Handel+1

Early Life
 * Date of birth- February 23rd, 1685
 * Date of death- April 14th, 1759
 * Country of origin- Germany

Handel was interested in music from a young age but his father did not approve. However, his mother was supportive so he practiced music in secret. Frideric Wilhelm Zachow took Handel under his wing. By 10 years old he had mastered the organ, oboe,and violin. His father still did not approve so he agreed to let Handel go to school but by the age of 18 he decided to devote himself entirely to music.

Life Information

He started writing operas, first in Venice, then later in London. He produced operas for the King's Theatre, The Royal Academy of Music, and even Queen Anne and King George. Italian operas were becoming less and less popular so he turned to oratorios. He also decided to form his own company entitled The New Academy of Music. Handel later in his life suffered from many health issues, such as, severe anxiety and depression, and he had 2 strokes.

Musical Examples

The two styles he is known for writing is operas and oratorios. His major works are
 * Messiah
 * Rinaldo
 * Belshazzar


 * Natalie Dowell**