George Frideric Händel

Born: February 23, 1685
Died: April 14, 1759

Handel, though born in Germany, probably made most of his name for himself in London, England where he came to dominate the English music-making “scene” at that time.

Handel is particularly famous for his operas, oratorios, anthems and organ concerti. The Messiah is probably his most famous work. It is a huge choral piece that includes the well-known Hallelujah Chorus.

Today marks Handel’s 328th birthday.

1. Händel, 1749, by Thomas Hudson
2. Händel, 1733, by Balthasar Denner
3. Birthplace of Händel, Halle an der Saale, photographed 2009
4. Signature of George F. Handel

Léo Delibes: The Flower Duet, from the opera ‘Lakmé’
Performed by Anna Netrebko and Elīna Garanča

Flower Duet English Translation: 

Under the thick dome where the white jasmine
With the roses entwined together
On the river bank covered with flowers laughing in the morning
Let us descend together!

Gently floating on its charming risings,
On the river’s current
On the shining waves,
One hand reaches,
Reaches for the bank,
Where the spring sleeps,
And the bird, the bird sings.

Under the thick dome where the white jasmine
Ah! calling us
Together!

Under the thick dome where white jasmine
With the roses entwined together
On the river bank covered with flowers laughing in the morning
Let us descend together!

Gently floating on its charming risings,
On the river’s current
On the shining waves,
One hand reaches,
Reaches for the bank,
Where the spring sleeps,
And the bird, the bird sings.

Under the thick dome where the white jasmine
Ah! calling us
Together!

Composer Lookalikes: classical dead ringers!
By Francis Merson, Melissa Lesnie, Jon Gregory on Nov 15, 2012

http://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/Article/323041,composer-lookalikes-classical-dead-ringers.aspx