Handel’s Masterpieces | A Comprehensive Introduction to His Popular Works
George Frideric Handel, a composer who epitomizes Baroque music.
He poured his passion into dramatic works, composing many operas and oratorios.
Alongside his contemporary Bach, he made his mark as a master of the Baroque, but Handel’s hallmark is his dramatic expressiveness and moving melodies, crafted for a broad audience.
Some of his pieces are used as background music in variety shows and visual media, so even those not familiar with classical music may have heard his works at least once.
Experience the richly emotional world of his music for yourself.
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Handel’s Masterpieces | A Comprehensive Introduction to Popular Works (71–80)
All ye faithful, make hasteGeorge Frideric Handel
This is a popular Japanese Christmas song that sets the Japanese lyrics “Morobito Kozorite” to the melody of the well-known Western carol “Joy to the World.” You hear it all over town once December arrives.
It is Hymn No.
112, a song celebrating the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The lyrics convey: “Let everyone gather together, welcome the long-awaited Lord, and praise Him as God.” It is a hymn that warmly receives and glorifies the saving God who descended into this world.
Water Music, Suite No. 2 in D major, HWV 349: II. Alla HornpipeGeorge Frideric Handel
Handel, a composer from Germany who, alongside Bach, is one of the most important composers of the Baroque era.
Water Music is said to have been composed for a royal boating party on the River Thames in London.
The title was given because it was actually performed on the water for the king.
Water Music was originally an orchestral work consisting of an overture in the French overture style and several short movements primarily in dance forms, but this piece is an arrangement for pipe organ.
You can enjoy the orchestral richness of sound together with the beautiful resonance of the pipe organ.
Behold, the hero returns.George Frideric Handel
When you think of the famous piece played at sports day award ceremonies, it’s that accompaniment people hum in TV comedy sketches—“Nee-nee-ki-nee-nee…” Right? In fact, that’s actually part of the oratorio Judas Maccabaeus by the Baroque composer George Frideric Handel from medieval Europe.
Did you know that? It’s one of those masterpieces I’d love for you to sit down and listen to properly at least once.
Ombra mai fuGeorge Frideric Handel
It’s a song praising the shade of the plane tree, the aria that opens Act 1 of Handel’s opera Serse.
After Handel’s passing, it became one of his most popular pieces and is also very well-loved in Japan as a commercial jingle and a cover song.
Many of you have probably heard it.
Its refined, quietly beautiful character will add color to a Christmas night.
Hallelujah Chorus from “Messiah”Georg Friedrich Händel
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.
