Handel’s Messiah
Composed in 1741 by George Frideric Handel, Messiah is one of the most beloved and enduring works in the choral repertoire. Written in just 24 days, this English-language oratorio tells the story of Jesus Christ in three parts: prophecy and birth, passion and resurrection, and the promise of redemption. Unlike Handel’s earlier operas, Messiah was intended for concert performance, with text drawn entirely from the Bible by librettist Charles Jennens. Its first performance took place in Dublin in 1742 as a charitable benefit. Since then, Messiah has become a worldwide tradition—especially during the Christmas and Easter seasons—celebrated for its stirring choruses, poignant arias, and the famous “Hallelujah” chorus, which audiences customarily stand to hear.