Handel’s Masterpieces | A Comprehensive Introduction to His Popular Works

Hallelujah Chorus from “Messiah”Georg Friedrich Händel

Handel, Messiah – Hallelujah

This piece was composed as an oratorio—a musical drama that tells a story through music alone—belonging to a genre Handel had newly turned his attention to.

“Messiah” comes from the English rendering of “the Savior,” and “Hallelujah” is a word of Hebrew origin meaning praise.

Although it is a sacred work that sings of the life of Jesus Christ, many people in Japan may listen to it without knowing much about its content, partly due to the language difference.

That said, the “Hallelujah Chorus” has a catchy melody that everyone knows—and can sing.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Water Music, Suite No. 1 – AndanteGeorg Friedrich Händel

George Frideric Handel – Water Music Suite No. 1 in F Major: Andante – London Symphony Orchestra

Handel was a German musician.

The suite Water Music was premiered in 1717 during a royal boating party on the River Thames.

In the Andante of the First Suite, to the slow accompaniment of harpsichord and strings, two oboes perform a calm, elegant, solemn, and wistful melody.

“Lascia ch’io pianga” from the opera RinaldoGeorg Friedrich Händel

007 Handel from the opera Rinaldo: Let me weep (Lascia ch’io pianga)

An aria sung in the opera Rinaldo, it expresses the heroine’s sorrow in captivity and her longing for freedom.

The melody is simple yet laden with deep emotion, characterized by a gentle triple meter and a memorable, recurring melodic line.

Premiered in February 1711, this piece is part of Handel’s first Italian opera presented in England and served as a catalyst in establishing his international fame.

It is a recommended piece for those interested in the world of opera or wishing to experience the beauty of Baroque music.

SarabandeGeorg Friedrich Händel

Sarabande de Haendel Piano – F. Bernachon plays Handel’s Sarabande, piano

This piece is by Handel, who was born in 1685, the same year as Bach.

He was born in Germany, later found success in Italy, and went on to be active in England.

It was written before the invention of the piano; although it is often performed on the piano today, it was composed as a harpsichord work.

While not particularly demanding technically, it has a striking directness that strips away the unnecessary and appeals straight to the emotions.

It might be interesting to compare it with a performance on the harpsichord.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Harp ConcertoGeorg Friedrich Händel

Handel: Harp Concerto, 1st Movement / Kyoto Botanical Garden

An elegant piece in which the harp’s timbre resonates pleasantly.

Until Handel composed solo works for the harp, the instrument had never truly taken a leading role; however, this piece sparked the creation of numerous harp concertos.

It’s music you can listen to naturally, yet it conveys a profound depth.

Handel: Acis and Galatea (complete) — Joan Sutherland / conducted by BoultGeorg Friedrich Händel

Handel: Acis and Galatea (complete) — Sutherland / conducted by Boult

This work features a performance of Handel’s Acis and Galatea, which has gained popularity for its bright, cultured tone.

Characterized by smooth, elegant melodic lines that showcase the performers’ high level of technique, it is crafted to be easy to listen to for long periods without causing fatigue.

MessiahGeorg Friedrich Händel

Handel, Messiah Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4

While the German Baroque, home to composers like Bach, is characterized by strong religious and scholarly elements, Italy also saw a flourishing of opera in addition to sacred music.

Handel, famous as an Italian opera composer, wrote Messiah, which is one of his signature works and is centered on the figure of Christ.