George Frideric Handel is one of the titans of the Baroque, a contemporary of Bach. Born in Germany, he spent most of his life in England, where he became the most revered composer of his age. Handel first won fame with his Italian operas, and later created a new type of English oratorio.
His “Messiah” (1741), with the majestic “Hallelujah” chorus, is one of the most-performed works in the history of music. Handel also composed the “Water Music,” the “Music for the Royal Fireworks,” concerti grossi, and organ concertos. His style is grandeur, brilliance, monumental simplicity, and inexhaustible melody. Beethoven called Handel “the greatest composer who ever lived,” and his music remains a model of nobility and spiritual strength.
