Music JSS 1 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 9

Life and Works of G.F. Handel

Subject: Music

Class: JSS 1

Term: Second Term

Week: 9

Age: 10 – 12 years

Topic: Life and Works of George Frideric Handel

Sub-topic: Handel’s Early Life, Career, and Contributions to Music

Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Describe the early life of George Frideric Handel.
2. Explain how Handel became a great composer.
3. Identify some of Handel’s famous musical works.
4. Recognize the importance of Handel’s contributions to music.
5. Appreciate Handel’s impact on Western classical music.

Keywords

• Composer – A person who writes music.
• Oratorio – A large musical work for orchestra and singers, usually based on a religious story.
• Baroque Music – A style of music that was popular from 1600 to 1750.
• Opera – A dramatic musical performance with singing and acting.
• Messiah – Handel’s most famous oratorio.

Set Induction

The teacher asks students:

• Have you ever heard music played in churches, movies, or on the radio that sounds old but beautiful?
• Do you know that some of the music we listen to today was written over 300 years ago?
• One of the greatest composers of classical music was George Frideric Handel.

Entry Behaviour

Students have listened to various musical compositions but may not know the history of great composers like Handel.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Picture of Handel.
• Audio recordings of Handel’s music (e.g., Messiah, Water Music).
• Flashcards with Handel’s key facts and compositions.
• Chart showing Handel’s timeline and works.

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

• Students have learned about musical notes and instruments.
• They have heard different types of music in their environment.
• They are familiar with great musicians like Fela Kuti or King Sunny Ade, and today, they will learn about a classical music composer.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical Thinking – Understanding how Handel’s music has influenced modern music.
• Communication – Discussing Handel’s life and works.
• Listening Skills – Identifying sounds in Handel’s compositions.

Learning Materials

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for Music
• Music Textbooks (e.g., Basic Music for Junior Secondary Schools)
• Audio and Video Clips of Handel’s Music

Instructional Materials

• A music player to play Handel’s compositions.
• Charts and posters on Handel’s biography.
• Pictures of Handel’s musical scores.

Lesson Content

Who Was George Frideric Handel?

1. Handel was born in 1685 in Halle, Germany.
2. His father wanted him to become a lawyer, but Handel loved music.
3. He studied music under a local organist and composer.
4. By age 11, he was already writing music and giving music lessons.
5. At 18, he completed law studies but chose to focus on music instead.

Handel’s Career and Achievements

1. He traveled to Italy and became famous for his operas.
2. Later, he moved to England, where he became a royal composer.
3. He wrote Water Music for the King of England.
4. His most famous work, Messiah, includes the famous Hallelujah Chorus.
5. He also composed many oratorios, operas, and church music.

Handel’s Legacy

1. Handel’s music is still played in churches, concerts, and films today.
2. He was one of the greatest Baroque composers.
3. His music influenced future musicians and composers.
4. He was buried in Westminster Abbey in England, an honor for great people.
5. His works continue to inspire classical music lovers around the world.

Examples of Handel’s Famous Works

1. Messiah (Oratorio) – Includes Hallelujah Chorus.
2. Water Music – A collection of orchestral pieces.
3. Music for the Royal Fireworks – A lively and grand composition.
4. Julius Caesar – One of his famous operas.
5. Rinaldo – His first opera in London.

Evaluation Section

Part A: Multiple-Choice Questions (Fill in the Blanks with Options)

1. Handel was born in the year _____.
   a) 1678
   b) 1685
   c) 1692
   d) 1701

2. Handel’s most famous oratorio is _____.
   a) Water Music
   b) Music for the Royal Fireworks
   c) Messiah
   d) Rinaldo

3. Handel was originally supposed to study _____.
   a) Law
   b) Music
   c) Engineering
   d) Medicine

4. The famous “Hallelujah Chorus” is part of _____.
   a) Julius Caesar
   b) Messiah
   c) Water Music
   d) Fireworks Music

5. Handel spent most of his career in _____.
   a) Germany
   b) France
   c) England
   d) Italy

(10 more similar questions included in the lesson material.)

Part B: Class Activity Discussion (FAQs with Answers)

1. Who was George Frideric Handel?

   • He was a German-born composer famous for his operas and oratorios.

2. What is an oratorio?

   • A large musical work with singing but no acting, usually on a religious theme.

3. What is Handel’s most famous work?

   • Messiah, which includes the Hallelujah Chorus.

(12 more FAQs included in the lesson material.)

Presentation Structure

1. Revision of Previous Topic:

   • The teacher reminds students of the previous topic (The Piano Keyboard).

2. Introduction of New Topic:

   • The teacher introduces Handel by showing his picture and playing his music.

3. Teacher’s Activities:

   • Explain Handel’s biography and major works.
   • Play short clips of Messiah and Water Music.
   • Discuss Handel’s impact on classical music.

4. Learners’ Activities:

   • Listen to Handel’s music.
   • Discuss what they hear in the music.
   • Answer questions about Handel’s life and works.

Assessment (Evaluation Questions – Short Answers)

1. In what year was Handel born?
2. Name one famous work of Handel.
3. What was Handel’s first opera in London?
4. Why did Handel’s father want him to study law?
5. Which country did Handel spend most of his career in?
6. What is an oratorio?
7. Name one influence Handel had on music.
8. Which composition includes the Hallelujah Chorus?
9. What is Water Music?
10. Where was Handel buried?

Conclusion

• The teacher marks students’ work and provides feedback.
• The class listens to a short section of Hallelujah Chorus and discusses its musical features.