Handel, George Friedrich

George Friedrich (1685-1759), a noted musician. Handel was born at Halle in Saxony. His father wanted him to be a doctor, but he disliked to study and used to steal away to the garret to play on an unused spinet. When he was eight years old his father overheard him playing on the chapel organ, and was so pleased that he decided to give him a musical education. Handel studied for a time in Italy. In 1710 he became chapel master to George, Elector of Hanover. Later, when the elector became George I of England, he took Handel with him to London. Here Handel was a great favorite in court circles. He is popularly considered the greatest cathedral organist the world has produced. His compositions were majestic and solemn, but marked by extreme simplicity. Among his oratorios are Israel in Egypt, Saul, The Messiah, and Samson. Handel lies buried in Westminster Abbey. So far as English art goes, Handel's compositions rank in music with Shakespeare's plays in literature.