Handel Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

From the opera Giulio Cesare: “A shipwrecked vessel from the storm”Georg Friedrich Händel61rank/position

Handel: Da tempeste (Julia Lezhneva, Helsinki Baroque Orchestra)

His opera Giulio Cesare features Cleopatra’s moving aria.

In it, she celebrates the joy of discovering that her beloved Caesar is alive, likening it to a ship that has weathered a storm.

Dazzling virtuosity and richly expressive melodies brilliantly capture Cleopatra’s changing emotions.

Premiered by Handel in London in 1724, this masterpiece, which skillfully incorporates the Italian style, continues to be performed around the world.

Highly recommended for those who want to be captivated by its dramatic expressiveness.

Ombra mai fu from the opera SerseGeorg Friedrich Händel62rank/position

LVHF 2017 | G.F. Händel – Ombra mai fu

One of his representative works, an aria from the opera Serse.

Its elegant melody praising the beauty of shade captures the hearts of many and never lets go.

Composed in 1738, this piece features lyrics in which the Persian king sings of his love for nature—simple yet deeply moving.

The calm, soothing melody is recommended for anyone who wants to take a breather from a busy day.

In 1986 it was used in a Nikka Whisky commercial, becoming a major topic in Japan.

This work, which symbolizes Handel’s musical genius and the beauty of Baroque music, is well worth a listen.

Water Music, Suite No. 2 – II. Alla HornpipeGeorg Friedrich Händel63rank/position

Handel: Water Music Suite No. 2 – II. Alla Hornpipe [Naxos Classical Curations #Gorgeous]

When you think of music drifting over the surface of a river, you might imagine a gentle melody; however, the section from George Frideric Handel’s Water Music is brimming with brilliance that invites listeners into a festive mood.

The piece was first performed on the River Thames in July 1717, and there is an anecdote that the king was so delighted he called for multiple encores.

With trumpets and horns resounding boldly and a buoyant, spirited character that lifts the heart, it perfectly enhances the open feeling of summer.

It is also familiar from children’s programs such as Little Einsteins, making it enjoyable across generations.

For those seeking a refreshing moment that makes you forget the muggy heat, this is a work well worth lending your ears to.

Water Music, Suite No. 2 in D major, HWV 349: II. Alla HornpipeGeorg Friedrich Händel64rank/position

Handel: “Alla Hornpipe” from Water Music — Pianist Yuki Kondo

Georg Frideric Handel, a giant of the Baroque era.

His works—including operas, oratorios, anthems, and concerti grossi—are all highly esteemed as pinnacles of Baroque music.

Among them, Water Music, written for the British royal family, is one of Handel’s signature pieces still heard everywhere today.

In particular, the Alla Hornpipe is a popular movement, memorable for its bright, rhythmic melody.

Famous for having been performed during a royal boating party on the River Thames, this work—scored with a brilliant, trumpet-forward instrumentation—captivates listeners from the first notes.

Its brilliance can be fully expressed on the piano as well, so do give it a try.

Make me cry.Georg Friedrich Händel65rank/position

[Healing Piano] Let Me Weep — Handel — Piano Solo with Lyrics / Classical Music / Handel

The aria “Lascia ch’io pianga,” a work by the great German Baroque composer George Frideric Handel, is exceedingly famous.

It is a gem included in the opera Rinaldo.

Sung in the scene where the captive heroine Almirena longs for freedom and weeps in sorrow, its heartrendingly beautiful melody pairs wonderfully with the delicate timbre of the piano.

Performed at a recital or concert, it is sure to resonate deeply in the hearts of everyone—performers and audience alike.