“Having considered Handel's tumultuous opera career and his first term at Covent Garden in the 1730s, perhaps we may dare to suggest he was one of the foremost pioneers in establishing autonomy within the traditional system of music patronage, notwithstanding his efforts to become an independent impressario often proved disappointing.” OperaClassical MusicHandelCovent GardenComposersImpressarioMusic Patronage Book:Handel's Path to Covent Garden Source: Handel's Path to Covent Garden