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GEORGE HANDEL SITES

October 18, 2014 By Howard Kramer Leave a Comment

London, England

Handel Gravesite (gfhandel.com)

Handel Gravesite (gfhandel.com)

Christmas songs come in many forms, from traditional carols to modern pop music.  But there is only one true masterpiece of the classical era that is dedicated exclusively to the life of Christ: George Frideric Handel’s Messiah.  This masterpiece, the greatest choral work of the baroque period, has been a staple of both the Christmas and Easter seasons ever since its debut in the 18th century.  It is easily the most popular concert piece of the holiday season, and is second only to The Nutcracker in terms of Christmas performances.

George Frederick Handel is considered by many to be England’s greatest composer.  Although he was born in Germany and trained in Italy, most of his life was spent in the British Isles, and England now considers his music a home-grown export.  In 1741, he composed his signature work, Messiah.  Handel died in 1759 and was buried in Westminster Abbey with the trappings of a full state funeral. His tomb is crowned with a magnificent stone carving of the composer displaying his music.

George Handel (wikipedia.com)

George Handel (wikipedia.com)

Based on the Four Gospels, Revelations, and several books of the Old Testament, Messiah is an oratio which recounts the life of Jesus in three parts.  The first deals with the Nativity, the second with Crucifixion and Ressurection, and the third with Prophecy.  Performances are especially popular during Advent.  The original score of Messiah, or at least the earliest known copy written in George Frederick Handel’s hand, is now in the possession of the British Library, and is periodically on display in its special collection.

Handel’s Tomb can be found in the famous Poet’s Corner of Westminster Abbey in the heart of London.  The cathedral is open every day except Sunday from 9:30am-4:30pm, with late closing (7:00pm) on Wednsedays and early closing (2:30pm) on Saturdays.  It is open for worship only on Sundays.  Admission is L15.00.  The British Library is located on the north side of London about two miles away from the River Thames.  It is open to the public Mondays and Wednesdays through Fridays from 9:30am-6:00pm; Tuesdays from 9:30am-8:00pm; Saturdays 9:30am-5:00pm; and Sundays 11:00am-5:00pm.  Access to the library’s Special Collections may be restricted at times.  Admission is free.  Web: www.westminster-abbey.org (official site of Westminster Abbey); www.bl.uk (official website of the British Library)

Filed Under: Christmas Tagged With: British Isles

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About Howard Kramer

Howard Kramer is the creator and author of The Complete Pilgrim. He first took an interest in religious sites in his early twenties when traveling through Italy after college. In the two decades since he has traveled to more than two dozen countries and almost every state, visiting and photographing hundreds of the world’s greatest churches, synagogues and other places of religious interest. Howard has been writing about religious sites for the better part of the last decade, and The Complete Pilgrim is a culmination of years of his work and passion.

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Welcome to The Complete Pilgrim(TM)! This site, created by Howard Kramer, is a combination travel blog and online guide to the world's greatest sites of religious interest (with some historic and recreational places thrown in for good measure). All written content has been originally researched and produced and is provided free for public research and enjoyment. Thank you for visiting!

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Where would you like to go?

Africa (North) Africa (Sub-Sahara) Arabia Armenia/Azerbaijan/Georgia Australia/Pacific Austria/Switzerland Balkans Belgium/Netherlands British Isles Canada Caribbean Central Asia China Czech Republic Egypt France Germany Greece Hungary/Romania/Bulgaria India (NE)/Nepal India (NW) India (South)/Sri Lanka Iran/Iraq Israel Italy/Malta Japan/Korea Latin America Mexico Palestine Poland/Lithuania Russia Scandinavia Southeast Asia Spain/Portugal Syria/Jordan/Lebanon Turkey/Cyprus Ukraine US-California US-Mid Atlantic US-Midwest US-New England US-New York US-Pacific Northwest US-South US-Southwest

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Have a comment, a great photo or a religious site you'd like to nominate for the weekly spotlight? We would love to hear from you. Email us at hkramer@thecompletepilgrim.com.

About the Author

Howard Kramer is the creator and author of The Complete Pilgrim. He first took an interest in religious sites in his early twenties when traveling through Italy after college. In the two decades since he has traveled to more than two dozen countries and almost every state, visiting and photographing hundreds of the world’s greatest churches, synagogues and other places of religious interest. Howard has been writing about religious sites for the better part of the last decade, and The Complete Pilgrim is the culmination of years of his work and passion.

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