About the composer
George Frideric Handel
- Years of life
- 1685–1759
- Period
- Baroque
A German-born Baroque composer who spent much of his career in London. His work spans opera, oratorio and instrumental music.
Explore their musicLife and music
Handel was born in Halle, worked in Hamburg and Italy, and later made London the centre of his career. His European experience is reflected in his operas, oratorios, orchestral, and keyboard works. The most well-known aspect of his legacy is associated with the stage and large vocal forms, but the keyboard suites also demonstrate the variety of his musical language.
What the music sounds like
The suites combine dances, variations, and more free-flowing sections. The singing line can resemble a vocal aria, and the bass line organizes the harmony. Ornaments and articulation help to distinguish the characters of the parts written for keyboard instruments of the Baroque era.
What to listen for at the piano
Notes for independent practiceFind the dance pulse or vocal character of a specific section. First, connect the melody with the bass, then clarify the middle voices and ornaments. Choose the pedal carefully so that the texture remains clear.
Music in our catalogue
Open a score and start practising
Sources and further reading
Biographical information is checked against the materials listed here. The performance notes are editorial guidance from Vibe Piano.