Georg Friedrich Handel Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Aria “Let Me Weep” from the opera RinaldoGeorg Friedrich Händel22rank/position

Lascia ch’io pianga (Händel’s opera Rinaldo); Voices of Music with Kirsten Blaise, soprano

A piece from the opera Rinaldo, composed in 1711 by Baroque master George Frideric Handel.

It portrays the feelings of the heroine Almirena, who has been taken captive.

The work features a graceful melody over an accompaniment of strings and basso continuo.

Though simple, its powerful music highlights the singer’s emotional expression.

Since its premiere in 1711, it has been loved around the world, and in Japan it was used as an insert song in the TV dramas Botan to Bara and Churasan.

Its melody, which conveys a sense of hope even amid sorrow, is sure to resonate in the heart.

Oratorio Judas Maccabaeus, Act III: See, the Conqu’ring Hero ComesGeorg Friedrich Händel23rank/position

See, the Conqu’ring Hero Comes – Handel [A standard piece for award ceremonies and graduations]

When you hear “the awards ceremony song,” isn’t this the melody many people think of? This famous tune, beloved in settings ranging from school sports days to many other occasions, was written in the 1740s by the Baroque master George Frideric Handel.

In fact, within the oratorio Judas Maccabaeus, this piece is performed as the people greet a hero returning victorious from battle with jubilant celebration.

Not only does it have a background perfectly suited to award scenes, but its dignified, stately melody impressed even Beethoven, who wrote a set of variations on its theme.

It’s said that Handel originally composed it for a different work, then incorporated it into this piece himself as a confident showpiece.

A song that proclaims the glory of victory in resounding tones—truly a triumphant march worthy of the name.

Arrival of the Queen of Sheba from the oratorio “Solomon”Georg Friedrich Händel24rank/position

Handel: Arrival of the Queen of Sheba | Academy of Ancient Music

Composed in 1748, Solomon is a grand oratorio based on the Old Testament.

One of its pieces, The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, is a short instrumental work of about three minutes performed at the beginning of Act III.

It depicts the queen’s entrance and is a dazzling piece in which she is welcomed with music and dance.

With the clear rhythms and lively melodies characteristic of Baroque music, it has long been popular as background music in films and television.

It is also a favorite for wedding celebrations—brilliant and easy to enjoy.

Oratorio “Messiah” Part II, No. 23 “Hallelujah”Georg Friedrich Händel25rank/position

Hallelujah chorus by G. F HANDEL from Messiah. Piano Accompanyment

Hallelujah,” one of the most beloved pieces from the masterful oratorio Messiah by Georg Friedrich Handel, a genius composer of the Baroque era.

This majestic chorus crowns the final part of the grand narrative depicting Christ’s birth, Passion, and Resurrection.

Its powerful lyrics, drawn from Scripture, praise God’s omnipotence and eternal reign, expressing worship and reverence.

Stirring the soul through its weighty chorus and brilliant orchestration, this work also allows one to experience its sublime music fully at the piano.

“Hallelujah Chorus” from the oratorio “Messiah”Georg Friedrich Händel26rank/position

Hallelujah Chorus, from Messiah | The Tabernacle Choir

Among Handel’s sacred works, this is one of the most widely known pieces, premiered in 1743 before King George II.

According to legend, the king was so moved by the Hallelujah Chorus that he rose to his feet in applause, an episode often cited as a precursor to the modern standing ovation.

Oratorio “Judas Maccabaeus” HWV 63, Part III, No. 58 “See, the Conqu’ring Hero Comes”Georg Friedrich Händel27rank/position

[Award Ceremony Music] Handel: See, the Conquering Hero Comes — Pianist: Yuki Kondo / Handel: See, the Conquering Hero Comes! Piano, Yuki Kondo

Georg Friedrich Handel, a master of the Baroque era, left behind a wide range of works, including pieces for the harpsichord—the keyboard instrument of his time—as well as oratorios and songs.

Among them, See, the Conqu’ring Hero Comes from Part III of the oratorio Judas Maccabaeus is a moving piece that depicts a hero’s triumphant return.

With the addition of the choral parts, the emotions of liberation and jubilation among the Jewish people swell even further, stirring the hearts of listeners.

Beloved in many contexts, this masterpiece is one you will surely enjoy performing on the piano as well.

From the oratorio “Judas Maccabaeus”: “See, the Conqu’ring Hero Comes”Georg Friedrich Händel28rank/position

SEE, THE CONQU’RING HERO COMES!. G. F. Haendel.

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.