George Frideric Handel

Have you heard of Handel’s Messiah? You’ve probably heard the amazing composition countless times (you’ve definitely heard it if you’ve been to our very own Pagosa Springs Community Choir’s annual Christmas Concert!). That is one of George Frideric Handel’s most famous works, and it has certainly aged well!

George Frideric Handel was born February 23, 1685 in Halle, part of Brandenburg-Prussia. His father was a barber-surgeon, and his mother was the daughter of a priest. Handel attended The Gymnasium school, where his instructor was an ardent musician. Handel had an early attachment to music, which was not accepted by his father, who - reports say - went so far as to forbid any musical instruments in his house. Can you imagine?! Luckily, the music bug had taken hold and Handel continued his studies and eventually received musical training after Duke Johann Adolf I overheard a very young Handel playing the organ and stepped in with his father. From then on, Handel was able to study the organ and composition under the musical tutelage of Friedrich Zachow. Handel played everywhere from Hamburg to Italy to London. He made such a name for himself that he is considered one of our great classical composers! Handel died in 1759 and is buried at Westminster Abbey. If you have a chance, listen to The Messiah below. You won’t regret it!