Appreciating the Life and Music of George Frideric Handel
For Music Appreciation this week we read about George Frideric Handel 1685-1759. We read Hallelujah Handel by Douglas Cowling illustrated by Jason Walker.
The artist did a beautiful job with the illustrations and the author wrote an interesting story. It was about 3 orphans who met Handel by carrying his bags. I only wished there had been more information about Handel interspersed throughout the story. We learned more about the orphans than Handel himself. I do think that what we did learn the children will not forget.
Rapt Attention 
Handicraft work while listening.
Even the four-year-old was tuned in to the story.
I intend to follow up this book with the chapter about Handel in The Spiritual Lives of Great Composers by Patrick Kavanaugh.
After reading Hallelujah Handel we listened to Handel’s Water Music: Suite No. 1 in F. We had learned in the book that Handel wrote this music, at the Kings request, for him as he sailed in his boat down the river.
George Frideric Handel – Born February 1685 in Germany started composing music at age 9. He never married and died in 1759 in London.
He was highly regarded by Bach, Beethoven and Mozart.
Bach apparently said "[Handel] is the only person I would wish to see before I die, and the only person I would wish to be, were I not Bach." (taken from Wikipedia)
7 Comments
KarlaKAkins
I absolutely love Handel and I have never read this book. I will have to find it! Thanks for the great post! And thanks for checking out my blog!
kellieann
I know it was not your intent, but your post made me guilt-ridden. I have not done a good job with music. I have several books, good CDs…I just never have the time to squeeze it in. Well, maybe I should say your post was inspiring because I think I'll go dust off my Kids Classics for later this week. =)
Mommaofmany
What is the handicraft they're doing? Is it tissue paper landscapes?
Momma-who puts on classical music, but hasn't yet done composer study
pioneergirl
This book was very interesting. I really enjoyed you reading it to us. Thaanks!
~Serenity~
4sweetums
Thanks for sharing. That was a great study of Handal.
Blessings,
4sweetums
Jimmie
We've studied a tiny bit of Handel. I'm enjoying learning alongside my daughter.
Keri
You have made me look forward to Handel!
We are presently on Tchaikovsky.
I will be looking for the books you recommend when we get to him.