Which came first?

[doversoul1]

... or was it a coincidence (the first few bars)?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xGoIx2BK-o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TGKJ9MgCOQ

The two composers (Telemann and Handel) were said to have been good friends. Did they share the idea? Or is it me who can’t tell the difference?

[ed.] or was the beginning bit a popular tune of the day like la Folia?

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

I think that the Telemann appeared first, in his 1732 collection; Handel wrote Solomon in 1748.

The publication of Telemann's Tafelmusik was very popular - before it appeared, the list of international composers who "pre-ordered" the collection included "Mr Haendel, Doctor of Music, England".

[doversoul1]

Thank you for the answer. It is good to know that it was that way round.

[Richard Barrett]

Handel "borrowed" large amounts of material from the Tafelmusik, not just this!

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Handel "borrowed" large amounts of material from the Tafelmusik, not just this!

Yes - "a sort of Musical Andrew Lloyd Webber".

[Richard Barrett]

Yes - "a sort of Musical Andrew Lloyd Webber".

Yes and though Telemann seems to have been his favourite, he purloined material from many other composers, including of course himself.

[Beef Oven!]

Yes - "a sort of Musical Andrew Lloyd Webber".

Handle wasn't a toot that composed a lot.

[Richard Barrett]

a toot that composed a lot

Spitting Image if I'm not mistaken.

[Beef Oven!]

Spitting Image if I'm not mistaken.

Indeed, you’re not. But they used a rude word.

[MickyD]

Yes - "a sort of Musical Andrew Lloyd Webber".

That reminds me of that old chestnut:

"Have you heard Andrew Lloyd Webber's latest musical?"
"Probably."