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Born in Halle in Saxony on the 23 February 1685, George Frideric Handel earned
a reputation at Hamburg and during a tour of the musical centers of Italy, above
all, as an opera composer. During his early years he also demonstrated remarkable
gifts in the composition of sacred music such as his three Latin psalm settings.
His compositions of that time for keyboard instruments are the products of a
celebrated virtuoso performer.
In 1710, thanks to his outstanding reputation, Handel gained the much sought
after position of Court Kapellmeister in Hanover, but he soon established links
with the court and operatic life of London, and two years later he moved to
the English metropolis. There he flourished, and in 1723 he was named as Composer
of Musick for His Majesty’s Chapel Royal, producing a series of works such as
anthems and the Water music for the Royal Family. From 1719 onwards he also
wrote Italian operas for the Haymarket Theatre. In 1726 he became a British
citizen, changing his name to George Frideric Handel. Over many years he enjoyed
triumphant success with his operas, featuring the most eminent singers, and
with serenades such as Acis and Galatea.
From the beginning of the 1730s he also composed oratorios; he had earlier
written works of this kind in Italy, and his Brockes Passion, intended for Hamburg,
he had already composed during his first years in London. Fierce competition
in the field of opera and financial difficulties affected his health, and he
began to concentrate increasingly on performing oratorios such as his Ode for
St. Cecilia’s Day, Saul, and Israel in Egypt, at Covent Garden Theatre. In addition,
he enhanced the oratorio performances with his own orchestral works and concertos
enhanced the. Despite his problems in London Handel’s fame spread far and wide,
for his concert tours were received with great acclaim.
In 1741 Handel wrote for Dublin, within a mere three weeks, his most important
oratorio, Messiah, which was hailed enthusiastically as “the most perfect musical
work”. Beginning in 1742 its success led Handel, to perform oratorios during
Lent at Covent Garden. Most of these works he composed for the occasion. Handel
died in London as the 14 April 1759.
Handel catalogue 2008
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