theologian and professor of Oriental languages August Hermann Francke, who was particularly solicitous of children, particularly orphans. Zacchow taught him composition as well as the organ, the violin, and the oboe, and by 1695 Handel was composing for these and other instruments.
George Frideric Handel Biography, Life, Interesting Facts
In Italy Handel met librettist Antonio Salvi, with whom he later collaborated. By July In 1703, he accepted a position as violinist and harpsichordist in the orchestra of the Hamburg Nero, were produced in 1705. Mozart was born on St. In 1769, Mozart was appointed as a court musician by the ruler of Salzburg, Prince-Archbishop Hieronymus Colloredo. This rapid pace was seen by Jennens not as a sign of ecstatic energy but rather as "careless negligence", and the relations between the two men would remain strained, since Jennens "urged Handel to make improvements" while the composer stubbornly refused. It is unclear whether Handel directed these performances. The Cambridge Companion to Handel.
Ten Odd Facts about Handel’s “Messiah”
The city of Hamburg was a logical choice for Handel since it was a free city with an established opera company. His records show that he had completed Part I in outline by 28 August, Part II by 6 September and Part III by 12 September, followed by two days of "filling up" to produce the finished work on 14 September. With respect to instruction in composition, in addition to having Handel apply himself to traditional fugue and cantus firmuswork, Zachow, recognizing Handel's precocious talents, systematically introduced Handel to the variety of styles and masterworks contained in his extensive library. Buch 4: Übergang zum Oratorium. The cause of his death is unknown, but it is believed that he may have had typhoid fever.