George Frideric Handel

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Records

Handel's achievements are monumental. He composed over 40 operas, 20 oratorios, and numerous orchestral works. Messiah remains one of the most performed choral works in history, and Zadok the Priest has been played at every British coronation since 1727. His music has been performed continuously since his death, a rare distinction. Beethoven called him 'the greatest composer that ever lived.' Handel's influence on Haydn, Mozart, and later composers is immeasurable.

George Frideric Handel receiving an award

AwardsFormal music awards did not exist during Handel's lifetime. However, he received royal patronage as Composer of the Chapel Royal (1723) and music teacher to the royal princesses. He was granted an honorary Doctor of Music from the University of Oxford in the 1730s. His burial at Westminster Abbey with a state funeral was a rare honor for a musician.

Honours & Distinctions

Burial at Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey·1759

State funeral and burial in Poets' Corner, a rare honor for a musician.

Honorary Doctor of Music

University of Oxford·1730

Awarded honorary doctorate for his contributions to music.

Rankings & Lists

Greatest Composer of All Time

Beethoven (attributed)·1823

Records & Feats

Composed Messiah in 24 days

Career Milestone·1741

Handel wrote the entire oratorio Messiah in just 24 days during the summer of 1741.

Zadok the Priest performed at every British coronation since 1727

Historic First·1727

Handel's coronation anthem has been performed at every British coronation since George II in 1727, a record for continuous use.