Pieces of his that are particular favourites of mine are his organ concerti, his Water-music and Fireworks-music, and the Messiah. The latter is probably his most famous work. It is a huge choral piece that includes the well-known Hallelujah Chorus. Strongly influenced by the techniques of the great composers of the Italian Baroque and the English composer Henry Purcell, his music was known to many significant composers who came after him, including Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven.

Händel's compositions include forty-two operas, twenty-nine oratorios, more than 120 cantatas, trios and duets, numerous arias, chamber music, a large number of ecumenical pieces, odes and serenatas, and sixteen organ concerti. His most famous work, the Messiah oratorio with its "Hallelujah" chorus, is among the most popular works in choral music and has become a centerpiece of the Christmas season. Also popular are the Opus 3 and 6 Concerti Grossi, as well as "The Cuckoo and the Nightingale", in which birds are heard calling during passages played in different keys representing the vocal ranges of two birds. Also notable are his sixteen keyboard suites, especially "The Harmonious Blacksmith".

Händel introduced various previously uncommon musical instruments in his works: the viola d'amore and violetta marina (Orlando), the lute (Ode for St. Cecilia's Day), three trombones (Saul), clarinets or small high cornets (Tamerlano), theorbo, French horn (Water Music), lyrichord, double-bassoon, viola da gamba, bell chimes, positive organ and harp (Gulio Cesare, Alexander's Feast).

On Wikipedia : George Frideric Händel

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