The Messiah

In early 1742 Handel, at the peak of his musical power but depressed and in debt, began setting Charles Jennens' biblical libretto to music at his usual breakneck speed. In just 21 days, the Messiah was complete, and it was first performed at a charity concert in Dublin on 8th April. Like many of Handel's compositions, it borrows liberally from earlier works, both his own and those of others.

Handel himself conducted Messiah many times, often altering it to suit the needs of the moment. In consequence no single version can be regarded as the "authentic" one, and many more variations and rearrangements were added in subsequent centuries - a notable arrangement was one by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Most modern performances employ orchestra, choir, and four soloists: bass, tenor, contralto or counter-tenor, and soprano.

The most famous section of the piece is the "Hallelujah Chorus", which concludes its second (of three) parts. In many parts of the world, it is the accepted practice for the audience to stand up for this section during a performance of Messiah.

Usage: Although this oratorio is popularly known as The Messiah, the title has no the. To many English ears, at least, the correct version "sounds wrong".

External links

• Messiah (at gfhandel.org)
• Handel's Messiah Through the Centuries"

Referenced By