[Born at Halle, in Saxony, 1684. Died 1759. Aged 75.]
This magnificent musician, the dominant characteristics of whose genius
are grandeur, spirituality, and solemnity, was the son of a surgeon.
Having in his youth displayed a passionate love for music, and having
travelled much with the view of gaining instruction in Germany and
Italy, he went to London, at the age of twenty-six, and there composed,
by order of Queen Anne, the “Te Deum” and “Jubilate,” which, in 1714,
were performed at St. Paul’s. Subsequently became Director of the Opera,
in the Haymarket, for the production of his own works: a large
subscription, headed by George I., enabling him to open the theatre. The
scheme falling to the ground, in consequence of the quarrels of the
singers, Handel abandoned the stage, and devoted his powers to the
production of those sublime oratorios that have immortalized his name.
In 1740, he composed “Saul;” in 1741, “The Messiah;” the last a three
weeks’ work. Other great oratorios followed. In 1750, he lost his sight,
and from that time until his death he gradually declined. He was buried
with great pomp in Westminster Abbey. This mighty musician was infirm of
temper, and imperfectly educated. When roused, he was violent and
ungovernable. A singer once refused to sing one of his airs. Handel,
seizing the man in his arms, and pale with rage, threatened to throw him
out of the window if he persisted in the refusal. His countenance wore a
rough expression, though he was good-natured when not agitated. He
stands at the head of the greatest masters of music; and, as a performer
on the organ, he was without a rival.
[In the Musical Collection of the Royal Library at Berlin. The artist
is not known, but it bears many evidences of being a truthful
portrait, and is altogether a more characteristic head than the
conventional portrait by Roubiliac No. 314A.]
314A. GEORG FRIEDRICH HANDEL. _Musical Composer._
[From the marble by Roubiliac.]