- Hardcover: 224 pages
- Publisher: Gollancz; First Edition edition (23 April 1992)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0575052864
- ISBN-13: 978-0575052864
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,545,375 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Product Description
This account of the origins, early performances and subsequent history of one of the most popular musical works in the English-speaking world is published to tie-in with the 250th anniversary of the premiere. The first performance took place in Dublin in April, 1742. Richard Luckett charts the background and composition of "Messiah", the often stormy relations between Handel and his librettist Charles Jennens, the colourful lives and personalities of the original soloists and the complex history of the work after its first performance - through its often grotesque inflation in the late-18th and 19th centuries (as in the gargantuan Crystal Palace performances) to its central position in today's "authentic" movement. Luckett also draws a vivid picture of mid-18th century Dublin and of the musical world of London, with its factions and claques. The text is complemented by 40 drawings, engravings, caricatures and facsimiles of Handel's autograph score.
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2 reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Magnificent!
30 Oct 2010
Format:Paperback
I knew, of course, The Messiah to be magnificent but knew nothing about the background of the work other than it was written in an astounding short time. This book was just a feast for me. Beautifully written, understandable even to my limited musical vocabulary, illustrations so enhancing - this is a book to enjoy and one to gift to anyone who loves the world of music.
2 of 4 people found the following review helpful
A Doctrinal dissertation
15 Jan 2009
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
The author writes as though for other PhD's and I think most would find this a very pretentious book. That said the author does give good information on the Messiah starting in chapter 3 (71 pages into the book)and on the librettist Jennens (the Arthur , organiser arranger of the lyrics) The lyrics came first . He goes into detail on the reasons for the sutile changes in the scripture quotes and why. This book is very informative if something of a struggle to stick with I would skip the first two chapters . Chapter 3 is the reason for the three stars and worth the price of the book if you are a fan of Messiah by Handel/Jennens
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