Handel's Acis and Galatea stands as a remarkable testament to the Baroque era's flourishing operatic and pastoral traditions. Composed in 1718 for the garden of Cannons, the estate of his patron James Brydges, the Duke of Chandos, this pastoral opera is notable for its blend of lyrical beauty and emotional depth. Set to a libretto by John Gay, this work that is based on Ovid’s Metamorphoses (book XIII)  tells a poignant love story marked by themes of love, jealousy, and transformation.

Handel, born in 1685 in Halle, Germany, moved to England in 1710, where he became a leading composer of opera and oratorio. By the time he wrote Acis and Galatea he had already established himself as a prominent figure in London’s musical scene. The work was first performed in a semi-staged form and reflects the growing interest in English-language opera. Handel’s decision to write a pastoral work was partly influenced by the rich tradition of English pastoral poetry and drama, which emphasized the beauty of nature and the simplicity of rural life.