MESSIAH - The Christmas section and the Hallelujah chorus

George Frideric Handel (1685–1759), one of the greatest composers of the Baroque era, wrote his oratorio Messiah in 1741 in just 24 days. With a libretto drawn entirely from Scripture by Charles Jennens, the work is divided into three parts: the prophecy and birth of Christ, the Passion and Resurrection, and reflections on redemption and eternal life. The Christmas section (Part I) is the portion most often performed during the holiday season. It begins with words of comfort and prophecy from Isaiah, moves through joyful choruses such as “For unto us a Child is born,” and includes the serene “Pastoral Symphony” and the angelic announcement of Christ’s birth. The section closes with a spirit of reverent peace, pointing toward the deeper themes to follow. Although it originally concludes Part II, the “Hallelujah” chorus has become inseparably linked with Christmas celebrations. Its triumphant proclamation of Christ as “King of Kings, and Lord of Lords,” complete with trumpets and drums, has made it one of the most beloved and recognisable pieces in all of Western music.