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.
Water Music, Suite No. 1 – AndanteGeorg Friedrich Händel
Handel was a German musician.
The suite Water Music was premiered in 1717 during a royal boating party on the River Thames.
In the Andante of the First Suite, to the slow accompaniment of harpsichord and strings, two oboes perform a calm, elegant, solemn, and wistful melody.
“Lascia ch’io pianga” from the opera RinaldoGeorg Friedrich Händel
An aria sung in the opera Rinaldo, it expresses the heroine’s sorrow in captivity and her longing for freedom.
The melody is simple yet laden with deep emotion, characterized by a gentle triple meter and a memorable, recurring melodic line.
Premiered in February 1711, this piece is part of Handel’s first Italian opera presented in England and served as a catalyst in establishing his international fame.
It is a recommended piece for those interested in the world of opera or wishing to experience the beauty of Baroque music.
SarabandeGeorg Friedrich Händel
This piece is by Handel, who was born in 1685, the same year as Bach.
He was born in Germany, later found success in Italy, and went on to be active in England.
It was written before the invention of the piano; although it is often performed on the piano today, it was composed as a harpsichord work.
While not particularly demanding technically, it has a striking directness that strips away the unnecessary and appeals straight to the emotions.
It might be interesting to compare it with a performance on the harpsichord.
Harp ConcertoGeorg Friedrich Händel
An elegant piece in which the harp’s timbre resonates pleasantly.
Until Handel composed solo works for the harp, the instrument had never truly taken a leading role; however, this piece sparked the creation of numerous harp concertos.
It’s music you can listen to naturally, yet it conveys a profound depth.
Handel: Acis and Galatea (complete) — Joan Sutherland / conducted by BoultGeorg Friedrich Händel
This work features a performance of Handel’s Acis and Galatea, which has gained popularity for its bright, cultured tone.
Characterized by smooth, elegant melodic lines that showcase the performers’ high level of technique, it is crafted to be easy to listen to for long periods without causing fatigue.