George Frideric Handel was born on February, 23, 1685, in
Halle, Germany. One of the most prolific composers, several later composers
have created variations of Handel’s works:
- · Beethoven’s
12 Variations in G major is based on Handels’ Judas Maccabaeus.
- · Brahms’ Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel Opus 24 is based on Handels’ second harpsichord suite.
- · Philippe Gaubert’s Petite Marche for flute and piano is based on Handel’s Trio Sonata Opus 5, No. 2 fourth movement.
- · Luis Gianneo composed Variations on a Theme by Handel for piano.
- · Arnold Schoenberg’s Concerto for String Quarter and Orchestra in B-flat major is based on Handel’s Concerto Grosso Opus 6/7.
- · Percy Grainger composed Variations on Handel’s ‘The Harmonious Blacksmith’. Later, he reworded the first part of that piece to create Handel in the Strand, including a piano version.
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Handel
has been greatly flattered.
