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| An engraving depicting young Handel presented to the Duke of Weissenfels — an early moment of recognition. |
George Frideric Handel was born on February 23, 1685, in Halle, Germany. Few composers embodied the Baroque spirit as expansively as he did. German by birth, shaped by Italian opera, and ultimately naturalized in Britain, Handel became a defining figure in English musical life.
1685
Born in Halle, Germany.
1696
Composes early sonatas for oboe.
1702
Begins studying law at the University of Halle.
1703
Leaves university and moves to Hamburg, securing a position as a violinist in the opera orchestra.
1705
Premiere of his first opera, Almira.
1710
First visit to England.
1711
London premiere of Rinaldo, a major success.
1712
Settles permanently in London.
1714
His former patron, the Elector of Hanover, becomes King George I of Great Britain.
1717
Composes Water Music for a royal barge procession on the Thames.
1720
Participates in the establishment of the Royal Academy of Music.
1726
Becomes a naturalized British citizen.
1727
Composes coronation anthems for King George II.
1728
The success of John Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera signals changing tastes; the Royal Academy collapses.
1732
The presentation of Esther marks his decisive turn toward English oratorio.
1737
Suffers a stroke from overwork; recovers and resumes composing.
1740
Composes his final opera, Deidamia.
1742
Premiere of Messiah in Dublin on April 13.
1749
Music for the Royal Fireworks is performed to celebrate the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle.
1752
Eye surgery leaves him nearly blind.
1759
Dies in London on April 20 and is buried in Westminster Abbey’s Poets’ Corner.
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- The premiere of Messiah attracted such demand that announcements reportedly requested ladies to refrain from wearing hoop skirts and gentlemen to leave their swords at home, in order to accommodate more attendees.
- As for the tradition of standing during the “Hallelujah” chorus, it is commonly linked to King George II, who is said to have risen during a London performance in 1743. Whether the gesture occurred exactly as described remains historically uncertain. The custom, however, endured — and continues in many performances today.
- Handel’s authority was not only theatrical. It was architectural, public, and durable.
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