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People In Music History
Handel, George Frideric [form of name adopted in England by Georg Friederich
Handel or Haendel] (1685-1759) Composer born at Halle, Germany; first visited
England 1710 and was naturalized there in 1727. Precocious musical activity, at
first against his father's wishes. Violinist in Hamburg Opera orchestra, 1703.
Visited Italy 1706-1710. Wrote Italian operas for London, including Rinaldo
(his first there), Alcina, Berenice, Julius Caesar, Orlando, and Xerxes.
"Invented" English biblical oratorio with Esther, 1732; other oratorios include
Saul, Israel in Egypt, Messiah, Samson, Judas Maccabaeus, Solomon, Susanna,
Theodora, and (last) Jephtha. (See Oratorio.) Other vocal works include Acis
and Galatea, Semele, and Alexander's Feast: 4 coronation anthems including
Zadok the Priest. Noted harpsichordist and organist; played his organ concertos
as intermissions in oratorio. Wrote for orchestra his Water Music, Fireworks
Music, and works of concerto grosso type (for strings alone and for wind and
strings); also composed The Harmonious Blacksmith (later so called), other
harpsichord pieces, etc. Worked within the prevailing style of his time, based
on Italian vocal line. Made some unacknowledged "borrowings" from other
composers, and also reused parts of his own works. Became partially blind,
1751; totally so, 1753. Died in London.