George Frideric Handel

George Frideric Handel (1685–1759) was a German-born Baroque composer who spent most of his working life in London, becoming a naturalized British subject. He is best known for his operas, oratorios, anthems and organ concertos, occupying a central place in the Baroque tradition alongside Johann Sebastian Bach.

Handel's most famous work, the oratorio Messiah, contains the «Hallelujah» chorus and the aria «For unto us a Child is born», pieces that remain staples of choral and Christmas repertoire worldwide. His output also includes celebrated orchestral works and vocal pieces such as «Ombra mai fu» from the opera Serse and «Where'er You Walk».

Handel's music is characterized by grand, majestic choral writing, expressive melodic lines, and a fusion of Italian operatic style with German counterpoint and English choral tradition. His works continue to be performed by orchestras and choirs across the world, and his influence on Western classical music remains profound centuries after his death.