We have a collection of 25 arrangements for Georg Friedrich Händel - For Unto Us a Child Is Born
Did you know this chorus uses text from the Book of Isaiah in the Hebrew Bible? Learn!
Who's behind the notes? Discover Georg Friedrich Händel: The Baroque Master
Georg Friedrich Handel's "Messiah," HWV 56, is one of the most famous and enduring works in the classical music repertoire. Here are some interesting facts about this masterpiece:
Composed in Just 24 Days: Handel composed "Messiah" in an astonishingly short period of time. He started composing it on August 22, 1741, and completed the entire work in just 24 days. This intense burst of creativity is often cited as one of the most remarkable achievements in music history.
A Passion for Charity: Handel wrote "Messiah" as an oratorio, and the initial performances were intended to raise funds for charitable causes. The premiere in Dublin, Ireland, in 1742, was a charity benefit to help release men from debtors' prison and support a local hospital. Handel himself was deeply involved in charitable work throughout his life.
The Hallelujah Chorus: The "Hallelujah Chorus" from "Messiah" is one of the most famous pieces of classical music ever composed. It's customary for audiences to stand during this part of the performance, a tradition that dates back to a belief that King George II stood during the London premiere in 1743, possibly in response to his enthusiasm for the music.
The "Hallelujah" Tradition: It's a long-standing tradition for audiences to stand during the "Hallelujah Chorus." The origin of this practice is often attributed to King George II's alleged standing during the London premiere in 1743. However, the exact reason for his standing is still debated among historians.
Handel's Adaptability: Handel was known for his ability to adapt his compositions to suit the performers and the venue. He frequently made changes to "Messiah" based on the available singers and the acoustics of the performance space. This flexibility contributed to the work's widespread popularity.
Multilingual Performances: "Messiah" has been performed in many languages around the world. While the original libretto is in English, it has been translated into numerous languages to make it more accessible to diverse audiences.
Yearly Performances: "Messiah" has been performed annually since its premiere in various parts of the world, making it one of the most performed classical works in history. The tradition of performing "Messiah" during the Christmas season is particularly strong.
Halle, Handel's Birthplace: Handel was born in Halle, Germany, in 1685. The town of Halle has a museum dedicated to Handel, showcasing his life and works. Visitors can explore the composer's early years and his legacy.
Handel's Blindness: In the later years of his life, Handel experienced a decline in his health, including problems with his vision. He eventually went blind but continued to compose and perform music. "Messiah" was composed while he was in his mid-50s and experiencing these health challenges.
A Testament to Musical Genius: "Messiah" is not only a masterpiece of religious and classical music but also a testament to Handel's extraordinary musical genius. Its enduring popularity and ability to move audiences emotionally make it one of the most celebrated works in the history of music.