Handel's Messiah: Music and Message

Continually in performance ever since its debut in 1742, Handel’s Messiah may represent the greatest sustained use of Biblical texts in musical setting.  It is certainly one of the most popular and successful.
Both its libretto and score create a profound sense of expectation, thrill even.  How does Handel achieve that and to what thematic purpose?
Join us as we explore the Biblical, theological, and compositional underpinnings of this magnum opus.