Messiah (HWV 56) remains the most popular work of George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) and one of the world's most frequently played oratorios. It first premièred on 13 April 1742 in Dublin, and continued its triumphal run with concerts in London the following year. Tonight's performance brings the full-length version from Dublin and early London performances (from around 1742/43) of this masterpiece to the stage. Handel might be the only composer in the history of music to exclusively use quotes taken verbatim from the Bible; it appears that he thought it essential to have all the text performed when he was conducting (the libretto was compiled by his friend and colleague Charles Jennens).
Although audiences have grown accustomed to monumental Messiah performances, we wish to emphasise the fact that the oratorio was originally written for a modest orchestra: Handel had no access to woodwind instruments in Dublin. Therefore, when assembling the musicians for this performance, we tried as much as possible to replicate the circumstances of the 1742 Dublin première - hoping that our audience will discover heretofore hidden beauties in this oft-played and deservedly admired classic. (György Vashegyi)

Presented by: Sysart Kft., Orfeo Music Foundation