Handel's Messiah

Export event | Export network | Feedback | Map | Network | Print
Event Handel's Messiah
Venue St. Peter's Cathedral, North Adelaide, SA
First Date 20 November 1983
Opening Date 20 November 1983
Last Date 20 November 1983
Dates Estimated No
Status Amateur
World Premiere No
Description On 22 August 1741, Handel commenced work on 'Messiah' and in 24 days it was completed.
Charles Jennens, a friend of the composer, had compiled a libretto from Holy Scripture. The texts from widely separated books of the Bible are married together in a remarkable way. This setting of an exalted theme in the noble language of the Authorised Version of the Bible wedded to Handel's inspired musical setting undoubtedly contribute to the work's great appeal.
It has survived various arrangements and orchestrations, performances by large choirs and small choirs. It seems that Handel himself never performed it in exactly the same way.
Over 200 years afater it was composed it still has power to stimulate musically, and to uplift and inspire mankind with its triumphant Christian affirmation.
Description Source Programme
Primary Genre Music
Organisations
Contributors
Name Function Notes
George Frideric Handel Composer
John Hall Conductor
David Perry Musician, Bass
Melville Waters Musician, Organist
Neville James Musician, Trumpeter
June Klingberg Singer, Contralto
Gwenyth Annear Singer, Soprano
Gregory Tomlinson Singer, Tenor
Resources
Text Nationality England
Production Nationality Australia
Event Status Completed
Data Source
Source Description
Programme Flinders University Library Special Collections
Event Identifier 102505