Handel: Der Messias HWV 56 (Vocal Score)

“I did think i did see all heaven before me – and the great God himself!””, Händel is saied to exclaimed, when he had just completed the second part of the oratorio with the Hallelujah chorus. He completed the score in about three weeks. 1742 the “Messiah” was given its first performance with singular success as a benefit concert for some charitable institutions in Dublin. Since that time it is one of the most important works of sacred music.