G.F. HANDEL: Messiah

Written between September 14th and 28th of 1741, the world’s most famous and beloved oratorio was performed by Handel for the first time in Dublin on Good Friday in 1742 to raise funds for underprivileged children in the local orphanage (little known fact No. 1) and then performed for the second time in London’s Foundling Hospital in March of 1750 to raise funds for terminally ill patients hosted there (little known fact No. 2); and finally, it was heard on March 22nd of 1759 in the presence of King George II in London’s Royal Covent Garden. The King arrived late as it was customary, just before the famous Hallelujah chorus. The audience raised and remained standing for the duration of the chorus. Hence, the tradition of the audience standing at the live performances when Hallelujah is sung (little known fact No. 3).

And now, fact No. 4, this fabulous recording of the Covent Garden Version with stellar cast headed by Julianne Baird and original Baroque instruments is sure to become one of your favorites in your classical home collection!