The Smithsonian recently ran an excellent piece in which author Jonathan Kandell provides historical insight into Handel’s life and the conception of his greatest work: The Messiah.
Originally intended for Easter, Handel’s Messiah is now as synonymous with the Christmas season as egg nog and pfeffernüsse. Handel composed the work in only four grueling weeks between August and September 1741, with the text having been prepared by librettist Charles Jennens in July. Still conscious of his works’ lukewarm reception the previous season, however, Handel sought to test the Messiah on a booming European city whose wealthy elite would likely mirror the response of audiences in London. So he premiered the Messiah in Dublin the following year.
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