HANDEL IN THE DRESS HE WORE AT THE ENGLISH COURT.
He had tried hard to please the English public as an opera composer, and the disappointment of his failure caused him a severe illness from which he suffered greatly. He lived to write some of the most lovely music the world possesses.
Perhaps the most famous of all his oratorios is the Messiah. When this was sung for the first time in London the king and all present rose at the words—For the Lord God Omnipotent Reigneth. Thus came the custom of rising at the singing of the Hallelujah Chorus.
Handel loved England and became a naturalized British subject. He had a house in London, which in those days must have been considered a very fine one. He was very fond of gathering bodies of musicians together. Here he is in a familiar group.
HANDEL IN THE CIRCLE OF HIS MUSICIANS.
A great lover of children, Handel once conducted the Messiah for the benefit of a hospital for little children, to which he gave large sums.
Toward the end of his life he became blind. Some one had to lead him to the organ loft, where, with his wonderful skill, he could still charm and delight.
The last appearance that Handel made in public was to conduct the Messiah. A few days later, on Good Friday, April 13, 1759, he passed away.