“THE MESSIAH.”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18721, 27 November 1922, Page 4

“THE MESSIAH.”

Tho subject of tho oratorio, “Messiah,” (ho best-known, and thorofove the hostappreciated of Handel's works, is tho gospel the “good tidings,” which in ail ages have been those of great joy to mankind; and with true appreciation of its majesty, the' story is conveyed, in the sublime words of lire Bible by it series of forcible and wellknown lexis, arranged with admirable skill and judgment so as to form a connected narrative. The texts were selected by Charles Jennings, of (topsail, Leicestershire, a musical amateur of great distinction; but the evidence is conclusive that Handel himself actively assisted in the compilation. The “Messiah” was written when the composer had reached the mature age of 56. It was undertaken in the prospect of visiting Ireland by vice-regal invitation, and in order, as he states ii; one of his letters, “to offer to the Irish that generous and polite nation, something now,” the work was composed in 1711. It was heard for (he first time on April Hi, 17f‘2„ in Dublin. Daulkner’s Journal said: .“Words are wanting to express (ho exquisite delight it afforded to tho admiring crowded audience. The sublime, the grand, and the tender, adapted to dhe most elevated, nmjestical, and moving words, conspired to transport and charm tho ravished heart and car. . .

This is (ho work to be, given by the Dunedin Chora! Society in His Majesty's Theatre bn Monday and Tuesday, December 4 and 5, at 7.45 (not 8) p.m. The plan for reserving seats opens at the Bristol at 9 a.m. tomorrow. The sales of tickets by members of the chorus and general interest aro sure, indications of a good demand for scats.