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.
- Handel Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- [Masterpiece Classics] A special showcase of gem-like masterpieces so beautiful they’ll move you to tears
- [Handel's Piano Pieces] A selection of famous works by the Baroque master
- George Frideric Handel Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- J.S. Bach | Introducing Famous and Representative Works
- [Haydn] Pick up famous and representative pieces!
- Georg Friedrich Handel Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Vivaldi’s masterpiece. Popular classical music.
- [Baroque Music] A Curated Selection of Timeless Masterpieces and Famous Works
- Famous pieces recommended for opera beginners. Recommended opera songs.
- [Violin] A curated selection of beloved classic masterpieces and popular pieces that continue to be cherished across eras
- [Classical Music] A carefully curated selection of masterpieces born in the pivotal era that bridged the Baroque and Romantic periods
- Today's Classics: Recommended classical music and great performances to listen to today
Handel’s Masterpieces | A Roundup of Popular Works (11–20)
The Sprightly BlacksmithGeorg Friedrich Händel
Originally the finale “Air and Variations” from the Harpsichord Suite No.
5 in E major, it is widely known as “The Harmonious Blacksmith.” Today it is famous as a piano piece.
Comprising five variations, it becomes progressively more brilliant as it proceeds, delighting the listener’s ear.
Zadok the Priest from Coronation Anthems by George IIGeorg Friedrich Händel
A coronation anthem composed in 1727.
Written to celebrate the accession of King George II of Great Britain, this work is a solemn piece of sacred music that fuses a grand orchestra with chorus.
After a quiet introduction, the suddenly explosive choral entry overwhelms the listener.
Its lyrics, based on the Old Testament, powerfully express the king’s sanctity and the people’s blessings.
As an iconic piece of royal ceremonial music, it remains a tradition performed at coronations to this day.
It is also familiar to football fans as the theme of the UEFA Champions League, so even those not accustomed to classical music may have heard it at least once.
Concerto Grosso, Op. 6: No. 6, III. MusetteGeorg Friedrich Händel
Composed in 1739, Musette, one of the pieces from the Concerto Grosso Op.
6, is a gem that exudes a French pastoral atmosphere.
It features characteristic drone tones that imitate bagpipes, evoking elegant, tranquil scenes of nature.
It is said to have been one of Handel’s favorites and was used as interlude music in his oratorios.
Expressing rustic pastoral scenes and a longing for nature while distilling Handel’s distinctive musical ingenuity, this work is highly recommended for anyone interested in Baroque music.
From the oratorio “Judas Maccabaeus”: “See, the Conqu’ring Hero Comes”Georg Friedrich Händel
Originally composed as a piece within an oratorio, it was first performed in 1747 at the Royal Opera House in London.
Abroad, lyrics were later added and it came to be sung as a hymn, and in Japan it is also widely known as a theme used at award ceremonies.
All ye people, gather togetherGeorg Friedrich Händel
Among Handel’s works, this piece is especially popular and well known as a Christmas carol.
In fact, it wasn’t composed directly by Handel; in the 19th century Lowell Mason arranged it by drawing on Handel’s music.
The lyrics use a poem by the theologian Isaac Watts, based on the Old Testament Psalms.
Brimming with joy in celebration of the Savior’s coming, it features a bright and powerful melody.
It is performed in various forms—piano, orchestra, choir—and is played around the world during the Christmas season.
Capriccio in G minorGeorg Friedrich Händel
Capriccio is an Italian word meaning “whim,” and it is also a musical form translated as “caprice.” Though it’s a piece of less than two minutes, its mysterious-sounding melody and beautiful layering of tones make a powerful impact.
It’s a great recommendation when you want to listen to a Handel work that’s a bit different in character from his other pieces.
Handel’s Masterpieces | A Comprehensive Introduction to Popular Works (21–30)
Samson HWV 57 ‘Overture’Georg Friedrich Händel
Georg Friedrich Handel, a leading figure of the late Baroque.
This piece opens the overture to the oratorio Samson, which Handel undertook immediately after completing the famous Messiah and premiered in February 1743.
While the oratorio deals with the tragedy of a hero, this work does not depict the story directly; rather, it heightens anticipation for the grand drama to come.
Its appeal lies in the brilliant, resounding brass, whose powerful sonorities suggest the hero’s dignity and the sanctity of the tale, instantly drawing listeners in.
Known also through recordings conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt, this piece is perfect as an introduction before focusing on a task, or whenever you want to immerse yourself in the expansive world of classical music.