George Frideric Handel
by Balthasar Denner

George Frideric (or Frederick) Handel baptised Georg Friederich (1685 – 1759) was a German-born Baroque composer becoming well known for his operas, oratorios, anthems, concerti grossi and organ concertos.
Handel received his training in Halle and worked as a composer in Hamburg and Italy before settling in London in 1712, where he spent most of his career. He became a naturalised British subject in 1727.  He was strongly influenced both by the middle-German polyphonic choral tradition and by composers of the Italian Baroque.
Handel started three commercial opera companies to supply the English nobility with Italian opera. In 1737 he had a physical breakdown, changed direction creatively, and made a transition to English choral works.  After his success with The Messiah (1742) he never composed an Italian opera again.
His orchestral Water Music, and Music for the Royal Fireworks remain steadfastly popular.  Almost blind, he died in 1759, a respected and rich man, and was given a state funeral at Westminster Abbey.