Messiah (Handel): Difference between revisions
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'''Messiah''' ([[1742]]) is an [[oratorio]] by [[George Frideric Handel]]. It is his most famous work (approached only by his ''Water Music'') and remains immensely popular among concert-goers in the English-speaking world. Although the text is devoted to resurrection and salvation and the work was conceived and first performed for Easter, it has become traditional since Handel's death to perform the ''Messiah'' oratorio during [[Advent]], the preparatory period of the [[Christmas]] season, rather than at [[Easter]]. Christmas concerts often feature only the first section of ''Messiah'' plus the Hallelujah Chorus. The work is still heard at Eastertide, and selections containing resurrection themes are often included in Easter services. The [[soprano]] [[aria]] ''I Know that my Redeemer Liveth'' is frequently heard at [[Christian]] funerals. |
'''Messiah''' ([[1742]]) is an [[oratorio]] by [[George Frideric Handel]]. It is his most famous work (approached only by his ''Water Music'') and remains immensely popular among concert-goers in the English-speaking world. Although the text is devoted to resurrection and salvation and the work was conceived and first performed for Easter, it has become traditional since Handel's death to perform the ''Messiah'' oratorio during [[Advent]], the preparatory period of the [[Christmas]] season, rather than at [[Easter]]. Christmas concerts often feature only the first section of ''Messiah'' plus the Hallelujah Chorus. The work is still heard at Eastertide, and selections containing resurrection themes are often included in Easter services. The [[soprano]] [[aria]] ''I Know that my Redeemer Liveth'' is frequently heard at [[Christian]] funerals. |
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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, ''Messiah'' was complete, and it was first performed at a charity concert in [[Dublin]] on [[April |
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, ''Messiah'' was complete, and it was first performed at a charity concert in [[Dublin]] on [[April 13]], after production difficulties and last-minute rearrangements of the score. Like many of Handel's compositions, it borrows liberally from earlier works, both his own and those of others. |
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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. |
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. |
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Revision as of 14:47, 27 July 2004
Messiah (1742) is an oratorio by George Frideric Handel. It is his most famous work (approached only by his Water Music) and remains immensely popular among concert-goers in the English-speaking world. Although the text is devoted to resurrection and salvation and the work was conceived and first performed for Easter, it has become traditional since Handel's death to perform the Messiah oratorio during Advent, the preparatory period of the Christmas season, rather than at Easter. Christmas concerts often feature only the first section of Messiah plus the Hallelujah Chorus. The work is still heard at Eastertide, and selections containing resurrection themes are often included in Easter services. The soprano aria I Know that my Redeemer Liveth is frequently heard at Christian funerals.
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, Messiah was complete, and it was first performed at a charity concert in Dublin on April 13, after production difficulties and last-minute rearrangements of the score. 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. Tradition has it that on first hearing the chorus, King George II became so excited that he rose to his feet, which required everyone attending the concert to stand as well. This has been the custom ever since.
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".