Handel

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A German-born composer and organist renowned for his contributions to the baroque music genre; he is particularly famous for his oratorio "Messiah" and operas; he had a significant influence on the development of English choral music
2. A prominent figure in classical music known for his prolific output of operas, oratorios, and instrumental compositions; his unique style blends elements from various national traditions; he is celebrated by musicologists and performers alike
3. An influential composer from the 18th century whose works continue to be performed widely; his mastery of melody and harmony in both sacred and secular music has left a lasting legacy; he played a key role in merging German and English musical traditions

Etymology: The word is simply the surname of George Frideric Handel (1685–1759), the German-born composer who spent most of his career in England and became one of the defining figures of the Baroque era. Surnames of this kind often began as descriptions of a trade or a personal trait, and "Handel" is generally understood to derive from the German word for trade or commerce, "Handel," which shows up in many old German names. Its use as a common noun is a later development: once a famous bearer's name is attached to a whole body of work, people naturally begin to use it as shorthand for a composer or a musical style.

Synonyms: Georg Friedrich Händel, Handel (composer)