George Frideric Handel
Composer
Name at birth: Georg Friedrich Händel
G. F. Handel was one of the greatest European composers during the Baroque period of the 18th century, celebrated for his oratorio Messiah. He composed operas in his native Germany, lived in Italy for four years (1706-10), then settled in England in 1712. Prolific and popular, Handel's most famous works include Water Music, Music for the Royal Fireworks and Zadok the Priest.
Extra credit: The anthem Zadok the Priest was written for the coronation of George II and has been used for every coronation since... Handel was blind for the last several years of his life... Other famous composers include Beethoven, Mozart and Duke Ellington.
Four Good Links
George Frideric Handel
Biographical profile, a list of works and pictures
G. F. Handel
Terrific resource, including several anecdotes about Handel
Handel House Museum
Official site for the tribute to his years in London
George Frideric Handel
Biographical details from a New York radio station
Vital Stats
Birth
Birthplace
Death
Best Known As
Composer of Messiah
