If you will look at this picture of the harpsichord on which Handel played, you will see that it is unlike the grand piano of our day. How does it differ? And yet for this simple instrument Handel wrote beautiful music. Some day you will play his Little Fugues and some of the dances from the Suites. [Illustration: No. 5 HANDEL HARPSICHORD.] Handel studied with Zachau for three years. The teacher said one day, "The boy knows more than I do." So he was sent to Berlin, when he was eleven years old, to find other teachers. Here he met two famous men, Buononcini and Ariosti. The former was harsh and unkind to him, but Ariosti treated him kindly and encouraged him. They all met again in later years in London. When Handel was twelve years old his father died. From that time on he worked hard to perfect himself in his profession. He became organist at Halle, but soon left there for Hamburg, which at that time was renowned for its music. Here Handel began to work his way, making many friends, one of whom was the famous Johann Mattheson. One day Handel and Mattheson went by coach to Lubeck, where, at one of the churches, an organist was wanted. Mattheson wished to try for the position, but when he learned he would have to marry the daughter of the old organist he and Handel came back to Hamburg heart free. This is a fine old picture of Handel's friend, Johann Mattheson. [Illustration: No. 6 MATTHESON.] Though Handel went to Hamburg an unknown boy, he soon became famous. Here he wrote sacred music and his first operas. In his twenty-second year Handel went to Italy, where he stayed for three years. Here he met and became very friendly with Corelli and the two Scarlattis. [Illustration: No. 7 A. CORELLI.] [Illustration: No. 8 A. SCARLATTI.] [Illustration: No. 9 D. SCARLATTI.] After his residence in Italy Handel went back to Germany, where he met the Elector of Hanover, who induced him to accept the post of Capellmeister. Handel agreed to do this on condition that he might first visit England. When Handel reached England he found himself already well known there. The English people knew his operas, and liked them so much that Handel concluded to stay. But to his surprise and confusion it happened while he was in London that the very Elector of Hanover became George I, King of England. Handel expected he would fare badly with the king for not having returned as Capellmeister to Germany. But a friend arranged the matter so that Handel should compose some music for the king's coronation, hoping thereby to please his majesty.