Handel's Messiah: Comfort for God's People

Written by Calvin R. Stapert

Narrated by James Adams

Handel's oratorio Messiah is a phenomenon with no parallel in music history. No other work of music has been so popular for so long. Yet familiarity can sometimes breed contempt - and also misunderstanding.This book by music expert Calvin Stapert will greatly increase understanding and appreciation of Handel's majestic Messiah, whether readers are old friends of this remarkable work or have only just discovered its magnificence.Stapert provides fascinating historical background, tracing not only Messiah's unlikely inception but also its amazing reception throughout history. The bulk of the book offers scene-by-scene musical and theological commentary on the whole work, focusing on the way Handel's music beautifully interprets and illuminates the biblical text.For anyone seeking to appreciate Handel's Messiah more, this informed yet accessible guide is the book to have and read.

• Language: English
• Publisher: ChristianAudio.com
• Release date: Oct 15, 2010
• ISBN: 9781610450454

Reviews for Handel's Messiah

[thornton37814 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Without a doubt Handel's "Messiah" is one of the most enduring and beloved musical works of all time. Stapert provides background on the oratorio form along with some insights into the composer Handel. He then goes on to describe the work's earliest and enduring performance. He discusses some of the truths taught in the oratorio in light of theology. The final section of the work offers a commentary on the work. Stapert's audience is decidedly an academic one. The writing is probably too stilted to be enjoyed by all but those obsessed with the work or musical form. Recommended only for music professionals with a strong interest in the classical tradition. Those interested in more contemporary forms of worship or wanting a devotional read on Handel's work will probably want to pass.

[learn2laugh-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I had difficulty with this, especially towards the end. It seemed to me that it should be different, somehow. I did ultimately like it, but only just. I believe the writer does an adequate job of conveying facts without much interest in carrying the reader along in the extraordinary nature of the piece. It is these very points, that draw most people to read a book of this nature.

[carolfoasia_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When I first started trying to listen to this I thought: BORING! The narrator sounded a bit stuffy, and it went on about Italian Oratorio and all that, but I gave it a second try this Christmas season, and I sat down and really listened. It is a WEALTH of insight and information about this masterpiece! I loved it. If you are a Messiah Geek like me, it will benefit you greatly to understand the ins and outs of this gift from Handel!

[nesum_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is a rather interesting look at the circumstances and technique involved in the justly famous Messiah piece. Many parts are a bit dense for those who do not know music theory, and it really helps if you are very familiar with the work itself. Still, I thought it quite insightful to see just how Handel approached this material and the mastery involved in making it.