George frederick handel brief biography of princess
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In his later years, Handel's philanthropic spirit shone through, as he left the majority of his estate to his servants and various charities upon his passing. He composed cantatas, operas, and oratorios while collaborating with prominent patrons such as the Medici family and Cardinal Ottoboni. He was intrigued by instruments, the sounds they could make and the feelings they could evoke.
Under Zachow’s guidance, Handel mastered the organ, harpsichord, violin, and oboe while studying counterpoint and composition.
Zachow introduced Handel to a vast array of German and Italian compositions, which greatly influenced his style. In 1749, it was another charity performance to assist with the completion of London Foundling Hospital for abandoned infants and children that began a series of concerts that once again brought Messiah to public audiences with renewed appreciation.
The revival of his works in the 19th century, led by figures like Mendelssohn, cemented his status as one of the greatest composers in history.
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How did Handel’s career evolve?
He trained in Halle, worked in Hamburg and Italy, and settled in London in 1712, becoming a naturalized British subject in 1727.
His practical father intervened and forbade him from taking part in what he called “musical nonsense.”
That wasn’t about to stop the determined little youngster. Even so, his father sternly reminded son that his destiny was for something more practical than music.
Eventually, Handel enrolled in law school according to his father’s wishes, but the musical pull was too much.
By some unknown means, George was able to get a small clavichord and smuggle it to a tiny room at the top of the house. They include the Sarabande in D minor popularized in Stanley Kubrick’s movie Barry Lyndon (1975).
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Leading the heyday of Italian opera
In 1719 a consortium of aristocrats, with the support of King George, established a company called The Royal Academy of Music to manage opera seria (Italian “serious” operas) in London in emulation of opera houses in Venice and elsewhere.
After the Elector of Hanover succeeded Queen Anne in 1714 as George I, Handel continued to serve the monarch and other aristocratic patrons too while collaborating with the theater. His dedication to his art overshadowed personal relationships, and many who knew him admired his singular focus on composition and performance. Despite the absence of a traditional family life, he formed deep connections with other musicians and patrons and was known for his generosity toward friends and those less fortunate.
Throughout his career, Handel faced challenges due to shifting musical tastes, particularly as Italian opera fell out of favor in London. Handel absorbed the polyphonic traditions of Germany and the melodic richness of Italian music, blending these into his distinctive sound.
Early Career in Germany and Italy
In 1703, Handel moved to Hamburg, where he joined the orchestra of the Oper am Gänsemarkt as a violinist and harpsichordist.
Despite fluctuating fortunes, Handel was known for his financial generosity, leaving his estate to his servants and charities upon his death. The doctor who treated him said, “We may save the man—but the musician is lost forever. This work catapulted him into the public eye, showcasing his remarkable talent and innovative approach to composition.
He traveled from city to city, learning what he could about each area’s musical styles and gifts before he finally settled in London in 1711 at age 26. His blend of dramatic storytelling and captivating melodies resonated with audiences, marking the beginning of a prolific career in the Baroque music scene. The simplicity of oratorio productions, which required fewer resources than grand operas, allowed Handel to maintain a steady income stream.
By late 1710 he was living in London, perhaps as part of the diplomatic activity of preparing for the Hanoverian succession, and probably with the intention of composing for the Queen’s Theatre that in 1705 had begun staging Italian operas.