We’ve had Haydn trying to put Creation into music, so why not Handel’s attempt to sum up the life of Christ, including the prophecies before his birth.
What is an oratorio? “a large-scale musical composition on a sacred or semisacred subject, for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra. An oratorio’s text is usually based on scripture, and the narration necessary to move from scene to scene is supplied by recitatives sung by various voices to prepare the way for airs and choruses.”
Messiah is Handel’s sixth oratorio, composed in 1741 within 24 days and performed in Dublin in 1742. After a modest first performance, it has become one of the most widely performed pieces in the world.
You can listen through the whole work, or perhaps choose a movement or two you’ve heard of, or something that sparks your interest. Part 1 is the birth of Jesus, Part 2 his death, Part 3 his return.
A very good recording (as a YouTube playlist):
Score:
The Listening Project Blog 