The son of a barber-surgeon, Handel showed a marked gift for music at a young age. In 1702, he enrolled as a law student at the University of Halle. He also became organist of the Reformed (Calvinist) Cathedral in Halle, but served for just one year before going north to Hamburg, where greater opportunities awaited him. In Hamburg, Handel joined the violin section of the opera orchestra. He also took over some of the duties of harpsichordist, and early in 1705, he presided over the premiere in Hamburg of his first opera, "Almira."

Handel spent the years 1706-10 traveling in Italy where he met many of the greatest Italian musicians of the day, including Arcangelo Corelli, Alessandro Scarlatti and his son Domenico.

Handel's years in Italy greatly influenced the development of his musical style. His fame had spread throughout the country, and his mastery of the Italian opera style now made him an international figure. In 1711 his opera "Rinaldo" was performed in London and was greeted enthusiastically.

Except for a few visits to the European continent, Handel spent the rest of his life in England. In1726, he became a British subject, which enabled him to be appointed a composer of the Chapel Royal. In this capacity he wrote much music, including the coronation anthem for George II in 1727 and the funeral anthem for Queen Caroline 10 years later.

Handel went on composing operas which led to the establishment of the English oratorio--a large musical composition for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra, without acting or scenery, and usually dramatizing a story from the Bible in English-language lyrics.

In 1741, he composed his greatest oratorio, "Messiah" and its inspired successor, "Samson." "Messiah" was given its first performance in Dublin on April 13, 1742. Even during his lifetime, Handel's music was recognized as a reflection of the English national character.

After his death on April 14, 1759, he was buried in Poets' Corner in Westminster Abbey.