George Frederic Handel was one of the greatest composers who ever lived. While this may seem like a very bold statement, it can be supported by the monumental achievements Handel achieved during his lifetime. In addition to being a musical genius, Handel was also one of the greatest composers of the Baroque era. Handel never gave up on his dream of becoming a world-class musician, even though his father wanted him to become a lawyer. The operas and oratorios Handel created are still among the greatest ever made, and his creativity and speed are unmatched even today. To fully understand Handel and all the great pieces of music he created, it is essential to know his history, his achievements and his works. George Frederic Handel was born in Halle, Germany, in 1685 to Georg and Dorothea Handel. (quotes Handel) His father, a barber-surgeon, was very explicit in wanting his son to pursue a career as a lawyer. However, George Handel never gave up his dream of becoming a musician. When he was seven, Handel performed before the duke at Weissenfels and became a pupil of Friedrich Wilhelm Zacchow, who was a composer and organist at the Liebfrauenkirche in Germany. (Quote from Handel) Zacchow taught Handel to play a variety of instruments, including the violin, organ, and oboe. He also taught Handel many compositions for these instruments and many other similar instruments. When Handel was eighteen, he attended the University of Halle to please his father, who insisted that his son become a lawyer. However, before Handel could finish his studies at the University of Halle, he left to fulfill his life dream as a musician. He composed an enormous amount of pieces from 1696 to 1701. In 1704, Handel was...... middle of paper ...... so much. Handel's influence on future generations is also very great. Future generations will continue to recognize Handel as one of the greatest composers and musicians who ever lived. In summary, Handel was one of the greatest composers who ever lived. Although George Frederic Handel was best known for his oratorio The Messiah, he is also one of the leading composers of the Baroque era. Even though his father wanted him to become a lawyer, Handel never gave up on his dream of becoming a world-class musician. His creativity and speed are unmatched even today. The operas and oratorios created by Handel are still among the greatest ever made. His contrasting textures and beautiful melodies make his music some of the most technical and beautiful music ever created. Works Cited Dowley, Tim. "Weimar and Cothen." Bach. Secaucus, NJ: Chartwell, 1990. 42. Print.