handel and his influence

The term ¡®baroque¡¯ is used to describe the European era that began approximately in the mid-1600s and ended in the mid-1700s. It was a time of ornate and emotional art and music. Much of its music is characterized by its virtuosity and liveliness. Although the compositions may sound fairly calm and serene today, it was considered highly emotional during the Baroque era. One of the most well-known composers of this era was George Frideric Handel. George Frideric Handel (HEN-dle) was born in Germany in 1685 and at the time of his death in 1759, he was a figure of national importance. Along with Vivaldi and Bach, he became known as one of the most influential masters of music during the Baroque period. Handel wrote into his music a culmination of music genres of the Baroque. Two of his most popularized instrumental compositions included the Water Music and the Music for the Royal Fireworks which is still performed for royalty today. Although, the instrumental compositions b...