Getting a Handel on Messiah

by David W. Barber, Dave Donald (Illustrator)

Many entertaining (and entirely true!) facts await your discovery as bestselling author David W. Barber takes you on another delightful romp through the pages of music history - as it ought to be taught.

Genres: Music, History, Nonfiction, Humor

128 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1994

About the author

David W. Barber is a journalist and musician and the author of more than a dozen books of music (including Accidentals on Purpose; Bach, Beethoven and the Boys; When the Fat Lady Sings; and Getting a Handel on Messiah) and literature (including Quotable Sherlock, Quotable Alice and Atonement and other stories). Formerly a writer and entertainment editor of The Kingston Whig-Standard, editor of Broadcast Week magazine at the Toronto Globe and Mail and the assistant editor of arts and life for Postmedia newspapers, he is currently a freelance writer, editor, musician and composer. As a composer, his works include two symphonies, a jazz mass based on the music of Dave Brubeck, a Requiem, several short choral and chamber works and various vocal-jazz songs and arrangements. He sings with the Toronto Chamber Choir and various other choirs on occasion. In a varied career, among his more interesting jobs have been short stints as a roadie for Pope John Paul II, a publicist for Prince Rainier of Monaco and a backup singer for Avril Lavigne.

Learn about his other books at IndentPublishing.com

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

a bit funny

[Dele Tosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always get joy from music biographies, this delivers, with a good dose of humor.

Lots to discover about Handel and his ubiquitous Messiah.

[Holly Furman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little overview of Handel’s life and works. I would argue not a simple read for anyone, but those in the classical music world will find the humor appealing.

[Joshua P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waaay too much extraneous stuff, but a good read.

[Beth Bauman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like most of David Barber's work, this is a hilarious, and yet informative take on music history. The writing is witty, and outside of a few subtle, off-colour jokes, the book is clean and suitable for all audiences. I love Handel's Messiah, and after reading this book, I now know so much more about the context, and have all sorts of funny stories about its creation and early performances. A wonderful, light read. :)

[Cara Noyes · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the humor in books by this author. While much if it is above my students heads, I get a kick out of it.