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 (21–30)
“Hallelujah Chorus” from the oratorio MessiahGeorg Friedrich Händel
Georg Friedrich Handel, a composer who epitomizes the late Baroque.
His oratorio Messiah remains a masterpiece beloved around the world.
Among its movements, the chorus placed at the end of Part II is nothing short of breathtaking.
Words proclaiming joy surge like waves, and the layers of voices create a soaring elation that seems to reach the heavens.
The work’s divine power is convincing in light of the anecdote that Handel was inspired while composing it.
Since its premiere in April 1742, it has been cherished across eras, and in later years a gospel-style adaptation, Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration, won a Grammy Award.
It’s the perfect piece when you want your heart to tremble before monumental music.
Suite for Two HarpsichordsGeorg Friedrich Händel
A dazzling piece in which the timbres of two harpsichords intertwine in a finely balanced counterpoise.
Comprising four movements (Prelude, Courante, Sarabande, and Chaconne), it presents melodies that sometimes race forward and at other times unfold with a leisurely, weighty grandeur.
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.
From Samson HWV 57: ‘Return, O Lord of Hosts’Georg Friedrich Händel
A masterpiece of the oratorio genre by Baroque great George Frideric Handel, Samson.
The piece sung within the drama portrays a hero at the brink of despair and the heartfelt prayers of the people who care for him.
Its chief allure lies in the way an introspective alto solo prayer gradually unfolds into a majestic chorus.
It beautifully expresses a profound supplication to God and the yearning for hope amid hardship.
Acclaimed since its 1743 premiere, the October 1952 recording by the celebrated contralto Kathleen Ferrier is renowned as a historic classic.
Highly recommended for those who love classical music with grand, solemn narratives.
Concerto Grosso in G majorGeorg Friedrich Händel
A concerto grosso is a musical form commonly used in the Baroque period, featuring alternating passages between a group of soloists and the orchestra.
Although relatively lesser-known among Handel’s works, this piece is captivating, with beautifully layered sounds of the strings.
Organ ConcertoGeorg Friedrich Händel
It consists of six pieces, and in particular the sixth has also been arranged as a harp concerto.
Originally composed to be performed between sections of a large-scale oratorio, the pieces greatly entertained audiences of the time.
It is a work that highlights the organ’s majestic weight as well as its charming, delicate sonorities.
Water MusicHenderu
A work in which majestic and resplendent orchestral melodies resound with beauty.
Composed by Handel for a boating party on the River Thames in July 1717, this piece musically depicts the gentle flow of the river.
The rich sonorities woven by a variety of instruments—such as horns, oboes, and strings—create an elegant, soothing atmosphere, like light shimmering on the water’s surface.
Even today, its universal appeal is evident in its use as the theme music for NHK-FM’s “Enjoying Early Music” and as the departure melody at Kyoto Station.
It is a recommended piece for tasks or study that require concentration, or whenever you wish to quietly calm your mind.