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.
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