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Handel, George Frideric1685 ~ 1759 |
Handel was one of the greatest composers of the late baroque period and, during his lifetime, perhaps the most internationally famous of musicians. Handel was born February 24, 1685, in Halle, to a family of no musical distinction. His own musical talent, however, manifested itself so clearly that before his tenth birthday he began to receive from a local organist the only formal musical instruction he would ever have.Throughout his life Handel avoided the rigorous contrapuntal techniques of his compatriot and exact contemporary Johann Sebastian Bach and achieved his effects through the simplest of means, trusting always his own innate musicianship. Handel's legacy lies in the dramatic power and lyrical beauty inherent in all his music. Handel's greatest gift to posterity was undoubtedly the creation of the dramatic oratorio genre, partly out of existing operatic traditions and partly by force of his own musical imagination.
Although today, as in the 19th century, Handel is best known for only a few of his works, such as Water Music and Messiah, more and more attempts are being made to bring his other compositions, especially his operas, to the public acquaintance. Handel's rich and unique musical genius deserves to be remembered in the extraordinary fullness of its entirety.
Tribute to Handel
Concerti Grossi Op.6,
No.8 in C - Allemande
Water Music,
Suite No.2 in D - Alla Hornpipe
Messiah,
Hallelujah Chorus