On 10 January, our friend and colleague Dr h. c. Terence Best passed away at the age of 94. As long-time Editorial Director of the Halle Handel Edition, he shaped the character and profile of this historical-critical edition like no other; he compiled a total of 21 volumes for this edition, an achievement of the century. His achievements in fostering understanding and cultural exchange between Great Britain and both the divided and reunited Germany can hardly be measured. Terence Best has regularly attended the Handel Festival in Halle since 1973, and many people here have grown fond of him like a brother. Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg awarded him an honorary doctorate for his contribution to Handel research, he was a Vice President of the International Handel Society for many years and was declared an honorary member in 2010. In Terence Best we have lost a great researcher, an admirable person and an endearing friend. The Handel Society will honour his memory forever.
Halle, on 16 January 2024
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Hirschman
President of the George Frideric Handel Society and Editorial Director of the Halle Handel Edition
