Maria Szepesi, SOPRAN
Elena Ivanova, ALT
Dmitri Kaplinski, TENOR
Felix Pacher, BASS
CONDUCTOR: Christian Birnbaum
Orchestra Ensemble Neue Streicher
Choir Association Schola Cantorum
Duration: 90 minutes
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The majestic oratorio "Messiah" by George Frideric Handel is one of the most valuable
examples of sacred music in European culture and holds a special place in Handel's oeuvre.
The work was composed in the summer of 1741 based on biblical texts and premiered in
Dublin on April 13, 1742.
The premiere attracted a large crowd, prompting the ladies of the time to be asked not to wear
hoop skirts in order to accommodate more listeners. The music was enthusiastically received
by society! Stefan Zweig describes the evening of the "Messiah" premiere: "After the dress
rehearsal of this epochal work, the crowd dispersed. From door to door, the news spread that
music was born like never heard before..."
Until George Frideric Handel's death in 1759, the Messiah was one of his most famous works
and gradually became an important part of the Christian music tradition. The oratorio consists
of three parts, telling the story of Jesus' life from birth to crucifixion, and emphasizing the
hope of the Savior's return. The libretto was written by Charles Jennens based on texts from
the English Bible translation commissioned by King James I.
The most famous part is the "Hallelujah" chorus, which is frequently performed at Christmas
concerts in the Catholic world. Today, you can enjoy the entire work. The oratorio "Messiah"
has been performed worldwide for 277 years and, along with J.S. Bach's "St. Matthew
Passion," is the most frequently performed piece from the Baroque period.
With this work, the Vienna Choir "Scuola Cantorum" celebrates its 30th anniversary together
with the Ensemble Neue Streicher, which, under the direction of Christian Birnbaum, has long
captured the hearts of the audience with its virtuosity.
