This robust volume not only addresses his genius as a religious composer, and creator of the world reknown 'Messiah', but indepth explores the magnitude of the large compendium of his works, known to the public and otherwise. This scholarly work demystifies his life and addresses the national denominational revalries of the Germans who place Handel and Bach as their own greatest Lutheran composers of religious music, and place Handel as sort of expatriate Cantor. Where the Anglo-Saxon world, also looks upon Handel as primarily a church composer, coverted from the frivolity of opera to the service of religion. This biography reveals the man, his attitude towards the two churches he served and explores, the man as a human being, (was he a recluse, totally uninterested in women and indifferent to business, soley devoted to the service of religion?); and the meaning behind his music, (scared?, dramas for the stage?....). 16 illustrations, including Halle in the 17th Century, manuscript pages, his competitors, King George I and II, Handel's house on Brook St., the first London announcement of the Messiah, etc. George Frideric Handel (Halle, Germany, 1685-London, England, 1759). Buried in Westminster Abbey, recognized in England and by many in Germany as the greatest composer of his day. The wide range of expression at his command is shown not only in the operas, with their rich and varied arias, but also in the form he created, the English oratorio, where it is applied to the fates of nations as well as individuals. He had a vivid sense of drama". From The Grove Concise Dictionary of Music edited by Stanley Sadie. Blue cloth boards and spine, gilt decorated spine, with gilt title. DW not price clipped, black illustration of Handel, yellow title panel. Rubbing of corners, and spine ends, upper spine end bumped. Rear DW picture of author with short bio., few closed edge tears and very light soil. Faint mark to side edge, Not a 'remainder' mark. End papers map of London, showing principal points of interest in Handel's career. Lower front flap squared. Clean, no writing, solidly bound. In protective brodart mylar jacket. Royal octavo, 731 pp. Including: Epilogue; bibliographical note; index of Handel's works discussed in this book, index. First Edition, first printing. Included is ''original'' Book News letter from publisher, WW Noroton regarding review of this book.

George Frideric Handel first edition, Lang's Handel First Edition, German Composers, Handel and Heidegger, George Frideric Handel's Family, Handel in Hamburgh, Handel German Vs. Italian Music, Handel's First Opera, Music, German Composers, First Edition