Messiah Part I

Handel's Messiah

Messiah Part I is the first section of the oratorio Messiah composed by George Frideric Handel. The oratorio, which is one of Handel's most famous works, was composed in 1741 and premiered in Dublin in 1742. Messiah is structured in three parts, with Part I focusing on the prophecy and birth of Jesus Christ.

Structure and Content

Messiah Part I is divided into several scenes, each containing multiple movements, including recitatives, arias, and choruses. The text is compiled from the King James Bible and the Book of Common Prayer by Charles Jennens.

Scene 1: The Prophecy of Salvation

• Overture (Sinfonia)
• Comfort ye, comfort ye my people (Tenor recitative)
• Every valley shall be exalted (Tenor aria)
• And the glory of the Lord (Chorus)

Scene 2: The Coming Judgment

• Thus saith the Lord of Hosts (Bass recitative)
• But who may abide the day of His coming (Bass aria)
• And He shall purify the sons of Levi (Chorus)

Scene 3: The Prophecy of Christ's Birth

• Behold, a virgin shall conceive (Alto recitative)
• O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion (Alto aria and chorus)
• For behold, darkness shall cover the earth (Bass recitative)
• The people that walked in darkness (Bass aria)
• For unto us a child is born (Chorus)

Scene 4: The Annunciation to the Shepherds

• Pifa (Pastoral Symphony)
• There were shepherds abiding in the field (Soprano recitative)
• And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them (Soprano recitative)
• And the angel said unto them (Soprano recitative)
• And suddenly there was with the angel (Soprano recitative)
• Glory to God in the highest (Chorus)

Scene 5: Christ's Healing and Redemption

• Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion (Soprano aria)
• Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened (Alto recitative)
• He shall feed His flock like a shepherd (Alto and soprano aria)
• His yoke is easy, and His burden is light (Chorus)

Performance History

Messiah Part I was first performed in Dublin on April 13, 1742, as part of the complete oratorio. The performance was a charitable event to aid local hospitals and prisoners. The success of the Dublin premiere led to subsequent performances in London and other cities.

Musical Style

Handel's Messiah is noted for its use of various musical forms, including the Italianate aria, the French overture, and the Germanic fugue. Part I is characterized by its lyrical arias and powerful choruses, which convey the themes of prophecy, annunciation, and the birth of Christ.

Legacy

Messiah Part I remains a popular section of the oratorio, frequently performed during the Advent and Christmas seasons. Its choruses, such as "And the glory of the Lord" and "For unto us a child is born," are particularly well-known and often performed separately from the complete work.

See Also

• Messiah (Handel)
• George Frideric Handel
• Oratorio
• Advent
• Christmas