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George Frideric Handel

Article provided by gfhandel.org

G.F. Handel was the consummate, 18th-century traveler, artiste, and entrepreneur. He was an independent and strong-willed individual, and although he was approached several times by royal patrons to become their court composer, Handel was hesitant to professionally "settle down" until he was offered a position commensurate with the status he felt he deserved.

Born in Halle, Germany, Handel grew up under the watchful eyes of his parents; while his mother nurtured his musical gifts, Handel's father tried to dissuade him from pursuing a dubious occupation. Following brief, unsuccessful studies at the local university, Handel traveled to Hamburg and then onto Italy (Florence, Rome, Naples, Venice) where he met important individuals who greatly influenced his musical future, such as the composers/musicians, Arcangelo Corelli and Domenico Scarlatti and numerous royalty (both religious and secular).

Following his fruitful Italian tour, he returned north of the Alps accepting the appointment of court composer to the Elector of Hannover. He quickly followed this up with two extended visits to London, England, where he finally settled and which he eventually considered home (becoming a British subject). Ironically, the same Elector of Hannover became King George I of England, following the death of Queen Anne (brought about by the 1701 Act of Settlement).

Handel lived a full and productive life. Yet, life wasn't easy for him. At various times, he was severely criticized by the English social establishment for his artistic output -- some considered it profane. For example, Handel's most famous work, Messiah, was enthusiastically received following its première in Dublin while it became the subject of great controversy following its London début. Furthermore, he suffered bouts of anxiety and depression and possibly strokes -- some have theorized that he suffered central nervous system lead poisoning associated with his imbibing of cheap port! During the later years of his life, he experienced progressively debilitating cataracts -- the ensuing operations to restore his vision left him completely blind. (Of interest, the last English oculist to treat Handel, John Taylor, also unsuccessfully cared for J.S. Bach).

"Total eclipse! No sun, no moon.
All dark amidst the blaze of noon.
Oh glorious light! no cheering ray
To glad my eyes with welcome day."
-- Samson

However, despite this adversity, he maintained a keen sense of humor and was well-known for his charitable disposition. Most importantly, Handel created some of the most beautiful music ever composed...

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