The life and career of George Frideric Handel, one of the most frequently performed composers from the Baroque period, are copiously and intricately documented through a huge variety of contemporary sources. This multi-volume major publication is the most up-to-date and comprehensive collection of these documents. Presented chronologically in their original languages with English translations and with commentaries incorporating the results of recent research, the documents provide an essential and accessible resource for anyone interested in Handel and his music. As well as being an outstanding musician with a successful career as a composer of Italian operas and English oratorios, Handel was a well-known figure in his own lifetime, with an international reputation. In charting his activities in Germany, Italy and Britain, the documents also offer a valuable insight into broader eighteenth-century topics, such as court life, theatrical history, public concerts and competition between music publishers. This volume includes family documents from Halle, then covers Handel's early career in Germany and Italy, followed by the period in which he became an established composer for London's Italian opera company while also writing the Water Music and the Utrecht Te Deum for the British court.
- A major reference work that includes recently discovered documents as well as the established repertory
o Provides complete chronological coverage of contemporary material relating to Handel's life and music, his performers and environment, including opera performances and music publishing
- Detailed commentaries and illustrations of the documents in their original form set the materials in their proper contexts
- Includes archive material from an extensive variety of sources on topics such as musical patronage in Rome, the circumstances of the eighteenth-century music professions and concert life in Britain