George Frideric Handel, composer

Born: February 23, 1685 in Halle

Died: April 14, 1759 in London

Education: as a young man, studied organ, theory and composition with the organist of the Lutheran Marienkirche; attended law school at the urging of his father; left after one year to take a position as violinist and harpsichordist at the Hamburg Opera House; two years later his first two operas were premiered there

Change of venue: In 1712 Handel moved to England, where he became a favorite of royalty. The Coronation Anthems he composed for George II’s coronation in 1727 have been performed at every subsequent British coronation.

Prodigious output: 42 operas, 29 oratorios, more than 120 cantatas, trios and duets, numerous arias, chamber music, odes and serenatas, and 16 organ concerti

Most popular works: Messiah, Water Music, Israel in Egypt, Music for the Royal Fireworks

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