Georg Friedrich Handel Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Hallelujah Chorus from “Messiah”Georg Friedrich Händel71rank/position

Handel, Messiah – Hallelujah

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.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Water Music, Suite No. 1 – AndanteGeorg Friedrich Händel72rank/position

George Frideric Handel – Water Music Suite No. 1 in F Major: Andante – London Symphony Orchestra

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 Händel73rank/position

007 Handel from the opera Rinaldo: Let me weep (Lascia ch’io pianga)

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 Händel74rank/position

Sarabande de Haendel Piano – F. Bernachon plays Handel’s Sarabande, piano

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.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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HallelujahGeorg Friedrich Händel75rank/position

Hallelujah Chorus (composed by Handel) — 2013 Choir Competition Gold Prize

Using a hymn for a chorus competition is fresh and great, isn’t it? Since it’s a well-known piece, it should go over well.

If you want to sing it joyfully like gospel, commit fully to that approach; if you want to emphasize cohesion as a choir, you’ll need appropriate arranging and practice in the choral singing style.

Harp ConcertoGeorg Friedrich Händel76rank/position

Handel: Harp Concerto, 1st Movement / Kyoto Botanical Garden

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 Händel77rank/position

Handel: Acis and Galatea (complete) — Sutherland / conducted by Boult

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.

Hymn No. 130: Rejoice and PraiseGeorg Friedrich Händel78rank/position

Hymn 130

In 1884, the Swiss lyricist Edmond composed lyrics based on the New Testament’s Gospel of Matthew and set them to the melody of “See, the Conqu’ring Hero Comes” from Handel’s oratorio Judas Maccabaeus.

In Japan, this melody is used at award ceremonies and similar occasions.

The lyrics depict the scene in which Jesus Christ is welcomed into Jerusalem on his way to be crucified and rise again, drawing on Matthew 21:9: “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”

‘Messiah’ Hallelujah ChorusGeorg Friedrich Händel79rank/position

From “Messiah” — Hallelujah Chorus — Hallelujah

Composed as a piece celebrating the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ, the final chorus of Part II of “Messiah” is well known in Japan as a choral song for middle and high school students and as a Christmas song.

When it was performed in London in the 18th century, it is said that King George II, who was the reigning monarch at the time, gave it a standing ovation and praised it highly.

The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba from the oratorio “Solomon”Georg Friedrich Händel80rank/position

Handel Oratorio “Solomon,” The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba

House Foods operates on a global scale.

To convey that sense of scale, the company selected “The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” from the oratorio Solomon as its commercial song.

With its majestic atmosphere, the piece is popular at weddings for its thematic resonance.

Its lively, leaping tones are exhilarating to hear, and the brisk tempo feels refreshing—a piece that instantly brightens the mood.

It’s a fitting choice that reflects House Foods’ philosophy and aspirations.

Highly recommended for fans of orchestral music!

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Araki Jakkan

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