“THE MESSIAH.”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18724, 30 November 1922, Page 5

“THE MESSIAH.”

The rendering of “The Messiah” was given in Dublin in 1742. It was next given in London in 1743. Its triumph was secured in May, 1750, when it was produced with the greatest success for the benefit of the Foundling Hospital. The performances were afterwards very frequent, under the. personal direction'of the composer, and though totally blind during the lost few years of his life, he was invariably found in his accustomed place at the organ. Handel was once questioned as to his ideas and feelings when composing the "Hallelujah Chorus," and replied: “I did think I did see all heaven before me, and the Great God Himself.” In it you seem to hear ten. thousand voices,whoso harmohious clamour is loud enough to reach the skies. In this sense the "Hallelujah” of the “Messiah” is an “explosion of inmeasurable beauty.” When the “Messiah” was first performed the audience was exceedingly struck and affected by the music in general, but when the chorus struck up “For the' Lord God Omnipotent Eeigneth,” in the “Hallelujah,” they, were sj transported that they all together, with the King (who happened to bo present), started up and remained standing till the chorus ended. Another noteworthy chorus to be sung by the Dunedin Choral Society, who give the “Messiah” in His Majesty’s Theatre on Monday and Tuesday next, ,is “Worthy the Lamb” and “The Amen.” A full rehearsal of soloists, chorus, and orchestra will bo held in the View Street Hall on Saturday evening.