Handel

In Short

This concise biographical volume introduces young readers to the life and artistic trajectory of George Frideric Handel. Beginning with his childhood struggles against a father who opposed musical study, the narrative traces his development from a secretive attic player to a world-renowned master. The text outlines his early education, European travels, complex relationship with royal patrons, and shift from opera to sacred oratorio. Designed as an interactive educational experience, it highlights the composer's determination, generosity toward children's charities, and lasting influence on Western classical music, concluding with his honored burial in Westminster Abbey.

The Story

The narrative begins in Halle, Germany, where George Frideric Handel is born in 1685, the same year as Johann Sebastian Bach. His father, a barber-surgeon, fiercely opposes music, preferring that his son train for the law, and goes so far as to forbid the boy from attending school to prevent him from reading notes. Supported in secret by his mother, young Handel practices a harpsichord tucked away in a quiet, low-ceilinged attic.

When Handel is seven, his determination manifests during his father's journey to the court of the Duke of Saxe-Weissenfels. Refused a seat on the coach, the boy follows on foot until his father stops to take him in. At the castle, the young musician plays the organ so skillfully that the Duke hears him and convinces the father to allow formal musical studies. Handel enters three years of intensive instruction under Zachau, the Cathedral organist at Halle, mastering harmony, counterpoint, fugue, and multiple instruments until his teacher admits the boy has surpassed him.

Following his father's death when Handel is twelve, the young composer works tirelessly to advance his career. He travels to Berlin, Hamburg, and Italy, forming key friendships with contemporary musicians like Johann Mattheson, Corelli, and the Scarlattis while writing early operas and sacred pieces. He accepts a position as Capellmeister to the Elector of Hanover on the condition that he may visit England first. Captivated by London's enthusiastic audiences, Handel overstays his leave.

Complications arise when the Elector of Hanover ascends the British throne as King George I. To regain his former patron's favor, Handel composes the twenty-five movements of the Water Music for a royal procession on the Thames, winning an invitation into the King's boat and restoring goodwill.

For years, Handel pours his energy into writing and staging operas in London, even taking a position with the Duke of Chandos. However, the commercial and artistic pressures of opera eventually cause a severe illness. Rebounding from failure, he turns his talents to the oratorio, creating works of enduring majesty such as the Messiah. His compositions win over both the public and the court, giving rise to traditions like the audience standing during the "Hallelujah Chorus." In his final years, Handel loses his sight but continues to perform and direct his works for charitable causes. He makes his last public appearance conducting the Messiah shortly before his death on Good Friday, 1759, and receives a final resting place in Westminster Abbey.

How It Unfolds

The attic sanctuary Young George Frideric plays a hidden harpsichord in his family's quiet garret to avoid his father's ban on musical instruction. His mother quietly supports his passion while his father plans a legal career for him.

The journey to court Determined to travel with his father, seven-year-old Handel runs after the departing coach until he is allowed inside. At the Duke's castle, his impressive organ playing convinces the Duke to persuade the father to permit formal music lessons.

Rigorous instruction and early travel Handel studies composition and several instruments under Zachau in Halle for three years until he outgrows his master. He travels to Berlin and later Hamburg, writing his first operas and securing his independence after his father's death.

A royal reconciliation After overstaying his leave in London, Handel faces his former patron, the Elector of Hanover, who has become King George I. Handel writes the celebrated Water Music for a royal barge trip, earning the King's forgiveness and royal favor.

The master's final legacy Shifting focus from struggling opera productions to sacred oratorios, Handel creates masterpieces like the Messiah and dedicates performance proceeds to a children's hospital. Though blind near the end of his life, he continues conducting until days before his death.

The People

• George Frideric Handel

The central figure who desires deeply to create and perform music despite initial family resistance. He demonstrates persistent drive throughout his life, adapting to changing artistic fortunes and overcoming blindness to remain a vital musical force.

• Father Handel

A stern barber-surgeon who wants his son to pursue a respected career in law. Standing directly in the boy's way, he restricts schooling and forbids instruments until persuaded otherwise by a nobleman.

• Mother Handel

A supportive figure who recognizes her child's passion. She facilitates his early practice by providing a safe space in the attic away from her husband's interference.

• Zachau

The Cathedral organist at Halle who takes on the young prodigy. He provides thorough training in counterpoint, harmony, and instrumentation before selflessly acknowledging that his student has exceeded his own knowledge.

• The Elector of Hanover (King George I)

Handel's German employer who becomes King of England. Angered when Handel overstays his leave in London, his displeasure is resolved when he is won over by Handel's Water Music.

In Its Own Voice

"Here," said Mother Handel, "my little boy can play the harpsichord to his heart's content and no one will be the wiser." The author describes how Handel's mother provided him a safe place to practice out of his father's sight.

However, when the coach set out George Frederick set out too on foot to follow, and he would not be sent home again. The text highlights the boy's stubborn resolve as he follows his father to the castle of Saxe-Weissenfels.

A boat containing the players followed that in which the king sat. The author depicts the performance setup of the Water Music on the Thames River.

What It's Really About

Beneath its biographical timeline, the book addresses the tension between parental expectations and an individual's innate calling. It framed artistic success as a product of discipline and perseverance rather than raw talent alone. The narrative explores how obstacles—whether childhood prohibition, professional failure in opera, or physical infirmity like blindness—can be transcended through adaptability and effort. By illustrating Handel's move from Germany to Italy and England, it highlights how music transcends national boundaries, transforming a small-town child into a figure of international cultural significance. Finally, it emphasizes the moral dimension of art, presenting Handel's later focus on charitable performance as the ultimate expression of his legacy.

Why Read It Today

This volume appeals to young readers, music students, and educators seeking a straightforward, historic overview of a classical master. Written with accessible clarity, it delivers an engaging life story without bogging down in technical jargon. The narrative maintains a swift, encouraging tone that highlights key historical milestones, patron relationships, and compositional shifts. Readers should note the book's period framing as an interactive activity volume; it originally included physical sheets for pasting illustrations and blank pages for student writing, which reflects early 20th-century instructional methods. While brief, it effectively captures the grit behind artistic achievement, offering a human portrait of Handel that makes his grand compositions feel approachable and deeply grounded in personal persistence.