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 His Popular Works (1–10)
Harpsichord Suite No. 2, HWV 437, No. 4: SarabandeGeorg Friedrich Händel
A harpsichord is a keyboard instrument used during the Baroque era, also known as a cembalo or clavecin.
This piece is one of the most famous among Handel’s works; it is not only performed as a standalone piece but has also been arranged for film soundtracks and popular songs.
Harp Concerto in B-flat majorGeorg Friedrich Händel
The first harp concerto in music history is said to have been created in the 18th century by Handel.
With its brilliant, bright strings and the harp’s transparent resonance, it is a delightful piece to the ear and remains a very famous work that is still often performed on its own today.
Fantasia in C majorGeorg Friedrich Händel
Fantasia is translated as “fantasy” and refers to an instrumental composition freely crafted by a composer’s imagination.
From the Baroque era to the present, many composers have created fantasias, but Handel’s works, with their distilled bright and light character, are particularly captivating.
Handel’s Masterpieces | A Roundup of Popular Works (11–20)
From the opera Giulio Cesare: “A shipwrecked vessel from the storm”Georg Friedrich Händel
His opera Giulio Cesare features Cleopatra’s moving aria.
In it, she celebrates the joy of discovering that her beloved Caesar is alive, likening it to a ship that has weathered a storm.
Dazzling virtuosity and richly expressive melodies brilliantly capture Cleopatra’s changing emotions.
Premiered by Handel in London in 1724, this masterpiece, which skillfully incorporates the Italian style, continues to be performed around the world.
Highly recommended for those who want to be captivated by its dramatic expressiveness.
Overture from “Agrippina”Georg Friedrich Händel
Agrippina was a noblewoman of the Roman Empire, known as the mother of the tyrant Nero.
During Handel’s stay in Italy, it is said that an opera based on Agrippina was created.
In the overture, despite its elegant melody, there is an atmosphere that somehow foreshadows tragedy.
Ombra mai fu from the opera SerseGeorg Friedrich Händel
An aria sung by Xerxes, the King of Persia, in Act I of the opera Serse.
Also known as “Ombra mai fu,” it is a piece often performed on its own by soprano singers and others.
In Japan, it became widely known after being used in a whiskey commercial in 1986.
Psalm Song “The Lord Said”Georg Friedrich Händel
A psalm setting refers to artistic music that uses the biblical Psalms as its subject while being separate from Christian liturgy.
“Dixit Dominus” is one of Handel’s best-known psalm settings and is often performed on its own.
It is a majestic piece featuring beautiful interplay between male and female voices and solo passages.