Final Project – Composer Research Paper

George Frideric Handel

George Frideric Handel, was born on February 23, 1685. Handel was born in Halle, Germany. Handel was a tall, robust man who enjoyed food, wine and entertainment. He was nicknamed “the bear” because of his physique. Even though Handel was born in Germany he was became an English composer. Handel composed in the late Baroque era. Handel is most famous for his operas, oratorios, and instrumental compositions. He longed to study music, however, his father objected. He did not feel as though music could be a reliable source of income. His father would not even allow him to own a musical instrument, his mother on the other hand was very supportive and encouraged him to pursue his passion. At the age of 10, Frideric Wilhelm Zachow saw his potential and invited Handel to become his student. Even after his acceptance and compositions, Handel’s father insisted he attend law school. Reluctantly, Handel agreed and attended law school at the University of Halle. His studies did not last long and soon he gave in to his passion for music. In 1705, he made his debut as an opera composer with Almira. Handel composed many pieces while traveling to Italy including his highly successful opera Agrippina that premiered in Venice in 1710. While Handel’s musical style was first influenced by German music as a child, it quickly changed to Italian style in his early adulthood while traveling to Italy. He became an international figure and was being recognized by many famous people including the Queen of England. He soon became fond of England and England was fond of him. In 1713 he received royal favor for his Ode for the Queen’s Birthday. He remained in England and composed 40 works. Handel was a prominent organist and composed more than 20 organ concertos. In 1737, after his opera company went bankrupt, Handel suffered a mild stroke that impaired the movement of his right hand. He made a miraculous comeback and even was able to play the organ again. Handel loved Italian opera but had to abandon it for English oratorio due to financial losses. It was not until 1741 that he composed his greatest oratorio, Messiah. Because of Handel’s many contributions of his work of oratorios and large-scale choral works, they became the most popular musical forms in England. England was responding well to this type of music and welcomed his style and reference pieces to the Bible. In 1749, Handel began to have issues with his sight and lost complete sight in his left eye. He persevered to finish his last piece, Jephtha. By 1753 he would lose sight in the right eye and declared completely blind. He was a musical enthusiast until the end of his life. Handel died April 14, 1759 at the age of 74 in London England and was buried in Poet’s Corner in West Minister Abbey. Handel was known to have a temper. He once had a near fatal duel with a composer over seating in an orchestra pit. His life was spared because of a metal button on his coat that prevented the sword from piercing him. He once threatened to hurl a woman out a window for her refusal to follow his directions calling her a “she-devil.” He was ultimately considered a caring and generous man. Handel never married and never had children He bequeathed his assets to friends, family, servants and charities. Handel is said to have made significant contributions to all the musical genres of his generation. His total estate was accessed at 20,000 pounds, which would mean he was a millionaire in today’s time. In 2001, Handel’s childhood home became the site of the Handel House Museum in memory of his life and works.
Handel’s most famous work Messiah, an oratorio, is a mediation of the life of Jesus Christ the Savior. It made its debut at the New Music Hall in Dublin, Ireland in April 1742. After opera fell out of style in London, Handel abandoned this genre and turned to oratorios. Messiah was his 6th work in this genre. The structure of Messiah resembles that of an opera but lacks the dramatic form with no direct speech or impersonations. I like this piece because of the scriptural text. Messiah was originally written for Easter but is now a Christmas and Easter traditional piece. Messiah is divided into three parts: 1) birth of Jesus, 2) the passion, and 3) the resurrection. The text was written by Charles Jennens, a literary scholar. Handel gave his portion of the debut of this piece to a debtor’s prison and hospital in Dublin. Messiah has harmony – all its elements fit together to tell a story. A story of eternal significance. Even though this work is joyful, it has a dark side to it with its prophetic warnings along with pain and sorrow. This piece is not only beautiful but educational. It shares the history and theology of Judaism and Christianity and the Bible. It is a very powerful piece of work.
The first movement is Ev’ry Valley Shall Be Exalted. This comes from the baroque aria. When I listen to the piece, I hear trumpets and violins. I hear a male vocalist singing tenor. It has a fast rhythm. The dynamics are loud and pulls back some but goes right back up. The tones go high and then go low. The texture is homophonic and polyphonic. This work is performed by an all-male chorus. It is a very emotional piece. The arrangement and use of word paintings make you feel like you are living in the moment with the piece. It makes me hang on to every word and movement.
The Hallelujah Chorus is my favorite chorus. It is also one of the world’s favorite and most popular piece by Handel. The chorus is energetic and dynamic. The feeling of joy engulfs me. It lifts my spirits and puts me in a good mood. There are sudden changes in texture going from monophonic, polyphonic, and homophonic throughout this piece. The dynamics change suddenly. The tempo can be strong and fast (allegro) at times and then changes to a slower (adagio) tempo filling one with excitement and intensity. The tempo sets the mood for this piece. I love when all the voices perform together in unison…HALLELUJAH! The rhythm is quick and repetitive. Even though the words and phrases are repeated, this piece is one of the most beautiful pieces I have heard. I believe the angels in heaven will be singing this song when I arrive! After I listen to this, I find my heart is racing and I am in awe of what I just heard.
Handel’s music is interesting to me because he wrote so my different genres including opera, Concerto Grosso, oratorios. Depending on what mood you are in, you can find something to listen to in his repertoire. His music inspires me and lifts my spirits. I would suggest Handel’s works to those that are looking for music that portrays great truths with passion. I also like that he had a strong work ethic. He worked hard and it paid off. I like that he knew his passion was music and he pursued it even though it went against his father’s wishes. He was a very successful and generous person. He has left a legacy that has and will continue for many generations.

Works Cited:
“George Frideric Handel.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 25 June 2019, www.biography.com/musician/george-handel.
Cudworth, Charles. “George Frideric Handel.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 10 Apr. 2020, www.britannica.com/biography/George-Frideric-Handel.
Kandell, Jonathan. “The Glorious History of Handel’s Messiah.” Smithsonian.com, Smithsonian Institution, 1 Dec. 2009, www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the-glorious-history-of-handels-messiah-148168540/.