Handel’s Messiah, Dublin premiere (1742). Historical artwork. Public Domain
George Frederic Handel performed his piece Messiah, containing the famed “Hallelujah” chorus, on April 13, 1742 at the Fishamble Street Music Hall in Dublin, Ireland. The Duke of Devonshire invited Handel to perform for a charity benefit concert, which spurred him to compose the two- hour oratorio in just twenty-four days. Handel aimed to compose a piece that could easily be performed by a smaller orchestra. So many people attended the event that women were asked not to wear large hoop skirts and men were instructed to leave their swords at home so that a maximum number of people could fit in the hall. The text used for the work was compiled by Charles Jennens who selected passages from the Books of Isaiah and Revelation and the Gospel of Luke. The “Hallelujah” chorus was largely based off of Revelation 19:6 and celebrates Christ’s kingship. Tradition says that George II of Great Britain stood during the “Hallelujah” chorus during its performance in London, which began the custom of audiences standing during that portion of the work.
Because Handel’s composition was based upon Scripture, thousands of people have been introduced to Scripture through his work. The piece follows the story of Christ from prophecy to birth to resurrection to ultimate victory, bringing the story of Jesus to generations of listeners. Handel’s Messiah is an example of how people can use their creative gifts to glorify God.
