Handel composed Messiah in London in the late summer of 1741, and it was first performed publicly the following April in Dublin to benefit local charities. It scored an immediate triumph that forecast the lofty reputation it would soon attain as the best-known, most beloved large-scale musical work in the English-speaking world, and a work of art that perhaps more than any other expresses the deepest aspirations of the Anglican religious spirit.

Today this shining exemplar of the English oratorio—itself Handel’s own brilliant creation—is by far the most performed choral work in England and America. This finely made, sturdily bound volume; reprinted from the modern and authoritative edition prepared by the noted scholar Alfred Mann, makes the full score of Messiah available inexpensively not only to those who may wish to study its rich musical components, but also to those who enjoy taking part in its traditional perform- ances—a tradition through which millions have gained their primary experience of singing classical music.

“A fine scholarly achievement . . . as close to Handel’s own final version as we canexpect to come. “ —Jens Peter. Larsen

Unabridged Dover (1989) republication of the edition published by Rutgers University Documents of Music, 1959, 1961, 1965. Introduction and critical notes by Alfred Mann. 240pp. 9 x 12.

Free Complete Dover Music Catalog available upon request.

ISBN 0-486-26067-4