1. George Frederic Handel
Born in Halle Saxony – part of Germany - on February 23, 1685
What other composers were born that year?
♫ Johann Sebastian Bach
♫ Domenico Scarlatti
Died in London on April 14, 1759 – 250 years ago!!
Who else is celebrating a 250th anniversary?
♫ Guinness Beer
Who didn’t want Handel to study music?
His Father – WHY?
He wanted Handel to be a lawyer

2. But, Handel followed
his dream and studied
music!

3. To how many places did Handel travel? Halle Saxony, Germany
Hamburg, Germany
Berlin, Germany
Florence, Italy
Rome, Italy
Venice, Italy
Hanover, Germany
Canon, England
Dublin, Ireland
London, England – where he lived for
most of his life and became an English
citizen in 1727

4. What was a BIG change in Handel’s life?
He went from composing operas to composing oratorios!
What was Handel’s most famous oratorio?

5. Handel’s Messiah

6. How long did it take Handel to compose Messiah?
Just 25 days!
The first performance of Messiah was in Dublin, Ireland on April 13, 1742
The first performance of Messiah in London, England was on March 23,
1743
From 1750 to 1758, Handel directed an annual benefit performance of
Messiah for the Foundling (Orphan) Hospital in London
How many times has Messiah been performed?
Million of times all over the world!

7. Why do people stand up during “The Hallelujah Chorus”?
Because British King George II was attending the March 23rd, 1743
London performance and stood up – this established a tradition
But WHY did the King stand up?
♫ He was so moved by the performance that he rose to his feet… or
♫ As was and is the custom, one stands in the presence of royalty as a sign of respect. The
Hallelujah chorus clearly places Christ as the King of Kings. In standing, King George II
accepted that he too was subject to Lord of Lords…
♫ He arrived late to the performance, and the crowd rose when he finally made an
appearance…
♫ His gout (a bone disease like arthritis) acted up at that precise moment and he rose to
relieve the discomfort…
♫ After an hour of musical performance, he needed to stretch his legs…