George Frideric Handel (1685 to 1759)

In February 1702 Handel began studying at the still young but progressive university in Halle. He was employed for a year as a probationary organist at the cathedral, which was used by the Reformed as a parish church. According to his own statements, he already composed a number of works during this time, but very few of the surviving works can be attributed to this early period.

At the age of 18, Handel left his home town in 1703. He went to Hamburg, where he performed his first opera "Almira". Three years later he travelled to Italy. In January 1707, he caused a sensation in Rome with his organ playing in the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano.  As a musician and composer he was very successful in Rome, Florence, Venice and Naples and was inundated with commissions.

In addition to the two operas Rodrigo (Florence 1707) and Agrippina (Venice 1709) and the oratorios Il Trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno and La Resurrezione (Rome 1707 and 1708), he also wrote numerous secular solo cantatas and Latin church music in Italy.

George Frideric Handel already famous and by now 25 years old, he accepted a position in Hanover. He became Kapellmeister to the Elector George Louis, later King George I of England. In Hanover, however, Handel's possibilities were limited, as there was no opera ensemble there. During an extended trip to England, Handel composed the Italian opera "Rinaldo" for the Queen's Theatre in Haymarket. This opera was premiered in 1711 and was a sensational success. In 1712, Handel travelled to London for a second time and stayed in England.

In the winter of 1718/19, the Royal Academy of Music, a joint-stock company for the performance of Italian operas, came into being. The king himself participated with a considerable annual sum. As music director of this initially very successful institution, the composer now had his hands full. He also composed festive music for the British royal family. In 1723, he officially received the title of court composer and took English citizenship in 1727. However, later successes failed to materialise and, exhausted by financial worries and overwork, Handel suffered a nervous breakdown and stroke on 13 April 1737. His right arm remained paralysed ever since.

The British public gradually lost interest in Italian operas. So from now on he concentrated on English-language oratorio. The biblical material was widely known at the time, and the English liked to identify with the chosen people of the Old Testament. The works were now in English and performed with impressive orchestras and choirs. During the intermissions, Handel entertained the audience with organ recitals. This was followed in 1742 by the premiere of his famous work the "Messiah". A piece with which he became immortal in the history of humanity.

Handel's eyesight declined in the last years of his life and he became visibly blind. On 1 June 1750 he had already disposed of his estate in his will, generously benefiting his staff. In the meantime, he had acquired great wealth.  

On 14 April 1759, George Frideric Handel died at his home in Brook Street and was buried at his request in Westminster Abbey.