In the mid-eighteenth century, the music scene in England was forever changed by the arrival of German-born composer George Frederic Handel. Despite facing hardships and his father’s disapproval of his musical pursuits, Handel’s passion for music prevailed. He defied his father’s wishes and secretly practiced on a small harpsichord, eventually becoming a prominent figure in English music.

Handel’s journey to success was not without struggles. He composed operas, cantatas, anthems, and vocal works, competing against established artists in Europe before finding his place in England. It wasn’t until the success of his cantata Alexander’s Feast in 1736 that Handel realized his ability to captivate English audiences with choral works.

One of Handel’s most iconic works, the Messiah, was composed in just twenty-three days, despite the composer already having suffered a stroke. The Messiah made its debut in Dublin, where Handel performed it for local charities. The proceeds from the performance went to assist imprisoned debtors and other vulnerable groups, showcasing Handel’s generosity and compassion.

The Messiah’s premiere in 1742 was met with critical acclaim in Dublin, but it took London audiences some time to appreciate its brilliance. Today, the Messiah is celebrated worldwide, performed by renowned orchestras and cherished in concert halls and churches.

The success of the Messiah can be attributed in part to the libretto compiled by Charles Jennens, which emphasized the divinity of Christ and his fulfillment of prophecy. Despite some criticism from Jennens himself, the Messiah remains one of Handel’s most beloved choral works.

Handel’s legacy extends beyond the Messiah, with other masterpieces like his organ concertos and orchestral pieces leaving a lasting impact on the world of music. However, it is the Messiah that stands out as the pinnacle of Handel’s musical achievements, a timeless piece that continues to inspire and move audiences to this day.

Also On This Day

1598 – France’s King Henry IV promulgates the edict of Nantes, granting his Protestant Huguenot subjects a large measure of religious freedom.

1663 – Death in Constantinople of Meletius Syrigos, one of the most learned Orthodox preachers and theologians of his day, but combative.

1824 – Death in England of Christian poet Jane Taylor, just forty years old. One of her best known hymns has the words “Ye tempting sweets, forbear, Ye dearest idols, fall, My heart ye cannot share, For Jesus must have all.” She also wrote the nursery rhyme “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.”

1881 – Ordination in Cincinnati of J. Wilbur Chapman, who will become a leading Presbyterian evangelist, working in tandem with music vocalist Charles Alexander.

2014 – Death of Mahay Choramo of the Wolaitta Kale Heywat Church of Ethiopia. He had evangelized widely in the Omo region and suffered many imprisonments and beatings for preaching the gospel—sometimes at the hands of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. He had even gone naked when one culture demanded it but gradually taught the people to wear clothes.

Thank you for your continued readership and support. Until next week…Blessings and Peace!

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