Handels Messiah Tickets

Handel's Messiah, commonly referred to as The Messiah, is one of the highly acclaimed English-language oratorios composed by George Frideric Handel. Charles Jennens is the man behind the compilation of the text which has been extracted from King James Bible and Psalms. The Messiah became one of the finest compositions by Handel right after its maiden performance in Dublin in 1742. It not only met with positive response but also became one of the most performed works ever. Not only that, it also gained the reputation of being one of the best choral works in Western music. The Messiah soon became another masterpiece for Handel, a well-regarded Baroque composer who had already been known for his contributions to operas, oratorios, concertos and anthems. Thus, Esther, The Triumph of Time and Truth, Solomon, Deborah, Alexander Balus, Joshua, and La resurrezion are just a few among Handel's infamous oratorios. However, Handel's Messiah is the sixth among English language oratorios as previously Handel was more inclined towards composing Italian operas.

Handel's Messiah is a bit similar to an opera in terms of its structure but there is a subtle difference. It is not dramatic to begin with and concentrates more on the religious context while overlooking the interaction between the characters. It does not resort to any props or over-the-top costumes to accentuate the visual aspect. It is unlike the operas which are little larger-than-life when it comes to the aesthetic presentation. Moreover, the themes also differ as operas can be based on history, mythology, romance, murder and betrayal whereas, oratorios reflect the religious and sacred topics taken from bibles.  Oratorios do contain choirs, orchestra and soloists but are not specifically devised for stage performances. Speaking of the operas, Handel has also been behind exceptional opera compositions which gained immense popularity in the seventeenth century. Almira, Acis and Galatea, Rodrigo, Ottone, Admeto, Tolomeo, Alceste, Alessandro Severo, and Deidammia are among his countless masterpieces.

Handel's Messiah exposes us to the life of Jesus Christ as a Messiah (redeemer) for the entire humanity and unveils his Passion, Perseverance, Incarnation, Sacrifice, Resurrection and eventually his glorification in the heaven through his Prophethood. It is a three-act structure that unleashes recitatives, arias and choruses. Christopher Hogwoodp describes it as "Messiah is not a typical Handel oratorio. It is a meditation rather than the drama of personalities." It concludes that Messiah brings forth Handel as a prolific composer who has not only been praised for his brilliant compositions but also for the meticulous handling of the sacred text.

Act I reflects Jesus Christ's arrival as the Prophet to provide the mankind with salvation; the prophecy of virgin birth and Christ's miracles to reveal God's Mighty existence and His plans for His creation. Act II signifies Christ's sacrifice; resurrection and eventually his gift in the form of heaven; God's wrath descending upon disbelievers of Gospel and Consequently His victory. Act III sheds light on the Day of Judgment and the concept of resurrection which applies to all mankind.

Handel's Messiah is hailed as a milestone in the history of Handel's choral works. It premiered in Dublin on 13th April 1742 at the Fishamble Street Hall while drawing a headliner-sized crowd of seven hundred people. The concert took everyone by surprise as the audience, including the clergymen, could not stop raving about the impeccable orchestral arrangement the choirs and the soloists. Unlike other performances of that era, Messiah was a fairly large-scale presentation having sixteen men and sixteen boy choristers among whom a few were accommodated as soloists. Susannah Cibber and Christina Maria Auglio were chosen as women soloists. All of them belonged to the St.Patricks and Christ Church Cathedral.

The audiences along with the critics were completely taken aback as the Dublin News-Letter referred to it as "far surpassing anything of that nature which has been performed in this or any other Kingdom." The performance was such that it moved people to tears while Susannah Cibber emerged as the show stealer for her presence touched many to the very core. Rev. Delaney, a Dublin Clergyman admitted to breaking down in the middle of the performance owing to Cibber's heart-piercing voice.

Handel's Messiah is definitely food for the soul. If you wish to put your mind at ease and let peace and serenity take over then Handel's Messiah tickets can surely serve the purpose.