Messiah

Handel had not composed for six months when, in the summer of 1741, Charles Jennens arrived with the libretto for Messiah. Suddenly possessed, Handel started work on the oratorio on Tuesday, 21st. August and, hardly eating or sleeping, he completed the whole work in only 24 days – a staggering achievement. Finishing part II in tears, he declared to his servant, “I did think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God Himself.” The work completed, he simply put it away.

The following November Handel suddenly left London for Dublin. He was a tremendous success there, but it was not until Tuesday, 13th. April, 1742 that the first performance of Messiah was given. The house was packed; ladies were requested not to wear hoops, and the gentlemen to leave their swords at home. It was a sensation.