Messi′ah. The best known and most popular of all oratorios. Composed to biblical text by George Frederick Händel (1685-1759) in 24 days. First performed in Dublin on Apr. 13, 1742. This work has the advantage arising from the use of some of the most impressive passages of Scripture, upon which it is a true musical commentary. Some of its airs are unequalled for the expression of religious emotion, and many of its choruses are overpowering in upon the hearer who to musical taste unites devotional spirit.
