George Frideric Handel's 'Messiah' was composed at a transitional point in his career. Facing financial difficulties and declining popularity of his operas, the composer turned to oratorios as a more lucrative genre. Writing over 250 pages of score in just 24 days, Handel attributed his incredible speed to divine inspiration. The premiere of 'Messiah' was a great success in Dublin on April 13, 1742. Although in London some religious figures were scandalized that a Christian story was being told in a theatre, the work gradually gained immense popularity. The legend that King George II stood during the 'Hallelujah' chorus cemented the tradition of standing during its performance. Today, 'Messiah' is a masterpiece performed both during the Easter season and at Christmas, thanks to its universality and depth.
