George Frederick Handel

GEORGE FREDERICK HANDEL (1685-1759) is sometimes described as "a German musician who wrote Italian operas for English audiences." He showed unusual musical gifts at an early age. Because of his father's desire that he become a lawyer, he entered the University of Halle to study law, but he quickly turned to music. He studied organ, harpsichord, and music theory with Zachau, organist at the Halle Cathedral, and became his assistant. Handel was violinist in the German opera for four years, then traveled through Italy, where he was inspired to write a number of his first operas. In 1713 he settled in England (becoming a British subject in 1727) and enjoyed some 35 years of success in writing and producing "Italian" operas. Later he turned to the composition of oratorios which have won him lasting fame. He also wrote instrumental and organ music in abundance, as well as three hymn tunes (for the Wesleys). These settings found in our hymnals are usually adapted from other vocal works. Handel was buried in the Poet's Corner of Westminster Abbey. His most famous hymn tune (adapted) is ANTIOCH, the tune for "Joy to the World!", which may be found in our Worship & Rejoice hymnal.

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George Frederick Handel

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George Frederick Handel

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