The Messiah is a work whose fame surpasses any other by Handel.
This oratorio, which premiered in Dublin in 1742, was a resounding success when it was first performed: demand for tickets was so high that gentlemen were asked to “refrain from wearing their swords” and ladies to come “without hoop skirts” in order to make room for more listeners and thus increase the proceeds “for charitable works.” During the great alto aria “He was despised,” Reverend Delany rose from his seat in the audience, overcome with emotion, and exclaimed to the singer: “Woman, for this, all your sins are forgiven!”
Performed again in London, Messiah quickly became Handel's flagship work. Performed 36 times during his lifetime, it quickly came to represent everything that music can be in terms of majesty and sublimity. Charles Jennens constructed the libretto dedicated to Christ in three parts: the Nativity, the Passion and Resurrection, and Redemption. The ideal alternation of solo arias and choruses is admirable, and Handel's lyrical skill is evident throughout the arias: whether gentle or triumphant, they are among the composer's most beautiful. The memorable choruses have remained in the public consciousness for over 250 years... In London, King George II was so struck by the “Hallelujah” that he rose to his feet in emotion, followed by the entire audience, and all British audiences since then.
The Royal Opera Choir and Orchestra, conducted by Théotime Langlois de Swarte, will provide the perfect accompaniment to a quartet of outstanding young singers.
Les Productions de l’Opéra Royal.
Performed again in London, Messiah quickly became Handel's flagship work. Performed 36 times during his lifetime, it quickly came to represent everything that music can be in terms of majesty and sublimity. Charles Jennens constructed the libretto dedicated to Christ in three parts: the Nativity, the Passion and Resurrection, and Redemption. The ideal alternation of solo arias and choruses is admirable, and Handel's lyrical skill is evident throughout the arias: whether gentle or triumphant, they are among the composer's most beautiful. The memorable choruses have remained in the public consciousness for over 250 years... In London, King George II was so struck by the “Hallelujah” that he rose to his feet in emotion, followed by the entire audience, and all British audiences since then.
The Royal Opera Choir and Orchestra, conducted by Théotime Langlois de Swarte, will provide the perfect accompaniment to a quartet of outstanding young singers.
Les Productions de l’Opéra Royal.
