The musical notes appeared on the score as fast as he could draw them.
Melodies and harmonies not only filled his mind, they resonated in his soul. In fact, they consumed him. He ate little and barely slept. For twenty-four days he wrote. And wrote. And wrote.
The music maestro? George Frederic Handel (1685-1751).
The composition? Messiah.
Imagine the magnitude of composing such a lengthy piece in such a short time. My personal copy of the vocal score is 252 pages. That would mean Handel produced more than ten pages per day—not just a line of melody, but often four-part harmonies for twenty choral numbers AND orchestration for the entire piece. No doubt most of us would struggle to copy that much music, much less create it.
One of Handel’s biographer’s, Sir Newman Flower wrote, “Considering the immensity of the work and the short time involved, it will remain, perhaps forever, the greatest feat in the history of music composition.”
The idea for the oratorio actually originated with Handel’s friend, Charles Jennens. He was a librettist, a writer of operatic text. He and Handel had collaborated on three previous works.
Jennens wrote to Handel in 1741 that he wanted to create an anthology of scripture on the life of the Messiah. His idea was to tell the story of Christ, strictly through passages of scripture set to music. Jennen’s text included seventy-two verses.
Handel immediately became enthused about the idea. Perhaps he saw the potential for such a piece during an era when illiteracy was widespread and Bibles much too expensive for most people to own. This composition would teach the scriptures through music.
So he created the concept of oratorio: a musical composition for voices and instruments, narrating a sacred story without dramatic action or costumes.
Handel told Jennens it would probably take a year to compose all the music for so much text. But he finished in less than four weeks, never leaving the house during that time.
I can only imagine Handel’s euphoria as he sensed God’s inspiration of the glorious melodies and ingenious harmonies.
Upon completing the “Hallelujah” chorus, he turned to his servant with tears in his eyes. “I did think I did see all Heaven before me, and the great God Himself,” he cried.
Sometime during those twenty-four days, a friend visited Handel and found him sobbing with intense emotion. Handel could not put into words the depth of his spiritual experience as he composed. Later he borrowed words from Paul (2 Corinthians 12:2), in an effort to recount the indescribable:
(“Whether I was in the body or out of my body when I wrote it I know not.”)
According to music scholar, Richard Luckett, the number of errors in Handel’s draft is remarkably small for a document of its length. Might that be another indication of divine inspiration?
Surely Handel realized that the music had not come from his creative abilities alone. At the end of his manuscript is the inscription: SDG—Soli Deo Gloria, which means “to God alone the glory.”
Because we often associate Messiah with Christmas, we may think the first performance occurred during Advent. But Handel intended the oratorio to be an Easter offering. The debut occurred on April 13, 1742—two hundred seventy-two years ago this Sunday. Handel conducted the performance himself.
A reviewer of that first concert wrote, “The sublime, the grand, and the tender, adapted to the most elevated, majestic and moving words, conspired to transport and charm the ravished heart and ear.”
That assessment has remained accurate through the decades, even till now.
For many years I sang in choirs that performed Messiah without knowing the story behind the oratorio. Now, more than ever, I add my voice to Handel’s and millions across the years who proclaim, “Soli Deo Gloria–to God alone the glory,” for this magnificent piece of music.
I hope you feel the same.
(Sources: www.beliefnet.com; http://www.thinkinaction.org; http://www.christians.com; http://www.christianity.com; http://www.patheos.com.)
(Photo & art credits: www.prints.bl.uk; http://www.baroquemusic.org; http://www.izquotes.com.)
From the Inside Out 
What a great story, Nancy. And so well told. I can’t even count the number of times I’ve sung Messiah – in part or all of it. And one of the most transcendent experiences of my life was two years ago, hearing it performed live at Disney Hall in LA by the Master Chorale of Los Angeles. Absolute heaven.
John the Revelator heard a choir sing a song of Moses (Revelation 15:3). Perhaps when we get to heaven we’ll hear a choir sing Handel’s “Hallelujah!” Talk about euphoria!! (Will we dare to sing along?!)
Thank you for sharing and for your encouragement, Diana.
Wow! I will never see or hear “Messiah” in the same way ever again. This is a wonderful story. I think it’s easy in life to absorb accolades and pats on the back with a bit of peacock pride, but truly God deserves all the credit. For we are His creation. Everything we do is because of Him. We should all be so humble to sign “Soli Deo Gloria” at then end of all our accomplishments.
Thank you so much for this!
A brilliant idea, Heather! Thank you for your insight.
Nancy, thank you for that inspiring and informative article about that much beloved oratorio. When I was in high school our choir sang the “Hallelujah Chorus” with the combined choirs of all Philadelphia area high schools. It was performed in what was then know as the Municipal Stadium. Truly it was a magnificent experience I will never forget. What a joy to hear it sung in church at Christmas and Easter both! Indeed “To God be the Glory!”
Your experience singing “Hallelujah” with a mass choir sounds glorious. I wonder how many millions throughout the years have felt spiritually transported to the heavens by singing/listening to Handel’s Messiah? It is indeed a God-breathed piece!
This is awesome! Praise God and thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Scott. So glad you found the post meaningful!
what an inspiring post, Nancy! What an amazing story … I had not heard it either… thank you for sharing it with us today!
You’re welcome, Heidi. So glad you found the post meaningful.
Nancy,
Thank you for sharing about Handel’s writing of the “Messiah.” Always been one of my inspiring favorites. God has given you a gift in your sharing through your writing. I have always said i wanted the Hallelujah Chorus sang or the music played at my memorial service “To God be the glory!”
Well done good and faithful servant! Thank you!
Thank you, Janet, for your kind, encouraging words.
The Hallelujah Chorus would make a VERY fitting piece for a memorial service. Love that idea!
I remember the first time I heard the Hallelujah chorus. I was overwhelmed. I still am. I can only imagine how it felt to realize God had given him the talent to do this. I don’t really sing very well, but I’ll be able to sing this in heaven. Oh, the glory of it while singing to the Lord! Thank you for this post.
I totally agree! In fact, read my comment to Pastor D. T. above. We’re all thinking along the same line!
I think we should sing this at Easter AND Christmas. Great story, Nancy.
Good idea! Can’t go wrong reviewing the seventy-two verses about Jesus, and the heavenly music ministers deep into our souls. Thank you, Jodi!
Never knew this at all. wow what a story and inspiration. I think God really did sing and write! tweeted this post. thanks for sharing
Thank you for the tweet, Jean. About God singing and writing: I CAN imagine him doing just that. We’re created in his image, right? If we enjoy words set to music, he must also. The continual singing in heaven is another clue. Someday we’ll all be part of that celestial choir, perhaps singing along with Almighty God! WOW!!!
My friend, Jody Collins sent this to me — God gave me the words Soli Deo Gloria for the ministry He asked me to lead. It keeps me humble — this is God’s work not my work. It is all for Him.
This post makes me want to go listed to Messiah. To soak in that creation. what a wonderful post.
Thank you very much for the encouragement, Jen. (Don’t you just love Jody?!) Soli Deo Gloria is a perfect motto for a ministry, to keep priorities in order and pride in check, just as you’ve said. God will no doubt magnify your efforts as you submit to him!
Thank you Nancy for this wonderful story. Last Sunday after our Church Service, I attended the Richey Community Orchestra’s Messiah, at the First Baptist Church of Elfers. The director contacted people she knew that could sing. Along with the orchestra, the Choir was marvelous. I so appreciated that I could attend this wonderful performance. It will be a highlight in my life.
Sounds glorious! I’m glad you enjoyed the story behind the music.
I had For Unto Us playing on the computer when my early-morning seminary students (juniors and seniors in high school) came in for class yesterday. One student then told this exact same story–how Handel had written this majestic and marvelous work under divine inspiration. I will share a few more insights with them tomorrow from your post! GAil
How wonderful these high school students will know the story, increasing their appreciation for this majestic piece of music–for the rest of their lives. Thank you, Gail!
Great reminder. Thanks. Not only is the oratorio an inspiration for all who hear it; being able to write it must have been an epic experience of worship for Handel!
Agreed! Imagine twenty-four straight days of euphoria!
That would be beyond my imagination; just take me to Heaven!
Nancy, I am late in reading this. Fantastic to know the history of this Oratorio. One of my favorite memories of Taylor University is when the whole chapel would sing the Hallelujah Chorus before Christmas vacation! It is one of my standout recollections of Taylor. I LOVE it! And to know the back story…it’s hard to choose which part of your post stands out the most…the short time Handel took in writing it, his emotional reactions to it, the intention of it being an Easter offering to the Lord… It is all so wonderful to learn. As you so eloquently said, “I add my voice to Handel’s and millions across the years who proclaim, ‘Soli Deo Gloria–to God alone the glory,’ for this magnificent piece of music.”
Love your enthusiasm for the historical posts, Cheri, since I, too, love history! It wouldn’t surprise me if we sing the “Hallelujah Chorus” when we get to heaven. Is there any other piece of music more glorious?!
I think it is all of the harmonies and the complexity of this piece of music that captures me…along with its message. Plus, I like classical music a lot!
Amen to all you said! 🙂 (I, too, love classical music.)