Born Halle, 1685, Handel is unusual that he came from a non-musical family. His parents tried to push him towards law, but the young Georg went to Italy, where he studied inter alia with Corelli and Scarlatti
In Italy he fell under the spell of the Italian Opera, but returned for financial reasons to take up the post of Capellmeister to the Elector of Hanover. Around 1712 he decided that composing and presenting Italian style Opera would be more lucrative, so he left his Hanover post, only to find that the Elector of Hanover followed him to London two years later, now being King George I. There was little animosity from the King, and Handel was able to pursue a dual role in court, and as an operatic entrepreneur. In 1728, Gay's Beggar's Opera took London by storm, and Italian style Opera fell rapidly out of fashion. Handel (who by now owned two theatres in the centre of London) was facing ruin, and became seriously ill, possibly suffering a minor stroke.
With characteristic resilience, Handel discovered another commercial opportunity, the Oratorio. Opera and Oratorio originated in 16th Century Italy, and retained largely the same form, (a number of acts, with airs or arias, recitatives, and choruses). The oratorio was distinguished from the opera in that there were no costumes, stage set or acting on stage. Handel took the Italian Oratorio, and made it English, and the proceeds from composing and presenting these oratorios, together with court assignments, kept him more or less solvent for the rest of his life.
By 1750, his sight had failed, and he was unable to compose. But he continued to organise concerts. On 6th April 1759, he was assisting at a charity performance of the Messiah when he was taken ill, and he died eight days later. He left behind him some of the most well known music in the repertoire, "Zadok the Priest", "Water Music", "Music for the Royal Fireworks", and of course "Messiah" are favourites. He was revered by later composers (Mozart and Beethoven amongst them). A naturalised Englishman, Handel never lost his German accent. As a musical entrepreneur, he was unusual for his time - most contemporary musicians were paid servants. He was also the soul of generosity. Having experienced poverty at first hand, he regularly organised charity concerts, often for the Foundling Hospital which he was heavily involved with.