Handel's Messiah

Although George Frideric Handel ( 1685-1759) was born in Germany he is associated with Fishamble Street in Dublin which was the venue for the first performance of his most famous work, "The Messiah".  Handel was a very prodigious composer who is very highly regarded.  Indeed in 1824 Ludwig von Beethoven stated that "Handel is the greatest composer who ever lived. I would bare my head and kneel at his grave".

Handel's "Messiah" is regarded as one of the great classical pieces of Christmas music.  It is a celebration of  both Christmas and Easter.  The first section begins with the Nativity, and continues with the story of the Crucifixion, and the Redemption in the second part.  The third section is an affirmation of faith.    The most famous part is the  "Hallelujah Chorus" which is from the second part, yet it is more readily associated with Christmas (the music for which is playing in the background).

This oratorio was completed in just  twenty-four days, which was an incredibly short time to write a three hour masterpiece and especially so considering that he was paralysed on his left side as a result of a stroke.  When he received Charles Jennens' libretto, Handel was inspired to prepare it for a benefit performance to aid three Dublin charities in order to fulfill a request received a few months earlier.

Handel began writing his masterpiece on 22 August 1741. He shut himself into his room for three weeks with little time devoted to anything else.  On one occassion a servant discovered him weeping at the desk.   He had just completed the "Hallelujah Chorus,and said "I did think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God Himself."

The first ever performance was on 13 April 1742 in Neal’s Music Hall on Fishamble Street Dublin, to instant acclaim.  Handel also influenced Dublin fashion. The initial performance was so packed that the Ladies were asked to leave the hoops from their skirts at home and the Gentlemen were requested not to bring their swords so that the hall could accommodate more people. It thereafter became fashionable to appear in public with this new slimmer look.

The tradition of standing during the "Hallelujah Chorus" did not begin in Dublin, however. The following year, during a performance in London, King George II, was so moved by the inspiration of the piece, he stood up.  Naturally, when the King stands, everyone else is compelled to rise and this established a custom which exists to this day.

Handel died on April 14, 1759, in London and was buried in Westminster Abbey with full state honors.