George Frideric Handel was born on February 23, 1685, in Halle, Germany. His mother supported his interest in music, while his father preferred he avoid a career as a musician. After a short time studying law at a local university, Handel moved to Hamburg. There, he worked as a violinist and wrote his first opera, Almira. By 1706, he decided to explore Italy independently. During his travels, he composed religious, secular, and theatrical music for important patrons in cities like Florence, Rome, Naples, and Venice. Handel also met many Italian composers who influenced him, including Arcangelo Corelli and Alessandro Scarlatti. In 1710, Handel returned north and became a music director for the Elector of Hanover. Later that year, he traveled to London where his opera Rinaldo premiered in 1711. Throughout the 1710s, he lived permanently in Britain, writing operas for the Queen’s Theatre, later called the King’s Theatre. He also composed music for the Earl of Carnarvon’s country house, including the masque Acis and Galatea. In 1719, Handel took a leading role at the Royal Academy of Music, which aimed to promote Italian opera in London. Some of his key operas for this company were Radamisto, Giulio Cesare, Tamerlano, andRodelinda. Handel settled in a house on Brook Street in London in 1723, where he lived for the rest of his life. He became a British citizen in 1727 and composed music for King George II’s coronation, including the famous anthem Zadok the Priest. During the 1730s, his work blended Italian operas with English concert music, producing many significant pieces like Orlando, Ariodante, Alcina, and Saul. His last Italian operas, Imeneo and Deidamia, were performed in the 1740–41 season. The 1740s were a busy time for Handel as he composed a variety of works, including biblical oratorios like Samson and Solomon, music dramas based on Greek tragedies, and patriotic pieces like Judas Maccabaeus. However, he faced criticism from parts of English society about his artistic choices. His oratorio Messiah had a warmly received premiere in Dublin but caused controversy when first performed in London. From 1737, Handel experienced serious health problems, including what may have been strokes and lead poisoning. He also suffered from cataracts, becoming blind after several unsuccessful surgeries in his later years.