The Messiah, Handel’s most successful and best known oratorio, was composed in the 1741 in 24 days. It was first performed at a concert given at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, Ireland, on April 13th, 1742, Handel conducting in person. For more history of this first performance click here.
Here are thirteen lines from this amazing work…
1. “And the Glory of the Lord shall be revealed”
2. “For He is like a refiner’s fire”
3. “and shall call his name Emmanuel: God with us”
4. “arise, shine, for thy light is come”
5. “For unto us a child is born unto us a son is given”
6. “and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.”
7. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
8. “He is the righteous Saviour and he shall speak peace unto the heathen”
9. “He shall feed His flock like a shepherd, and He shall gather the Lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom”
10. “Behold the Lamb of God, behold the lamb of God, That taketh away the sins of the world.”
11. “He was despised and rejected of men: a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.”
12. “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is the King of glory? The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of glory.”
13. “Hallelujah! for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.”
I’ve only seen the Messiah performed twice in person. If you never have you should put it on your list of things to do. It was an amazing experience. I hope to be able to enjoy a live performance again…
For more TT click here.