Handel's "Messiah"
A Celebration
Richard Luckett(Author)
Gollancz (Publisher)
Published on 23. April 1992
Book
Hardback
224 pages
978-0-575-05286-4 (ISBN)
Description
This account of the origins, early performances and subsequent history of one of the most popular musical works in the English-speaking world is published to tie-in with the 250th anniversary of the premiere. The first performance took place in Dublin in April, 1742. Richard Luckett charts the background and composition of "Messiah", the often stormy relations between Handel and his librettist Charles Jennens, the colourful lives and personalities of the original soloists and the complex history of the work after its first performance - through its often grotesque inflation in the late-18th and 19th centuries (as in the gargantuan Crystal Palace performances) to its central position in today's "authentic" movement. Luckett also draws a vivid picture of mid-18th century Dublin and of the musical world of London, with its factions and claques. The text is complemented by 40 drawings, engravings, caricatures and facsimiles of Handel's autograph score.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Orion Publishing Co
Illustrations
40 line drawings
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Weight
700 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-575-05286-4 (9780575052864)
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Schweitzer Classification