Georg Friedrich Handel Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

“Ombra mai fu” from the opera “Xerxes”Georg Friedrich Händel11rank/position

Ombra Mai Fu Cécilia Bartoli

An aria from Act I of Handel’s opera Xerxes.

King Xerxes I of Persia, resting comfortably in the shade of a tree, sings of his love for the plane tree’s shade, declaring that never before has there been such dear, gentle, and pleasant shade.

It’s a piece that evokes dappled sunlight, a gentle breeze, and the enveloping comfort of a soothing canopy of leaves.

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Hallelujah from the oratorio MessiahGeorg Friedrich Händel12rank/position

Händel Messiah – Hallelujah Chorus

Handel’s Messiah is a masterpiece of oratorio that stands alongside Bach’s St.

Matthew Passion, and it is famous in European concerts for the audience giving a standing ovation during the “Hallelujah Chorus.” This custom stems from the British tradition of standing when songs praising God are performed.

Come Again to Please Me (from the opera “Alcina”)Georg Friedrich Händel13rank/position

G. F. Händel: Tornami a vagheggiar

The dazzlingly beautiful “Tornami a vagheggiar,” which sings of the feeling of love, is a famous da capo aria from one of the masterworks of opera by the great Baroque composer George Frideric Handel, Alcina.

From the opera ‘The World of the Moon’: ‘People have discretion.’Georg Friedrich Händel14rank/position

Patricia Petibon – Ragion nell’alma siede – Haydn (Official Video)

Patricia Petibon, a French coloratura soprano, is an artist of remarkable versatility in both acting and singing, whose talent was discovered by William Christie, founder of the period-instrument ensemble Les Arts Florissants.

The famous aria “Ragion nell’alma siede” from Haydn’s opera Il mondo della luna is a piece that showcases Petibon’s allure as a specialist in Baroque opera.

Overture from “Agrippina”Georg Friedrich Händel15rank/position

Handel: Agrippina (Ouverture) – Helsinki Baroque Orchestra

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.

Zadok the Priest from Coronation Anthems by George IIGeorg Friedrich Händel16rank/position

Handel: Coronation Anthem for King George II: Zadok the Priest [Naxos Classical Curations Special Edition: FIFA World Cup]

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.

“Alla Hornpipe” from Water MusicGeorg Friedrich Händel17rank/position

Handel: Water Music – Alla Hornpipe (Harty)

One piece from the orchestral suites composed by George Frideric Handel in 1717.

Said to have been written for a boating party on the River Thames, this work is characterized by its bright and splendid melodies.

In a dance-like movement featuring trumpets and horns, its lively, rhythmic character is striking.

It is frequently performed at weddings and celebrations, and is widely used as background music in films and television.

It’s also perfect as graduation ceremony BGM, especially for entrance scenes where you want to create a festive atmosphere.

Highly recommended for those who wish to celebrate a new beginning with a cheerful, forward-looking spirit.

Alla Hornpipe, No. 2 from Water Music Suite No. 2Georg Friedrich Händel18rank/position

Handel Water Music: Hornpipe; the FestspielOrchester Göttingen, Laurence Cummings, director 4K

An orchestral piece that can be considered one of Handel’s signature works.

“Alla Hornpipe” means “in a folk-dance style.” Handel originally served at the court in Hanover, Germany, but he ignored orders to return and remained in England.

There is a story that when his former patron later came to England as king, Handel composed Water Music to curry favor with him.

Overture from Music for the Royal FireworksGeorg Friedrich Händel19rank/position

Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks: Overture [Naxos Classical Curations #Gorgeous]

This piece was performed in Britain in 1749, the year after the War of the Austrian Succession ended.

It consists of four movements, in which the brass instruments resoundingly convey vigor, splendor, and the joy of victory.

“Messiah” Hallelujah ChorusGeorg Friedrich Händel20rank/position

Messiah “Hallelujah”

The P&G Ariel commercial titled “Yellowing When Switching Seasonal Clothes.” In it, Toma Ikuta hangs laundry under a blue sky while explaining the product.

Adding a sense of openness and grandeur to the already refreshingly pleasant spot is the “Hallelujah” chorus from Messiah.

That melody, repeating the word “Hallelujah,” is probably familiar to just about everyone.

Incidentally, “Hallelujah” carries a nuance of blessing, so it matches the joy of laundry being washed clean.

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