All sheet music from
G.F. Haendel

G.F. Haendel

George Frideric Handel (sometimes written Haendel or Händel) was a German composer. Born in 1685 and died in 1759, this icon of Baroque music was a contemporary of Johann Sebastian Bach (they were born in the same year). His work was inspired by the musical traditions of the various countries he travelled through, namely Germany, France, Italy and England where he spent part of his life. As an organ and harpsichord player, Handel wanted to take up music at an early age, despite the reluctance of his father who hoped for a more rewarding career for his son. The organist Friedrich Wilhem Zachow took charge of Handel and opened his mind to a comprehensive musical education. Handel was 18 when he left La Halle to live in Hamburg, the city where the first German opera house was built. He met Johann Mattheson and gradually became familiar with opera. His subsequent travels helped to open his mind and fuel his creativity. George Frideric Handel composed a wide variety of works : operas, religious music, chamber music or music for orchestra, nothing escaped him. He wrote the oratorio Messiah, Almira, Agrippina, etc. But he is best known for his harpsichord suite No. 4, Sarabande, (discover our piano sheet music for Sarabande). Fans of this composer will also appreciate playing the piano sheet music Lascia ch'io pianga, an aria from Rinaldo that is also found in Farinelli.