HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIR: George Frideric Handel (1685–1759)

Born
23rd February 1685 in Halle, Germany.

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.”

Reference: www.kidsmusiccorner.co.uk