George Friederic Handel.

George Frideric Handel

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Classical music is probably more familiar of what we can imagine. It is all around us, it might be in restaurants, school, supermarkets, lifts, for advertising or as theme and music on television.

Many people are unaware that Classical music is still being composed today, even though it is far different than what was created hundred years ago.

There are two types of classical music, major and minor genres. They are divided depending on the duration and scales.

Fun facts about classical music:

A single violin is made from over 70 different pieces of wood.

The London Symphony Orchestra was booked to travel on the Titanic but at the last minute they changed boats.

The Japanese word “Karaoke” comes from “empty orchestra”.

Even though there are lots of composers, we are going to emphasize in one: George Friederic Handel.

He was born in Germany in 1685. From an early age, Handel wanted to study music, but his father objected, he never agreed, but his mother, however, was supportive, and she promote him to develop his musical talent.

In 1704, he composed his own first opera, Almira, which achieved great success the following year.

For a long time, Handel kept feeling committed to his father and kept up with studies leading to a law career. At the same time, however he worked as a church organist.

As London became his permanent home, he proceeded to compose a large amount of music, Handel's compositions impressed England's Queen Anne. After Anne's death, George I became king of England. In 1715 Handel provided music for a royal pleasure cruise for the King, the famous Water Music.

Handel traveled to Italy at the invitation of a prince who heard his music. The main motivation for Handel was to gain experience, especially from the composers of Italy’s famous operas.

Italy proved to be a turning point in Handel’s musical development.

Handel was named music director of the Royal Academy of Music when

it opened in April 1720.

FUN FACTS:

-Bach and Handel both were blinded by the same ocular surgeon.

-Handel was known for ordering food for three people if he was eating out.

-Handel never married, though as a young man, he was rumored to have had an affair with one of the singers in his Italian circles.

FAMOUS WORK

When Handel was 18 years old, he decided to commit himself completely to music and also began to compose operas, making his debut in early 1705 with Almira, years later he composed Rinaldo, which was Handel’s breakthrough and gained him the recognition and popularity throughout the rest of his musical career.

After Handel’s latest opera, Alessandro, in 1727, he decided to form his own new company, calling it the New Royal Academy of Music.

After Handel’s abandon to the opera genre, his attention was caught by oratorios, large-scale concert pieces, that immediately caught on with audiences and proved to be quite a good deal because they didn´t require elaborate costumes and sets.

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