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Messiah: The Little-Known Story of Handel's Beloved Oratorio
This account presents the remarkable story of the creation of the world-famous Messiah by George Frideric Handel. Revealing that the work was composed during a tumultuous period of Handel’s life and molded through many unlikely circumstances, this chronicle tells of how this musical masterpiece was crafted and how it became a glorious production that is now performed around the world every Christmas season. Images of significant sites and artifacts of note, including the church where Messiah was first performed, accompany the text to accurately place this rich tale in its historical context. A bonus CD featuring the Mormon Tabernacle Choir’s rendition of Messiah is also included.
80 pages, Hardcover
First published October 28, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 17, 2024
This is the interesting back story of The Messiah, and its redemption of Handel's and its original contralto's careers.
December 7, 2020
3 1/2 stars. This was a great book to read for the whole story of how Handel's "Messiah" came about. It includes the stories of all the people involved in the situation too. I especially loved reading about Susanna Cibber, and the redeeming song she got to sing for the "Messiah", that Handel wrote specifically for Susanna's voice and experiences. But it's a short book, easily read in an evening. I really enjoyed the book, but his writing style is a bit dry at times, mostly at the beginning. Bonus: this book includes a CD of Handel's "Messiah".
December 9, 2018
This is a good story about the initial publication of Handel's Messiah. It is interesting how Handel brought together the best soloists and other musicians to perform the masterpiece both in Dublin and London. It is also interesting how some people sought to destroy Handel's chances of success. They failed of course. Handel produced what is one of the most well-known and loved pieces of music in existence.
December 16, 2022
Loved this story!! ❤️
January 23, 2025
This book was interesting but quite difficult for me to read. As well-educated as I am, I was not familiar with the specialized musical terms. A glossary would be helpful.
Includes a CD of the "Messiah" directed by Sir David Willcocks.
Includes a CD of the "Messiah" directed by Sir David Willcocks.
December 9, 2009
This little book is packed full of amazing history. It is about How Handle's Messiah came about, and of the people who were honored to first sing the "Messiah". There is an author note, very important:
"When quoting Eighteenth Century Documents, I have preserved contemporary spelling, Capitalization, and punctuation. It is hoped by this that the reader will catch the spirit of the time-and, upon reflection, gain a greater appreciation for English teachers."
It was said that Handel wrote the "Messiah" in total of 28 days, without food or drink. That is not entirely true. He did write it in 28 days by plagiarizing other composers music. It was a very popular thing to do among composers before copyright laws were created. I have always wondered why a lot of the music around that era sounded a lot alike. Only a few songs were original for the "Messiah." Handle mostly *recycled* his own work. By doing so Handle offended King George by recycling a piece of music that Handle wrote for the death of Queen Caroline. Before the 28 day of work Handle hired a gourmet cook. He ate and drank well, he would half to; dehydration would take place and he would die after 3 days. Within 14 days his major organs would become weekend, would soon stop working.
Their was an alto soloist named Susannah Cibber, she was Handles favorite alto soloist. He spent hours with her teaching her his songs. her husband Theophilus Cibber owned the theater where Handle introduce himself to Susannah. He had her sing many solos for him in his various Oratorio's.
Theophilus Cibber was always in debt, he was a gambling man, and a drunkard. He was so steep in debt he rationalized that it was ok to use his wife Susannah for his own purpose. He worked her to death, and he also escorted Susannah to another mans (a Scottish Lord's) bedchamber. Theophilus turned his own wife into a whore, What Theophilus didn't count on what that Susannah and the Scottish Lord falling in love. They were both lonely. Before the affair and after Theophilus was very unfaithful to his wife. Theophilus publicly denounced her. She had to leave London. She came back first in Ireland, for Handle, for the first ever performance of "Messiah". When Susannah sung the solo "Surely he hath borne our Griefs....." Dr. Delancey rose and with tears in his eyes proclamation fervently in a voice heard throughout the Hall"woman, for this, be all thy sins forgiven." After she died She was buried in
Westminster Abbey, The same with Handle in the poets corner.
Documents where found and placed in the book. During the composing the Hallelujah Chorus Handle said "Whether I was in my body or out of my body as I wrote it I know not. God knows."
A letter was found; who was the author, it doesn't say. The woman was a foreigner said "who understood the English Language but imperfectly, to enter so fully into the sublime spirit of the Words," According to Burney, Handle replied "Madam, I thank God I have a little religion."
With all people Handle also had his ups and downs. He wrote Italian Operas, Oratorio's, and others. He was always writing, even when he vowed to never compose again. Handles greatest work came when he was at his *low* point. "Messiah." Handle gave concerts to charities, started charities, one called Maintenance and Education of Exposed and Deserted Young Children, or Founding Hospital.
A very good book to read. It was very well done.
"When quoting Eighteenth Century Documents, I have preserved contemporary spelling, Capitalization, and punctuation. It is hoped by this that the reader will catch the spirit of the time-and, upon reflection, gain a greater appreciation for English teachers."
It was said that Handel wrote the "Messiah" in total of 28 days, without food or drink. That is not entirely true. He did write it in 28 days by plagiarizing other composers music. It was a very popular thing to do among composers before copyright laws were created. I have always wondered why a lot of the music around that era sounded a lot alike. Only a few songs were original for the "Messiah." Handle mostly *recycled* his own work. By doing so Handle offended King George by recycling a piece of music that Handle wrote for the death of Queen Caroline. Before the 28 day of work Handle hired a gourmet cook. He ate and drank well, he would half to; dehydration would take place and he would die after 3 days. Within 14 days his major organs would become weekend, would soon stop working.
Their was an alto soloist named Susannah Cibber, she was Handles favorite alto soloist. He spent hours with her teaching her his songs. her husband Theophilus Cibber owned the theater where Handle introduce himself to Susannah. He had her sing many solos for him in his various Oratorio's.
Theophilus Cibber was always in debt, he was a gambling man, and a drunkard. He was so steep in debt he rationalized that it was ok to use his wife Susannah for his own purpose. He worked her to death, and he also escorted Susannah to another mans (a Scottish Lord's) bedchamber. Theophilus turned his own wife into a whore, What Theophilus didn't count on what that Susannah and the Scottish Lord falling in love. They were both lonely. Before the affair and after Theophilus was very unfaithful to his wife. Theophilus publicly denounced her. She had to leave London. She came back first in Ireland, for Handle, for the first ever performance of "Messiah". When Susannah sung the solo "Surely he hath borne our Griefs....." Dr. Delancey rose and with tears in his eyes proclamation fervently in a voice heard throughout the Hall"woman, for this, be all thy sins forgiven." After she died She was buried in
Westminster Abbey, The same with Handle in the poets corner.
Documents where found and placed in the book. During the composing the Hallelujah Chorus Handle said "Whether I was in my body or out of my body as I wrote it I know not. God knows."
A letter was found; who was the author, it doesn't say. The woman was a foreigner said "who understood the English Language but imperfectly, to enter so fully into the sublime spirit of the Words," According to Burney, Handle replied "Madam, I thank God I have a little religion."
With all people Handle also had his ups and downs. He wrote Italian Operas, Oratorio's, and others. He was always writing, even when he vowed to never compose again. Handles greatest work came when he was at his *low* point. "Messiah." Handle gave concerts to charities, started charities, one called Maintenance and Education of Exposed and Deserted Young Children, or Founding Hospital.
A very good book to read. It was very well done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2009
A history of the climate surrounding the Messiah. Background on Handel's shunning by London theater and the scandal involving one of Handel's preferred soloists.
Messiah was premiered in Dublin originally to avoid the disappointment Handel had received during his dismal 1740-41 season.
When Handel brought the Messiah to London for it's premier, Handel changed the name to "A New Sacred Oratorio" because he was concerned about the critics. His concerns were confirmed when a few days before the performance, a letter was printed in "The Spectator" by an anonymous person calling themself Philalethes, meaning "lover of truth". King George II was probably counseled to skip the controversial performance, but he attended and when Handel looked up during the Hallelujah chorus, King George was on his feet. Thus the tradition of standing during the Hallelujah chorus was born.
I also didn't know that the words were written for Handel by Charles Jennens.
I thought the story interesting about Susanna Cibber, the contraalto for which the Alto part seemed to have been written. He life was probably not a happy one. He father and brother weren't nice guys. She married a nasty man who tried to ruin her life. She was publicly ridiculed for her adultery. He debut in Messiah in Dublin, helped her receive public acceptance.
I also learned that Drury Lane, of Muffin Man child's song fame, was where the theater was that Handel and his artists performed.
Messiah was premiered in Dublin originally to avoid the disappointment Handel had received during his dismal 1740-41 season.
When Handel brought the Messiah to London for it's premier, Handel changed the name to "A New Sacred Oratorio" because he was concerned about the critics. His concerns were confirmed when a few days before the performance, a letter was printed in "The Spectator" by an anonymous person calling themself Philalethes, meaning "lover of truth". King George II was probably counseled to skip the controversial performance, but he attended and when Handel looked up during the Hallelujah chorus, King George was on his feet. Thus the tradition of standing during the Hallelujah chorus was born.
I also didn't know that the words were written for Handel by Charles Jennens.
I thought the story interesting about Susanna Cibber, the contraalto for which the Alto part seemed to have been written. He life was probably not a happy one. He father and brother weren't nice guys. She married a nasty man who tried to ruin her life. She was publicly ridiculed for her adultery. He debut in Messiah in Dublin, helped her receive public acceptance.
I also learned that Drury Lane, of Muffin Man child's song fame, was where the theater was that Handel and his artists performed.
February 24, 2012
I bought this over a year ago at Costco but tucked it away unread until seeing the play "Joyful Noise" also written by Tim Slover.
I enjoyed the narrative which was greatly enhanced by the plethora of pictures of the key people and places important to the time and life of George Frederick Handel.
The story was well written and interesting. Huge bonus for the fact that the book includes a Mormon Tabernacle Choir version of Handel's masterpiece, Messiah.
A couple of things I didn't like were mostly formatting. There appear to be some chapter headings that stretch across the whole page rather then the two column format of the rest of the book, but a time or two these "headings" were just thrown in the middle of the chapter which felt very odd and made me wonder if my copy was flawed.
I would also have liked an index so I could go back and find some points I want to revisit.
Overall I enjoyed it and will read it again sometime around the traditional Messiah holidays of Christmas and/or Easter.
I enjoyed the narrative which was greatly enhanced by the plethora of pictures of the key people and places important to the time and life of George Frederick Handel.
The story was well written and interesting. Huge bonus for the fact that the book includes a Mormon Tabernacle Choir version of Handel's masterpiece, Messiah.
A couple of things I didn't like were mostly formatting. There appear to be some chapter headings that stretch across the whole page rather then the two column format of the rest of the book, but a time or two these "headings" were just thrown in the middle of the chapter which felt very odd and made me wonder if my copy was flawed.
I would also have liked an index so I could go back and find some points I want to revisit.
Overall I enjoyed it and will read it again sometime around the traditional Messiah holidays of Christmas and/or Easter.
January 4, 2011
The tradition of standing during the "Hallelujah" chorus and what I had heard of King George being the first to stand had led me personally to think of the "Hallelujah" chorus as the national anthem of Christ's Kingdom yet anticipated. After reading this book I can furthur see that Messiah includes a sacred "Hallelujah" national anthem and much more -- a musical synopsis of Christ's gospel. It was very informative of the challenges Handel met in producing Messiah and of the startling success and acceptance with which the first performance in London was met. I shall read this book again in connection with the Christmas season, and I shall carefully listen to the Messiah.
December 29, 2010
First of all I have to say that the subtitle bothered me a little, because I don't think the story is that unknown. But anyway, I can see what was trying to be accomplished with this book--it has beautiful pictures, colors, fonts, but the placement design seems to have been a little hasty and the writing wasn't very intriguing. But my love for Messiah made a few details of the story interesting, such as the public being dismayed that Handel had chosen an adulteress to sing of the Redeemer.
November 28, 2016
Splendid little book about the writing and performing of Handel's Messiah. The book is well-researched and straightforward. It does not give in to a lot of fantastic legends regarding the production of the oratorio, but rather gives a fair and clear historical account. Excellent details of the time period throughout. The author assumes the reader has an advanced knowledge of music, but it is still enjoyable nonetheless.
December 31, 2009
The book explains what music was acceptable at the time, and it gives descriptions of those who sang the leads at its first performance. The people received it with reverence, and it was an immediate success. Even the king was there, and he stood up for the Halelujah Chorus. A lot of credit is given to the man who put the scriptures together (the libretto.)
May 15, 2009
A lively, intimate telling of the creation of Handel's Messiah, and the impact the oratorio had on some of various people of the age. This book is a jewel. And it comes with a free CD!
Read my full review at http://jdp-news.blogspot.com/2009/05/...
Read my full review at http://jdp-news.blogspot.com/2009/05/...
January 1, 2014
Loved this little book. Lots of details about "Messiah," which I adore and play all year. Wonderful tidbits about Handel, his friends, detractors, and favorite soloists. A great read for music lovers and history buffs!
November 18, 2008
This was a good read, especially to give full color to Handel's Messiah. I feel I've gotten to know the music better because of it.
December 1, 2009
Christmas isn't the same without at least one hearing (and preferably a singing, too) of the Messiah.
December 2, 2010
Not at all what I was hoping.
December 14, 2011
A pretty good historical account of Handel's writing of the Messiah. The author understands that it's a great work of music, but nothing beyond that.
March 3, 2012
An interesting little book about how Handel's Messiah, but not so interesting that I would recommend it.
September 2, 2012
A short book I found on our shelves. Not too interesting.
January 10, 2013
Enjoyed learning the story behind the music I love! Thought the stories of the people who performed it originally were especially fascinating.
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August 19, 2008Such a good book - I love the Messiah and really enjoyed this book
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews