Handel is celebrated for his oratorio Messiah. Read this biography to learn more about the famous European composer. This resource also includes extension activities for music class.
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Composer
Born: 23 February 1685
Died: 14 April 1759
Birthplace: Halle, Germany
Best known as: Composer of Messiah
Name at birth: Georg Friedrich Händel
G. F. Handel was one of the greatest European composers during the Baroque period of the 18th century, celebrated for his oratorio Messiah. He composed operas in his native Germany, lived in Italy for four years (1706-10), then settled in England in 1712. Prolific and popular, Handel's most famous works include Water Music, Music for the Royal Fireworks and Zadok the Priest.
Extra credit: The anthem Zadok the Priest was written for the coronation of George II and has been used for every coronation since... Handel was blind for the last several years of his life... Other famous composers include Beethoven, Mozart and Duke Ellington.106106
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Extension Activities:
- Challenge your class to compose their own lyrics and melodies on blank sheet music.
- Give children practice composing music.
- Have your class create an opera.
