Composer

:

George Frederick Handel

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Oratorio

Compose Date

:

1741

Average_duration

:

135:04

Movement_count

:

59

Movement ....

Messiah, oratorio, HWV 56, is a masterpiece composed by George Frederick Handel. It was composed in 1741 and premiered in Dublin, Ireland on April 13, 1742. The oratorio is divided into three parts and contains 53 movements. Part one of the oratorio begins with the overture, followed by the tenor solo "Comfort ye, my people" and the chorus "And the glory of the Lord." The first part also includes the famous chorus "For unto us a child is born" and ends with the chorus "His yoke is easy." Part two of the oratorio focuses on the passion and death of Jesus Christ. It begins with the chorus "Behold the Lamb of God" and includes the alto aria "He was despised" and the bass aria "The trumpet shall sound." The most famous movement of the oratorio, the Hallelujah chorus, is also part of the second part. Part three of the oratorio focuses on the resurrection and the final judgment. It begins with the soprano aria "I know that my Redeemer liveth" and includes the bass aria "Why do the nations so furiously rage together?" and the alto aria "If God be for us, who can be against us?" The oratorio ends with the chorus "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain." The oratorio is characterized by its use of choruses, arias, and recitatives to tell the story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Handel's use of counterpoint and his ability to create powerful and emotional music are also notable features of the oratorio. Messiah has become one of the most beloved and frequently performed works in the classical music repertoire. Its enduring popularity is due in part to its powerful message and its ability to move listeners with its beautiful music.

More....