Handel Composes "The Messiah"

HistoryCentral · Primary Source & History

George Frideric Handel composed the oratiorio, The Messiah, between August and September 1741, in London, England. The work is premiered in the Music Hall of Dublin, Ireland, on April 14, 1742. The text for The Messiah comes from the Bible and the Prayer Book Psalter, and was compiled by Charles Jennens. The tradition of standing up for the Hallelujah Chorus began at the first performance.