Who's behind the notes? Discover Georg Friedrich Händel: The Baroque Master
Georg Friedrich Handel's "Messiah," officially titled "Messiah, HWV 56," is one of the most famous and enduring works in the choral and orchestral repertoire. Here are some interesting facts about this masterpiece:
Composed in Just Over Three Weeks: Handel composed "Messiah" in an astonishingly short period of time, completing the 259-page score in just 24 days. He began the composition on August 22, 1741, and finished on September 14 of the same year.
Inspiration for the Composition: Handel was inspired to write "Messiah" after reading a libretto by Charles Jennens, a devout Christian and patron of the arts. The libretto was a compilation of verses from the King James Bible, primarily from the Old Testament and the Book of Revelation.
Premiered in Dublin: "Messiah" received its world premiere in Dublin, Ireland, on April 13, 1742. The performance took place at the New Music Hall, and the piece was well-received.
Annual Benefit Performances: Handel continued to perform "Messiah" in London and eventually established a tradition of annual benefit performances, where the proceeds from the concerts were donated to charities. These performances became a significant source of funding for various charities and institutions in London.
Popular Hallelujah Chorus: The "Hallelujah" chorus from "Messiah" is one of the most famous and recognizable pieces of choral music in the world. It is customary for audiences to stand when this chorus is performed, a tradition that originated when King George II attended a performance and stood during this part.
Handel's Personal Connection: Handel himself conducted many performances of "Messiah." He often adjusted the score to suit the available musicians and the acoustics of the performance space. This adaptability is one reason the composition has remained so flexible and enduring.
Debated Authorship: There has been some debate over whether Handel or his amanuensis, John Christopher Smith, was responsible for some of the orchestration in "Messiah." While Smith likely assisted in preparing the score, Handel's creative vision and genius are undisputed.
Yearly Performances: "Messiah" remains a staple of the classical music repertoire and is often performed around Christmas and Easter. Many orchestras, choirs, and soloists continue to present the work to this day.
Length and Structure: "Messiah" is divided into three parts: the Christmas portion, the Passion and Easter portion, and the Redemption and Resurrection portion. The work features arias, recitatives, and choruses and has a typical performance length of about two and a half to three hours.
Global Impact: "Messiah" is not only celebrated in Western culture but has also been performed and appreciated worldwide. It has been translated into numerous languages and continues to be an inspiration for musicians and audiences worldwide.
Georg Friedrich Handel's "Messiah" is an enduring masterpiece that continues to inspire and move audiences with its powerful music and timeless message.