George Frideric Handel

Born in Germany, naturalised British. Handel's Messiah (1741) premiered in Dublin during the War of Austrian Succession and became the most performed choral work in history — the tradition of standing during the Hallelujah Chorus dates to a performance at which King George II reportedly rose to his feet. He dominated London's operatic and oratorio scene for four decades and effectively created the English oratorio tradition.

• Roles: Composer