Music for the Royal Fireworks
Handel started three commercial opera companies to supply the English nobility with Italian opera. In 1737 he had a physical breakdown, changed direction creatively, and addressed the middle class and made a transition to English choral works. After his success with "Messiah" (1742), he never composed an Italian opera again. His orchestral "Water Music" and "Music for the Royal Fireworks" remain steadfastly popular. Almost blind, he died in 1759, a respected and rich man, and was given a state funeral at Westminster Abbey.