Handel: Water Music and Messiah
Study note
George Frideric Handel was a composer who was born in Germany but settled in Britain and became a British citizen in 1727. He became one of the most important composers in the country and wrote music for royal occasions, including the Water Music for King George I and Music for the Royal Fireworks for King George II.
Handel is perhaps best remembered for his oratorio Messiah, a large choral work that is sung regularly by choirs, often around Easter time. So the key facts for this topic are that Handel was born in Germany and became a British citizen in 1727, that he wrote the Water Music for King George I, and that his Messiah is often performed at Easter.
Memory tip: Handel: German-born British citizen; Water Music for George I; Messiah sung at Easter.
Practise this topic
Question 1 of 3
Which famous oratorio by Handel is often sung by choirs at Easter?
Show all questions and answers for Handel: Water Music and Messiah(3 questions with explanations)
Handel: Water Music and Messiah: questions, answers and explanations
1. Which famous oratorio by Handel is often sung by choirs at Easter?
- The Water Music
- The Planets
- Messiah
- Peter Grimes
Correct answer: Messiah
Handel's oratorio Messiah is regularly sung by choirs, often at Easter.
2. For which king did Handel write the Water Music?
- King Charles I
- King George I
- King James II
- King Henry VIII
Correct answer: King George I
Handel wrote the Water Music for King George I.
3. Handel was born in Germany and became a British what in 1727?
- architect
- citizen
- bishop
- soldier
Correct answer: citizen
Handel became a British citizen in 1727.
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