Handel: Messiah

Messiah is a work whose reputation goes beyond all others by the composer. This oratorio was premiered in Dublin in 1742, and it met with resounding success from the very beginning: so great was the demand for tickets that gentlemen were asked to “refrain from wearing their swords” and ladies to avoid “dresses with skirt-hoops” in order to make more room for attendees and thereby enhance the revenue “intended for charitable work”. For the grand alto aria “He was despised”, the Reverend Delany, overcome with emotion, stood and cried out to the singer, “Woman, for this may all your sins be pardoned!”   

Revived in London, Messiah quickly became Handel's signature work.  Performed thirty-six times during his lifetime, it quickly represented the epitome of sublime and majestic music.  Charles Jennens constructed the libretto dedicated to Christ in three parts: Nativity; Passion and Resurrection, and Redemption. The ideal alternation of solo arias and choruses is admirable, and Handel's lyrical science is omnipresent in the arias: by turns soothing and victorious, they are among the composer's most beautiful.  The memorable choruses have remained in our minds and ears for over two hundred and fifty years. In London, King George II was so moved by the Hallelujah that he rose to his feet, followed by the entire audience, and every British audience since.

The Choir and Orchestra of the Opéra Royal, directed by Gaétan Jarry, will make a marvellous accompaniment to the quartet of the very finest young singers chosen for these Christmas concerts, which will also be performed in Uzès and Lyon.