Freakonomics Radio 656. How Handel Got His Mojo Back
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Dec 12, 2025 
Ellen Harris, a musicologist and Handel expert, and Charles King, a political scientist and author, delve into the fascinating journey of Handel. They uncover how Handel composed the monumental Messiah in just 24 days while facing financial woes. The discussion reveals the multicultural influences in his work, the emotional connection audiences feel with Messiah, and how a single performance in Dublin revitalized his career. They also highlight the struggles, entrepreneurial spirit, and eventual success that transformed Handel into a musical legend.
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Accent Shaped Messiah's English Prosody
- Handel's non-native ear to English produced memorable prosody, like the syncopation in the Hallelujah Chorus.
- He recycled Italian melodic material into English texts, creating iconic rhythms and emphases.
Opera Ambition Bankrupted Handel
- Handel combined royal stipends with entrepreneurial ventures like opera companies and publishing.
- Despite income, costly operas and competition exhausted his savings by 1738, leaving him penniless.
Handel's Theatrical Studio Drama
- Ellen Harris tells stories of unruly star singers refusing parts and Handel threatening dramatic responses.
- He joked he'd advertise a tenor jumping into a harpsichord because scandal would sell tickets.
