George Frideric Handel

music · baroque · composer · classical

Master of grand music. Handel composed operas, oratorios (big musical stories with singers and orchestras), and concerti grossi (pieces for groups of instruments playing together). His works filled concert halls and royal courts with beauty and excitement.

Lived between two countries. Born in Germany, Handel moved to England where he became so famous that people called him one of the greatest composers of his time. He combined German musical ideas with Italian style to create something totally new.

Created 'Hallelujah'. One of Handel's most amazing works is his oratorio called 'Messiah,' which includes the super famous 'Hallelujah' chorus that people still love to sing and listen to more than 250 years later.

Wrote for royalty. Handel composed music for kings and queens, and his pieces were often performed at important royal events. Composers dreamed of having their music played for royalty like Handel did.

Talented organist too. Besides composing, Handel was an incredible organ player who wrote special organ concertos (pieces for organ and orchestra). He could improvise music right on the spot, amazing everyone who heard him.