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Handel's Biography

Upbringing and Early Career | Next >>

George Frideric Handel was born February 23rd 1685 in Halle, a small town in the Saxony region of Eastern Germany. Despite a strong interest in music early on, and the urging of those who recognized his talent, Handel's father wished for him to study law. He seems to have remained obedient as a young man, though he still pursued music at every available opportunity. It was not until after the death of his father that he devoted himself entirely to his calling.

In 1703 Handel moved to Hamburg and became a violinist and harpsichordist for the opera. Soon he began composing his own works, and became know for his virtuoso keyboard playing. He found a friend and rival in a fellow composer named Johann Mattheson. The rivalry turned ugly on one occasion when the two men both wished to play the harpsichord during an opera, and they ended up fighting a sword duel. According to the story, the young Handel was saved by a button on his jacket, which prevented a thrust from Mattheson that might have cut short his career once and for all. Later the two became friends again.

Soon Handel's operas earned him attention from abroad, and he received an invitation to Italy. He set out for Florence and Rome in 1706, where he would meet some of the leading musicians of his day. Through the following years his absorption of the Italian styles greatly enhanced his already formidable talent. He composed the Dixit Dominus, one of his earliest choral masterpieces, in 1707 at the age of 22. His unstaged religious drama La Resurrezione, which is also from this period, anticipates his later oratorio achievements. Click on the music for a Playlist of pieces Handel wrote in Italy.

Traveling to London late in 1710, Handel got his first glimpse of what would become his adopted country. Again he incorporated the national musical traditions into his own repertoire to achieve a unique sound. Following a six-month stay he returned home to Germany, but would not stay for long. In 1712 he established himself permanently in England, beginning a long and sometimes tumultuous career in Italian Opera. Next Page

Biography: Upbringing and Early Career | Handel's Opera Career | Transition to Oratorios | Final years | Legacy | Personality

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