George Frideric Handel •Born: February 23, 1685. Halle, Germany •Died: April 14, 1759. London, England

• Handle was born in Halle, Saxony (present day Germany), to Georg and Dorothea.

• Born in the same year as Johann Sebastian Bach and Domenico Scarlatti.

• Showed great musical talent at an early age.• His father, who was a barber-surgeon, was opposed

to his musical career, preferring him to study law.• Mother encouraged musical aspirations.

The house in the city of Halle (Saale) where Handel was born.

• Was permitted to take lessons in musical compositions from Friedrich Wilhelm Zachow.

• During this time he became an accomplished organist and harpsichordist, studied violin and oboe, received training in counterpoint, and became familiar with German and Italian music by copying their scores.

• 1697 Handel’s father died.• 1703 enters Halle University to study law.• Left school in 1704, moved to Hamburg. Here

accepted a position as violinist and harpsichordist in the opera orchestra.

• 1705 composes first Opera, Almira.• 1705-09 Travels to Italy, visiting Florence, Rome, back to

Florence, Naples, and Venice. • Meets Domenico Scarlatti in Venice. • June of 1710, Appointed Court Conductor of Hanover,

Germany by Elector Georg Ludwig, who would soon be King George I of Great Britain.

• November, 1710 Handel goes to London. Produced Opera Rinaldo. Then Goes back to Hanover.

• 1712 he ask for a Leave of Absence from Elector Georg Ludwig to go to England. He never returned to Germany

• 1714 Elector Georg Ludwig proclaimed King of England.

Legend states that as soon the elector of Hanover was crowned King of England, Handel was afraid to show his face at court. Then Handel regained favor by composing and conducting a suite of pieces for wind instruments that were played as a surprise for the king during a boating party on the Thames. These pieces were published under the title Water Music.

Water Music

Watch.htm

• 1720 Handel was appointed one of the musical directors of the Royal Academy.

• During the next eight years he produced, directed and wrote operas.

• 1728- Opera became less important to middle class England. (John Gay’s Beggar’s Opera)

• Handel turned to oratorio. • Handel's oratorio’s became some of his most

famous works. • Israel in Egypt, Messiah, Judas Maccabaeus, and

Jephtah.

In 1723 Handel moved into a newly built house at 25 Brook Street London, which he rented until his death in 1759.This house is now the Handel House Museum

Handel - Flavio "Bel contento" Andreas Scholl

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0aDMo7pAUE

• 1737- Handel suffered stroke, which left his left and right arm temporarily paralyzed. He also started to complain about his eyesight, cataracts.

• Following his recovery, Handel focused on composing oratorios .

• 1742-Handel's Messiah was first performed in New Musick Hall in Fishamble Street Dublin.

• 1749- Handel composed Music for the Royal Fireworks. • 1750- Handel was injured in a carriage accident. • 1752- Undergoes cataract surgery. This left him virtually

blind. • 1759- Handel dies on April 17. Burial in Westminster Abby.

Works

•Operas: More than 40•Oratorios: 26 English, 2 Italian, 2 Passion oratorios•Sonatas: 40•Concertos: 18 Keyboard, 12 concerti grossi, 6 for woodwinds and strings•Cantatas: 100•English odes, masques •Orchestral suites (Water Music, Royal Fireworks

Xerxes - Ombra mai fu

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyRzsQdeakE

Oratorio Saul (HWV 53)

I. Symphony.

II. Chorus of Israelites:

How excellent Thy name, O Lord,In all the world is known!Above all Heav'ns, O King ador'd,How hast Thou set Thy glorious throne!

Saul (HWV 53) is an oratorio in three acts written by George Frideric Handel with a libretto by Charles Jennens. Taken from the 1st Book of Samuel, the story of Saul focuses on the first king of Israels relationship with his eventual successor, David; one which turns from admiration to jealously and hatred, and ultimately leads to the fall and death of the eponymous monarch. The work, which Handel began in 1738, can be considered among his finest and includes the famous Dead March, a funeral anthem for Saul and his son Jonathan, and some of the composer's most dramatic choral pieces.

1. Handel: Oratorio Saul (HWV 53)

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0aDMo7pAUE