George Frideric Handel was depressed and on the brink of ruin when he created some of the most glorious music ever written. Witnesses report that as Handel was in the midst of writing his masterpiece, he was found weeping at the keyboard, absolutely overcome with the beauty and majesty flowing from his pen.
It wasn't just Handel that knew he had a blockbuster. At the premier the Dublin Journal wrote:
Words are wanting to express the exquisite delight Messiah afforded to the admiring crowded audience. The Sublime, the Grand, and the Tender, adapted to the most elevated, majestic, and moving words, conspired to transport and charm the ravished heart and ear.
His Messiah made Handel a famous and wealthy man, and its message continues to resonate nearly 300 years later.
You can hear our rebroadcast of Handel's Messiah — with Jonathan Cohen, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Singers — via the player above. It will also air at noon Easter Sunday on Classical MPR.
Supported by Catholic Charities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
Love the music?
Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.
Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.
YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.
