Messiah HWV 56

The “Messiah” occupies a unique position in Handel’s work. It is one of the most renowned works of this composer’s monumental output. It has often been said that Handel composed the “Messiah” for his visit to Ireland, where he had been invited by the Lord Lieutenant, William Cavendish, Duke of Devonshire, to perform his music for the benefit of charity. The first performance took place on 13 April 1742 in Neale’s Music Hall, Dublin. After Handel’s return from Ireland, the “Messiah” received no less than fifty-six performances in England during his lifetime. Now the “Messiah” is being published in a handy, affordable soft-cover score to complement the substantial linen-bound complete edition volume. The tried and tested musical text remains the same, while the Foreword has been revised and supplemented by an English translation.