Handel.

He was downcast, disappointed, filled with self-pity, and he just gave up

I think it is well known that Beethoven wrote his last symphony, the 9th while he was stone deaf. Today we have a story of another musician of considerable talent and fame that succeeded despite considerable adversity. Ludwig van Beethoven is said to have exclaimed, that this musician “Is the greatest composer that ever lived… I would uncover my head and kneel down on his tomb.”

If Handel’s father had had his way, Handel would have never become a great composer as he disapproved of his love for music and didn’t allow him to play music at home. As a child, Handel had to sneak into the attic of his home to practice the clavichord his mother had smuggled into the home. Although his father disapproved of his musical pursuits, Handel’s talents were undeniable. During a trip Handel took with his father at five years old, someone sat him in front of an organ. Handel’s performance surprised everyone present, including the Duke of Saxe-Weissenfels Johann Adolf I. The duke convinced his father to let the boy study music. Handel was composing by age 9.

He was almost killed in a duel in 1704 with his best friend A large metal button on his coat saved Handel from almost certain death. Handel also had to deal with bickering divas. One time 2 divas had to be dragged of stage before they tore each other’s costumes to pieces. Handel was a perfectionist and was known to have a terrible temper.

Though he was of German birth he became a British Citizen in 1711 and made England his permanent home. He lived in London until he died at the age of 74. He is known to have been generous, supporting children’s charities in England. He never married.

Handel died in London on April 14, 1759 and is buried in Westminster Abbey with full state honors, reflecting his significant impact on British society.

However, Despite Handel’s talent and fame he faced considerable adversity. There was fierce competition from English composers. Audiences were often fickle and did not always turn up for his performances. He was also a frequent victim to changing political winds. Several times he found himself penniless and on verge of bankruptcy.

The Pain of rejection and failure were difficult for him to bear, especially following previous success. Then his problems compounded, with failing health; a seizure and stroke left his right arm limp and he lost the use of 4 fingers on his right hand. Although he recovered (something many thought to be miraculous) he became despondent and depressed. In 1741 he retired at the age 56.

Discouraged, miserable, and consumed with debt he felt certain he was going to land in the debtor’s prison. On April 8 1741 he gave a farewell concert. He was downcast, disappointed, filled with self-pity, and he just gave up. BUT HIS GREATEST WORK STILL UNDONE.

In August of 1741 a wealthy friend gave him a fresco painting based on the life of Christ. This intrigued Handel and somehow stirred him to action. He began writing. The floodgates of inspiration opened in him. The cycle of inactivity was broken. For 21 days he wrote nonstop, then for a further two days created the orchestration. In a remarkable 24 days he had completed the 260 page manuscript for “Messiah.” Today this piece of music is considered a masterpiece and the culmination of the composer’s work. Most people when asked about Handel would be able to recall “Handel’s Messiah.

Here’s a link to the Hallelujah chorus you may like to listen to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUZEtVbJT5c