George Friederich Haendel and his Birth Place Reward Card

Front:
GEORGE FRIEDERICH HAENDEL T. PRESSER CO., PHIL'A BIRTHPLACE AAAAA REWARD CARD

Back:
Born February 23, 1685. Died April 14, 1759. George Frederic Handel "THE FAMOUS SAXON." Born at Halle, career. Saxony, his father being a physician. When a child he practiced on a poor spinet, hidden in the garret, because his father disapproved of a musical One day the Duke of Saxe-Weissenfels heard the boy playing the organ, and advised that he have lessons in composition, organ, violin and harpsichord. In 1704 he became director of the orchestra in Hamburg; in 1706 visited Italy; in 1710 accepted the post of music director to the Elector of Han- over (afterward King George I of England); in 1720 took up residence in London. He became director of the Italian Opera, and wrote works for the stage; but, because of financial reverses, turned, in 1740, to oratorio writing. He was a great favor- ite in England. Like Bach he died blind. He is buried in Westminster Abbey. Handel was a remarkable performer on the organ and harpsichord. He excelled in chorus writing. He composed very rapidly-"The Messiah" in 24 days. Among his familiar compositions is "The Harmonious Blacksmith." His greatest oratorios are "The Messiah," "Israel in Egypt" and "Judas Maccabæus." grave 14 Asort From the Overture to "THE MESSIAH." George Frideric Hander Published by THEO. PRESSER Co., Philadelphia, Pa. Mi Capes July 3.0-29. Floren