Handel
George Frederick Handel was a great musician of
the Baroque Period. Handel was
born in 1685. He lived most of his younger
life in Halle, Germany. George’s
birthday was on February 23rd, and then was
baptized the next day. On October
6th, 1687, Handel’s first sister was
born. Her name was Dorothea Sophia Handel.
On January 10th, 1690,
Handel’s second sister was born. Her name was Johanna
Christina Handel.
When Handel was older, (about twelve) his father died at the
age of
seventy-five. A few years after this death, Handel started college at
the
University of Halle studying law. At this time, George Handel started
to find
his nick for music and composing. Handel would not become very famous
though
until he moved to Hamburg and London. In the year 1703, Handel
abandons his
study of law at the university and moves to Hamburg. While in
Hamburg, Handel
starts playing the violin under the watchful eye of Keisler.
In the next few
years, Handel makes many close friendships with other
musicians. Now this is the
time when Handel starts in heavily on writing
plays and operas. Handel has
written many operas. Some of his more famous
operas are Israel in Egypt, Jephtha,
Messiah, Water Dance, The Heroick,
Mr. Handel, and Teseo. George Handel has been
known as one of the best
composers in the world. He was known as a great
organist and harpsichord
player. He was also known to have an explosive
temperment. Handel has a
simple view towards life and faith. Handel also has
been given credit for
changing Italian Opera to a very popular event. There will
probably never be
any man that is as great or as well known for their composing
and musical
ability.