Handel, Händel or Haendel?

G. F. Handel was born Händel (also written Haendel), but his name was nearly always spelled Handel in England. His forenames were spelled in many different ways, but the great man and the ciitizens of his adopted country almost invariably called him George Frideric Handel, and today it would be perverse to spell his name in any other way.

The Life of Handel (continued)

Handel Broadens his Horizons in Hamburg

Handel went to Hamburg in 1702 as second violin in the Opera House, where he later played continuo on the harpsichord.

The producer and composer, Reinhard Keiser being away, opportunities arose at the Opera House for new composers. In 1704 Handel wrote his first opera, Almira, which was a considerable success when it was performed in January 1705.In February 1705, his opera, Nero, was performed. It has not survived. He went on to compose two further operas in Hamburg, Der Beglükte Florindo and Die Verwandelte Daphne, both performed in 1708. Sadly, these operas have not survived either.

Having been exposed to Italian music, both through Zachau’s influence and Keiser’s, it is natural that Handel should be drawn to visit the home of opera.

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