Bringing statues to life: George Frideric Handel

1685-1759

Composer. Born in Brandenburg-Prussia, Handel lived in London from 1712. His anthem Zadok the Priest, written for the coronation of George II, has been performed at every British coronation since.

He famously composed The Messiah in three and a half weeks, scoring it for a small orchestra of two trumpets, two oboes, two violins, viola, timpani and harpsichord. 12,000 people attended the first performance of his Music for the Royal Fireworks.