Who's behind the notes? Discover Georg Friedrich Händel: The Baroque Master
"Messiah" is one of Georg Friedrich Händel's most famous and enduring works. Here are some interesting facts about this masterpiece:
Composition and Premier: Händel composed "Messiah" in just 24 days, from August 22 to September 14, 1741. The oratorio was first performed in Dublin on April 13, 1742, as a charitable event to support three charities in the city.
Libretto: The text for "Messiah" was compiled by Charles Jennens, a wealthy landowner and friend of Händel. Jennens selected verses from the King James Bible, primarily from the Old Testament and the Gospels, to create the libretto.
Hallelujah Chorus: One of the most famous parts of "Messiah" is the "Hallelujah Chorus." It is customary for audiences to stand during this section, a tradition that supposedly began with the first performance in London in 1743 when King George II stood during the chorus. The reason for the king's action is uncertain, with popular legends suggesting various possibilities.
Popular Tradition: "Messiah" has become a Christmas tradition in many parts of the world. While the work covers the entire story of Jesus, the focus on the Nativity in Part I has led to its association with Christmas.
Structure: The oratorio is divided into three parts. Part I focuses on the prophecies of the Messiah's coming and the Nativity. Part II deals with the Passion, Crucifixion, Resurrection, and the spread of Christianity. Part III is a celebration of the afterlife and the final victory over sin and death.
Dublin Premiere: The premiere of "Messiah" in Dublin was highly successful, and the work received critical acclaim. Händel subsequently revised the score for performances in London and later versions.
Charitable Purpose: The premiere in Dublin raised funds for charitable organizations, including the release of debtors from prison. This charitable aspect aligns with the spirit of "Messiah" and its themes of redemption and salvation.
Instrumentation: The original orchestration of "Messiah" features strings, trumpets, timpani, oboes, bassoons, and continuo. Händel, however, was known for adapting the instrumentation to the resources available for different performances.
Global Popularity: "Messiah" is one of the most performed and beloved choral works in the world. It is often performed during the Christmas season, and its "Hallelujah Chorus" is particularly famous.
Händel's Health: It is said that Händel's intense compositional burst for "Messiah" may have taken a toll on his health. Legend has it that when someone praised him for his oratorio, he replied, "I did think I did see all Heaven before me and the great God Himself."
"Messiah" remains a masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences around the world with its powerful music and profound themes.