Born in Halle, Saxony in 1685, Handel learned to play the harpsichord and organ from a young age, often practising in secret as his father encouraged him to pursue a career in law. In 1703, he moved to Hamburg, where his first opera Almira was performed in 1705. The composer then travelled to Italy the following year, where he immersed himself in Italian musical styles, which would profoundly shape his work. Handel later settled in London, quickly establishing himself as a leading composer and performer. He attracted royal patronage and composed four anthems for the coronation of King George II in 1727, including the famous Zadok the Priest, which has been performed at every British coronation since.
While Handel’s Italian operas brought him early acclaim, it was his oratorios that ultimately secured his place in musical history. Messiah, composed in 1741 and first performed in Dublin the following year, remains his best-known work — its celebrated Hallelujah Chorus has become a cornerstone of the choral repertoire. Handel's musical legacy also features the exuberant Water Music suites, alongside Ombra mai fu from Xerxes and The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba from Solomon. Handel died in London in 1759 and was buried in Westminster Abbey following a funeral attended by thousands.
More than three centuries after his birth, Handel’s music continues to captivate audiences with its distinctive combination of theatricality, virtuosity and grandeur. His contribution to the English oratorio tradition was transformative, securing Handel’s place as one of the most influential composers of the 18th century.
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) and others
Manuscript of c.80 Italian arias, [Italy], [c.1700-1707], with an autograph annotation by Handel