Famous works · Baroque
Messiah, HWV 56
Composed 1741 · premiered 13 April 1742, Dublin
An English oratorio telling the Christian story, written in about three weeks.
The story behind it
Charles Jennens compiled the text from the King James Bible. Handel set it between August and September 1741.
The Dublin premiere was a charity concert; ladies were asked not to wear hooped skirts so more people could fit in.
Handel's annual London performances raised money for the Foundling Hospital, and the work has never left the repertoire.
What to listen for
- The “Hallelujah” chorus.
- “For unto us a child is born”, adapted from one of Handel's Italian duets.