Meaning & use
Handelian
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Meaning
adjectivenot comparable
Relating to or in the style of the music of George Frideric Handel, especially its grand, formal, and choral character.
Grammar: Used before a noun: a Handelian oratorio, or after a linking verb: The style is Handelian.
Patterns
- Handelian music
- a Handelian style
- sound Handelian
The choir performed a Handelian anthem with full orchestra.
Her new composition has a distinctly Handelian grandeur.
Common combinations
- Handelian oratorio
- The festival opened with a Handelian oratorio.
- Handelian style
- The conductor aimed for a Handelian style in the Baroque program.
- Handelian chorus
- The final movement features a massive Handelian chorus.
- sound Handelian
- The organ piece sounds almost Handelian in its solemnity.
Synonyms and how they differ
Word family
- Handel proper noun
- The composer George Frideric Handel, from whose name the adjective is formed.
Commonly confused: Handelian or Handel?
Handelian vs Handel
Handel is the person's name; Handelian is the adjective describing things related to him or his music.
Practice
Which sentence uses Handelian correctly?
Choose one answer.
Handelian is an adjective meaning 'in the style of Handel', so it correctly describes the symphony's choral writing. Option An is wrong because Handelian is not used for painting colors. Option C is wrong because Handelian is not a verb. Option D is wrong because Handelian is not a noun for a person.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “Handelian”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.