George Frideric Handel

"George Frideric Handel" by Herbert F. Peyser is a historical account written in the mid-20th century. The book examines the life and music of the illustrious composer George Frideric Handel, detailing his contributions to the world of classical music and the various trials and triumphs of his career. It offers insights into his upbringing, musical development, and the cultural context in which he created his masterpieces, including the renowned "Messiah." At the start of the narrative, Peyser introduces Handel's complex background, touching on his family's situation in Halle and the friction between his musical aspirations and his father's disapproval. The opening details the formative years of Handel as he navigates his early exposure to music, the influence of his mother, and the critical moment when he receives permission to pursue music seriously after impressing a duke with his organ skills. The text sets the stage for Handel’s eventual departure from legal studies at university to fully embrace a career in music, leading to his initial successes in Germany and beyond, all of which foreshadow his monumental impact on the world of opera and oratorio.