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Difficulty: MediumClassical Music

George Frederick Handel was a German-born composer who spent most of his professional life in London and became a British citizen in 1727. Which of the following correctly describes one of his major contributions to British classical music?

  1. He composed "Water Music" for King George I to be performed on the River Thames.Answer
  2. B
    He served as the organist at Westminster Abbey and developed a unique 17th-century British style.
  3. C
    He founded the annual eight-week season of orchestral concerts known as "The Proms" in 1895.
  4. D
    He composed the "Pomp and Circumstance Marches" after being born in Worcester in 1857.

Answer

George Frederick Handel composed "Water Music" for King George I to be performed on the River Thames.
George Frederick Handel was a prominent 18th-century composer who became a British citizen and wrote several celebrated works for the monarchy, including "Water Music," which was first performed on the River Thames for King George I.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the historical period and works of George Frederick Handel.
Handel was an 18th-century composer (1685–1759) who became a British citizen in 1727.
Correctly identifying the era helps distinguish him from Purcell (17th century) or Elgar (19th/20th century).
2
Recall the specific works Handel composed for the British monarchy.
Handel is noted for "Water Music" and "Music for the Royal Fireworks."
These works were written for King George I and his son, George II, respectively.
3
Verify the performance context mentioned in the options.
"Water Music" was famously performed on the River Thames for a royal procession.
This matches the historical fact provided in the Life in the UK handbook.

Key Concept

Major figures and works in British classical music history
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Classical Music

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