By the time of Handel’s death 17 years later it had become his most frequently performed oratorio and is now the most popular sacred work in the western world.
Handel’s collaborator Charles Jennens compiled the text from different parts of the bible to create a narrative based around Christ’s birth, passion and resurrection. Handel found it so inspiring, that, in reflecting on the composition of the work, he remarked: ‘I did think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God himself.’
Messiah remains a unique musical experience: its dramatic story of faith, suffering and redemption includes many treasured musical moments, including Rejoice greatly, the Hallelujah chorus, I know that my Redeemer liveth and The trumpet shall sound – all part of a masterpiece of the Baroque, one which offers a message of belief that continues to resonate through time. The MSO Chorus joins a magnificent cast and a fine Handel conductor for these superb performances.
Cast and Creative Team for Messiah at Arts Centre Melbourne Hamer Hall
Ottavio Dantone conductor
Sara Macliver soprano
David Hansen counter-tenor
Paul McMahon tenor
Matthew Brook bass-baritone
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Chorus
