George Frideric Handel Timeline
George Frideric Handel by People
George Frideric Handel was a renowned German-English composer, born in Germany in 1685, who made significant contributions to music during the Baroque period. He is best known for his oratorio, "Messiah," with its famous "Hallelujah" chorus, which is still widely performed today. Handel moved to London in his twenties, where he composed music for royal occasions, including the "Water Music" suite for King George I. His music, known for its dramatic intensity, has had a lasting impact on classical music and he is considered one of the greatest composers in Western music history.
February 23, 1685
Birth of George Frideric Handel in Halle, Germany
The renowned composer was born into a family with no musical background. His father, a barber-surgeon, wanted him to study law. However, his mother supported his musical interests, leading to his early mastery of the harpsichord and organ.
Year 1693
Start of Handel's musical education under Friedrich Wilhelm Zachow
Friedrich Wilhelm Zachow, a church organist in Halle, recognized the young composer's potential and took him under his wing. Under Zachow's guidance, he learned to play various instruments and studied composition. This education laid the foundation for his future success as a renowned composer.
Year 1702
Handel becomes the organist at Halle Cathedral
The composer took on the role of organist at Halle Cathedral in Germany, a position of great prestige. This was a significant step in his early career, as it allowed him to showcase his musical talent and gain recognition. His time at the cathedral influenced his later works.
Year 1703
Handel moves to Hamburg and joins the opera orchestra
In Hamburg, the composer became a violinist and harpsichordist in the opera orchestra. This move was significant as it exposed him to a wider range of musical styles and influences. It was here that he composed his first two operas, "Almira" and "Nero", which were performed in 1705.
January 8, 1705
Premiere of Handel's first opera, 'Almira'
'Almira' was the composer's first venture into the world of opera, written when he was just 19 years old. It was performed at the Theater am Gänsemarkt in Hamburg, Germany. The opera, written in the Baroque style, was a success and ran for 20 performances.
Year 1706
Handel travels to Italy to study Italian opera
The composer journeyed to Italy to learn more about the popular style of music, Italian opera. He visited various cities including Florence, Rome, Naples, and Venice. This trip greatly influenced his future works.
Year 1710
Handel becomes Kapellmeister to the Elector of Hanover
The position of Kapellmeister, which he assumed, was a prestigious one, making him the director of music. The Elector of Hanover, his employer, was a powerful German ruler. This role significantly influenced his musical style and career.
February 24, 1711
Premiere of Handel's opera 'Rinaldo' in London
'Rinaldo' was Handel's first opera written for the London stage. It was performed at the Queen's Theatre in Haymarket and was a great success. The opera is based on an epic poem by Torquato Tasso and features a mix of magic, heroism, and love.
Year 1712
Handel settles permanently in London
The composer decided to make England his home after his opera, Rinaldo, was warmly received there. He was later appointed as a music teacher for the royal family, solidifying his status in London. His influence on British music was so profound that he is often considered an English composer, despite his German birth.
Year 1719
Handel becomes the musical director of the Royal Academy of Music
The composer took charge of an institution in London that was dedicated to the performance of Italian opera. His role involved recruiting singers, selecting pieces to be performed, and conducting the orchestra. This position significantly influenced his career and the development of opera in England.
October 22, 1727
Handel's 'Zadok the Priest' is performed at the coronation of King George II
'Zadok the Priest' is a coronation anthem, a piece of music specifically written for the crowning of a British monarch. This particular anthem was performed for the first time during the coronation ceremony of King George II. It has been used in every British coronation since, making it a significant piece in British history.
Year 1733
Handel forms a new opera company, the Opera of the Nobility
The Opera of the Nobility was formed as a rival to the already existing Royal Academy of Music. This new company was backed by the Prince of Wales, which caused a significant split in London's opera audience. Despite its high-profile support, the Opera of the Nobility was not a financial success and closed in 1737.
April 13, 1741
Premiere of Handel's 'Messiah' in Dublin
The premiere of 'Messiah' was held at the New Music Hall in Fishamble Street. It was performed by a combined group of singers from two local cathedrals. The event was a charity concert, raising funds for local hospitals and freeing those in debtors' prisons.
Year 1751
Handel's eyesight begins to fail
The composer's failing eyesight was likely due to cataracts. Despite this setback, he continued to compose music. Eventually, he became completely blind in 1752, but this did not stop him from creating and performing music.
April 14, 1759
Death of George Frideric Handel in London
The renowned composer passed away in his home at 25 Brook Street, London. He was blind and in poor health for several years before his death. His death marked the end of an era in the history of classical music.
George Frideric Handel was a renowned German-English composer, born in Germany in 1685, who made significant contributions to music during the Baroque period. He is best known for his oratorio, "Messiah," with its famous "Hallelujah" chorus, which is still widely performed today. Handel moved to London in his twenties, where he composed music for royal occasions, including the "Water Music" suite for King George I. His music, known for its dramatic intensity, has had a lasting impact on classical music and he is considered one of the greatest composers in Western music history.
The renowned composer was born into a family with no musical background. His father, a barber-surgeon, wanted him to study law. However, his mother supported his musical interests, leading to his early mastery of the harpsichord and organ.
Friedrich Wilhelm Zachow, a church organist in Halle, recognized the young composer's potential and took him under his wing. Under Zachow's guidance, he learned to play various instruments and studied composition. This education laid the foundation for his future success as a renowned composer.
The composer took on the role of organist at Halle Cathedral in Germany, a position of great prestige. This was a significant step in his early career, as it allowed him to showcase his musical talent and gain recognition. His time at the cathedral influenced his later works.
In Hamburg, the composer became a violinist and harpsichordist in the opera orchestra. This move was significant as it exposed him to a wider range of musical styles and influences. It was here that he composed his first two operas, "Almira" and "Nero", which were performed in 1705.
'Almira' was the composer's first venture into the world of opera, written when he was just 19 years old. It was performed at the Theater am Gänsemarkt in Hamburg, Germany. The opera, written in the Baroque style, was a success and ran for 20 performances.
The composer journeyed to Italy to learn more about the popular style of music, Italian opera. He visited various cities including Florence, Rome, Naples, and Venice. This trip greatly influenced his future works.
The position of Kapellmeister, which he assumed, was a prestigious one, making him the director of music. The Elector of Hanover, his employer, was a powerful German ruler. This role significantly influenced his musical style and career.
'Rinaldo' was Handel's first opera written for the London stage. It was performed at the Queen's Theatre in Haymarket and was a great success. The opera is based on an epic poem by Torquato Tasso and features a mix of magic, heroism, and love.
The composer decided to make England his home after his opera, Rinaldo, was warmly received there. He was later appointed as a music teacher for the royal family, solidifying his status in London. His influence on British music was so profound that he is often considered an English composer, despite his German birth.
The composer took charge of an institution in London that was dedicated to the performance of Italian opera. His role involved recruiting singers, selecting pieces to be performed, and conducting the orchestra. This position significantly influenced his career and the development of opera in England.
'Zadok the Priest' is a coronation anthem, a piece of music specifically written for the crowning of a British monarch. This particular anthem was performed for the first time during the coronation ceremony of King George II. It has been used in every British coronation since, making it a significant piece in British history.
The Opera of the Nobility was formed as a rival to the already existing Royal Academy of Music. This new company was backed by the Prince of Wales, which caused a significant split in London's opera audience. Despite its high-profile support, the Opera of the Nobility was not a financial success and closed in 1737.
The premiere of 'Messiah' was held at the New Music Hall in Fishamble Street. It was performed by a combined group of singers from two local cathedrals. The event was a charity concert, raising funds for local hospitals and freeing those in debtors' prisons.
The composer's failing eyesight was likely due to cataracts. Despite this setback, he continued to compose music. Eventually, he became completely blind in 1752, but this did not stop him from creating and performing music.
The renowned composer passed away in his home at 25 Brook Street, London. He was blind and in poor health for several years before his death. His death marked the end of an era in the history of classical music.