Whereas Bach was known for his versatility in composition, how did Handel's focus differ?

Handel's focus on operas and oratorios distinguishes his compositional style from Bach's versatility across various forms of music. While Bach explored a wide range of genres, including instrumental works, sacred and secular vocal music, and chorales, Handel developed a unique identity through the synthesis of dramatic storytelling and musical expression in his operas and oratorios.

His operas, particularly in the Italian style, showcased elaborate structures, rich melodies, and dramatic narratives, while his oratorios, such as "Messiah," made significant contributions to English choral music and established him as a master of the genre. This specialization in large vocal forms that conveyed dramatic texts allowed him to reach a wide audience and achieve significant acclaim, shaping the direction of Western classical music during and after his time.