George Friderich Handel, a great Baroque composer, was born in Halle, Germany in 1685. His father envisioned for him a career in civil law, so he was forbidden to study music. The budding young musician had to smuggle a clavichord (a small ancestor to the piano) into a rarely-used room of the house and practice when his father was asleep.

Handel obeyed his father and began to study for a career in law. However, he took on church organist jobs on the side and began to compose operas in his early twenties. It did not take long for him to abandon his law pursuits. He moved briefly to Rome, where opera had been temporarily banned by the pope because it was considered too decadent. Handel turned his attention to composing oratorios and cantatas, which are dramatic vocal works that tell a story – often with a religious theme – without the use of scenery, costumes, props, and dance.

At the age of 25, Handel moved to London to serve as a chapel musician in the court of Prince George, who would soon become king of England. He liked London so much that he decided to stay and become a naturalized English citizen. He enjoyed a close relationship with his patron King George, writing one of his most famous pieces (Water Music) for a royal party on the Thames River.

Arguably Handel’s most famous work is the Messiah oratorio. The English language work tells the story of Jesus and culminates in the famous Hallelujah Chorus. The oratorio is still performed regularly today – often around Christmas, which is not entirely appropriate since it was meant to be sung at Easter.

Handel was revered by the public and by his colleagues alike. Great composers like Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven spoke highly of his skill. He never married and kept his personal life very private, devoting all of his attention to his work. Handel died at the age of 74 due to uncertain causes – although it is notable that he had suffered blindness for the last eight years of his life. His funeral and burial at Westminster Abbey were attended by more than 3,000 mourners, a testament to his great reputation.