Handel’s Messiah

5R G.F. Handel, edited by T. Tertius Noble, New York 1912.

Notes

Handel's Messiah is one of the most famous and widely performed oratorios in Western classical music, composed by George Frideric Handel in 1741. The work is a setting of biblical texts that narrates the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is divided into three parts: the prophecy and birth of Jesus, his passion and death, and his resurrection and the victory over sin and death. The text, drawn from the King James Bible and other sources, was compiled by Charles Jennens, who sought to capture the dramatic narrative of the Christian faith.

Handel composed Messiah in a remarkably short period, completing it in just 24 days. The piece is known for its powerful and evocative choral sections, such as the famous "Hallelujah" chorus, which has become synonymous with the work itself. Initially premiered in Dublin in 1742, Messiah was received with great enthusiasm and quickly became a cornerstone of the choral repertoire. Over the centuries, it has remained a staple of Christmas and Easter performances, celebrated for its emotional depth and grandeur.

Description

Black pebbled leather with gilt embossed lettering on the upper left corner of the upper board. Bumped corners with some fraying to the upper and lower spine. Green floral endpapers. Final flyleaf has handwriting with noted dates from top to bottom in pen. Fully intact. Very good condition.