The Influences Of George Frederic Handel's Life And Music

George Frederic Handel was born on February 23rd 1685, and died April 14th 1759. He started as a German composer then moved to a British Baroque composer. He spend the bulk of his career in London. He became well known for operas, anthems, and organ concertos. He received critical training in Halle, Hamburg and Italy before settling in London. Handel's biggest influences included the composers of the Italian Baroque and the middle-German polyphonic choral tradition. Handel's father wanted Handel to grow up and study law. He was born into a non-musical family. His father strictly forbade him from meddling with any musical instruments. As a result, Handel secretly began playing instruments while his family was asleep. At a young age
Handel became a skillful performer on the harpsichord and the pipe organ. After a surprise performance showing off his talents, Handel was able to convince his father to allow him to take private lessons. Friedrich Wilhelm Zachow, Handel's teacher, taught him harmony, and counterpoint. He also gained instruction on the oboe, the violin, the harpsichord, and the organ. Handel received the majority of his education from the University of Halle. Handel's 1741 work, Messiah, is the most famous oratorio. Messiah was first performed in Dublin 1742. But he was first noted for his opera composition of Almira. But, he produced several like operas with the Royal Academy of Music before it became the New Royal Academy of Music in 1727. During his lifetime, Handel composed nearly 30 oratorios and close to 50 operas. Handel is still remembered today; in 2001 Handel's home on Brook Street (from 1723 to 1759) became the site of the Handel House Museum, established in memory of his legendary life and works.