It would not feel like the holidays without the ubiquitous melodies and words of George Frederic Handel's Messiah. This work, which was first performed in Dublin in 1742, was a resounding success. Unfortunately, its London premiere in 1743 did not meet with the same positive reaction. It was not until a 1749 benefit performance that the English audience embraced it and recognized its majesty and power.
The Messiah may be heard in Connecticut on December 9 with the Fairfield County Chorale or on December 15 with the Norwalk Symphony and Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut; New York City performances will occur on December 16th with the National Chorale, December 18th with the Oratorio Society of New York, December 19-22 with the New York Philharmonic and December 22nd with the Masterwork Chorus and Orchestra.
If you have never sung in a chorus but have always wanted to, you may take advantage of this special offer. The popular Messiah Sing-In, created and produced by the National Choral Council, will take place at Avery Fisher Hall on December 18. Seventeen conductors, four vocal soloists, an orchestra and hundreds of choristers will join forces for this unique, exuberant event. If you need a copy of the vocal or full score, feel free to borrow it from the library.
For those who would prefer to listen to it in the comfort of their own home, the Library has several CD versions for checkout. If you can't get to a concert hall, you may borrow it on DVD or videorecording. For those interested in learning more about Handel, one may read Donald Burrows' Handel, Christopher Hogwood's Handel or Paul Henry Lang's George Frideric Handel.