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[Handel's Piano Pieces] A selection of famous works by the Baroque master
While Johann Sebastian Bach is known as the “Father of Music,” George Frideric Handel, a master of Baroque music, is often called the “Mother of Music.” His works for the harpsichord—the keyboard instrument of his time—as well as his oratorios and songs are now frequently performed on the piano and cherished as Baroque masterpieces.
In this feature, we’ve carefully selected Handel pieces that are often performed at piano concerts and recitals to introduce to you.
[Handel’s Piano Pieces] A Curated Selection of Famous Works by the Baroque Master (1–10)
PassacagliaHändel=Halvorsen
Passacaglia, arranged by Norwegian composer Johan Halvorsen from the works of the great musician George Frideric Handel—revered as the “mother of music”—captivates many listeners.
The original, distinguished by the Baroque era’s rich harmonies and ornate embellishments, has been reimagined in an approachable, romantic style.
Halvorsen’s version also features an expanded scale and virtuosic passages beyond the original, offering performers ample opportunity to showcase their exceptional technique.
This Baroque masterpiece is beloved by a wide audience, from classical music beginners to seasoned listeners—please experience it for yourself.
Make me cry.Georg Friedrich Händel
The aria “Lascia ch’io pianga,” a work by the great German Baroque composer George Frideric Handel, is exceedingly famous.
It is a gem included in the opera Rinaldo.
Sung in the scene where the captive heroine Almirena longs for freedom and weeps in sorrow, its heartrendingly beautiful melody pairs wonderfully with the delicate timbre of the piano.
Performed at a recital or concert, it is sure to resonate deeply in the hearts of everyone—performers and audience alike.
Ombra mai fu (Largo)Georg Friedrich Händel
The aria Ombra mai fu, sung in the opera Serse composed by Baroque master Handel, is distinguished by its beautiful melodic line and delicate orchestration.
It is performed in the scene where King Xerxes addresses a plane tree he loves.
Handel’s masterful music richly conveys Xerxes’s feelings as he praises the tree’s gentle, lovely leaves and wishes to protect it from all danger, offering a slow, soothing balm to the listener’s heart.
Its expansive, dignified melody is a quintessential example of Handel—truly worthy of calling him the mother of music.
It’s also a highly recommended piece for those new to classical music.
Harpsichord Suite Book I No. 5 in E major, HWV 430, No. 4: “Air and Variations (The Harmonious Blacksmith)”Georg Friedrich Händel
George Frideric Handel, the Baroque master known as the “mother of music.” After establishing himself in Hamburg and Italy, Handel moved his base to London, where he wrote a set of suites for the harpsichord—the keyboard instrument of the time—known as the Suites de Pièces pour le Clavecin, First Collection.
Among them, the especially famous “The Harmonious Blacksmith” is beloved for its bright, cheerful, and lively character.
A simplified version with fewer notes is included in many beginner piano texts, making it a familiar piece at student recitals.
With its friendly melody that invites a relaxed and pleasant listening experience, this work is highly recommended for those looking to start the piano, as well as for parents who want their children to discover the joy of playing.
Harpsichord Suite, Set II, No. 1 in B-flat major, HWV 434: No. 4 “Minuet”Händel=Kempff
Georg Friedrich Handel, a German composer who epitomizes the Baroque era, is known for his works across a wide range of genres, including opera, oratorio, and instrumental music.
The Minuet, the fourth piece from his Second Suite for Harpsichord composed around 1720, has become widely beloved in the piano arrangement left by the German pianist Wilhelm Kempff.
While the original features a simple structure and an expressive triple-meter rhythmic pattern, Kempff’s fresh interpretation adds new nuance, making this piece a recommended listen for anyone wishing to experience Handel’s music anew.
Chaconne in G major, HWV 435Georg Friedrich Händel
The Baroque-era composer George Frideric Handel began composing around the age of nine and quickly displayed his talent.
Among the masterpieces he created during his eventful life is the set of variations in chaconne form, the Chaconne in G major.
The variations unfold one after another as if viewing the theme from multiple angles, giving the impression that Handel’s wellspring of creativity never runs dry.
Its graceful, brilliant passages bring out the piano’s appeal to the fullest.
Though it demands advanced technique to perform, the more one practices, the more its rich musicality blossoms—truly a masterpiece.
Oratorio “Judas Maccabaeus” HWV 63, Part III, No. 58 “See, the Conqu’ring Hero Comes”Georg Friedrich Händel
Georg Friedrich Handel, a master of the Baroque era, left behind a wide range of works, including pieces for the harpsichord—the keyboard instrument of his time—as well as oratorios and songs.
Among them, See, the Conqu’ring Hero Comes from Part III of the oratorio Judas Maccabaeus is a moving piece that depicts a hero’s triumphant return.
With the addition of the choral parts, the emotions of liberation and jubilation among the Jewish people swell even further, stirring the hearts of listeners.
Beloved in many contexts, this masterpiece is one you will surely enjoy performing on the piano as well.
Harpsichord Suite, Second Collection, No. 4 in D minor, HWV 437 — No. 4 “Sarabande”Georg Friedrich Händel
George Frideric Handel, who had a profound influence on the development of Baroque music.
The Sarabande from No.
4 in his Second Set of Harpsichord Suites, written for the keyboard instrument harpsichord, is a compelling work that combines deep emotion and a solemn atmosphere while leaving considerable room for improvisation.
In performance, characteristically Baroque expression is required, such as adding distinctive ornamentation and weaving in subtle changes of tempo.
Alongside solid technique, it is a piece that tests a performer’s expressive ability to convey rich feeling.
Water Music, Suite No. 2 in D major, HWV 349: II. Alla HornpipeGeorg Friedrich Händel
Georg Frideric Handel, a giant of the Baroque era.
His works—including operas, oratorios, anthems, and concerti grossi—are all highly esteemed as pinnacles of Baroque music.
Among them, Water Music, written for the British royal family, is one of Handel’s signature pieces still heard everywhere today.
In particular, the Alla Hornpipe is a popular movement, memorable for its bright, rhythmic melody.
Famous for having been performed during a royal boating party on the River Thames, this work—scored with a brilliant, trumpet-forward instrumentation—captivates listeners from the first notes.
Its brilliance can be fully expressed on the piano as well, so do give it a try.
Oratorio “Messiah” Part II, No. 23 “Hallelujah”Georg Friedrich Händel
Hallelujah,” one of the most beloved pieces from the masterful oratorio Messiah by Georg Friedrich Handel, a genius composer of the Baroque era.
This majestic chorus crowns the final part of the grand narrative depicting Christ’s birth, Passion, and Resurrection.
Its powerful lyrics, drawn from Scripture, praise God’s omnipotence and eternal reign, expressing worship and reverence.
Stirring the soul through its weighty chorus and brilliant orchestration, this work also allows one to experience its sublime music fully at the piano.