Classical Christmas: Handel's Messiah

Handel's Messiah arrives in Knoxville as a Classical Christmas offering, with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra performing in the Tennessee Theatre. An English-language oratorio by George Frideric Handel, it has become one of the most frequently performed choral works in Western music. The libretto, compiled by Charles Jennens from the King James Bible and the Coverdale Psalter, is an extended reflection on Jesus as the Messiah.

Although its structure resembles opera, Messiah is not staged: there are no characters or direct speech. The text moves from prophecies by Isaiah and others, to the annunciation to the shepherds, then into the Passion and the famous Hallelujah chorus, and closes with thoughts on the resurrection of the dead and Christ's glorification in heaven. Originally written for modest forces, the work has also been mounted on a grand scale with giant orchestras and choirs, and those 'big Messiah' productions continue to this day.