One of the greatest and most popular musicians of all time, George FridericHandel started his professional music studies at the University of Halle. In 1703, Handel moved to Hamburg where he quickly established himself as the leading violinist, harpsichordist and composer. Handel perfected his composition mastery in Italy where he adopted the Italian opera traditions. Handel’s first performance of his Italian opera Rinaldo in London was a phenomenal success. Handel settled in London where he secured aristocratic and royal patronage. Handel’s influence was widespread, and his fame unsurpassed.