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Handel's Biography

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Handel died at the age of 74. It is more than a bit fortunate that his career was as long as it was considering his build (he was a rather portly man) and the health troubles that had plagued him ever since a stroke in 1737. His final works of note, Theodora and Jephtha, both demonstrate that his creativity had scarcely waned. Neither did his popularity decrease through his final years, but he became a much admired and respected citizen.

Throughout these later years blindness began more and more to afflict him, as did paralysis of one arm. The composition of his oratorio Jephtha had to be interrupted because of these troubles, and it took him many months longer to complete than was normal for him. The surviving handwritten score has dates and various notes from Handel about his progress, and he laments his inability to complete it owing to his loss of sight. Months later, when he was able to finish the final act, he signed the completed manuscript with his name and age, perhaps knowing it would be his last.

Eventually he could no longer personally direct his musicians, though he could still dazzle audiences on the harpsichord and organ. And he still attended and oversaw the performances of his works, which were popular and profitable. It is said that during a performance of the oratorio Samson in 1753, many in attendance wept to hear the blinded hero sing the aria "Total Eclipse" as the blind Handel sat listening in the audience. Messiah also became a traditional favorite, though it was performed as an Easter piece instead of at Christmas as is common now. Frequently it was performed for the benefit of charitable organizations. Handel himself attended the annual performance a mere week before his death.

April 14th 1759, early in the morning, George Frideric Handel died. He had requested the honor of burial in Westminster Abbey, and received it. He now lies alongside some of the most notable poets and musicians who have ever lived. Along the wall near his grave is a statue showing a pensive Handel holding in his hand the score to the famous Messiah aria "I Know that My Redeemer Liveth." Next Page

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

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