Handel was one of the greatest masters of baroque music, a distinction he shared with Johann Sebastian Bach (who was born in the same year). He is closely associated with London, where he lived for fortyseven years, and where he produced numerous works frequently played today, for example the Water Music and Royal Fireworks Music. But his masterpiece is also his greatest contribution to the history of Christian London, the oratorio The Messiah. This was first presented in London in 1714 before an audience in Covent Garden Theatre which included King George H and the royal family. The king rose to his feet upon the singing of the Hallelujah Chorus and the audience with him, a tradition still observed.
Handel, whose distinguished career began in his native Germany, became music director for Georg Ludwig, Elector of Hanover, who in 1714 became George I of England. The composer preceded his patron to London, and during his first ten years in England wrote several important ceremonial religious compositions such as the Coronation Anthems, Utrecht Te Deum and Jubilee. But he is probably best known for the series of oratorios on biblical themes initiated in 1732 which, besides The Messiah, include Esther, Saul, Israel in Egypt, Sampson, Judas Maccabaeus, Joshua, Solomon, Susanna and Jephtha.
The great master, who never married, eventually became the most famous composer in the world and very wealthy. He was one of London’s favourite characters, enormously stout and good humoured. He was a faithful member of St George’s, Hanover Square, and lived in a house, which is still standing, nearby in Brook Street. He was a generous benefactor to the Foundling Hospital, now the Thomas Coram Foundation for Children, which possesses his portrait, the original score of The Messiah and other valuable mementoes. Here and there in England are a few churches with organs which he is known to have played.