The Hallé - Handel’s ‘Genius and Skill’

In 1741, Handel received a libretto from his regular collaborator Charles Jennens. To a friend Jennens confided that he hoped ‘Handel will lay out his whole Genius and Skill upon it … as the subject excels every other subject. The subject is Messiah.’ Composed in just 24 days, its initial reception was lukewarm; however, by the end of his life Handel knew he had composed an enduring masterpiece. With solos such as the heartfelt ‘I Know That My Redeemer Liveth’, the noble ‘The Trumpet Shall Sound’ and the exalted ‘Hallelujah Chorus’, this concert is an essential part of the Hallé’s Christmas. Cristian Macelaru demonstrates his breadth of repertoire as he conducts this work to which he is deeply attached.