George Frederic Handel | Homeschool Music Lesson Plans

from the Hey Kid's Meet the Composer Index



Hey Kids, Meet Handel

George Frideric Handel (1685-1750) German Baroque Era Composer

George Frideric Handel | Hey Kids, Meet the Composer Biography

George Frideric Handel was born on February 23, 1685 in the North German province of Saxony in the same year as Baroque composer Johann Sebastian Bach. George's father wanted him to be a lawyer even though music captivated his attention. His mother, however, supported his interest in music and he was allowed to take keyboard and music composition lessons. His aunt gave him a harpsichord for his seventh birthday which Handel played whenever he had the chance. Read more...


George Frideric Handel Writing Assignment

Write a few paragraphs on George Frideric Handel that includes facts about his life and music. Then ask your child to complete the project by watching and describing a recorded performance of Handel's Hallelujah Chorus from "The Messiah." on YouTube.com. Ask them to begin with a list of adjectives and then follow with paragraph form. The following questions will help to guide their critique.

1) Handel originally composed the Hallelujah Chorus for a chamber ensemble even though it is often performed by a very large group of musicians. Which performance do you prefer? Explain why? (A chamber ensemble is a small orchestra which can easily perform in smaller rooms like a palace chamber.)


Hallelujah Chorus from "The Messiah" by Trinity Church Choir with the REBEL Baroque Orchestra (New York)


Hallelujah Chorus from "The Messiah" by Saint Severin Choir at Church Saint Jean-Baptiste de Grenelle (Paris)


2) Writing music that effectively expresses and enhances the text (lyrics) is an important part of what a composer does. Describe the character of the text and then describe the character of the music. Does the music express and/or enhance the text? Explain why? (Handel's Hallelujah Chorus might best be described as joyful and regal.)


Text

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

For the lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
For the lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
For the lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
For the lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

For the lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!

The kingdom of this world;
Is become
The kingdom of our Lord,
And of His Christ.
And of His Christ.

And He shall reign forever and ever.
And he shall reign forever and ever.
And he shall reign forever and ever.
And he shall reign forever and ever.

King of kings forever and ever, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
And Lord of lords forever and ever Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
King of kings forever and ever, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
And Lord of lords forever and ever Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
King of kings forever and ever, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
And Lord of lords,
King of kings and Lord of lords.

And he shall reign,
And he shall reign,
And he shall reign,
He shall reign,
And he shall reign forever and ever.

King of kings, forever and ever,
And Lord of lords, Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
And he shall reign forever and ever.

King of kings and lord of lords.
King of kings and Lord of lords.
And he shall reign forever and ever.

Forever and ever, and ever, and ever.
King of kings and Lord of lords.

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!


Sheet Music

Appreciating the talent of a famous composer is never richer than when you're playing their music. Ask your child's music teacher about including the study of Handel's Hallelujah Chorus in their music lesson.

Beginner and Easy Piano Sheet Music

Hallelujah Chorus Easy Piano Sheet Music/Level 3
Theme from Water Music Easy Piano Sheet Music/Level 3

Beginner and Easy Guitar Sheet Music

Water Music Easy Guitar Sheet Music


Music Lesson Plan Worksheets

Learn about George Frideric Handel with a printable famous composer worksheet.
George Frideric Handel Word Search
Meet the Composer Job Application Worksheet


Download a Famous Composer Ringtone

Download George Frideric Handel's Hallelujah Chorus as your cell phone's new ringtone. When the phone rings, ask your kids who the composer is or facts about the composer. You may find yourself frequently asking, "Is that my phone?" because you don't remember the ringtone, but your kids will be enriched.