George Frideric Handel - Biography.

George Frideric Handel - Biography. German-born English composer of the baroque era Birth February 23, 1685 Death April 14, 1759 Place of Birth Halle, Germany Principal England Residence Milestones 1705 Saw his first opera, Almira, performed in Hamburg 1706-1710 Lived in Italy, where he composed the opera Agrippina, first performed in 1709 1710 Became court composer for the elector of Hannover 1711 Produced the opera Rinaldo in London 1717 Produced Water Music for King George I of England 1717-1718 Composed the 11 Chandos Anthems while employed by the Duke of Chandos 1719-1728 Worked as musical director of the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he produced several operas, including Radamisto (1720) and Tamerlano (1724) 1729 With Swiss opera manager J. J. Heidegger, founded a new music academy where he produced several operas, including Orlando (1733) 1742 Produced the oratorio Messiah in Dublin 1749 Produced Music for the Royal Fireworks to celebrate the end of the War of Austrian Succession Did You Know Handel's salary was doubled when his employer, the elector of Hannover, was crowned King George I of England in 1714. Handel lost his eyesight during the last few years of his life. Handel's father was 63 years old when Handel was born. Born Georg Friedrich Händel, Handel anglicized the spelling of his name after becoming a British citizen in 1727. Handel never married. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.