Handel's Messiah

Handel's Messiah is, arguably, the most famous and most performed choral work, but it's a hotch-potch of German, Italian, and French styles, thrown together in just three weeks.

What possible connection could it have with gods and goddesses like Jupiter and Venus? And why did Protestant England take this Catholic type of composition to its heart?

In this talk, the musical and social backdrop to this work are examined, its place in the pantheon of great works assessed, and the long, dark shadow it cast over a century of English music described.

This talk lasts about 60 minutes, or longer or shorter if required. All necessary equipment (projector, screen, sound system) is provided.