Nice to meet you Mr. Handel

Here are eight fascinating and lesser-known facts about George Frideric Handel, the composer of Giulio Cesare:

Handel’s Duel Over an Opera: Early in his career, Handel was involved in a duel with fellow composer Johann Mattheson. The quarrel occurred during a performance of Mattheson's opera Cleopatra in 1704, where Mattheson, who was also conducting, expected to take over a role from Handel, who refused. The duel ended when Mattheson’s sword struck Handel’s metal coat button, preventing injury, and the two quickly reconciled.

Dual Nationality: Though born in Halle, Germany, Handel became a naturalized British citizen in 1727. His adoption of English citizenship solidified his identity as a leading composer in England, where he spent the majority of his life and composed many of his most famous works.

Relentless Work Ethic: Handel was known for his incredible productivity, composing over 40 operas, 29 oratorios, and numerous other works. During the composition of Messiah alone, he wrote the entire oratorio in just 24 days, an astonishing feat considering the complexity and length of the piece.

Financial Success and Generosity: Unlike many composers of his time, Handel was financially successful during his lifetime. He was known for his philanthropy, particularly his support for the Foundling Hospital in London, to which he donated significant sums and proceeds from performances of Messiah. He even left a large portion of his wealth to charity upon his death.

Handel’s Love for Italian Opera: Handel spent significant time in Italy early in his career, which had a profound influence on his musical style. His exposure to Italian opera and church music in Rome, Florence, and Venice deeply shaped his operatic and oratorio compositions, infusing them with the expressive melodies and dramatic flair characteristic of Italian music.

Battle with Blindness: In the later years of his life, Handel suffered from deteriorating eyesight, eventually leading to blindness. Despite this, he continued to compose and perform, often dictating his music to assistants.

Avoidance of Marriage: Handel never married and was intensely private about his personal life. His reasons for remaining single are not well-documented, but some speculate that his devotion to his work left little room for a family life.

A Royal Scandal Involving Water Music: Handel’s famous Water Music was composed for King George I of England, but it played a role in a royal scandal. King George was previously the Elector of Hanover, and Handel had been in his service. When George became king of England, Handel followed him to London. The Water Music was performed during a royal barge procession on the Thames River in 1717, reportedly as part of Handel’s efforts to regain favor after an earlier falling-out.