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Music Corner by Herb Tardiff
George Frideric Handel:
Born in Halle, Germany, in 1685, George Frideric Handel was among the greatest composers of the Baroque era. Handel’s operas, organ concertos, oratorios, and anthems made him famous with his crowning achievement the “Messiah”.
Handel moved to Great Britain as a young man and eventually became a British citizen.
Here are some interesting facts:
1. George’s father did not approve of his music affinity and his mother snuck a harpsichord in the attic for him to practice.
2. He started playing at the age of 5 and composed his first work at the age of 9. He also studied the harpsichord, organ, violin and oboe.
3. Handel almost died from a duel with a fellow musician over a dispute about who was going to conduct a performance. A large button on Handel’s coat kept the sword from penetrating his body.
4. Although he lived to be 74 years old, Handel was plagued by health issues throughout his life. `At the age of 52, Handel suffered a stroke. Many considered his quick recovery a miracle because they didn’t expect him to perform again. He also suffered from cataracts and was blinded during a botched surgery to remove them in 1751 today.
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