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

Hymn No. 130: Rejoice and PraiseGeorg Friedrich Händel

Hymn 130

In 1884, the Swiss lyricist Edmond composed lyrics based on the New Testament’s Gospel of Matthew and set them to the melody of “See, the Conqu’ring Hero Comes” from Handel’s oratorio Judas Maccabaeus.

In Japan, this melody is used at award ceremonies and similar occasions.

The lyrics depict the scene in which Jesus Christ is welcomed into Jerusalem on his way to be crucified and rise again, drawing on Matthew 21:9: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

From the chorus ‘Judas Maccabaeus’Georg Friedrich Händel

Chorus from Handel’s Judas Maccabaeus

It’s such a famous melody that you could say every classical musician knows it.

Its relaxed tempo is perfect for showcasing the violin’s characteristics and timbre.

Once you get used to playing it, it’s also good practice to add vibrato to the long, sustained notes.

‘Messiah’ Hallelujah ChorusGeorg Friedrich Händel

From “Messiah” — Hallelujah Chorus — Hallelujah

Composed as a piece celebrating the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ, the final chorus of Part II of “Messiah” is well known in Japan as a choral song for middle and high school students and as a Christmas song.

When it was performed in London in the 18th century, it is said that King George II, who was the reigning monarch at the time, gave it a standing ovation and praised it highly.

BourréeHenderu

Kyoko Watanabe – Händel / Bourée / Suzuki Methode

The original piece is an Oboe Sonata (in F major, HWV 363a), and there are also arrangements for flute sonata.

This fourth piece is performed on various instruments such as piano and violin.

The bourrée is a dance that originated in France and Spain, and harpsichord pieces by Handel and Bach are well known examples.

Behold, the hero returns.Henderu

See, the Conqu’ring Hero Comes – Handel [A standard piece for award ceremonies and graduations]

Georg Friedrich Handel, a composer from Germany.

His “See, the Conqu’ring Hero Comes” is, as the title suggests, a classical number that praises those who have fought hard.

Its melody is extremely famous—many people likely heard it at school when they were young.

The well-defined, dynamic structure keeps it engaging and never boring.

Plus, its calm tune helps relax the mind, making it a perfect choice for a closing ceremony as a cooldown piece!

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Let me weep Opera ‘Rinaldo’ Michie Nakamaru 0001Georg Friedrich Händel

Let me weep – Opera “Rinaldo” – Michie Nakamaru 0001

This is “Lascia ch’io pianga” (Let me weep) from the opera Rinaldo by George Frideric Handel, a composer born in Germany in 1685 who later became a naturalized British citizen.

In this aria, Almirena sings, “Let me weep over my cruel fate,” vowing to remain faithful to her beloved Rinaldo despite being courted by the enemy king.

HallelujahGeorg Friedrich Händel

From “Messiah” — Hallelujah Chorus — Hallelujah

It is world-famous as a choral piece and is often taught in music classes at Japanese junior high and high schools.

It is a movement from the oratorio Messiah composed by the German composer Handel, and when the piece was first performed in 18th-century England, it is said that King George II stood up to applaud its magnificence.