Page "George Frideric Handel" Paragraph 3

Within fifteen years, Handel, a dramatic genius, started three commercial opera companies to supply the English nobility with Italian opera, but the public came to hear the vocal bravura of the soloists rather than the music.

In 1737 he had a physical breakdown, changed direction creatively and addressed the middle class.

As Alexander's Feast ( 1736 ) was well received, Handel made a transition to English choral works.

After his success with Messiah ( 1742 ) he never performed an Italian opera again.

Handel was only partly successful with his performances of English Oratorio on mythical and biblical themes, but when he arranged a performance of Messiah to benefit the Foundling Hospital ( 1750 ) the critique ended.

The pathos of Handel's oratorios is an ethical one.

They are hallowed not by liturgical dignity but by the moral ideals of humanity.

Almost blind, and having lived in England for almost fifty years, he died a respected and rich man.