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George Frideric Handel: The Composer of Messiah
German-British Baroque composer, born in Halle on 23 February 1685
George Frideric Handel was born in Halle, Germany, on 23 February 1685. His father wanted him to become a lawyer, but his musical talent won out.
After working in Hamburg and Italy, he settled in London in 1712 and became a British subject. He wrote operas such as Rinaldo and Giulio Cesare, and Water Music for King George I.
He premiered Messiah in Dublin in 1742. He went blind in his later years but continued performing, and was buried in Westminster Abbey in 1759.
Career highlights
- 1685Born in Halle, Germany
- 1706Travels to Italy
- 1711Rinaldo: London triumph
- 1717Water Music: for George I's river party
- 1727British citizen: and Zadok the Priest
- 1742Messiah premieres: in Dublin
- 1749Music for the Royal Fireworks
- 1759Dies in London: buried in Westminster Abbey
Did you know?Zadok the Priest, written for George II's coronation in 1727, has featured in every British coronation ever since.
