George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) was a composer of baroque music who was born in Germany but became an English citizen. His most famous works include his Messiah, Water Music, baroque Italian operas, and English oratorios. A hugely successful composer in his own lifetime, his last years were blighted by blindness. He is buried in Westminster Abbey.
More about: George Frideric HandelDefinition
Timeline
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1685 - 1759Life of the composer George Frideric Handel.
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23 Feb 1685George Frideric Handel is born in Halle in Germany.
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1701George Frideric Handel studies law at the University of Halle.
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1703George Frideric Handel moves to Hamburg.
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1705The premiere of George Frideric Handel's first opera, Almira.
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1706George Frideric Handel moves to Italy.
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1708George Frideric Handel's first oratorio, Resurrection, is performed at Rome's Palazzo Bonelli on Easter Sunday.
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1710George Frideric Handel's opera Agrippina is staged in Venice.
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1710George Frideric Handel takes up his appointment as the Kapellmeister at the court of George Ludwig, Elector of Hanover.
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1711George Frideric Handel moves to London.
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Feb 1711George Frideric Handel's opera Rinaldo premieres at London’s Queen’s Theatre.
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1713George Frideric Handel’s opera Il pastor fido is staged at the Haymarket Theatre in London.
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1717George Frideric Handel composes his Water Music.
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1718George Frideric Handel founds the Royal Academy of Music in London.
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Apr 1737George Frideric Handel suffers a minor stroke.
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Apr 1742George Frideric Handel's Messiah oratorio is first performed in Dublin.
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1749George Frideric Handel is commissioned to compose his Music for the Royal Fireworks.
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1750George Frideric Handel is appointed governor of the Foundling Hospital in London.
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1751George Frideric Handel begins to lose his eyesight.
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1753George Frideric Handel goes completely blind.
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14 Apr 1759George Frideric Handel dies in London.
