George Frideric HANDEL23 February 1685 - 14 April 1759
FamilyClick on the Handel portrait for more details about it. Handel is best known for his grand oratorio 'Messiah', his Water Music, and Music for the Royal Fireworks. In addition to these he produced a formidable body of work including about 50 operas. Portrait by Paul Helm © 
250th Anniversary2009 is the 250th anniversary of Handel's death and there will be celebrations all over the world.For more information and a list of events visit London's Handel House Museum excellent website by clicking on the logo on the right.
FamilyBorn: Halle, Germany, 23 February 1685 (Pisces)Father: Georg Händel, barber surgeon, barber and valet to the Saxony Court. Mother: Dorothea Taust Händel, (Georg's second wife) Siblings: He was the second born to Dorothea. I read somewhere that he had nine siblings many of which were half-siblings but I can't remember where I read it. Partners: He never married and kept his private life to himself. Children: none. Died: London, 14 April 1759 Grave: Poets corner, Westminster Abbey, London. 
Works* the Messiah (including the 'Hallelujah chorus')* Water Music * Music for the Royal Fireworks * The Cuckoo and the Nightingale * The Harmonious Blacksmith * Concerti Grossi * 42 operas * 29 oratorios * 120 duets and trios and cantatas * 16 organ concerti * numerous chamber music pieces A Video Documentary
An interesting video by 'How Stuff Works'. It is about 35minutes long and opens in a new window.
Quotes- "I did think I did see all Heaven before me and the great God Himself." (on composing the Messiah)- "Should I have had to spend money in order to be like those idiots? Never in this world!" (on refusing to pay for an honorary degree at Oxford) - "What a wonderful thing it is to be sure of one's faith How wonderful to be a member of the evangelical church, which preaches the free grace of God through Christ as the hope of sinners. If we were to rely on our works--my God, what would become of us." - "Handel understands effect better than any of us -- when he chooses, he strikes like a thunderbolt." (Mozart) - "He is the greatest composer that ever lived. I would uncover my head and kneel before his tomb" (Beethoven)
2010 Opera CalendarThis calendar has 12 of my portraits, all of opera composers, including George Frideric.Also Puccini, Mozart, Berlioz, Mascagni, Leoncavallo, Rossini, Bizet, Wagner, Bellini, Offenbach and Verdi. Jan - Dec 2010. US Holidays. Available from cafepress 
Handel on eBayThere are lots of Handel bargains on eBay and often some hard to find items. Always worth a look.
The Handel Appreciation Society on facebookClick on the facebook logo, join the group and share your views and comments with others.
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Links - and where to go for more information Handel House Museum The Handel Institute Answers.com A kid's page Top of page
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