A prolific writer of opera, sacred oratorios, concertos and ceremonial music, he is regarded as one of the finest composers ever to have lived. He travelled widely, honing his craft by writing stylish operas in Italy, before settling in England in 1712.

There he became a favourite of the Royal family, writing ceremonial music for state occasions. These include his famous Music for the Royal Fireworks and Zadok the Priest, which has been performed at the Coronation of every British monarch since George II in 1727 and was arranged to become the familiar ‘anthem’ of the UEFA Champions League. Such was Handel’s influence that an Act of Parliament was passed in 1727 (known as Handel’s Naturalisation Act) to make him a British citizen.

Here are our favourite videos and articles about Handel.