Student Post: George Friedrich Handel

Period: Baroque 
Born: Germany on February 23, 1685

Died: England on April 14, 1759 
Specialist: operas, oratorios, anthems and organ concertos.
Famous works: Water Music, Music for the Royal Fireworks, Messiah and Coronation Anthems.

Handel is one of the greatest composer of the Baroque era, born the same year as Johann Sebastian Bach and Domenico Scarlatti. Handel studied in Halle, Hamburg and Italy before settling in London (1712). He was influenced by Italian Baroque and Middle German Polyphonic Choral tradition. Handel  made a transition to English choral works after Alexander's Feast was well received, which was written in 1736. The Coronation Anthems were composed for George II of Great Britain and is still used for British Coronation today. He also composed over 40 operas in 30 years and The Messiah in 1742. Handel lived in England for nearly 50 years and was a respected, rich man. Handel's funeral was given full state honours and he was buried in Westminster Abbey (church founded in 960)

by a Suzuki Violin Book 1 elementary school student