Messiah HWV 56 by George Frederick Händel

Messiah HWV 56 by George Frederick Händel

One of the most popular and frequently performed works of Western choral music premiered on April 13th, 1742 in Dublin: the Messiah oratorio by George Frideric Handel (1685–1759). A newspaper wrote a few days later that it united "the Sublime, the Grand, and the Tender", the sublime, the grand and the tender. This is Handel’s most famous work, distinguished by its monumental tonality, universal character, concreteness of its statement, and universally captivating nature. Handel availed himself of various musical devices ranging from cantatas and anthems to opera and instrumental music in creating his magnum opus. Handel came to Ireland at the invitation of William Cavendish (1698–1755), Duke of Devonshire and Governor of Ireland, to put on philanthropic concerts to raise funds for local hospitals. The Messiah debuted in London in 1743, where it would be performed 56 times before his death nearly 16 years later. Here we have the original score from the famous composer’s hand, which includes variations and alternate versions, as well as an English translation.